It’s become routine for a tiny bird, of unknown name and species to me, to perch on the branch of a tree just outside my room and gently wake me each morning by it’s chirping sound. I call it the 6 o’clock bird because as I open one eye to cast a glance at the now redundant alarm clock, it’s invariably within a minute or two of that early morning hour. The bird also seems to be singing, sixoclock, sixoclock, and as I come to I wonder, how in the world God made this tiny creature such an accurate time keeper, and why is it so happy? The answer surely must be because as the suns rays dismiss the darkness so provision is made for even a tiny bird. And so goes the first lesson of the day.

The African people have learned that lesson well. They know and expect provision will come on a daily basis like manna of old. The vast majority in the area where my work is focused awake each morning without food in their home, but they expect that somehow, someway they will be able to find a meal somewhere. If they had a daily todo list it would simply be, find a meal for my family.

Tapping a spring

How privileged I am then to be a conduit from those of you who support these projects by creating a small source of income for these people during this difficult time of famine in their home region of west Pokot.

As I mentioned in my last newsletter building materials are being gathered from hills and roadside for use in the construction of water tanks, dormitories and classrooms. Over 1000 wheelbarrows full of small stones to be used as gravel when mixing concrete, and an estimated 200 tons of sand have been hauled to the site, almost all of it by mothers grateful for the opportunity to do so. Bricks are being manufactured and firewood brought to fire the kilns, A mile long fence of thorn and sisal is being constructed around the compound to keep animals away from the school and mango orchard we planted, all this providing work and therefore relief for the folks of Runo.

Tapping and protecting a spring

This past week payment was due for their labors and so I made the 100 mile trek to Runo laden with coins and small currency notes. Sure enough as the site came into view I could see dozens of people, sat under shade trees, patiently waiting my arrival. Soon, one by one each person was paid, acknowledging receipt by a thumb print or scribbled mark by their name listed on a sheet of paper. There were 119 names on that sheet. Later I calculated that we have provided work of varying nature for 144 people over the past few weeks and still the work continues.

Moolah for Mama

My main task of that day successfully completed I set off along the dusty road back to Kitale. But now that road was also traveled by people on foot, who having just received wages were now walking to the market 4 miles away, but smiling and waving as I passed by. It’s tremendously fulfilling to realize that some kids, for a while at least, will have food in their bellies because of this work, let alone a school, church and clinic to attend. It’s a benefit I had not foreseen when I undertook this project.

Payday

In other news the two young girls, Carolyn and Gladys, who went to Kijabe hospital for surgery, are now back at the children’s home where they live. I yet have to visit them since they arrived back but from all accounts they are recovering well. Gladys from her surgery and Carolyn from the disappointment of learning she will never be able to walk.

Amos returned from Kisumu after chemotherapy treatment and I’m now considering having him live with me at my house. One reason is I’ve taken a real liking to this kid who has such a great disposition in view of his ailment, another is that in his home in west Pokot he will go hungry and malnourished and therefore less likely to survive the brutal bouts of chemo each month.

A water spring I’ve been working on recently to tap and protect is almost complete. Whenever I ask how many people a particular project will benefit I’ve discovered the routine answer is 3000. I never really know but whether it’s 30 or 3000 it really doesn’t matter. Clean, disease free water is about to be provided to some needy people.

Trees continue to be planted and our goal of 10,000 for this year is within site. The man who oversees this project for me was stricken with malaria this week but bounced back after a couple of days taking medicine. Soon we’ll germinate seedlings so as to repeat the process next year.

I have been in contact with a Swiss organization who carry out seminars to educate people about the dangers of FGM. (For those who perhaps don’t know what FGM is, check it out on the internet and you’ll find out more than you wanted to know.) While I was home in April a seminar was conducted at Runo and I pledged to sponsor lunch for those who attended. Over 700 showed up. The event was so successful we are planning to repeat it hopefully before I write my next update. I’ll keep you informed but more importantly I’ll always remain in His grasp.