I sit here a week after Thanksgiving, and am giving thanks for so much.
Family, friends, face book acquaintances, people I have never met.
I have to admit, that since sitting down to seriously start Ameena Project at the end of August that I have had some serious moments of DOUBT and FEAR and ANXIETY.
I knew that Ameena Project could commit to the people and community of Kiang’ombe. But what I didn’t trust was whether we could rally the support and financial means to provide the resources to do so.
With faith even as small as a mustard seed, amazing things can still happen….
Not knowing if we would continue to draw in the financial support needed to cover subsequent monthly expenses, we wired funds to Kenya in November to buy all start up supplies and to begin paying staff salaries.
Mercy, our head teacher, emailed immediately with this response as the work began on the construction of necessary new toilets at the school location in Kiang’ombe:
“….we are avoiding expensive materials since the villagers are eager that the project commences and they don’t want the toilet to be a hindrance. They were even ready to construct and leave it uncemented so long as it starts…..The place [of the toilet] is more of a quarry [heavy rocks ] and digging [down] feet is a task of it’s own kind , but they are hard working I can’t complain. We’ve opted to continue and know where it will take us . Meanwhile, we are shopping on start ups , only priorities and the rest can wait, and also trying to shop before the prices are affected due to the festive season. Blessings to those of Ameena Project.”
There continues to be great excitement among the community of Kiang’ombe, and among the staff supported by Ameena Project. Already, in this partnership, Hillary & Mercy are learning to work together, look for local solutions (rather than just answers from us, the wazungu), and to problem solve and administrate within their means. They are increasing in their ability to lead change in their community and in their own lives.
This is something to be incredibly thankful for!
And, to encourage it all, and to put my doubt, anxiety and fear at bay……support for Ameena Project came in this month in unexpected ways and amounts. I hope to share more of those stories soon!