As most of my friends and certainly family know, presently i am living in Kenya with our son Caleb. We are here to serve GOD and feel that we have been doing just that for the last 11 months. 
Doug is the most amazing husband ever to be in complete support of this calling we feel so strongly for. He is doing an amazing job on the home front taking can of everything, even the little details! We are getting to know the culture, the language, and the Kenyan people. Aside from missing Doug... we love it! It is completely different from the US in soooo many ways but we do not feel deprived in the least. Life here feels luxurious in so many other ways. The culture is very relaxed. Although my days are full and I am always getting involved in new missions I hardly ever feel overwhelmed. GOD is good all the time... and all the time GOD is good!
This update is long overdue and I apologize. The good news is that it is late because I have been busy and working a lot! In this post I will state each of the missions I have been working on. Let me clear that up, I am working here independently of any organization or funding from outside of my budget with Doug. I am referring to each of the “projects” as a mission from God. It feel weird to call myself a “missionary working on the ground” but in fact that is the blessing that has been bestowed on us. Also, in this post there will be opportunities for giving. I am including all the facts not to make anyone feel pressured into sending moneybut to share what is involved. We do need to raise money to complete some of these goals and if you feel led to contribute to one or any of these causes we are extremely grateful but again that is not the objective of this information. Beyond all of the money each of these people need to be remembered as children of God and they need your prayers.
So thank you in advance for those!!
When we first came to Kenya, July 3 2010, we moved into an orphanage with 28 children. I worked with these children of all ages, enforcing good manners, social skills, and interactive playing with guidelines to foster good relationships with each other. I also set up the beginnings of a library and play room. At the school connected with this children's home Doug and I painted and made some small renovations to the admin. offices. I began an art program with the staff showing them how to make and sell items to raise funds. At that time Caleb was attending this school with 99% of the students coming in from the Kipsongo Slum. I pray he will not forget that experience. For differences with the Kenyan's in charge, that is not worth going into detail anymore, we ended our 3 month stay there. That was an amazing experience and we will forever love and miss those children. We have been blessed to see them on occasion in passing!
Also, in September, 2009 I attended a woman's conference in a near by city. There were hundreds of Africans and me! The only white person there with the exception of the speakers who where also from America. THIS WAS AMAZING!!! God was very clear to me during this time. For 4 days and nights I was immersed into the hospitality & love, the same searching for God, and the curiosity & questions these ladies of all ages had. In the evenings I would join a panel of 3 and we would answer questions from the ladies. All who were in there nightwear, holding, feeding, or chasing their babies around. Their questions ranged from topics of intimacy to general hygiene. You would not believe how information so basic to us was brand new to some of these women. They were hungry for answers. They wanted to know what the American thought... There were 3 and 4 generations represented at this conference. During our late night talks they were sharing and teaching each other. I cannot describe this as anything less than exceptional to have been a small part of. Personally, while in this sea of so many others with needs greater than my own I could feel God having one on one time with me. I learned that no matter how many others, what the chaos surrounding us is,or what the greater degree of needs are, it is always just me and GOD. He can find us and have personal one on one with you anytime and anywhere!
In October we moved just down the road and waited for God to redirect us. It was very difficult to wait on the Lord and I grew discouraged. However, I held on because I knew that the only thing that could make it worse would be to quit, pack our bags, and get on the plane for the US. I believe because I relied on God's strength to get me through that transition and I was obedient to Him He has blessed us with work here that we would not have been available for... we would have missed so much of His miracles and glory!
So what have we been doing here????
Street Boys
Kitale is the town where we live. We share this town with hundreds of “street kids” most of them are boys but not limited to by any means. Within our first days here we began to meet some of the boys. They are for the most part not a danger to anyone. The sniff glue (shoe makers glue) to dull there senses and to help them escape the pangs of hunger. They either live on the streets or they may live in a slum or other poverty stricken area nearby and they come to the streets daily to beg for food and money. This is just a brief briefing! More information can be provided by looking on line at the address below or by asking me direct questions.
L
abote is a young boy we met on the streets in October. He is approximately 7 years old. When we met him he was sniffing glue and begging for money and food. The afternoon that we first saw Labote, we had just gotten an ice cream from the local grocery. I had to run back in and Caleb wanted to get out of the car and share his popcicle with this small boy. Our friend Walter was there so I agreed and he watched over the boys while I ran back in for a moment. Before I go on you have to understand that there are hundreds of street boys (and girls) in town and we were starting to recognize the same ones each day. However, I hadn't seen this boy before and he seemed very small. He was the youngest I had seen as of that time. We sat and talked with him a while and although he seemed to understand some English we needed the help of Walter for translating. We gave him some milk and bread and said goodbye... for now. Amanda Ekin was here working with us at this time. This was new territory for us so we went to the office of NJIA PANDA. They in part, organizing rescue for children and are separate from the government run Children's office. We met with Janet and made arrangements to bring our new little friend Labote in. When we did... she knew him. He like most of these children have been in and out of centers dozens of times. The reasons seem complex. In short the kids are addicted to glue sniffing and the freedom of living on the streets. So we tried, hoping that some attention from us would encourage him to stay. He was brought that day to the Birunda Project. Caleb and I would visit Labote and the other 40 ish children on Sundays. We would bring candy, books, school supplies, or sometimes just hang out and read Bible stories. Labote ran from this project many times. Each time I would receive a call from someone in town that I had asked to keep on the look out for him. Labote nor the project is to blame for his running away. This is part of what happens. Legally, the children can't be locked up against there will. I know it sounds crazy that small children with no guidance have the power to choose the streets for themselves but it is the reality here. I would counsel with the staff at Birunda each time Labote would run and we decided not to give up on him. Sometime in January Labote ran again. I worked with Charles, the director of Birunda, and he helped get him excepted in to a full time school and children's home, called Great Mercy. As of May 14, 2011 Labote had only run from Great Mercy once. In fact when we went to see him on Mother's day he was dressed in a sweater and tie and had certainly grown taller and was looking very healthy! Labote, Caleb and I spent Mother's Day together swimming! 
Today June, 19, 2010 Labote has joined a family!Oscar and Ann have invited Labote to join their family of 16. Labote agreed to make it 17! Please pray for Labote to adjust to this family environment. It is a day to rejoice but it will take time for Labote to trust and to learn not to run when there is conflict. I will share more about Labote's history later. For today he is doing well. We will continue to provide and advocate for Labote even when I return to the US. This is an on going prayer request as this is Labote's life.
Labote needs $30 per month for Housing and food plus sponsorship for school.
NJIA PANDA YA TUMINI TRANSFORMING CHILDREN'S LIVES
www.npyt.org
two locations: Birunda and Lyavo Village Community Projects
upon request I can provide a pamphlet of information
and /or dvd “GLUE BOYS” a documentory filmed in Kitale, Kenya
$40 per month is needed to provide for each child at the centers.
$13 buys a child a sweater, shirt, pants and sandals
there are on average 40 children at the Birunda Center and 50 at the Lyavo Center
If you are interested in sponsorship please contact me or Njia Pamda directly.
Baby Tracy and Momm Leah
When we first met Leah she was toting her 11 month old child around the streets of Kitale begging for money. She is 18 years old and she and her husband came to Kitale like so many others, from Lodwar, in the north west of Kenya. Many people from the Turkana tribe come here to Kitale hoping to find food. This is in part what started the Kipsongo slum approximately 40 years ago. Caleb and I were meeting 10 young friends from the UK, here on GAP year with Africa Venture.
We were heading towards the Kipsongo slum area to meet a tractor that would bring us to our friend Polly's farm for a few hours of horse and camel back riding. We were celebrating Caleb's birthday. This very young looking girl approached our group with her small child who's skull was... I don't know how to describe what I saw. The baby had pulled an oil lantern down on herself while unattended. Her head was literally on fire and she was found screaming by a neighbor. We can't waist time blaming Leah. She is a very young girl who wasn't shown how to care for a baby and she has NO support here. She does however have many bad examples. Baby Tracy's head was at best was exposed bone of about 7 inches round, raw, blood, dirty flesh around the edges. She was numb to the pain to some extent I think. Although it looked as if this had just happened a moment before we walked up. It had actually happened a month or 2 earlier. We got some money together and sent her to a private doctor to clean her up and advise us. I arranged for them to go to a hospital to be observed. It was a 2 week stay which primarily ensured that they were safe and the wounds were being kept clean and free of infection. The cost of this hospital stay was approximately $500 US plus daily wound dressings since February have been approximately another $100 US. These bills have been paid. Thank you Opp and Karen for your very helpful contribution.
Tracy case is critical
Estimated costs for surgery and stay in the hospital is KSH 40,000 plus transportation and lodging. That is approximately $530 plus maybe $100 round trip transportation, and lodging $20 per day if I have to stay near by. I am working with a missionary hospital outside of Nairobi trying to get her accepted. The hope is that they will take her and for a reduced price.
2 months ago I moved Leah, Steven, and Tracy out of Kipsongo and into a small African style house. I have been paying the rent and food for them. I arranged for Steven to have a part time job at the Coffee Shop but the idea is that I pay his wages. This is good because as the rent and food are paid he is working for them. These are good kids I believe. They are in difficult circumstances but like everyone I am choosing to work with they are trying to rise above. Steven is a good worker and I am praying to find him a full time job. In order to get work both Leah and Stephen will need ID cards. They will have to prove when and where they were born. Not as easy as it sounds. In Africa, certainly in Kenya, record of births and deaths are most often not recorded. Stephen will have to travel to Lodwar where he was born and try to get information from the Chief of that particular village.
Until this family is stabilized I am looking to raise a total of $75 per month. At the end of 6 months the situation will reevaluated and may continue for up to a second term of 6 months. There may be set backs so a solid year may be needed. Whomever is willing to sponsor this family will get updated pics and information on Leah, Stephen, and Baby
Tracy.
Monthly rent per month ksh 1650 / US $ 22
Food Budget per month $40
child care $13
Thank you for your prayers and considerations for this family. As you can see there are exceptional needs at this time.
In Step Foundation / Jeff & Carla Picicci
In November I started to get to know Carla and Jeff Piccicci of In Step Ministries. I have mentioned this ministry before and you would recognize it as “the baby house”. Carla and Jeff have a home outside of Kitale where they are raising 78 children to date. The children range from approximately: 8 @ 10-16 yrs, 65+ toddlers, and 5 infants.
The numbers always change as the children get older and new infants arrive regularly. Since November I can count 7 new infants. ALL of the children with Carla and Jeff have come through the Children's Services Office and were abandoned. This ministry is very clear that they don't take children who have family to raise them. I can't sing enough wonderful praises about Carla and Jeff and the work they do for GOD or the Ministry that they work through which is called
Rehema Ministries based in Washington State, USA. I have had the privilege to know the founders Ron and Joyce Panzero personally and they are outstanding. The Picicci and the Panzero's make a great team! This team has been blessed and is continuing to grow in Jesus' name. Through events that can only be described as miracles they now have 20 acres, a nicely constructed facility with staff, and are now embarking on the building of a medical center for the children and the surrounding community. Maybe you would like to visit them!
I have been blessed to be invited into their home and am working on a HUGE mural for the children. I just found out the veranda is 100 ft long! The mural makes it way around almost all of it. It includes a veggie and flower garden, safari animals, a bit of the local market, farm animals along with all the details I can't resist adding! Ladybugs, ants hauling off with a banana and sandwich, lizards, smiling slugs, 26 little chicks toting off with the alphabet and the mile long caterpillar climbing to 100! This project takes a lot of time and paint!!!Thank you to everyone who sent in supplies! Doug carried 50 lbs of acrylic paints to us in January... Thanks honey!!! We can always use more... this thing is huge!
Iwant to add a very special thank you to Peter, who is one of Carla and Jeff's children, for painting the lions and donkey! Also, to Lulu and Vickie from England, and Sarah and Sarah from the USA for adding their painting talents to the mural. The safari animals are just what I dreamed of and better! I will post video... this thing is HUGE!
IN STEP FOUNDATION
Jeff & Carla Picicci
PO Box 1686 Kitale, 30200 Kenya
piciccikenya@yahoo.com
www.instepfoundation.com
REHEMA MINISTRIES
www.rehemaministries.com
Speaking of Sarah, Sarah, Lulu and Vickie....
(pics of sarah n sarah to be posted soon)
I met “the Sarahs”, as they are called here, on the steps of Transmatt ( local grocery) one day. They were talking to a couple of the street boys and sharing their headphones with them. I also know the boys they were talking to and we were introduced. I would see them around town and we learned that we were living right across the road from each other. They were working with an organization and had big hearts for the street boys. This was there second time in Kenya. They went to Nairobi for a short time and I didn't see them for a while. Later in January I was in the local Coffee Shop and I saw two young girls with long blonde hair, (relevant because they stood out!!) looking a bit frazelled. I invited them over to my table and asked about them. This was my first meeting with Lulu and Vickie. 
It turns out that they were here with an organization called Africa Venture. There were actually 30 of them mostly all on their GAP year break. 29 from the UK and 1 American. Over a short period of time I got to know the 10 that where working in schools around the Kitale area. 8 young ladies and 2 young men. I have come to love and care for each of them. We are all connected on facebook now. So, these 10 plus the 2 Sarah's made a fun bunch to hang out with and bring on short adventures. We all had a pasta dinner at my place, a trip to Polly Noyes' farm for camel and horseback riding including transport from town in a huge tractor with wagon of course!, and a camping trip up to Mt Elgon. We also took a few trips to both Njia Panda locations in Birunda and Lyavo to visit and play with the children. We used only the best means of transportation... motorcycle taxi!!! The whole gang of us mzugus (white pp) riding in and out of town on piki piki s (motorcycle taxi). hahaha So much fun!
Lulu, Vickie, Sarah and Sarah became like daughters to me and certainly big sisters to Caleb. What a true joy! With all kinds of conversations had I feel like I have been put through a mini training. Maybe GOD has girls in our future! I love these girls dearly! They have now all return home to their home countries and we miss them very much!
SEED OF HOPE, Lyavo, Kenya
Over December I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Carsten Werner and his wife Silke. They now live in Germany but they were in Kenya for many years. They founded the Seed of Hope children's center and school in Lyavo. As they were staying at the same lodge that we now live at we spent our Christmas with them. We enjoyed spending time with them, their children, and some of their visitors from Switzerland and Germany. At Seed of Hope they have developed a children's chior and have produced a CD. In March they traveled to Germany to perform. I worked with Emily, one of the house parents, designing a pattern to reproduce a FABULOUS shoulder bag made from the many colors and patterns of the Kenyan kitange cloth! They took these and a number of other things that we made such as fabric dollies, necklaces, and cards. At this time they are producing 100 more shoulder bags to go in July!
You can order one for yourself and a friend... let me know!
Upako Woman's GroupI saw a need to organize women who worked on their own making crafts. I wanted to bring a few serious women together teach them some basics in color and design, quality in good craftsmanship. And some business skills relating to buying supplies, inventory, pricing, budgeting, and saving. My goal was to assist them in marketing their items into more tourist rich areas and to export to other countries. More on that when you read about my plans to return to USA. I started by interviewing many and selecting 12. It didn't take long for 30 to show up to class. I had to explain and cut back. The hope is to teach 12 properly and let them go into their own communities and teach others. His group has shown serious commitment and promise. I have hired a local man who is very very talented, Harry Wire, to teach them clay sculpture. After working for the past several months at the back of the Coffee Shop they are in need of their own space. They are designing a semi permanent structure and hope to secure a spot down town to rent. This will allow the group to have proper storage and room to grow.
UKOPA WOMEN'S GROUP registration in progress
Funds needed: $50 to register and down payment on rent. Plus, I am trying to pay the teacher for 3 more months @ $16 per month that is 4 classes per month
I hope to bring back many of their scultped safari animals.
I feel God has called me to use some of the skills that he has blessed me with to assisst some of the small businesses here. Such as Walter, mentioned below, Margaret, Alfred, Godfrey, and Regina who work at making and selling quality crafts plus Philip and Elisha who drive motorcycle taxis, and our favorite driver in Nairobi John Kilonzo. These are indivuals that are doing more than surviving. They are working with what they have and with perserverance, lots of faith, and hard work they have risen above. I recommend them to others and drum up business for them.
I am looking into establishing a non-profit wholesale for African Crafts with the target market being to supply missionaries. I will purchase items at a FAIR price, bring them into the US and resell to organizations that are hosting fundraisers for Kenya. I have started a list of contacts to work with in the US and have already filled a few orders. If you or someone you know might be interested please forward my contact info.
Walter "G-nuts"
Roasted Peanuts: salted, spicy or sweet, ground up for thickening stews, Peanut Butters: regular, chunky, unsweetened. THE BEST YOU”VE EVER TASTED
Walter started out as a pretty tough kid hanging around. He started out carring heavy items for the mamas in the market then tried selling peanuts. Today, He has given his life to Jesus, he is blessed with a wonderful wife Faith, and they have 4 boys. Simon was just born this week! Walter is completely self sufficient with his peanut business and provides for his family with honor. Walter has out grown the hand orperated equipment that he uses to process all of his products. I have been working with Walter to expand his product line into Popcorn balls with peanuts, no bake chocolate peanut butter cookies and peanut butter cups. There are places in town that would carry these to sell to their customers. In order for Walter's business to grow he needs to modify his peanut grinder. Plus some of these items need to be refrigerated. Presently he does not have electric in his home. So what we are looking at is getting electricity and improving the existing equipment. It would be great for him to also have a popcorn maker!!! We are going next week to have his products tested in a lab and given the Kenya seal for public sales!
Costs: $360 for equipment
cost for electricity to be installed $540
total $900
This is a dinner party at our house. Walter "G-nut" is on the right holding his 3rd born son Walker. Next to his wife Faith and his first 2 boys are in front of Caleb.
We have been blessed with many good friends here. Sad news: two of the staff members at Karibuni, where we live, lost children last week. Evelyn's 6 years old and Elvis lost his baby daughter 6 months old. The doctors here haven't given any clear medical certainty of why these children died. Also my friend Mary died last month leaving 3 older childern. She was maybe 35- 40 yrs old. Please pray for these families.
Our dear friend Elvis and his first born, daughter Sharlen born dec 6th 2009 - died june 6 2010 in her loving memory.....
There is so much more to share and SOOOOO many more photos to come!
Thanks for reading about us and these God loving beautiful people we have come to love and are forever blessed for having met. I you are interested in learning more about anyone or any organization mentioned please contact me and I will be happy to share or put you in the right direction. Be sure to sign in as a follower of this blog
thanks and God Bless
