Two days at Beacon of Hope

BEACON OF HOPE

Yesterday and today was spent at Beacon of Hope.  We all went our various ways to experience the daily functioning of BOH.   Some shadowed providers in the medical clinic, others sat with the grandmas watching them knit, some did interviews with the weavers in production, others sorted and inventoried medications. Jess went out with Humphrey each day in the "mobilization van" speaking Swahili through a megaphone inviting everyone to the free clinic.  She was awesome!

Amy interviewing one of the ladies

that weaves rugs in the production room.

Jane is just about done with this rug.

It took her a day and a half to make.

Some of us went on home visits to check in on current patients or ladies that work in the production rooms at Beacon. Some had to take “Matatu’s” to visit the ladies; others walked in the areas close to Beacon.

Definition of a Matatu: 1) suicide on wheels, 2) 12 passenger van with too many seats and is a pseudo taxi, 3) disco taxi with adult size seats in a "Little Tykes" van, 4) a rolling vehicle precariously weaving in and out of traffic, frequently with the side door open.

**Picture coming Soon**

Today was the first day of rain since we arrived.  The dirt streets quickly turned to mud and became very slippery as we plodded along to the home visits.  It sure made us appreciate the cement streets and sidewalks in America.

Four of us walked within the area today to visit a couple of families that have applied for help through Beacon of Hope.  We went with two of the Social Development directors to see the assessment process.  It was very eye opening. Both families had homes that consisted of only two rooms. One paid $35/month, the other $40/month. One had cement walls the other corrugated steel walls. There was a living room no larger than 9x7 and an additional room that was divided into the kitchen and sleeping quarters.

The first family was affected by HIV/AIDS. The father's first wife died of AIDS 5 years ago...only one year following the birth of their son, who also has HIV.  He remarried and they have a 3 year old son as well. They are seeking help from Beacon of Hope.

The pre-school that Beacon supports was celebrating all the May birthdays today so we made all the birthday hats and cards for them. Or should I say..."the boys" (Andy & Tony) made the hats.  The balance of the afternoon was spent celebrating with the school children. There were 16 kids with May birthdays.  Each received a colorful hat to wear and sat at a table of honor.

Jody, Andy, Larry, Kortney, Paul, Jess, Tony & Pam

The crew making the birthday hats and cards.

Andrea and Kortney really enjoying making cards.

Is that a Hippo you're drawing, Kortney?

Be sure to look for the hippo in one of the next pictures.

One of the birthday girls all dressed up for the big day.

She was waiting for her yellow hat.

Then, much to my surprise, as I was busy documenting the event with pictures, my name was called and it became evident that my team members had schemed behind my back and arranged for me to join the children (my birthday is on Sunday).  It was a birthday celebration never to be forgotten.

Jody receiving her hat.

All standing for the birthday song.

Jody's friend, Tyrone, celebrating together.

Jody getting her piece of cake from Cecilia.

It's tradition here for each child to feed

the piece of cake to the next person.

Each child does a "catwalk" as part of

their special recognition.

Of course, they made Jody do it, too!

The group "catwalk."

Andy giving one of the birthday girls her card.

Tony taking his turn :)

Is that the hippo??

Kortney and friends :)

The children are so fascinated with our hair.

We had our usual 4:00 tea...which on Kenyan time is usually anywhere from 4:15-4:30 pm...then packed up and headed back to the hotel and to our routine dining experience at the Prestige Mall food court.

Prestige food court. Our nightly place to hang out.

Brenda, Ben and Christine.

Ben was our regular waiter each night.

Yes...here in Nairobi there are waiters at the food court!

Ali, Andrea, Kortney and Leslie...well...being silly.

We have a very busy day tomorrow at the Beacon Medical clinic.  We expect to see 2000 patients.  We're very thankful to have the help from the staff at Gertrude's Teaching Hospital.

We're winding down after tomorrow and will take a few days to de-brief before heading home.  I'm sure all of you are anxiously awaiting to see more pictures and hear more stories upon our return.

God's blessings,
Jody Nibbe
on behalf of the entire Kenya team