I really enjoy the work and lifestyle here. Today we attended church in Kenya, enjoyed potluck lunch then home for relaxing afternoon at home. I sit by our kitchen window enjoying a cool breeze, laughter of children playing outside, getting ready to host Rafiki visitors for dinner. We have a team here conducting 2 week med clinic. It is very stimulating to meet new friends from US who come here to serve.
Monday morning I will drive our kids into Nairobi for school, back to Rafiki village where I will begin taking over the Purchasing department. Afternoons will be spent meeting with our teenage students, helping with vocational arts programs and encouraging our VA teacher, Gabriel Kagiri. I believe he is the most important employee we have. As a young college grad, he is a passionate teacher and strong role model for our 16-20yr old students.
Friday Gabriel took me to meet a prospective jewelry supplier. Girls in our VA program make jewelry for resale at Rafiki Exchange in US. We buy cowbone precut and sanded. We "interviewed" Michael whose production facility consists of a cutting blade spinning from 1hp motor nailed to a post, wired to open unwrapped live wires hanging from utility pole. Cowbones at his feet, Michael cuts raw materials then finishes at his home. We walked to his home in the ghettos of Njeru. Open sewage ran down the dirt path to his door. We pushed open a steel door to courtyard with laundry hanging, women and children gathered outside the open air courtyard. Michael approached a heavy metal door, unlocked it and welcomed us in to a steel box about 10ft. by 10ft. A sheet divided the room with bed on one side and table and chair on the other. One window was open for circulation and light. In this small room he paints and finishes cowbone jewelry. Each Saturday he takes his goods to the large mall in Nairobi and sells from booths set up in the parking lot. Rings and earings for 20 ksh (about $0.30). After he pays rent and other randomly assessed fees, he may make enough for a few meals each week.
Gabriel and I decided to become his new customer and buy raw materials from him weekly. I was so inspired to share the conviction with Gabriel of helping local vendors. My investment in Gabriel will bring return in the lives of our 16 Rafiki students. Today that's why I am in Kenya:-)
Lewis
Monday, September 10, 2007
Blog update from Lewis
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2 comments:
Thanks for doing God's work! For being His hands, feet, eyes, and ears on this earth.
awesome! it is refreshing to have teams from the States come and visit, right? I can relate to that. We have teams come visit us from the States often and I find it very refreshing! :)
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