On September 21, 2012, my son, Mark, dropped me off at the bus depot in Madison. At 4:10 pm, I left O’Hare International Airport in Chicago; I was on my way to Kenya again! This was my second trip with One Woman in Kenya, and I was very excited.
Last year, I had been successful with programs addressing the arts, women’s issues, education, and food. So this year, I tweaked some of the programs, but basically continued to work in these areas.
It was great being back in Kenya and seeing my friends and catching up on their lives since my last visit. Of course, I had to show them pictures of my new grandson, Luc. When I returned to Wisconsin in 2011, my son, Andy, met me at the bus depot, and the first thing he said when we were in the car was, “I have something I want you to see. It’s an ultrasound picture of your grandson.” What great news for me and for all of us. This includes my friends in Kenya who had been asking for years if I were a grandma yet?
After catching up on things with my friends in Kenya, we got down to work. I only had two weeks this trip so I didn’t have a lot of free time. Briefly, the following were ways OWIK helped in small ways:
The Art Contest. In 2011, eight artists participated, and in 2012, thirty-seven artists participated. There’s a huge interest in the arts in Kitui. Gideon M. Shem won first prize with his painting entitled The Beast of Burden.
During the year, the artists had been giving free art lessons to the children in the community. These children are getting the training and encouragement that the older artists never received.
Gideon Shem and his mother Sarah with Pastor Kaloki (left), Gideon Shem’s first prize painting “The Beast of Burden” (center), Art students were given recorders (right)
Sewing Project. OWIK contributed $300 again this year toward women’s issues, which Pastor Charles and Miriam Kaloki are working on at their church. Women who have been on the streets are taught to sew and their first pieces of clothing are given to needy children. A market for the clothing is badly needed, and Pastor and Miriam are working on this.
Education. Thanks to Rob and Gea a young man was able to complete a semester at St. Paul’s University in Nairobi. Their generosity is greatly appreciated!
Also, the essay contest was held again this year. Chris Ndumbu organized and ran the event. I couldn’t have done it without him and am looking forward to next year. Chris, the staff, and the students were great!
Chris monitoring essay contest.
Chris, winners and me.
Food. Pam from Wisconsin donated some heirloom seeds, which were enthusiastically received. The seeds, which I had taken on my 2011 trip did very well. And the farmers were able to harvest seeds and use them the following year. Also, these seeds are passed on to other farmers so they won’t have to purchase seeds each year.
Cabdriver Caesar with heirloom seeds
Gideon M. Shem with corn.
Eye Glasses. I took about twelve pairs of eye glasses with me. Every time I was in a Dollar Store during the year, I would buy a pair of glasses. The glasses, which only cost a dollar each, were well received. In fact, I received quite a few requests to bring more glasses on my next trip.
Jean was very happy with her new glasses. She can read her bible now.
Kenyans helping Kenyans. So many Kenyand are helping their fellow Kenyans. An example of this is my cab driver, Steve, in Nairobi. He is actively working with orphans. After getting to know Steve over the years, and checking out his website, OWIK made a $100.00 donation to help him help other Kenyans.
The two weeks went too fast, and on October 6, I returned to Madison. When Andy picked me up at the bus depot, he did not have another picture for me, but it was still wonderful seeing every one again, especially grandson Luc.
A special thanks to all of you who donated your time and/or money to make 2012 a success. I simply couldn’t have done it without you. It would have been fun to have had all of you on this trip with me.
Kenya has become my second home and I cannot wait to return in 2013. But to return, I need money for the projects. So I’ve already started raising funds.
After returning, I participated in the Holiday Showcase at the Chestnut Avenue Center for the Arts in Marshfield, Wisconsin. It was an honor to have been invited to be a part of this event, which gave me the opportunity to exhibit the art from the art contest in Kitui and to do some fundraising with the beautiful totes for tuition. A huge thanks to an anonymous donor, the women at Bolts of Fun Quilt Shop (Laurie, Sandy, and Rose) for making the totes for tuition and to Keith at Insaecula and Shane at Vondra Engraving for making the labels for the totes. A special thanks to Lorna for helping me the day of the Showcase. I was very proud to exhibit the art from Kitui and offer the totes for tuiiton to raise funds. If you would like one of these beautiful totes, please check the Order section.
A very special thanks to Cathy Jean Clark, founder of Humming Bird Press. Cathy not only donated matting material for the paintings, but also spent a day matting all the art work for the Holiday Showcase. Plus, she helped me set up the exhibit. Thanks, Cathy, from me and the artists.
Cathy Jean Clark with some of the paintings she matted.
On February 23, I’ll participate in the Marshfield Cultural Fair at the University of Wisconsin Marshfield, Wood County to raise funds. Also, I’m always looking for speaking engagements and can always use your financial support. All monies go to help Kenyans.
Asanti sana to everyone who has shown interest in what I’m doing and has encouraged and helped me. You make what I’m doing possible. I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness!