Greetings from Kenya.
It is early morning here … I awakened before the alarm which was set for 5:30 AM as my heart is burdened today. I can hear the birds now singing as they start their day and in Kenya people are facing another day of draught and hunger.
I just returned to Kenya last Thursday night, excited to see how this year will unfold. There is a spirit of optimism at HEART as we continue to experience divine favor in our projects. I was able to share with the HEART Kenya staff the good report of my trip to the US.
So why is my heart troubled? I was in the US just over three weeks … we had a little rain before I left with hope of more … but there has been no rain in much of Kenya … I returned to a parched desperate situation.
The calls I am getting are from:
Maasai Land- Oldonyonyokie – near Magadi (on a map) - no water, no food and nor only are the cattle dying they are now experiencing deaths among their most vulnerable – the children.
Taita Hills – we have Kids for School Projects in both Upper and Lower Taita – and reports are coming in of severe starvation.
Meru – we have Kids for School in this area that is usually plush and green … with fruit on the trees … all has weathered and the extremely poor which are our children there are suffering greatly.
Maasai Land - Loitoktok – Namelock where we have Kids for School – the report came that the children are not in school …cannot be located for the reports for our Quarterly Report due for the grant that helps to fund this area … because of the draught. The great Maasai people are suffering …their cattle, sheep and our KFS goats are dying … the children are ill and starving in this area.
Machakos – Kisueni – this is the area that Joseph our Head Housekeeper is from … he asked to see me last night and as we talked he shared the stories of draught and starvation in his area. He also asked for help.
I think you can see why I cannot sleep. I have asked for help from Mr. Doshi and Hindu Community here in Kenya for food. They will help but the need is great. I have received one donation from a HEART Board Member for $500 that can buy water for an entire village … Oldonyonyokie …. Thanks to a previous Rotary/HEART project there …they have tanks to store the water that we will deliver.
Will the water last till the rain comes? We live in hope. The friends of Mr. Doshi will also help with food for this area.
So what about the four other areas? Do you know that $1 a day will feed a family … is enough to survive? Yes! It would be “Unga” or maize meal only … is it a well balanced diet? No … there is no protein … but will it sustain life? Yes!
Heart’s Vision Statement is:
“Empowering the people of Kenya to survive the HIV/AIDS Pandemic”
Today the people of Kenya need help for just the “survive” part of this statement! The funds I raised in the US are for the HEART Projects and cannot be diverted to this need.
Help if you can, I know many are in financial straights in the US. Pease do not be offended at me for asking for your help.
The ways to give are several. You can call our CO or CA offices and give by credit card or send a check to either office or donate through Pay Pal on our site. I will ask and pray and wait.
Jen Friel
Financial Administrator
HEART
P.O. Box 631964
Highlands Ranch, CO 80163-1964
(303) 730-3779
Or Gloria Martinez at 530-885-9600
Milele Shukrani, (forever grateful)
Vickie Winkler
HEART Founder/Executive Director
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