reconnecting

Hello. Sorry this has been a long time coming. Unfortunately, I do not have decent internet service at my house in Nairobi which makes blogging extremely difficult. You have all been on my mind.

There is so much to catch you up on, but will start with just one little story. This story is about Whitney. Whitney lives in Mbita with her mother, grandmother and several extended family members. She was born with hydrocephalus. Whitney has a wonderful family who care for and love her very much. They work hard to get her to the doctor (Whitney had a shunt put in at a mission hospital) and keep her clean and nourished. It is rare to see a child with special needs out in the community (they are often hidden in the home), but this is not true for Whitney. Her family sets her out in front of their duka (shop) they run out of their home. This way, Whitney is able to enjoy the sunshine and greet all that pass by. They did this by putting her in an old toddler stroller that her mother had saved to buy.

However, Whitney is getting bigger. She has outgrown this stroller and is unable to sit out at the duka. She lays in her bed most of the day of sits on a loved one's lap. However, both positions make it difficult for Whitney to see what is happening around her and it makes in extremely dangerous for her to eat.

One of the contacts I have made while in Nairobi is a man (fundi) that makes furniture. With a little explanation and pictures, we were able to design a chair for Whitney. And with help from good friends who visited Whitney, Whitney's mother was able to pay for the chair. Otieno (the fundi) is now making the chair and Whitney will have a the chair to sit in in a couple of weeks. It will be good to see her smiling face on the side of the road again.

What an incredible blessing for Whitney and all of those around her!
I want to thank you all for the many things you do to keep things going here. It is because of people like you that Whitney will be a bit more independent again.


Prayer requests:

1. That other children like Whitney will be given the opportunity to be seen and heard within their communities; and that they will be able to achieve their purpose here.

2. My family: We have recently suffered and incredible loss of a special lady and loved one; my aunt, Ann. She leaves behind many smiles and fond memories. Pray for healing and peace that passes all understanding.

3. Financial: I am need of car to be able to transition back to Mbita. I am getting close to my goal and am grateful for your help. Please pray for the remaining $1500 needed to purchase this car.

Again, I thank you so much for your support in many different ways. I could not do what I am doing here without each one of you. You are just as much part of what is happening in Kenya as I am. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

If you would like to partner with me by making a one-time donation or monthly contribution, you can do so by clicking on the top right corner of the page. The link is also on the intro page as well as the address for mailing. Anything is helpful and tremendously appreciated.

Much love,

Jenny Cox