We have now left Agape Academy and headed off on an extended holiday to other parts of Kenya and countries beyond.
This blog is about some of the wonderful people that we have met over the past 10 months:
There are students who are wise beyond their years, like my friend Caleb. He is a mature, spiritual and caring young man whose family has struggled to maintain a HIV care program despite many set-backs. Caleb wants to train as a doctor so that he can help HIV positive people in his local area. When he 'gives the word' in bible studies it really comes from his heart, and he throws in lessons from his life experiences. He could teach many western teenagers about a mature attitude to life.
Another special person is Maurine, who despite seemingly constant ill health, is a loving, caring and gracious young lady. She has been 'cursed' by her paternal grandmother, and traditional beliefs run deep in these parts. She has feared that she will never be well again, but thankfully she has now been diagnosed with an extreme form of dermatitis that is affecting her bones. We will miss this girl dearly, but it is good to know that the medication she is now receiving will restore her health.
Everlyne in form 3 has a voice like an English princess and a heart of gold. She is an organiser, which is very rare in Kenya. Also she isn't afraid to stand up in front of the girls and tell them that they need to shape up. Whether its late to meetings or talking during prayers, she makes her opinions known. Everlyne is a very good student and has exceptional English. We think she will go far.
Sammy, also in form 3, is one of those quiet, inoffensive people who impress by their calmness and resolve. I admire him so much - always supportive with never a bad word to say about anyone. If someone fails to turn up, Sammy will step in and do it for them. When someone does something deserving of thanks, Sammy will be the one who jumps up and thanks them.
Then there are two elderly men who I wish were my neighbours. Herman and Joshua have been such wonderful friends, although we didn't see nearly enough of them. They are both calm, faithful and encouraging men who made us feel part of their respective families. It is very sad to think that we may not see these people for a very long time.
Lastly, my friend Titus. He lost his job at the high school, and has recently suffered a severe stroke. Thankfully, his recovery has been miraculous and you would not know that a few months ago he couldn't talk or move his right side.
Titus is director of a primary school in Chwele (I have dedicated a previous blog to this school). He voluntarily spends most of the week there. He doesn't teach, but does the administrative work. The school has been a labour of love over many years. The teachers are all volunteers who are waiting for a position in a government school. The students, 290 of them, are from poor families, many of whom have HIV positive parents. A large percentage of them cannot afford to help the school financially. Most of the funds for this school comes from Titus' family and church community. They even allow some of the orphans to sleep in the school, and provide supervision and meals for them. I am in awe of the drive and dedication of the entire family - their love and care for the needy is extraordinary.
So we leave with good memories and hope and pray that in the future we will still be able to support these people in Western Kenya.
I don't know if we will ever return to Kenya, but I do know that I will be helping some of these people and their humanitarian projects for a long time to come.
Expect to be asked to pitch in. You probably can't actually go there, but you can help financially.
Keep watching ... There will be more to come!
Greg.
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