Beneficiaries have been selected by the local community committee to help ensure that those most vulnerable are being served. There are specific criteria that must be followed. This includes households with members who are disabled, the elderly, those who are orphaned, and women who are pregnant or lactating. It is a good system to ensure that assistance goes to those most in need, but sadly some in the community are always disappointed not to be included.
Loading the Truck
After identifying beneficiaries, we and Pwani Christian Community Services (PCCS) planned our first food distribution, which took place on Thursday. Getting the food to the location was a significant challenge initially. The supplier had issues with obtaining trucks in a timely manner, loading them on time, and then getting them to the location on time. As a result of inaccurate information being provided, the “off-loading” team had to be sent home after waiting all day Monday, and again on Tuesday. They were finally able to empty the trucks on Wednesday after again waiting most of the day. On-time deliveries is one of the many challenges we face. On the left you will see a picture of some actual loading of a truck. Thankfully the situation for the deliveries for the next few days looks much better since we had a very intense meeting with the supplier on Wednesday.
We felt a huge sense of anticipation about participating in our first distribution! After all, this is what it is all about.
The beneficiaries come to collect their portion: 50 kg of maize, 10 kg of split peas and 3 litres of cooking oil. There is a very careful screening and registration process to be sure the right people get the food. A certain level of security also needs to be present in case of dissention. Fortunately, the people are cooperative, calm and almost too patient. This is the first food distribution they have received through this long drought and they are quietly thankful. There are many mothers with babies or small children carried on their backs. These little ones are the only people present who are not thirsty.
It is difficult to see so many hungry and thirsty people waiting in the heat for hours, while others watch and wish they could be included in the receipt of food. Some travel many kilometers on foot, or with a rusty bike for transporting the very heavy load on the return trip. Some need to rent transportation on a motor bike to help them home while others have no money and struggle to carry their supplies. Some of today’s beneficiaries live 30+ kilometers away! There can only be a certain number of distribution sites within the project timeframe and some people come from remote villages. The various locations were selected based on a needs assessment which was conducted earlier this summer. However, there are many scattered communities situated many kilometres apart within these targeted locations. Truck access to the distribution location is a key consideration in selecting a location for the distribution.
It is hard to say this was only the positive and exciting event we had been waiting to witness. In reality it was also heart wrenching. Too much heat – too much drought – too much hunger- too much hopelessness. But in the midst of all of that, we were thankful to be able to show some of Christ’s mercy in a very hurting part of God’s world.
We will be spending the weekend at five more distributions on Friday, Saturday and Monday. If time permits we will send a Thanksgiving blog after that!
You are doing an amazing job although I can imagine heart-wrenching as well.
Annie, I can’t imagine what you are thinking of all those women with babes on
their backs. A beautiful sight and yet, what kind of future do those kids have.
Brings back a lot of good memories of Africa.
Thank you.
Thanks for your interesting and detailed report. You will never be the same after this experience. May God continue to give you the strength, physically and emotionally to carry out this important work.
Hi Annie and Harry. Roman and I are finding your reports extremely interesting and fascinating, and they only serve to enhance our admiration for the both of you. What an undertaking, but what a gratifying, yet often emotional experience that you will always remember. I feel somewhat guilty sitting here at home in comfort, well-fed and secure imagining what these poor people go through on a daily basis. It is humbling. Thank goodness there are angels like you to provide temporary relief to as many as you feasibly can.
All is fine here on the home front as we keep a watchful eye on your house and property.
Lynda
Thank you Harry and Annie for keeping us posted. May God richly bless you as you are reaching out to so many people.
Your brother Dick.
Hello Harry and Annie! Wow, it’s ever so great to read your blog this afternoon and to see that you’ve now facilitated your first food distribution. We talked about this many months ago and now you are in Kenya, sharing the wonderful gifts that God has blessed you with. Wishing you continued blessings and wisdom on this journey.
On a side note – great photos! If you can remember every once in a while to ask others to take “action photos” of the two of you – namely pictures that show you actively engaged in the work of an IRM – that would be great.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Keep up the good work!! we pray for you and we think of you often- colorful pictures- Harry please wear a hat under that HOT sun! Please feel encouraged that although not ALL can be assisted you are making a difference for ALL including us here in our comfy homes in Canada- let us give thanks to our God who provides
in ALL circumstances- Happy Thanksgiving Harry and Annie!
One can only imagine what we Canadians would do with only maize, split peas and a can of oil. Certainly the widow in Elijah’s day would have made lots! We [praise God for what you are doing and hold you up in prayer as you toil in that heat.
Love, Margaret and Jim
I was reading our church email today and planning what I could take to church for the foodbank on Sunday as a Thanksgiving offering. I am so humbled when I read your blog – people who are so needy and I am so full – I have so much and am not as thankful as I should be – and they have so little and are thankful for bags of grain and tins of oil! I am thankful that you answered God’s call to be hands and feet of those who cannot go. We wish you God’s care to keep you safe and secure and healthy. We pray each day for you both. Love to see pictures of what you are doing. Hugs!
Hallo Harry en Annie,
Fijn om zulke mooie berichten te horen vanuit Kenia. Wij zitten inmiddels in de staat Vermont en gaan volgende week naar Canada waar we elkaar helaas niet zullen ontmoeten Wel hebben wij het pln om Naar John te gaan.
Blijf ons op de hoogte hoogte. We leven met jullie mee all over de world
God bless you
Jan en Inka
Wonderful work that you are doing. “I was hungry and you fed me.” something God honors and blesses. Our hearts and prayers go with you!
Henry and Jan
Thanks Annie and Harry for the update. What a blessing you are to the people there and in turn feel blessed. As Mary said in her previous email..we feel so humbled and have no idea what hunger and thirst feels like . You are changing many lives over there..but here as well as we hear from you. Wishing you God’s richest blessings as you continue your work
Harry & Anie it’s so nice to hear from you, we remember you in our prayers daily.
God bless both of you.
Your brother John & Shirley
Annie and Harry, Finally figured out how to send you a message back! We pray for you every day especially as we read how sometimes difficult and hot and dry and bumpy and long your journey can be, yet how patient and persevering you are! God continue to give you strength and endurance–and health to carry on. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving; the collection is for World Renew and hunger distribution. You can imagine that we are going to give a little extra because of your connection! All is well with Mom, etc.
Harry & Anie, what wonderful work! It must be really satisfying to be able to provide food to these hungry, starving people who must travel great distances in the heat to receive your charity.
Gene
I read your blog with mixed emotions…
As I sat down with my family over Thanks Giving I could not but think how lucky we were to live in Canada. ( a land of plenty) We waste so much food and resources and take it all for granted.. while milions go without.. Sad…
Although you are running into challenges..I know you are both up to resolving them..
Take care,
Bill
Remember, this is more organized than it would be if you weren’t there. What an experience. To witness this first hand must be incredible. Think of you often. Be safe
Lynda
it is gut wrenching for sure, to see so many hungry people, and then able to give them all some food. The pictures reveal the Kenyans, a dignified people waiting patiently. I pray that you receive strength to do what must be done.
its neat to see the Canadian flag on many of the food bags and boxes.
Its wonderful to see you both in action, being Christs hands and heart reaching to those in need. Blessings, Luciena