Thanks to family, friends and fundraisers, I’m leaving for Kenya on September 21.  This will make my second year with One Woman in Kenya.

The adult artists are very excited about another contest, and they are doing most of the work to get it ready.  And, there will be an Art Fest for children who have been taking art lessons from Shem, Joshua, and John. There will not be a first, second, and third prize for the children because we don’t want them to feel that their work is not good enough if they don’t win.  Instead, each child will receive a harmonica.  We want this to be a fun day for them.  Kids don’t have too many of those days in Kitui.

James has finished his first semester at the St. Paul’s University in Nairobi, and thanks to donations, he’ll soon register for his second semester.  I’m looking forward to seeing him and hearing about his studies and his dreams for the future.

Pam and her donated heirloom seeds

I need to get going on setting up another essay contest this year.  Joseph Wambua won last year, and I want to find out if he’ll help with the program this year.  I would like to put him in a leadership position instead of always being a student.

Women’s issues are huge in Kenya, and I’ll meet with my friend Miriam to determine what she thinks is needed.  This is one area I definitely would like to expand because women have it extremely hard in Kenya.  For example, even today, when a woman’s husband dies, any man, related or not, can come into her home and take whatever they want.  She has no rights.  Women need all the help they can get!

Thanks to my friend Pam in the U.S., I’ll be able to hand out heirloom seeds.  Pam generously donated them for some of the farmers.  Briefly, heirloom seeds will produce vegetables, which will produce seeds that can be planted the following year.  This way, farmers do not have to purchase seeds each year, which is a huge financial strain on them.

So I have my e-ticket and have a huge mess in my bedroom of things I want to pack.  I always have too much that I want to take, but I’m limited to two suitcases. Somehow, I’ll manage to get down to the required weight and size and so far no zippers have broken. I’ll be thinking of all of you who have encouraged me and/or made the program possible.  Asante sana!

A VERY SPECIAL REQUEST

James (see wish list for more details) has completed his first semester at St. Paul’s University in Nairobi, and thanks to a very generous donation, his tuition for next semester has been paid for.  Also, he has a job, which is quite an accomplishment in a country where unemployment is as high as 38%.  It’s hard juggling school and work, but James considers himself lucky to even have a change at a university degree.  However, he  needs a computer.  Not having one is affecting his school work.  For $500, he can purchase one in Nairobi.  His job only covers his very basic living expenses, and there’s nothing left over for a computer. If you can help in any way, James will be extremely grateful.