I wonder if the disciples in the Bible felt as thrilled after feeding 5,000 people with Jesus as we did after completing the food distribution to 7,400 households with our partners here in Kenya. As donors, you will be happy to hear that every dollar you donate is multiplied more than six times over as a result of matching funds from the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). In another report we will share with you some of the accountability measures we undertake as we carry out programs on behalf of donors to World Renew and CFGB.
As a result of World Renew programs, almost 60,000 people at 17 locations in three counties experience increased food security until the next distribution. We were able to attend seven of these distributions. This process will be repeated five more times between now and the end of February.
Raining in Kilifi!
There was a promise of rain this week and we saw people with their crude tools heading out to work their shambas (fields) to do some planting – provided they had the seed available. After three seasons of failed crops the beneficiaries expressed that they have difficulty getting enthused to try again. On Wednesday we had a great downpour here where we are staying in Kilifi. We got very happy and excited (see photo) but were sorry to find that it was quite localized. By the time we arrived at our distribution site that morning there was only a light sprinkle of rain which very quickly dried up. We were torn between relief that this group of 600 households would receive their food dry (moisture can cause mold especially in the split peas) and wishing the whole area would receive a substantial rainfall.
At the office
On Thursday and Friday we had “office days” with the two of us in a tent (romantic?). Previously we have done our work outside on the front porch of a tent but on Thursday we were driven inside by rain. It was an adventure and worthy of (another) photo! Luckily we are campers from a way back and have always loved being in God’s great outdoors.
We will leave the coast and go back to Nairobi on Wednesday after meetings with our partner’s three relief coordinators, the suppliers/shippers and the food inspectors. We hope to have firm dates established and agreed upon by these parties for the next distributions.
Stay tuned for next week’s blog on how we will measure the success of this project!
Nice office Harry, do you and Annie physically handle it or is the heavy lifting done by others .
Hi guys!!!!
I’m so happy to hear that everything is going so well and you are enjoying your trip and duties. Once again, I think what you are doing is incredible and you are both very, very special people. I really miss seeing you at the studio. Have you been keeping up with your exercises while you have been away? 😉 Take care of yourself and keep the blog going! It’s so nice to get your updates.
God bless,
Cristina
re: rain pic: you are barefoot and singing in the rain, wonderful!
re: office, love the curtains, and window zipped at a slant… great ambiance.
Your blog was an answer to my prayer, I wondered how the two of you would hold up, being able to feed so many, but not able to feed all those who asked. I myself think it would be heart wrenching. But the fact that you feel bouyed about feeding so many, well that answered my concern. I pray you feel God’s presence and strength.
I love reading your updates- we continue to pray God’s blessings be with all you do- you make a difference for so many people… including us here in Canada. Oh with a grateful heart do we give thanks!!
Even the ceiling in your office is draped. Very nice. Love getting the updates. And..no creepy crawly things on the ground with your bare feet I hope
From what you tell us and the pictures you send, we can see The Lord is with you.
We continue to keep you in our prayers.
Keep up the good works brother and Annie you too of course.
John & Shirley
This is a true living adventure. Bare foot, very brave.
Keep up the great work.
Lynda
glad you and Annie were able to find a brolly…You guys will do anything for a romantic weekend.. keep up the good work..
Bill
Annie and Harry, we both have enjoyed reading your updates and by the sounds of it, it is going well and you are both making a great impact. Way to go..! I loved the picture of you both in the rain.
Harry, your office brings new meaning to the idea of “open concept”..Things are good here, and we look forward to your next installment. Cheers,
Carrie and Dave (and Monty of course!)
“I’m singin’ in the rain… ” Love the picture! Had to hoist the pants and skirt to keep from getting them wet – nice to see those knees, Annie, trust they are bearing up under all the work. We’re on our knees for you!
Hello Harry & Ann,
Bless you both for your work! What a blessing to be on the front lines making the connection between us and the people you are serving. God bless and keep you both safe & healthy.
Missed you at the EduDeo Ministries meeting yesterday Harry! Lets work to fill both stomachs and minds with God’s good gifts.
Blessings!
John & Nel Schuurman
Looksgood H & A! Weij zein hale grose op U!
It seems God as been preparing you for a long time.
We are pleased to follow you in our absence.
Hi Harry and Annie–
So good to read all these reports…and see you up close. You look so good, both of you, happy and healthy. What a gift you always are to all you meet, both here and there. So interesting to see the strong and beautiful faces of the people there and to see the ingenious ways of transportation. We too missed Thanksgiving at home, being in China at the time. There too, as well as in Honduras, we saw unbelievably adept drivers balancing creatively arranged and heavy loads as they surged through traffic that seemed at times to follow no discernible rules of the road other than honking of the horn. ( You know me and driving anyway…) I gave thanks–and not only on Thanksgiving Day, that I did not ever have to drive there, only be driven.( Our driver thought he was a formula one race driver, I think, but hey! he really was very good!)
I am so glad you are able to use your talents, optimistic outlook, faith and calm organizational leadership skills to serve a nation! The love and power of Jesus shines through you, to bless in so many ways. We are so thankful for you and pray God to fill you with HIs power to accomplish each day’s tasks. May you hear the beating of the Father’s heart as you rest under His mighty wings, close to his loving heart.
Love Ya Kiddos!
Derk and Annita