NOT RAIN, NOT HUMAN ERROR

This is disgusting. Yesterday's train derailment in Nairobi was due not to rain, not to speed, not to human error but to "flying toilets". Where latrines are lacking in slums, inhabitants relieve themselves in plastic bags and then hurl the waste away from their dwellings, in this case onto the railway line. This caused excessive wheel slip in yesterday's accident. Two bodies have been retrieved, but they won't know how many died until the wagons are lifted and the containers are removed.

UNDERPASS

The great news here is that about 1/2 hour up the road from us, they're building an underpass for elephants so that they can continue to follow their seasonal migration routes up and down the mountain sides without endangering motorists. A great example of working with nature instead of against it.

DOLLY

Teacher Nancy made a dolly today for a child over at the hospice. She is the only child there with all the adults and had no toy.

AN OPEN LETTER FROM ISAAC

Just as a dream, an ambition, an aspiration lies in every little boy/girl/youth’s heart, the same lay deep in my heart. Even as a real little kid, I had a dream to pursue education. But alas, a separation between my parents wiped out my dream to complete my studies.
My name is Isaac, a Kenyan male youth and a resident of Timau. I was raised by a single parent. My mother has been the sole bread winner of our family since I was a little boy. She unfortunately developed medical problems that were followed by an operation that left her weak and unable to work anymore.
It was during and after the operation of my mother that I discontinued my high school education for lack of tuition fees. I dropped out of school in grade eleven. However, after three years of doing odd jobs to support my mother and brother, through the help of well wishers, I was able to go back to school and complete my twelfth grade and sit for my national government examination for Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education. The results were released, and kumbe!, my hard work was rewarded with good grades, having attained a B+ academic rating average for 8 subjects by the Kenya National Examination Council.
In the year 2007, I applied and was admitted to the University of Nairobi to follow a career in bachelor of law. I was so, so excited to begin the four year course of studies. I made it through the first and second year, loving every moment of it and working hard. With great excitement I took up my internship posting at Nanyuki law courts where I got practical experience to blend with the procedural and substantive theory we did in school.
Unfortunately in the beginning of my third year of study, my good Samaritans could no longer help me with tuition fees and, sadly, this led me to once again to discontinue my studies. I felt discouraged and depressed. Once again my classmates all returned to school and I stayed home to look for odd jobs. I missed my studies and I missed my friends. My dreams were once again shattered. The hope of making the best in life through education was once again compromised.
When all hope was gone, imagine my great surprise this fall when I’m told that through the Newman Mission Center I am going back to school. Imagine my joy as I rush back down to Nairobi to re-join my classmates and continue on with my courses, and catch up with what I missed these past months. Who is Newman Mission Center?, I ask. I am told they are a group who help people who are struggling. In deep gratitude, I promise I will give back the best of knowledge attained at school to my community and to be an inspiration, a role model to all the youth and school-going students who might be going through the same life experience as me. Yes, in future I will also help people who are struggling.
Newman Mission Center, you have given me wings; it is now my promise that I will “fly” to make all the people who have contributed towards my academic excellence proud. I will be a positive force for good in my country, and as a lawyer, I will help right wrongs, and I will be a voice for the poor and voiceless. Also, once I finish and get employment I will help my brother to get his education, and will help my mother with her medical problems and be there for her as she ages.Newman Mission Center, may all the blessings of this Christmas festive season and New Year be with you. For me 2010 will truly be a “NEW” Year. God’s abundant blessings to each and every one of you who are members of Newman Mission Center. Love, Isaac

Seamstresses return from trade exam

The girls are excited to have finished their courses and school year. Here they are seen wearing the new dresses and holding up the shorts they have just made for the practical part of their government trade exams. Teacher Mary is on the right. They will be back in January to do the advanced course and work towards a higher certificate.

CHILD'S LIFE SAVED

This "thing" was removed from a small Maasai girl this fall with donations from friends. This "thing" is a hydatid cyst which was the largest one blocking the abdomen of this small child. Without this surgery, death was certain. These cysts develop when people live in close proximity with dogs and sheep and goats. If it's a must to have dogs to help in herding sheep and goats, then upmost cleanliness must be observed regarding handwashing before eating. Without water available, this is not always possible, but it's the only way to wipe out the disease. Hydatidosis is common in the areas down behind the mission. The child is now taking medicines which will clear out any remaining eggs and cysts. Her father and mother have promised they will help in educating their neighbors and friends about how to prevent this condition.