Kenyan students receive free education until  their 8th grade. Secondary education normally involves boarding school which stretches the finances of many families. The exam results for the Kenyans finishing primary school have just come out and they have been receiving letters of acceptance from secondary schools in the country. It isn't unusual to be asked by local residents to support their grandchild, child, niece, or nephew with school fees.

A few months ago I met Leah, one of five orphans who is being looked after by her grandparents. Leah is an articulate and very bright 13 year old who has a vision of going to university to become an accountant. She also has the inspiration of helping street children because she knows there are blessings in helping people who are less fortunate than herself. As she expressed her need for assistance for school fees, I knew I had to help. We have heard several missionaries say that is not wise to provide all of someone's school fees, but rather encourage them to seek some funds within their own communities. The Kenyans have the spirit of Harambee, a term meaning “to pull together.” Friends and relatives are often called to contribute money towards a cause. Missionaries over the years have learned the art of giving only a portion of the funds towards school fees, while praying that their remaining needs will be meet from other sources. Time and time again, the missionaries are able to witness God's provision for the students, verifying that once again they have done the right thing.

Last Saturday was RVA's Outreach Day.  Mike went with a group of RVA students to help Robert in his tree nursery and flower garden at Kijabe.  Robert sells eggs and flowers at RVA.  He looks after quite a number of orphaned grandchildren.  Kimani, his grandson came with him to help in the gardens.  Kimani had just finished primary school and was waiting for his results and acceptance into a school.  This week he was very excited as he had been accepted into a school towards Nairobi.  His concern is that his grandfather, who only has a small income, is already putting three of his orphaned grandchildren through high school.  We were also able to help Kimani pay part of his school fees.

New Year's Day: Our family rang in the New Year by visiting Sarah, John, and their extended family.  After a feast of different types of meat and vegetables, we hung Julianne's homemade snowman pinata on the lantern hook in the middle of the ceiling. Once the children found out there was a "surprise" inside the snowman, many willingly picked up the bat and swung at the pinata with all their strength. When the snowman broke and candy poured from the sky, the children didn't have any problems knowing what to do! Sweets are a favorite!

Homemade Blanket Project: A few missionaries at RVA are involved with an orphanage in Nakuru who have recently received another 7 school aged children. When David, the manager of this orphanage was visiting RVA, he received news that a church in British Columbia will be supporting  his orphanage by $35, 000, some of which will go towards buying land. To top off his day, David received four bags of blankets from the “Homemade Blanket Project.” The day left him speechless!

Steeves Bible Project: Mike and I plan to buy the first batch of Bibles at the Bible Society  this week in Nairobi.  There has been a great expression of interest for the Bibles and we haven't started yet. Thanks again for your generous donations. 

                           "He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done."  Proverbs 19:17