We have News from Inside Kenya
Thank you to all, who have expressed your concern for our friends who are living amidst the recent violence and crisis in Kenya.
For those who pray for the school, children and the village... you're prayers have not fallen on deaf ears. The village and school escaped the damage of a huge fire that devastated much of the surrounding area. Entire streets of homes, business and buildings just one block away from the school were entirely burned to the ground, yet the village was spared from the enormous blaze. Most of the places where we shopped, ate, spent time or did business with, were lost in the fires. We share the sadness and loss these friends are feeling at this time.
Although the school and village are still standing, riots remain to terrorize the people and families who are confined to their huts. Starvation is now the biggest threat to the village as food supply is limited and transportation halted during the worst week of crisis. The most updated news of our friends from the tribe who has been under attack is not good as they have lost thier homes and business but managed to escape with their family and only the clothes on their back. They are staying safe and in hiding until the worst is over.
Good news...All schools were ordered to remain closed during the crisis, but as of yesterday the doors opened to Amani School and children filed back into class. We hope they find security and normality behind the walls of their school. The people in the village are trying to put the tension aside and take care of their families needs. New talks are scheduled in Kenya today and the world watches and prays for a peaceful resolution to the political situation. It is a very unstable time for the entire country and we do our best to share information as it comes to us. Current reports on Kenya can be found on your favorite news sources including BBC, NPR, and CNN.
REMEMBERING LITTLE THOMAS
We regret to share more disheartening news, but wanted to take the time to remember little Thomas from Amani School. He has died of an infectious disease. Little Thomas was featured in a writing on our blog called "Just another day in Paradise/Justify Violence?" It was an especially difficult loss to take, doubled with the previous news of his guardian grandmother's death, just one month before. She was a friend to us and a symbol of strength that we continue to draw from. We remember both their smiles and the life they shared with us.
Please remember to love your friends and family, hold them tight and appreciate all the ways they make you feel more alive... today, tomorrow and the next.
Sending warm hugs to all our friends and family,
Love to all,
Brian and Brenda
Regarding sponsorship of children at Amani:
- Sponsorship of the children is up for renewal this month. Please consider if you would like to continue supporting their education, and health needs.
- If you would like to begin or continue a sponsorship, please contact me to discuss the current situation of your individual sponsored child/children at the school.
- Do not send mail or packages to the children at this time as the post office was burned down in the fire. Wait for more updated news.
- We have not worked out the best way to transfer funds to Kenya at this time, but are working on a solution. Please contact us for more information.
