FEBRUARY 2023

At the beginning of the month the UK High Commission followed the US Embassy's warning and issued a security alert, stating that "There is a heightened threat of terrorism, including terrorist kidnappings, across Kenya. Attacks, including terrorist kidnappings, could target Westerners, including British nationals" and that "terrorist groups could attack with little or no warning, targeting hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and markets, schools, police stations, places of worship, and other places frequented by foreigners and tourists. The government of Kenya has increased counterterrorism patrols. British nationals are advised to be extremely vigilant in these areas." We are grateful that at the time of writing this, those threats have not come to any sort of fruition.

Recently, Rachel completed a 3-day cultural training event which was extremely beneficial. She continues to support the child sponsorship department with administrative tasks from home when she can. However, now that Anna is crawling with every increasing confidence, most of Rachel's time is spent chasing her! The boys are great big brothers and Jonah loves to help out with Anna where he can, as long as she does not touch his lego. Caleb has had several pet chameleons recently. He finds them in them garden or on the way home from school and adopts them for a few days before letting them go and he loves to let Anna "play" with them. They both continue to enjoy school and are doing well.

In the Great Rift Valley we continue to support orphans and vulnerable children to ensure they have access to an education that will equip them to create their own pathway out of poverty and empower them to shape their future. At Cornerstone Preparatory Academy the school leadership continues to go from strength to strength, which is exciting. Having local men and woman in key positions of leadership is vital to the growth and sustainability of the ministry. The last couple of years have been fraught with challenges and obstacles but more recently it is becoming increasingly evident that a corner has been turned. Progress is being made. The penny has dropped, there has been a shift in culture and a foundation has been laid. It is clear that significant strides in school development and improvement are taking place. With a solid foundation in place and green shoots of progress popping up, the year ahead looks promising. Sean continues to spend the majority of his time working with the leadership team, supporting and coaching them to be equipped to drive school improvement. We know that none of this would be possible without your friendship and support. We thank God for you and for being part of our story.