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Day 5 on the ground in Kakamega dawned bright and clear. We were up and out the door by 8 am. Following the bumpy but beautiful road was a pleasure; the team singing praises to God as we were bouncing along the way to Arise and Shine. Arise and Shine is a preschool supported by Voice of Hope. Visiting there is always a highlight for the team. Story time, coloring, singing, craft, games and bubbles galore!
From there we visited Rose, the first of 7 widows for the day. Space will not permit me to let you know about each of them but will share two with you.
We got to meet a delightful set of twins born to Rose’s son and daughter-in-law. After updating and many snuggles with the little ones we trundled off.
Close by there was an elderly widow we were asked to visit. We had been alerted by one of our faithful boda boda drivers of her dire need. Just two of the team went to check on this elderly woman. Indeed, his concern was well founded. We were met by a man who was painfully hobbling toward us to greet us. We entered the one room, blazing hot hut and were greeted by Regina, an 84-year-old. The tin roof had multiple holes. There was only one bed. It was for Regina. Henry, the man who met us is her grandson, the only living one left in her family (other than a grandson who has not been heard of for years). He has to sleep on the floor. In the corner next to the bed was a dark little square area where they would cook on an open fire. One chair. Last year’s crop of maize netted 6kg. When asked how she lives, she admitted she begs for food.
Three months ago Henry had a bad fall in which he damaged his hip. He had gone to the doctor but because of lack of funds did not follow up on the recommended x-ray with the result that now he can barely walk. Immediately we made arrangements to get the proper medical help for both Regina and Henry. The house will be replaced and nutritious food provided.
What a humbling privilege to be enabled to help this destitute widow, her as well as so many others.
Psalm 68: Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds, his name is the LORD – and rejoice before him. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.
