The answer is blowin' in the wind...

Yes, 'n' how many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.

Yes, 'n' how many times can a man turn his head,
Pretending he just doesn't see?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.

- Bob Dylan

It has taken me longer than it should to write this post. It has been on my heart for some time, but I was never really sure how to go about writing it. We have all been working, during our time at Macheo, to raise funds for various projects. However, it has been more difficult than we imagined finding grants and organizations that are willing to help or pertain to the specific needs of these projects. So, I think God has shown us that there is no more appropriate place to turn than family, friends, and his Church. I hope that this doesn’t come off as some cheap and distant solicitation for money. Instead, I hope that I can share with you some of the various projects that we are working with and hope that one touches your heart and God compels you to act. Most of the next few paragraphs will provide some of my own feelings and thoughts about the projects:

- "Malnutrition Program": I know I have written about this already in one of my earlier posts, and some people have already responded. But, we went to visit again yesterday, and I wanted to share my feelings after the visit: It’s tough. It’s really tough, and it’s heartbreaking. We just returned from a meeting with the sisters in charge of the malnutrition program. We sat with them briefly to encourage them, because there are several people that want to give and help. But, in our time of encouragement, we were met with the stark reality that this program needs our help even more…and desperately. Today, they had to turn away most of the 100 single mothers that come each week in hopes of food, health education, and hope. The program only had 2 Kg. worth of food to distribute, because of a lack of money; so, the families were forced to find food by other means. Most will probably remain without food for the day possibly even several days and go back to their homes in the local slum. Mother Teresa once said, "In the poor, we see Jesus in the most distressing disguises". And, in this program, I think I see what she means. I look at the faces and into the eyes of each child and parent and I can see Jesus weeping for love for them. I hope that this program will continue.

- "School Feeding Programs": This is a really amazing program that Macheo is directly involved in. At four local schools in Thika (several in slums), Macheo helps provide school meals for the children (800 + at one school) by asking their parents to pay only one shilling per day (70 shillings = $1). It is great to see the kids enjoy healthy meals for less than it would cost the parents to make a meal on their own. Due to these programs, the schools have seen significant increases in school attendance, and the children are receiving healthy meals that they wouldn’t receive otherwise. Not only does this project promote health amongst the children, but it provides education in the process.

- "Self-sustainability at Macheo": There are several projects that Macheo is involved in to make the home self-sustainable. Currently, they are breeding German Shepherds, and one of the dogs (Jeokal) recently had three puppies. In addition, Macheo has been building two large buildings for a poultry project. The chickens will provide a source of food as well as income (eggs and meat). Lastly, the home is working on purchasing more cows for a dairy and building a fish pond as well. All of these projects will help provide necessary funds for the home.

- "Child Sponsorship": There is always the need for a child to be sponsored at any home. There are 87 children at Tumaini and 56 children at Macheo. Many of the children at Tumaini don’t have any sponsors, and Macheo is attempting to provide double sponsorship for each child to cut the costs for the sponsor. The money received from the sponsors is used to pay for the children’s school, food, maintenance and bills of the home, administration, and any other needs the children have. Sponsoring a child is probably the most helpful way to give to either children’s home, but it does require a commitment. After working at both of these homes, I can tell you how tempted I am to sponsor each child. I would do it in a second, if I could. Each child has his/her own unique personality, smile and laugh. And, I love each one equally, and the children love their sponsors, and most even know them by them name and pray for them daily. It is such a joy to see what a sponsorship does for the life of these children.

I you are interested in any of these projects, feel free to e-mail me and I will send you more detailed information about how you can get involved (agannett@gmail.com).