10/31/2012
Website Launch
We are pleased to announce the launching of the West Special School website. Visit www.westspecialschool.com to view photos, get to know the teachers and students, receive more information about various projects, and donate to the school.
9/25/2012
9/21/2012
September 2012 - The Schoolhouse
We continue to be amazed at what God has done for us at West Special School. Remember that many said it would never happen? Well, it appears God had other plans, plan that exceeded what anyone had dreamed. It is with this sense of awe and reverence we have the pleasure of announcing that the new Schoolhouse is being lived in.
The house itself has been under construction for the last 6 months or so. We have been given enough funds over the last few months and weeks to finish the building work off. Although the Schoolhouse, something more resembling a castle, is not finished through and through it is still enough to be inhabited. The walls still need painting, a few doors need to be put on and a few more windows need glass in them. These are important and will be added within the next or so when the funds arrive in Kenya.
Personally, I can see that Schoolhouse to be an important milestone for the school. It means that the leadership, Kutete and Evelyne, can now live on the site. It also means that the most desperate children will have a place to live, and are not required to run the daily gauntlet two a day on the way to school. I can imagine a sense of safety has invaded their young and impressionable lives.
Next on the agenda is the completion of the dormitory. This we began during the summer months and have done little in the way of construction since the Schoolhouse has demanded the attention of those concerned. But now, since the Schoolhouse is nearing the completion of the finishing touches we can now turn our eyes to the dormitory. With the donation already given we can expect to have the building finished fairly quickly. It has been difficult to estimate the costs involved (due to the fluctuating economy), which is why we must be wise in how we spend the donated money.
We all must now turn our affections towards God. We must remember to give our thanksgiving, as it is deservedly due. With this thanks we look to the coming months and weeks. We again, ask for blessing and to see work that amazes us all. The world must stop and take a look at West Special School for just a moment. Look and see that the God of the universe is undeniably and unashamedly concerned with those precious children, and for that very reason we will continue the pursuit.
The house itself has been under construction for the last 6 months or so. We have been given enough funds over the last few months and weeks to finish the building work off. Although the Schoolhouse, something more resembling a castle, is not finished through and through it is still enough to be inhabited. The walls still need painting, a few doors need to be put on and a few more windows need glass in them. These are important and will be added within the next or so when the funds arrive in Kenya.
Personally, I can see that Schoolhouse to be an important milestone for the school. It means that the leadership, Kutete and Evelyne, can now live on the site. It also means that the most desperate children will have a place to live, and are not required to run the daily gauntlet two a day on the way to school. I can imagine a sense of safety has invaded their young and impressionable lives.
Next on the agenda is the completion of the dormitory. This we began during the summer months and have done little in the way of construction since the Schoolhouse has demanded the attention of those concerned. But now, since the Schoolhouse is nearing the completion of the finishing touches we can now turn our eyes to the dormitory. With the donation already given we can expect to have the building finished fairly quickly. It has been difficult to estimate the costs involved (due to the fluctuating economy), which is why we must be wise in how we spend the donated money.
We all must now turn our affections towards God. We must remember to give our thanksgiving, as it is deservedly due. With this thanks we look to the coming months and weeks. We again, ask for blessing and to see work that amazes us all. The world must stop and take a look at West Special School for just a moment. Look and see that the God of the universe is undeniably and unashamedly concerned with those precious children, and for that very reason we will continue the pursuit.
7/18/2012
Initial Review
It's been about 6 days since we have all left Kenya and returned home. Even so, there is still quite some digesting to do. I find it hard to put everything into a concise little blog post that explains it all perfectly. So much happened in such a short space timespan that even a 1,000 page book would not do justice to the time and energy that each event needs.
We traveled to Chwele with more money than we've ever had. Our plan was to buy land and get the dormitory started before the 'Mums' arrived. By God's goodness we managed to do just that. The land was not cheap due to sharp rises in the price over the last year or so. However, we are pleased with what we got for the price, and remain optimistic for the future in getting more land. The cost to lay the foundation of the dormitory wasn't cheap either. We decided to go for the bigger foundation that allow us to build up to 3 or 4 stories if need be in the future. This meant that the builders could finish the walls before we left but it will leave us in a good place in the future months and years. This progress, along with the schoolhouse, will take West Special School to a whole new level.
Aside from the construction side of things, the development of the children has been remarkable. They have put on some good weight since last (testimony to the hearty meals they've been getting), their learning skills have improved and there was a generally good atmosphere in the classroom and during play time. Although we don't have trained teachers in place at the moment, I was pleased to see the improved care and attention they give the kids compared to last year. The children now all have a new uniform, shoes, socks and underwear. It was a special moment to see the children walk home like real African children after receiving their uniform. I don't suppose many of us have seen children get so excited over the gift of a school uniform. Perhaps the children's perspective is one for us to emulate.
The ladies trip was nothing short of a resounding success. The whole idea of the trip was for the children to be cared for and loved, and to receive what every child should have, a loving pair of arms to be embraced by. The tears shed and the love administered, I believe, have changed the children's lives forever. On the ladies' last day, the children went home with springs in the their steps knowing that at least a small group of ladies from the UK and the USA love them dearly. No one can ever take that from them and we thank Father for that.
All this being said there is still a mountain to climb. The dormitory must be finished as soon as possible. The schoolhouse is on the brink of being finished and is in need of more funds. We need more classrooms and vocational training. More land, electricity and water is also imperative. The journey has only just begun. Although there is long way to go, we are thankful for how far we have come.
If you are interested in doing something about all of this please email:
westspecialschool@gmail.com
The following picture is students in their new school uniform.
We traveled to Chwele with more money than we've ever had. Our plan was to buy land and get the dormitory started before the 'Mums' arrived. By God's goodness we managed to do just that. The land was not cheap due to sharp rises in the price over the last year or so. However, we are pleased with what we got for the price, and remain optimistic for the future in getting more land. The cost to lay the foundation of the dormitory wasn't cheap either. We decided to go for the bigger foundation that allow us to build up to 3 or 4 stories if need be in the future. This meant that the builders could finish the walls before we left but it will leave us in a good place in the future months and years. This progress, along with the schoolhouse, will take West Special School to a whole new level.
Aside from the construction side of things, the development of the children has been remarkable. They have put on some good weight since last (testimony to the hearty meals they've been getting), their learning skills have improved and there was a generally good atmosphere in the classroom and during play time. Although we don't have trained teachers in place at the moment, I was pleased to see the improved care and attention they give the kids compared to last year. The children now all have a new uniform, shoes, socks and underwear. It was a special moment to see the children walk home like real African children after receiving their uniform. I don't suppose many of us have seen children get so excited over the gift of a school uniform. Perhaps the children's perspective is one for us to emulate.
The ladies trip was nothing short of a resounding success. The whole idea of the trip was for the children to be cared for and loved, and to receive what every child should have, a loving pair of arms to be embraced by. The tears shed and the love administered, I believe, have changed the children's lives forever. On the ladies' last day, the children went home with springs in the their steps knowing that at least a small group of ladies from the UK and the USA love them dearly. No one can ever take that from them and we thank Father for that.
All this being said there is still a mountain to climb. The dormitory must be finished as soon as possible. The schoolhouse is on the brink of being finished and is in need of more funds. We need more classrooms and vocational training. More land, electricity and water is also imperative. The journey has only just begun. Although there is long way to go, we are thankful for how far we have come.
If you are interested in doing something about all of this please email:
westspecialschool@gmail.com
The following picture is students in their new school uniform.
7/13/2012
Karibu Sana!
The teams have safely arrived back in England! For the most part, everyone agrees that the time spent in Chwele was far too short. However, what was accomplished at the school was far beyond what anyone had expected. They have many stories and photos to share which can be found on the blog shortly after they've taken the time to rest and digest everything that has happened in the last five weeks. Thank you to everyone at Bradfield & Rougham Baptist Church, Missions on the Move, and people around the world who have supported the teams so faithfully these past months. With hearts full of hope we look forward to what's next for West Special School.
7/02/2012
The "Mums"
On Wednesday, the crew (James, Seth, and Liz) travelled to Nairobi to greet the handful of women that would be arriving on Thursday morning. Karen Rieger arrived safely at the expected time. The other women travelling from the UK were expected to land only two hours after Karen. However, they experienced some airplane difficulty as they prepared to leave London which effectively complicated their connecting flight in Amsterdam. Nevertheless, the women eventually landed in Nairobi late Friday evening. On Saturday morning they began their journey up north to Chwele. After settling into their new Kenyan home, and resting their tired eyes, the team travelled to the church for Sunday's church services. The people of Chwele were glad to greet the new faces, but no one could be more excited than the children at West.
Today they spent their time in the classroom making crafts with the kids. James said that today could've possibly been the most joyous days so far. Because there are so many people working with the kids, they are receieivng much more one-on-one contact which makes them feel even more loved. While Karen, Liz, Susie, Ailsa, and Emma spent time in the classroom, Sharon went into the village with Pastor Job to find wood, tools, and other material necessary to build new desks for the children. It's incredible to see how each individual brings a unique talent to the project. Wether it's teaching, cooking, painting, building, mothering, sewing, coaching, or encouraging, the entire project is blessed through each willing heart.
Conerning the dormitory, the foundation is complete. The builders have done a tremendous job, and the walls are already two feet high! The on-sight house is yet to be finished, but we are hoping to complete it within the next few weeks.
Today they spent their time in the classroom making crafts with the kids. James said that today could've possibly been the most joyous days so far. Because there are so many people working with the kids, they are receieivng much more one-on-one contact which makes them feel even more loved. While Karen, Liz, Susie, Ailsa, and Emma spent time in the classroom, Sharon went into the village with Pastor Job to find wood, tools, and other material necessary to build new desks for the children. It's incredible to see how each individual brings a unique talent to the project. Wether it's teaching, cooking, painting, building, mothering, sewing, coaching, or encouraging, the entire project is blessed through each willing heart.
Conerning the dormitory, the foundation is complete. The builders have done a tremendous job, and the walls are already two feet high! The on-sight house is yet to be finished, but we are hoping to complete it within the next few weeks.
6/22/2012
Quincie the Goat
In celebration of James' 25th birthday, Seth and Liz bought James the perfect Kenyan birthday gift - a goat! Yesterday the three of them walked to the market, picked out the best looking goat, and walked it back to the school. James' birthday gift has been donated to West Special School and will provide lovely goat milk for the children. But that's not all...this goat is pregnant with two kids. Considering that I (Quincie) am pregnant as well, James thought it would be fitting to call the goat Quincie. Therefore, West now has a pregnant goat called Quincie. When James told me this over the phone this morning I didn't believe him. I laughed. A lot. I couldn't stop laughing. But it's true. He named the pregnant goat Quincie. And I guess I'm okay with that.
6/20/2012
The Monumental Moment
Earlier this week one of the students went missing. Her name is Marion. She is new to the school and still quite unfamiliar with the daily routine. On her way back to Wycliffe & Evelyne's home she became confused and must have walked in the wrong direction. Wycliffe sent out a search party to find Marion in hopes to help her before something dangerous happened. Fortunately, she returned to the school today. She had likely been sleeping in muddy fields and therefore was covered in dirt from head to toe. Everyone was glad she returned before something horrible happened. This situation is exactly why the need for a dormitory is so urgent. These children need a safe place to call home.
I (Quincie) am pleased to inform that last Monday officially marked the start of the dormitory project. Several local Kenyans spent hours digging the foundation for the building. The foundation will be complete by tomorrow, and ready for its first layer of sand, stones, and cement. This is a monumental moment for West Special School considering that they've waited nearly 2 years for the dormitory project to begin. The sooner the building is finished, the sooner these children have a place to call home. We couldn't have made it this far without God providing a school and an on-site house. Our hearts are full of thanksgiving.
James informs me that the children are happily learning and joyfully playing with one another. There has been great excitement among the students ever since the mzungus (white men) arrived. James, Seth, and Liz spend a majority of their day with the children either playing with a football or sitting in during the lessons. Even some of the newer students who have little exposure to other children have warmed up and are slowly learning how to interact with their peers. For instance, there is a new boy called Isaac at West. The majority of his childhood was spent neglected and unloved by his family. He was force-fed poo and vomit because his parents were embarrassed by him and apparently felt the need to punish him in this way. Thankfully, Isaac has made his way to West and is slowly learning how to be loved and how to show love. He is a very bright young boy, perhaps even the most clever student at West. His social skills are underdeveloped, however there is a hope and a future for young Isaac. He is slowly learning how to interact with the other students, how to trust, and how to function in a classroom setting. We're convinced that there is no better place for him to be.
May West Special School continue to attract children like Marion and Isaac...
I (Quincie) am pleased to inform that last Monday officially marked the start of the dormitory project. Several local Kenyans spent hours digging the foundation for the building. The foundation will be complete by tomorrow, and ready for its first layer of sand, stones, and cement. This is a monumental moment for West Special School considering that they've waited nearly 2 years for the dormitory project to begin. The sooner the building is finished, the sooner these children have a place to call home. We couldn't have made it this far without God providing a school and an on-site house. Our hearts are full of thanksgiving.
James informs me that the children are happily learning and joyfully playing with one another. There has been great excitement among the students ever since the mzungus (white men) arrived. James, Seth, and Liz spend a majority of their day with the children either playing with a football or sitting in during the lessons. Even some of the newer students who have little exposure to other children have warmed up and are slowly learning how to interact with their peers. For instance, there is a new boy called Isaac at West. The majority of his childhood was spent neglected and unloved by his family. He was force-fed poo and vomit because his parents were embarrassed by him and apparently felt the need to punish him in this way. Thankfully, Isaac has made his way to West and is slowly learning how to be loved and how to show love. He is a very bright young boy, perhaps even the most clever student at West. His social skills are underdeveloped, however there is a hope and a future for young Isaac. He is slowly learning how to interact with the other students, how to trust, and how to function in a classroom setting. We're convinced that there is no better place for him to be.
May West Special School continue to attract children like Marion and Isaac...
6/16/2012
New Land
As of yesterday, West Special School officially owns more land. This is a huge step in the progress of the project, and we are so thankful that land was available near the current school site. James reckons that the piece of land is 4 to 5 acres. In the near future we hope to begin planting crops on part of the land to create an income and food supply for the school. Additionally, after the dorm is well on its way to completion, we hope to build workshops for the children to learn how to build, sew, cook, garden, weld, etc. In creating an educational foundation built upon the love of Jesus Christ, we hope to introduce practical skills to these children in order that they would be best equipped to live in a culture where the social norms are to look down upon the mentally disabled and the hearing impaired. There is purpose and hope for these lovely children, and we are blessed to be a part of their lives.
6/13/2012
Arrival
James, Seth, and Liz have safely arrived in Chwele. As promised, Job prepared a lovely home for the team to stay in just on the outskirts of the village. Job's vehicle will serve as their transport to and from the school site each day. Yesterday James informed me that they have enough money to purchase more land, to finish the on-site house, and to begin building the dormitory. It was encouraging to hear how upbeat he was. At one point he said, "The on-site house is like a castle! Everything looks fantastic!"
There are several new students at West. Initially the new students were shy towards the mzungus (white people) however with time, we are hopeful that they will feel comfortable. Seth was able to bring vegetable soup that provides essential vitamins and energy that the children need to grow physically and mentally. Thank you Missions on the Move and Okanagan Gleaners! Additionally, James was able to bring two bags full of daily vitamins for the children. With the soup and the vitamins, we expect to see further growth and stability in each child.
In two weeks a group of five women will be joining James, Seth, and Liz in Kenya. Their main goal is to love the children. They will be teaching them crafts, Bible stories, and basic education. They will be building toys with them, gardening with them, and cooking with them. Pray for these five women (Susie, Ailsa, Emma, Sharon, and Karen) as they prepare to travel somewhere new to serve West with their time and their hearts.
Also continue to pray that both teams will be physically strong and healthy throughout the duration of their trip. The last thing we want is for a bad stomach or a weak body to interfere with what the teams are meant to be doing.
More updates with photos (hopefully) to come!
6/04/2012
The Story...
This video was filmed by Ende Photography in the middle of our trip during the summer of 2011. The school looks much different now, but if you would like to hear about the story and meet some of the people involved please watch.
Beautiful feet from Canada.
"Missions on the Move" a Canadian charity based organisation, headed up and founded by Jeff and Susan Cliburn, have been instrumental in the development of West Special School as a project. With passionate hearts, willing and ready for service they have taken up the cause of WSS as well as other causes in Mexico. They have been a blessing that we thought we would never see. They really are too good to be true and should be looking forward to a handsome reward in heaven one day. In the mean time we will be continuing to work closely and forming stronger bonds between ourselves and those on the ground in Kenya.
If you would like to find out more about Missions on the Move please visit their Facebook page:
6 days to go.
This coming Sunday (10th June) Seth, Liz and myself (James) will be traveling to Kenya. It has been almost a year since Seth and I have been in Chwele at the school, so we are excited to see how it has changed. Unfortunately, Quincie will be unable to come with us this year. We have recently found out that she in pregnant and under the advice of many doctors it seems as though it is wise for her to remain at home. As heartbreaking as it is for Quinc being unable to see her dear friends in Kenya this is the right decision. There are many diseases that a pregnant Westerner would face that a normal non-pregnant Westerner would not.
The school house now has a roof. It is covered and ready for the windows, doors and plastering. It will function as the hub of the school as well as housing for the leaders and a few children. Perhaps the most desperate cases will find this their home in the coming weeks. We pray for guidance and wisdom in making decisions over the next month. Some will be difficult to make I am sure.
As I understand it Job and Kutete have been working on a place for us to stay. They were gracious enough last year to organise this for us and in their usual form have done all the necessary preparations for us without us even asking. Evelyne is staying hard and we look forward to her completing her studies and being a fully trained teacher at West. I think the studying must be a trying time for her since she has been detached from academia for so long. But as we all know she is very very strong willed and with the final goal of being such an asset to the school she will come through with flying colours.
Things to pray for:
Traveling mercies as always.
Completion of the Schoolhouse so we can moved onto the dormitory.
The team of ladies who will be coming out on 28th June for 2 week.
The development of the children's mental, physical and spiritual lives.
The school house now has a roof. It is covered and ready for the windows, doors and plastering. It will function as the hub of the school as well as housing for the leaders and a few children. Perhaps the most desperate cases will find this their home in the coming weeks. We pray for guidance and wisdom in making decisions over the next month. Some will be difficult to make I am sure.
As I understand it Job and Kutete have been working on a place for us to stay. They were gracious enough last year to organise this for us and in their usual form have done all the necessary preparations for us without us even asking. Evelyne is staying hard and we look forward to her completing her studies and being a fully trained teacher at West. I think the studying must be a trying time for her since she has been detached from academia for so long. But as we all know she is very very strong willed and with the final goal of being such an asset to the school she will come through with flying colours.
Things to pray for:
Traveling mercies as always.
Completion of the Schoolhouse so we can moved onto the dormitory.
The team of ladies who will be coming out on 28th June for 2 week.
The development of the children's mental, physical and spiritual lives.
5/08/2012
The Latest...
We received this from Kutete. It is the life story of a girl we
know very well indeed:
A girl is born out of wedlock. Her
mother discovers the child is mental and abandons it with its grandparents who
are old and do not not know what to do with a mentally challenged grand
daughter who is also thoroughly epileptic. The child's father is told of the
birth and he would have no piece of such a child, a bad omen and probably a
curse. The child grows up with its grandparents, epileptic and unloved. She
discovers the local market at a tender age and starts going there everyday
because she discovers she could beg for food there and occasionally chance on a
kindly soul who would actually show her some kindness, sit her down and buy her
food. Sometime another kind person could give her some work to do-hard work,
but at least give her food or just sugarcane at the end of the day. Meanwhile
she is growing up. She lives hard and rough. Hardly has enough to eat at home.
Tattered clothes...sickly..constant epileptic seizures because no one takes her
to hospital...Sleeps real rough...One day while making a meal at the fireside,
she gets a seizure and falls into the fire. Fortunately, hands first. She is
badly scalded. No one takes her to hospital. Burns that could have been
medically arrested end up deforming her palm. Her fingers are twisted and
cannot move anymore-probably permanently.
Along the way comes a modest school that offers her an education and guaranteed food daily and some clothes to cover her nakedness.. She eagerly starts school. Meantime she is growing up and society is watching her blossom into a young woman. One day when she is fetching firewood not far from her home, a man sneaks on her and defiles her. Yes, sexually molests and abuses her! People get to know about it and no one is willing to go to the authorities to report the heinous deed. And yes, the offender is known, but no one will tell. After all, she is mentally challenged. After all no one cares about the offended girl...Meantime we take it up, and the authorities and sitting and listening. She complains of bruised privates and has trouble passing urine and stool. The elderly grandparents are not really bothered, as long as the girl turns up home with something to eat....I get really angry and rave and rant at no one in particular.
Along the way comes a modest school that offers her an education and guaranteed food daily and some clothes to cover her nakedness.. She eagerly starts school. Meantime she is growing up and society is watching her blossom into a young woman. One day when she is fetching firewood not far from her home, a man sneaks on her and defiles her. Yes, sexually molests and abuses her! People get to know about it and no one is willing to go to the authorities to report the heinous deed. And yes, the offender is known, but no one will tell. After all, she is mentally challenged. After all no one cares about the offended girl...Meantime we take it up, and the authorities and sitting and listening. She complains of bruised privates and has trouble passing urine and stool. The elderly grandparents are not really bothered, as long as the girl turns up home with something to eat....I get really angry and rave and rant at no one in particular.
This is our Nancy, and yes, she was
raped 2 two weeks ago (featured in the USA calendars in April). This really
highlights the need for the dormitory and soon enough, by God’s grace, we’ll
have enough money to begin construction. Nancy and many others like her, needs
to be given a way out. We all long to see the day when these destitute, ‘down-and-outs’
become the backbone of communities that once had people who abused them in such
a way. We long to see the ones who were considered hopeless be the ones that
carry the one true hope of their Saviour. I know that God is in the business of
taking the hopeless and giving them the hope for others to see. A light were
many thought there should be none. Strength where many said there will never
be. Through the world’s eyes our God’s kingdom is up-side-down and we pray that
this up-side-down-ness flows through West Special School for all of East Africa
and beyond to see.
3/31/2012
The Tremendous Trio.
West Special School would cease to exist if it weren't for God's hands holding it together. Additionally, West Special School would cease to serve the children of Chwele if it weren't for The Tremendous Trio.
Individually, these unique people play necessary roles in the daily out-workings and overall progression of the school. Evelyn is the ultimate mother-figure to all of the children. Her heart floods with compassion for the students, which drives her to become the greatest teacher, mother, and care-giver she can be. Job and Kutete oversee the entire project, including the construction and management of what occurs on the site. They each fulfill the leadership roles that are necessary in order for West to function properly. Furthermore, Job, the local pastor, cares for the well-being of the children and ensures they each receive what they need (i.e. food, water, a home, a school, a dorm). Kutete's legal and administrative skills allow the children to have certain rights including good living conditions and a chance at being incorporated back into the community.
Collectively, they create the world's greatest and most effective team. I, Quincie, am stunned and often speechless at how steadfast and committed The Tremendous Trio are. In addition to such a team as the Trio, there are countless others who provide support and concern for West. The teachers, the builders, the cooks, and the community all bear up under and serve as pillars of devout defenders, and I can't imagine how West would be without them.
To our English and North American supports: thank you for taking part in the Lord's work in Chwele. Without your hands, your hearts, your generosity, and your time, West Special School would cease to progress into a hopeful future for many lovely children. "We have confidence that one day, Chwele would be the home to a thriving village of deaf and disabled Kenyans." -James
3/21/2012
The Building...
In preparation for the construction of the dormitory we need to build an on-site house. This will allow the team in Kenya to have somewhere to live that is extremely close to the school. It will provide as a house, administration center and place for any visitors to stay. Once this is complete we will be all set to build the dormitory, a place for the children that is over-seen by this house.
Kutete kindly sent us some photos with the latest updates of the building progress:
This is King Kutete:
View of the front of the house:
Man working inside:
Good progress so far:
Some good workers and The Kutete assessing the work:
Keep going!
3/17/2012
Thank you 'Man and Wife'
Everyone involved with West Special School in Kenya, USA and UK requests that you please go visit:
www.manandwifetheband.com
and buy a CD for two very good reasons...
1. The music is fantastic. It really is.
2. Out of the $7 it costs to buy each CD, $2 goes to West Special School!!!
3/02/2012
Early March.
I (James) was surprised yesterday to receive a call from Kenya from Jeff who has been out there for the last couple of weeks or so. Jeff was accompanied by a fellow board member, Tim, and seemed in great spirits. The plans to reach water had to take a few twists and turns but the new method of 'local digging' seems to be what will work. We will be sure to update you all on the happenings.
Everyone involved with West has been really encouraged. Many people from all different parts of the world have been donating, praying and supporting in any way they can. Of course, there is team in Canada, Missions on the Move, working furiously away on administration and raising funds. In the US this week we received a huge donation that looks to be enough to really get the dormitory on the way to completion. In the UK, particularly at my home church I have heard all kinds of wonderful plans to raise money. I am constantly moved by the stories I hear through my dad of people sacrificing what they have to make the love of Jesus made known to people so far from home with so little. I can't wait to get home and personally thank (on behalf of West) these people, young and old for their sacrifice. I wish there was more we could do but I will leave that reward to Father, one day.
2/28/2012
Water Update.
Email form 25th Feb - Sent from Susan Cliburn (Missions on the Move)...
"I just got off the phone with Jeff. The ground at the school seems to be to hard. They were only able to get down 6' after drilling all day. Please pray for the Lord to give direction and insight for the decisions that must follow! They (everyone) have decided that water is a priority. The monies that we were sending for land might have to go towards water the goal is still both! We serve a great and mighty God who is able to do more than we could ask or imagine.. So please pray for the impossible...for with God all things are possible!!!"
Email from 28th Feb - Sent from Susan...
"Things are going better today! They are continuing to dig for water and have gone past the hardpack. They will continue to dig throughout the night. They were able to get the rocks and the foundation should be finished tomorrow. The engineer was on sight today and was pleased to see Jeff. They would like to get the floor finished before he has to leave. Wycliffe has not approached the neighbor again about land but might try before Jeff & Tim leave."
2/18/2012
February News
On Monday Jeff and Tim, from Missions on the Move, will be Kenya-bound. There have been many generous givers in Canada for which reason Jeff and Tim are able to make a visit to West. During there visit they will begin the water project. We don't know what will come of this, but we are asking God to give us water. Essentially they will begin drilling into the earth to find any water that could eventually become the main source for the school. Additionally, Jeff and Tim will be delivering and overseeing the funds to lay the foundation for the on-site house. Once this building is complete, Wycliffe (Kutete) and Evelyn will have a home nearer to all the children making life more convenient for them and the students. Then we can begin building the dormitory project, [hopefully this summer]. Pray for Jeff and Tim as the travel. Pray for water. Pray for a quick completion for the on-site house.
1/23/2012
With us, a King stood.
In February of this year it will have been two years since we traveled to Kenya for the first time. As we prepared for our journey we neither had expected nor ever imagined that what we would discover in the village of Chwele would become such a massive part of our lives. In March of this year it will have been two years since meeting Kutete, Evelyn, the children. I, Quincie, can still recall the stirring in my heart when we stepped inside that small shed. I remember the sounds, the smells, their faces, their joy. I had never seen the face of Jesus so clearly. He was there. He was in the room. With us, a King stood. As I reminisce with such delight, I can't help but to be quieted once again. Quieted with utmost thankfulness before the Lord. Quieted with awe at the marvel of His work.
Today I am so thankful for you, West Special School. Thank you for allowing Jesus to look so beautiful through you.
Those reading, I would plead with you to ask God to give you the faith He wants you to have. James and I are witnesses of something nearly indescribable; nevertheless, I am making such an effort to communicate what we've seen because it is in God's character to be faithful, and He's searching for ways, through us, to show the world what He does best.
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