Water is such a source of wealth and health around the world, particularly in developing communities. It is a source of wealth in that most sustenance in an agricultural economy is so dependent on timely rain and flowing rivers. It is a source of health in that it is estimated 80% of sickness and disease can be attributed to the lack of clean drinking water. So when Cathy and I showed up here we were so surprised to see a government project in the process of building a water treatment plant. The ELI training center is about 2 ½ miles from the village of Kipkaren, and the treatment plant will be right between the two. What’s so fun is that the source of drawing water from the Kipkaren River is virtually IN our back yard! That means we get to watch the big Cat (caterpillar back-hoe) dig a huge canal to divert the river from its usual path, in order to dry up the river bed where they plan to build the “drain” and the beginning of the concrete pipe which will carry the river water to the treatment plant. Have you ever tried to change the direction of a fairly large river; estimated at approximately 3 to 6 feet deep (depending on the rains) and about 50 feet wide… with a fairly roaring flow? The engineer and supervisor of the entire project (Papu is his name) is now our neighbor, living in one of the little guest huts down the path. As they dig the new canal, the big Cat moves the dirt across the river to build a kind of blockade which will eventually divert the river into the canal. There is a 3 foot thick, 15 foot wide and who knows how deep rock that is the last piece of earth to be removed to allow the river into the canal. This is really cool to watch. But more than that, this project will bring the blessing of health to many many people. Who ever saw it coming… clean drinking water to a village (or two!) of people who barely have a road that passes through. So, as I watch this awesome river have its course diverted, God has put on my heart the way He so masterfully diverts and guides the direction of our lives. Can you ever foresee what some of these wonderful kids of the ELI Children’s Home will end up doing? So many of them have dreams and aspirations. One boy named Brian wants to become a “flying doctor”… a missionary doctor reaching people who need medicine. Another Brian wants to be a journalist. Pray for these children, that they would have the courage and wisdom to follow God’s path, which may bend and turn and twist like the mighty Kipkaren River. And so, we have already begun to teach the children about wisdom and God’s path for their lives from the book of Ecclesiastes and Proverbs. If it all sounds so wonderfully exciting… IT IS!
Our arrival in Kenya has gone quite smoothly and time has flown by. Thanks for your prayers - we’ve felt them this week!
Kenya is not suffering from drought like last year. The rains have been plentiful and we found our drive upcountry on Tuesday to be one of beautiful scenery. Sadly, we didn’t see as many animals as last year but figure since the vegetation is so lush wildlife doesn’t need to come to the roadsides for handouts. A small herd of zebra was near the road before we reached Nakuru but after that we didn’t see any other wildlife.
After about six hours of driving we pulled off the paved road for the last leg of our journey to the Kipkaren River area. Even though we’d gone through a couple of strong rainstorms the dirt roads were good and we arrived without any difficulty. At this time of year, the rainy season, driving on dirt roads can be tricky so we were thankful that it hadn’t rained hard in the village!
As we approached the Brook of Faith primary school we were flagged down by one of the teachers. Stopping at the gate we saw all the students and staff gathered to greet us! A piece of twine with flowers on it had been strung across the gate, symbolizing the entrance into Kipkaren/Chebaiywa village. Mark was handed a pair of scissors and after snipping the twine we were ‘accepted’ into the community. It was overwhelming to see so many people we love gathered in one spot. After some hand shaking we were taken to our little hut to begin the process of setting up our home. The remainder of the week Cathy has been unpacking the things we brought with us as well the items that have been stored since her return to the USA in 2008. We were able to get into town on Thursday and purchase a small refrigerator and propane stove. Cooking our first meal on Saturday night (spaghetti) was a treat!
We’ve begun visits the Children’s Home for nightly devotions and have made it known we’re willing to teach. Mark will focus on the topic of wisdom and Cathy on faith. Reconnecting with friends and building new relationships is a big part of our day; we’ve been asked to assist the Director of ELI’s training centre as he prepares for events that will take place in July and August. We also plan to meet with the teaching staff at the Brook of Faith primary school and make a visit to a local secondary school so we’re aware of the current needs of educators.
Our days are full and we fall into bed each night exhausted but supremely happy! It is an incredible privilege to be here as we seek to serve and encourage those we meet. Continue to pray for us as we begin more exploration into how we might best serve existing educational ministries and look for ways to expand into new areas.
Prayer Requests for the coming week:
1. A nearby village is developing as a potential place for outreach. Many of the adults brew alcohol and are drunk themselves, leading to great neglect of children. In one family the police were brought in when a child died and another was being abused with a hot knife like a branding iron. Pray that Christians will gain opportunities to speak truth into the hearts of the lost in this village and that children will be able to live without fear.
2. Mark has begun his studies in Kiswahili. Cathy has found a potential Kalenjin teacher but still needs to make firm arrangements for studies to begin. Pray that our minds can absorb a new language and that we’ll communicate boldly the few words we know. J
3. Our vehicle has been fully repaired and insured. The next step is to have it inspected and then officially record the sale of the vehicle with the government. Pray that these steps will go smoothly and without difficulty. We will begin driving after that and would appreciate prayers for safety as we navigate driving on the other side as well as over rough terrain.
4. Continued prayer for humble, servant attitudes in all we do. We see many opportunities to challenge local Christians as well as witness to those who have yet to know Him.
**Internet connections are challenging but we still hope to post weekly updates.
