NOVEMBER 2023

Before going on the mission field to "take up the cause of the fatherless" (Isa 1:17) and "remember the poor" (Gal 2:10) as part of the team at Naomi's Village, we were told that when living on the field, life can fluctuate between extremes. The lows are lower and the highs are higher than we used to experience. In the UK, like much of the west, so much time and energy is devoted to the pursuit of comfort and the obtaining the 'dream'. Getting the kitchen extension or a bigger garden becomes the priority. But when you have to deal daily with the desperation that comes from generational poverty, the abuse and the hardship, nothing can be further than thinking about decorating and new curtains. In the last couple of weeks we have come face to face with suffering that no child should have to endure. Recently we were made aware of a girl in PP2 (Reception/ Kindergarten) who is being sexually abused at home. A few days after that a girl in Year 2 came to school with bruises on her face after being physically abused at home the night before. These precious, sweet girls facing the unimaginable and completely helpless. Of course, we took immediate action, following internal procedures and policies as well as Kenyan law. Both cases were presented and reported to the police with facts and evidence and the Children's Department informed. Neither took much action. In fact, in one of the cases, because it was a first offence, the director for the Children's department wrote a letter on a piece of scrap paper (it was crumpled and coffee cup rings on it) warning the parents they shouldn't do it again. That was it. No arrests, no anything. The lows are indeed low. It is difficult mentioning this stuff because we don't want to emotionally manipulate nor do we want to enforce negative stereotypes. It can also be hard to have to revisit it again. The lows are low. Last week the boys finished school for Christmas, they have a long break as the Rift Valley Academy is primarily a boarding school for missionary children whose parents are serving all over the continent. The longer break allows them to spend some time with their families. We started the break by heading to the Kenyan coast for a few days. We were so grateful for a few days of holiday. Kenya is full of beauty. Its landscapes and National Parks are known all over the world for their wildlife and safari experience. When we get to experience this beauty we almost feel guilty. We cannot believe that we get to spend some of November at the Kenyan coast enjoying the sunshine and golden sand. The Indian ocean and time on the beach is a welcomed tonic to the soul. The highs are certainly higher. To take time to be able to breathe and reflect, and experience the grace and goodness of God was much needed. The highs are high.

Cornerstone Preparatory Academy still has a couple of weeks left before they break for Christmas and of course the Children's Home remains open. Over Christmas we will spend time with the children there as well as finding time to make new Kenyan Christmas traditions and enjoy a warm Christmas.