Hello from your Kenya team!!
     What a day we've had! Being in Kenya is an experience that can not be compared to any other. Even though it is my third time here, I am finding out more about the people, their culture, and their country. After walking the children to school, where, by the way, I was a guest in a science teacher's class; we had a delicious breakfast prepared with eggs from their very own chickens! Then on to devotions where it was our turn to lead and the topic was "grace".
     Our work plan for today was to paint the interior addition to the dormitory. What a job we had, painting on cement walls-one coat of primer, one coat of paint and we return tomorrow to paint the second coat. The new addition will be used to house the handicapped residents and to offer two study rooms-one for boys and one for girls. On our previous trip this addition had been a dream of Nancy the manager so we take great pride in helping this dream come to fruition.
     Even though our day was quite productive and very rewarding, we were disheartened a bit by seeing the clothes line, filled with clean laundry, sink closer and closer to the ground as the rains continued. Huruma is in desperate need of a washing machine and dryer so that at least some of the bed linens can be washed and made available as needed. This is a particular concern as there are 6 severely handicapped residents  whose linens are often soiled. Please keep this issue in your prayers. All the children's clothes are scrubbed by the children by hand and hung to dry.


Painting team at Huruma

Two gentlemen who have been long time residents of Huruma

Farm at Huruma

Manager Nancy and Virginia welcome us and offer us tea

Blankets drying at Huruma

     We took a short "field trip" on grounds to climb to the top of the vocational center which is not yet under roof, but is making progress. Some of the skills the vocational center plans to offer include carpentry, masonry, tailoring, and others added as needed. As we were on the top, we caught a glimpse of the majestic Mount Kenya-what an awesome sight!
     Tomorrow, after our painting duties are complete we will have lunch with Reverend and Mrs. Bernard Muindi who are the founders of the Tumaini and Huruma Children's Homes. We feel very honored to have been invited and hope we have time to scrub off all the paint before going!
     Please know that you are in our prayers and, of course, we miss you all.
Julie Joyce