Thursday, July 31, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
WEEK OF 21-26 20008.
The school assumed a quite silence in all sections.This is because the students were all siting for their end of Second term Examination.During this time students appear very busy.This exams came a bit earlier than scheduled.The main reason for this was to prepare in advance for the choir that will be leaving for the national choir competition on 5th-12th of August.2008.Pray for their success.
During the week we also did receive visitors from Switzerland that came to us having read our web page.Her name is Frauken.She is involved in sponsoring a child in Mombasa.She was very much moved that she promised to bring us more sponsors in Mercy care centre.
In addition we received visitors from the USA.The head of the delegation was Tiffany.She has started an organisation called Dignitas.She was mainly interested in Under studying us with a view of collecting data on how we manage the project and what areas we are able to address.
Most of the Evenings are spend doing choir practice as we wait to go to Kisumu.
God bless you all
The school assumed a quite silence in all sections.This is because the students were all siting for their end of Second term Examination.During this time students appear very busy.This exams came a bit earlier than scheduled.The main reason for this was to prepare in advance for the choir that will be leaving for the national choir competition on 5th-12th of August.2008.Pray for their success.
During the week we also did receive visitors from Switzerland that came to us having read our web page.Her name is Frauken.She is involved in sponsoring a child in Mombasa.She was very much moved that she promised to bring us more sponsors in Mercy care centre.
In addition we received visitors from the USA.The head of the delegation was Tiffany.She has started an organisation called Dignitas.She was mainly interested in Under studying us with a view of collecting data on how we manage the project and what areas we are able to address.
Most of the Evenings are spend doing choir practice as we wait to go to Kisumu.
God bless you all
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
GENERAL COMMENTS ABOUT THE RECENT VISIT
Once again this year (2008) Mercy care Centre was blessed to receive visitors from America and Australia. This marked the first offcicial joint visit by our two collaborators. In total we had twenty -one visitors. During this time we also received the youngest collaborator in mercy care centre called Meagan Butcher. She is seven years old.
This also marks the largest number of visitors that have been able to come to MCC at one time.
What i found in this group was the synergy. They had various skills that we could all draw from and students could also be able to easily learn from. They seem to have all come set to achieve certain objectives which they effectively achieved.
I was very delighted to see them freely intermingling with students and teachers as they went about their chores. This was summed up by one of them who told me that their pastor is fond of saying "we may provide the much needed finances to keep the activities running. Yet we very much benefit from their spirit." Thus the pastor concludes by saying “we benefit a lot by visiting them as they also benefit from the finances that we bring alongside".
When i look back i see the timing and the hand of God in these visitations. Timing because for many years we have written in our quarterly reports that whenever possible as many people as possible should be able to visit Mercy care centre. It is God's timing that this is happening now. On the other hand it is the hand of God to see many people empathize with the plight of the needy children in Mercy care centre.I believe that all who have come will do as St.Paul writes in the book of Philippians 4:8" Finally, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy then these are what you will be telling people out there. Like we have said in the past the plight of Mercy care centre needs to be known to the faith circle and the secular world at large. It could be a wakening call to stop and care what is happening in the world around them. And whatever little that they can do will go along way to secure the life of a child.
As i look back to what was achieved, I cannot fail to highlight the following;
( 1) Visit to the animal orphanage and nature walk.Majoriy of the children in mercy care centre were able to visit the animal orphanage and the safari walk. These are places preserved for schools that have a lot of facilities. This time round mercy care centre had its chance to be able to visit and enjoy seeing wild animals at close quarters which are caged. It is both a learning activity and a wonderful time to be out there. For the majority it was the first time they were leaving the valley leave alone visiting the orphanage. My tribute goes to Meagan Butcher that organized theseand facilitated it. Mercy Care family will cherish these for many years to come.
(2)Personal Relationship with the students
These boosted their self esteem and made them realise that someone cares for them. Indeed many of them were able to open up and discuss their plight either through writing or through personal talks. What you have implanted to these children will go a long way to put a wide smile on their faces as they come to this sanctuary that is mercy care centre.
( 3 )Encouragement to the teachers .By coming to visit, it is in itself telling the teachers that you value their hard work and dedication in trying to improve the social status of the children in the slum. The teachers indeed confined in me that the moral of the students was very high during your visit. The teachers were also touched by the time you took to visit various classes and taking up lessons in the classes. By doing this you were having a great opportunity of being able to identify with the plight of the needy children as they go about following their lessons.
The teachers too felt encouraged by the gifts that you gave to them when you visited. Some of them did develop a personal relationship with you.
( 4 ) Library shelves and books.
It is not uncommon to hear educators say that the reservoir of any institution lies in the libraly.For many years we have trusted that the lord shall give us a library. The prayer was answered when shelves were made and books put on. We trust the lord to get the books that were brought to us from Australia so that these needy pupils may benefit from them. As i saw students lining up to pick books, my heart was filled with joy.
(4) Medical clinic
Treatment of various ailments in the valley is a luxury even at the present time and age. The majority of the residents of Mathare valley cannot afford medical treatment. This is because of living in abject poverty. Yet today most of the children that had various ailments were attended to and given medicine to take. What a gift?! We also have an infirmary that is on going at the school. Students who need medical attention are attended to here and follow ups are done. This is a great gesture bestowed on us.
(5) Sports day and the gift of T-shirts
It was wonderful to see all you during the sports day. You were devoted to various groups that you were given duties. I could not hide my admiration to see you sited out their in the hot sun. That encouraged the team spirit. The children and the teachers were also delighted to have New T- shirts. It was a colorful event. The event was so colorful that the Principal took the first position in 100 metres for parents and teachers from behind. (EEH!)
( 6) Introduction of Tennis
The only time Mercy care have seen a tennis racket was either in the television or bill-board. It was a reckoning moment for them to be able to hold a racket in their hands. And eventually learn how to play tennis. This sport will no doubt be developed in this part of the slum. Already many students have started showing interest.
(7) Teaching the American folk dance.
This dance was well taught that many a pupils are seen practicing it during break time and lunch time. It will be wonderful to see them perform at the national level. We also have very beautiful out fits made for the dance and shoes designed for the dance.
( 8) Skynep and setting up of the blog
I had a very wonderful experience of being able to talk through the skynep and see faces from the other side. This is the most wonderful thing for me to experience and i am looking forward to have it set in school. If this happens it will be very great.
The team took also time to show me how to write on the blog.
(9) Dinner night
It is rare that you can be able to take 50 plus people out for dinner. The teachers had a wonderful time and even played a wonderful game. It was a revealing time as they learned things about one another that they did not know. The dinner was once again punctuated with gifts for all the teachers. This will go a long way in motivating the teachers. Personally i was very delighted as i have been looking for ways to motivate the teachers.
( 10 ) Maasai Mara
We have always appreciated as a family for the lovely time we have at the Maasai Mara. This has always given us a chance to concentrate more in our work. It is a lovely place to be and we always look forward to it.
(11) Fellowship. There was a very wonderful time of fellowshipping in Mercy care centre.We all accept the fact that it is by the grace of God that we do what we are doing. That is why a moment with him will bring us closer to him.
Once again this year (2008) Mercy care Centre was blessed to receive visitors from America and Australia. This marked the first offcicial joint visit by our two collaborators. In total we had twenty -one visitors. During this time we also received the youngest collaborator in mercy care centre called Meagan Butcher. She is seven years old.
This also marks the largest number of visitors that have been able to come to MCC at one time.
What i found in this group was the synergy. They had various skills that we could all draw from and students could also be able to easily learn from. They seem to have all come set to achieve certain objectives which they effectively achieved.
I was very delighted to see them freely intermingling with students and teachers as they went about their chores. This was summed up by one of them who told me that their pastor is fond of saying "we may provide the much needed finances to keep the activities running. Yet we very much benefit from their spirit." Thus the pastor concludes by saying “we benefit a lot by visiting them as they also benefit from the finances that we bring alongside".
When i look back i see the timing and the hand of God in these visitations. Timing because for many years we have written in our quarterly reports that whenever possible as many people as possible should be able to visit Mercy care centre. It is God's timing that this is happening now. On the other hand it is the hand of God to see many people empathize with the plight of the needy children in Mercy care centre.I believe that all who have come will do as St.Paul writes in the book of Philippians 4:8" Finally, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy then these are what you will be telling people out there. Like we have said in the past the plight of Mercy care centre needs to be known to the faith circle and the secular world at large. It could be a wakening call to stop and care what is happening in the world around them. And whatever little that they can do will go along way to secure the life of a child.
As i look back to what was achieved, I cannot fail to highlight the following;
( 1) Visit to the animal orphanage and nature walk.Majoriy of the children in mercy care centre were able to visit the animal orphanage and the safari walk. These are places preserved for schools that have a lot of facilities. This time round mercy care centre had its chance to be able to visit and enjoy seeing wild animals at close quarters which are caged. It is both a learning activity and a wonderful time to be out there. For the majority it was the first time they were leaving the valley leave alone visiting the orphanage. My tribute goes to Meagan Butcher that organized theseand facilitated it. Mercy Care family will cherish these for many years to come.
(2)Personal Relationship with the students
These boosted their self esteem and made them realise that someone cares for them. Indeed many of them were able to open up and discuss their plight either through writing or through personal talks. What you have implanted to these children will go a long way to put a wide smile on their faces as they come to this sanctuary that is mercy care centre.
( 3 )Encouragement to the teachers .By coming to visit, it is in itself telling the teachers that you value their hard work and dedication in trying to improve the social status of the children in the slum. The teachers indeed confined in me that the moral of the students was very high during your visit. The teachers were also touched by the time you took to visit various classes and taking up lessons in the classes. By doing this you were having a great opportunity of being able to identify with the plight of the needy children as they go about following their lessons.
The teachers too felt encouraged by the gifts that you gave to them when you visited. Some of them did develop a personal relationship with you.
( 4 ) Library shelves and books.
It is not uncommon to hear educators say that the reservoir of any institution lies in the libraly.For many years we have trusted that the lord shall give us a library. The prayer was answered when shelves were made and books put on. We trust the lord to get the books that were brought to us from Australia so that these needy pupils may benefit from them. As i saw students lining up to pick books, my heart was filled with joy.
(4) Medical clinic
Treatment of various ailments in the valley is a luxury even at the present time and age. The majority of the residents of Mathare valley cannot afford medical treatment. This is because of living in abject poverty. Yet today most of the children that had various ailments were attended to and given medicine to take. What a gift?! We also have an infirmary that is on going at the school. Students who need medical attention are attended to here and follow ups are done. This is a great gesture bestowed on us.
(5) Sports day and the gift of T-shirts
It was wonderful to see all you during the sports day. You were devoted to various groups that you were given duties. I could not hide my admiration to see you sited out their in the hot sun. That encouraged the team spirit. The children and the teachers were also delighted to have New T- shirts. It was a colorful event. The event was so colorful that the Principal took the first position in 100 metres for parents and teachers from behind. (EEH!)
( 6) Introduction of Tennis
The only time Mercy care have seen a tennis racket was either in the television or bill-board. It was a reckoning moment for them to be able to hold a racket in their hands. And eventually learn how to play tennis. This sport will no doubt be developed in this part of the slum. Already many students have started showing interest.
(7) Teaching the American folk dance.
This dance was well taught that many a pupils are seen practicing it during break time and lunch time. It will be wonderful to see them perform at the national level. We also have very beautiful out fits made for the dance and shoes designed for the dance.
( 8) Skynep and setting up of the blog
I had a very wonderful experience of being able to talk through the skynep and see faces from the other side. This is the most wonderful thing for me to experience and i am looking forward to have it set in school. If this happens it will be very great.
The team took also time to show me how to write on the blog.
(9) Dinner night
It is rare that you can be able to take 50 plus people out for dinner. The teachers had a wonderful time and even played a wonderful game. It was a revealing time as they learned things about one another that they did not know. The dinner was once again punctuated with gifts for all the teachers. This will go a long way in motivating the teachers. Personally i was very delighted as i have been looking for ways to motivate the teachers.
( 10 ) Maasai Mara
We have always appreciated as a family for the lovely time we have at the Maasai Mara. This has always given us a chance to concentrate more in our work. It is a lovely place to be and we always look forward to it.
(11) Fellowship. There was a very wonderful time of fellowshipping in Mercy care centre.We all accept the fact that it is by the grace of God that we do what we are doing. That is why a moment with him will bring us closer to him.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Today,friday 18th the entire staff of Mercy Care Centre will be travelling to western Part of Kenya the final resting place of Gilbert.
Please pray that the lord will give us jouney Mercies and safe return.
I will be in town earlier to meet the group that will be coming in from Tanzania.
I promise to have picturures on this blog upon my return.
God bless you all
Please pray that the lord will give us jouney Mercies and safe return.
I will be in town earlier to meet the group that will be coming in from Tanzania.
I promise to have picturures on this blog upon my return.
God bless you all
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Hello All,
The week has been without the usual activity from the visitiors.The children ahve now gone back to class to concentrate on their studies.Their enthusiasm is very high.
The choir has continued to practice in preparation for the national music competition that will take place from 5th-12th August in Kisumu.Kisumu is a town that is found in the western part of the country.It is 6 hours drive from Nairobi.But due to bad roads it takes eight hours to reach Kisumu.
The children are all excited about this.
On Wednesday we all went to pay the last respect to Gilbert Amimo at his house here in Nairobi.The children sng as tears flew down their chicks.
In the end they sand one of the songs they were going to sing at the National level called
This week we will not have much activity as we all will be going to western on Friday.
The week has been without the usual activity from the visitiors.The children ahve now gone back to class to concentrate on their studies.Their enthusiasm is very high.
The choir has continued to practice in preparation for the national music competition that will take place from 5th-12th August in Kisumu.Kisumu is a town that is found in the western part of the country.It is 6 hours drive from Nairobi.But due to bad roads it takes eight hours to reach Kisumu.
The children are all excited about this.
On Wednesday we all went to pay the last respect to Gilbert Amimo at his house here in Nairobi.The children sng as tears flew down their chicks.
In the end they sand one of the songs they were going to sing at the National level called
This week we will not have much activity as we all will be going to western on Friday.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
It is all quite now as most of the visitors have gone back home or are in Tanzania.I was left with Anni as i dropped the rest at the airport.
It was such an honour for them to come to identify with the plight of the needy pupils here in Mathare.The two weeks they had been here filled the hearts of students with joy and highly motivated the teachers.
I witnessed a group of people eager and ready to make a difference in the lives of these children in the slums.They surpassed themselves.And God will reward them accordingly.
Anni must have had a new experience today as we woke up at five thirty to prepare for the day.Before long we set off to Nakumat prestige.Here we did internet as we waited to meet the headmistress Lilian who would ride with Anni to school as i was left behind attending to other matters.
In the evening i will be attending a meeting at All-Saints cathedral.This meeting will aim at raising funds so that we can take the body of canon Gilbert at home.Pray that many will turn up.
This will be my fisrt posting on the blog and i am excited about it.
Patrick
It was such an honour for them to come to identify with the plight of the needy pupils here in Mathare.The two weeks they had been here filled the hearts of students with joy and highly motivated the teachers.
I witnessed a group of people eager and ready to make a difference in the lives of these children in the slums.They surpassed themselves.And God will reward them accordingly.
Anni must have had a new experience today as we woke up at five thirty to prepare for the day.Before long we set off to Nakumat prestige.Here we did internet as we waited to meet the headmistress Lilian who would ride with Anni to school as i was left behind attending to other matters.
In the evening i will be attending a meeting at All-Saints cathedral.This meeting will aim at raising funds so that we can take the body of canon Gilbert at home.Pray that many will turn up.
This will be my fisrt posting on the blog and i am excited about it.
Patrick
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