Blessings for a great 2019 New Year!
In Indiana we are covered in 7 inches of snow with more predicted. In Kenya, the weather is much warmer and the sun is shining. The maize and bean crops are growing as rainfall fell just as the planting was finished. The new irrigation system is keeping the crops, banana and fruit tree orchards watered. At the Mission site, there are 376 banana trees in the original orchard and 188 new fruit trees. The fruit trees include a new banana variety, lemon, pawpaw, avocado, mango and oranges in this orchard. At the NKairamiram site, the new orchard consists of 494 trees which include the new banana variety, mango, orange and avocado. The estimated time until a first major harvest is two years. Until that time arrives, the fruit trees are watered, trimmed and daily cared for. The fruit trees are doing well and Life’s Heart is thankful for the field hands and supervisors at each site.
School is back in session after a 2 month break. January brings a new school year and new classes for students. As the beginning of new school year here includes additional funds so does it in Kenya with an increase in school fee, new uniforms, and new books. Life’s Heart sponsored students are very grateful for this opportunity to attend school. The students work hard to maintain their required C+ grade report. Currently, Life’s Heart is sponsoring 54 students with several more on a waiting list. Forty-three students are enrolled at St Clare Primary School which includes preschool through eighth grade sections.
Kijabe Hospital trips are still being made. Dodo has healed from her corrective surgery on her hand and one of her “stick” legs. The surgeon and doctors has decided not to do surgery on Dodo’s other “stick” leg. They think there is enough foot structure available for a prosthesis foot. That is a huge, unexpected blessing! Peshut has healed also from her lower leg amputation. Both girls have been referred to the “Workshop” area of Kijabe, commonly known here as the Prosthetic department. I have always been amazed and fascinated by their work. It is definitely a hands on / hand crafted area.
Life’s Heart continues to hold the people of Naroosura, Nkairamiram and the outlying villages in our hearts. We pray that the crops and orchards will continue to grow and produce, that students will continue to learn and mature, that the proper medical care is given and Kenyan people will remain safe and well. Tim and I are deeply grateful for the prayers and support Life’s Heart receives from family and friends. We are blessed to be able to provide our Kenya neighbors with clean water, growing crops and fruit trees, school fees, medical care and food distribution to those with less.
Mungu Awabariki!
Marcia
