OCTOBER 2021

As ever, we hope this update finds you well. There has been a lot going on here in Kenya this past month. At Cornerstone Preparatory Academy Sean has taken on additional responsibilities while both the Executive Directors / Founders have been in the States raising support. It has been a challenge and is certainly keeping him busy. Regular professional development and observations to support the teachers are ongoing and the multiple building projects are back up and running. Unfortunately, there have been further visits to the Children's Department as one of the pupils from the local community reported abuse in the home. It is a very sad situation. After taking the pupil to the hospital, we discovered that the boy had a ruptured eardrum and had lost 60% of his hearing due to blows he was receiving from his father. The case is still ongoing but we continue to advocate for justice and ensure that he is safe and that the father faces the consequences of his actions. While on a recent home-visit we were reminded of the difference that the ministry makes. When talking to a grandmother of a number of pupils, she said "having a large group of grandchildren is a great challenge but with the help from Naomi's Village Ministry the struggle has been made lighter". She was so thankful and added that she regularly prays for the sponsors and the ministry because they have changed the lives of her family.

CPA had a school break at the beginning of the month, which was a great opportunity to have some of the children from Naomi's Village up to our house for a BBQ. We had about 25 children across a few different days and it was great fun getting to know them them better and see them relax out of school.

Jonah and Caleb are both doing well at school. We recently invited the whole of Jonah's class over to celebrate his 8th birthday. It was lovely to be able to meet his classmates and play some old school party games like musical statues and pass the parcel. Both the boys are looking forward to the end of term on the 26th November, particularly as we have flights booked the next day for a visit back to the UK. We are all really looking forward to being back in familiar surroundings, catching up with friends and family and being in the UK for Christmas. It is often said how hard the first year in cross culture ministry is and that has certainly been our experience as we look back and reflect on some of the challenges during our first year here.

With Caleb only in school for half days, Rachel has been managing the home while still doing various bits of administration for Naomi's Village. Our other exciting news is that Rachel is also nearly 16 weeks pregnant, due mid-April! We are all really excited and the boys can't wait to have another brother or sister.