Greetings from Africa! Joanne and I have been keeping a very hectic but rewarding schedule. Our first week was in Tanzania where we were able to see the completed three classroom block for Usambara Girls School in Korogwe, Tanzania. We were thrilled with the final product. Also, we were able to see the three student teachers from Nazareth College completing their 7 week assignment as teachers of English as a second language. They did a great job and acclimated marvelously to African life. Congratulations, Amanda Lynch, Kelly LaLonde and Lauren Payne for a job well done. We were able to try out our first shoe distribution at the Montessori pre-school in Kurogwe, Tanzania. We have our plan worked out and were able to distribute 108 pairs of sandals. What we learned from the process will help us this week with the distribution of 2,600 pairs of shoes at 4 different schools and orphanages here in Kenya. Today we measured the children at St. Claire’s Orphanage in Kisumu. St. Claire’s houses about 70 children, most HIV positive. Check out the attached photos. All relate to St. Claire’s. Joanne is with Sr. Philomena, the “Mother Theresa” of the orphanage. We purchased hundreds of kilograms of rice, beans and corn that will feed the children for 2 weeks. In two weeks time, the chickens that Sr. Philomena is raising will be ready for market and there will be money available to purchase food from that point forward. When we visited Sister today, we discovered that they were out of food and medicines for the kids. In addition to the food, we were able to purchase a significant quantity of medications. We are so pleased to be able to provide medical assistance to St. Claire’s in memory of Angela O’Laskey. Angela was a Greece Arcadia angel who died after a battle with cancer. Angela wanted to help with our mission in Africa and we are humbled to be able to do this in her honor. I think you can see from the looks on our faces that we are overjoyed to be able to be helping these beautiful children. We often have many very difficult and frustrating days, however, it is days like today that make it all worthwhile. We hope to report back to you in the next week to 10 days. Today was a “good” internet day so we are taking advantage of it. The electricity is on, the water is running and the toilet is working. It doesn’t get any better than this!! Thanks for all of your help. It is YOU who make the children here live a life with dignity. Peace and love, Bill and Joanne www.joiningheartsandhands.org 9 Fieldston Grove Fairport, NY 14450 St. Anna’s Guest House Box 19100 Kisumu, Kenya Phone: +254 7328 49354
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