Presentation Evening:
Sunday 29th July 2012
Bradfield and Rougham Baptist Church
6:30pm
7/28/2012
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.
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