June 11th

We became friends with Benson Okundi and his wife Helen in Nairobi. We hope to join them in support of their home village. In the photo are members of Okundi family.

WE ARE FAMILY

As we drove into the village of our friends Benson and Hellen Okundi, many children quietly waited under a large shade tree. Widows sat quietly as we walked into the small stone house. This was very unusual as the typical response to a white man's arrival is for children to swarm shouting, "Mazungu, mazungu (swahili for white man)!" These people had been waiting for many hours, invited to come by our host, Benson Okundi's family. Benson led us into his parent’s home, built by Benson just 5 years ago. His parents greeted us warmly in their native tongue, speaking no english. As we entered the house, a few ladies began singing a welcome song, in their native tongue. We circled around the small room and gave thanks, a ritual among all African believers. Then we sat and introduced ourselves.

Lewis greets the village widows:

Many widows shared from their hearts and my heart began to break.

After meeting parents and relatives of Benson's, we walked around the village to see the mud huts, the school and the church....and the river where all drink, wash clothes and bathe. The river was red with mud. It's the only water they have.

First visitor from America

We then returned to Mr. Okundi's home and were served fresh tilapia from Lake Victoria, millet ugali, baked chicken, greens and rice...all eaten by the same utensil, our fingers. While we ate inside, the large gathering of children were served lunch outside...donated by Benson. We were then asked to speak to these precious widows and orphans. Their hopes were high. Rodney and I were the first visitors from America. Some had never seen a muzungu (white man) Just seeing us made a few children cry. I shared from Eph 1, that we all have one Father who has adopted us into His family. That makes us all brothers and sisters. Before I closed, I assured them we came to help. We gave $500 to the village chief to use where needs are greatest (bags of millet for all). We then agreed to collaborate with Benson to meet future needs.

Then the village elder, Benson's father, announced that we are now part of his family...and Eph 1 was given new meaning!

HELP IS COMING TO KISUMU

Today we visit a village that is almost wiped out by AIDS. All young men have died, leaving many widows and orphans. A few older men and women remain. No gov't agency nor a single NGO (non-government org.) have come to this small village YET. After touring the public primary/elementary school, we were so impressed with the principal. In spite of buildings in the worst condition you can imagine, he remains after many years, teaching with passion. His prize student many years ago was my friend Benson Okundi. What a delight to hear Benson praise his teacher who instilled a passion for math. Today Benson is a successful CPA with Price Waterhouse. Benson and his wife Hellen are giving back to their village near Kisumu. They were the only ones helping...until God led us to go near. Today they need sponsors for mamas and children to get food and school uniforms. The school needs new desks and solar power to light the dark rooms. Will you join us to help this small village?