Chris Loehmer Kincaid's Blog, page 110
May 16, 2017
2017 Kenya Log Entry 11
I am back to Kenya again. Or I wish I was, instead of sitting here in Wisconsin, reliving our trip last month.
On Friday, April 7, we visited Mary Faith Women’s Shelter and School. Here girls and young women are taken off of the streets, out of dangerous situations and abusive relationships. They are given an education, and since most of them are pregnant or have small children, their children are given an education as well.
Sounds like a great place, until you see it. The staff are doing the best they can with what they have. I get that, but it doesn’t make it any easier to witness. It makes you want to take any – and all – of these kids home with you.
Some of the classrooms.
The courtyard, looking worse than it probably usually does due to rain the night before.
All the kids chipping in to do the laundry.
Raising chickens.
Growing a garden.
The kitchen.
My daughter Val, doing what she does best, helping out. While the rest of us wandered the grounds, she sat down, grabbed a plate and started sorting beans, much to the delight of the young women. These girls were all so beautiful, but because their abusers are still out there, I unfortunately can’t share any of their pictures. (I can’t imagine anyone would find their pictures here, but I must be respectful.)
Like daughter, like mother? I don’t know about that. I wasn’t all that helpful, but it doesn’t take much to just be in the moment.
On Friday, April 7, we visited Mary Faith Women’s Shelter and School. Here girls and young women are taken off of the streets, out of dangerous situations and abusive relationships. They are given an education, and since most of them are pregnant or have small children, their children are given an education as well.
Sounds like a great place, until you see it. The staff are doing the best they can with what they have. I get that, but it doesn’t make it any easier to witness. It makes you want to take any – and all – of these kids home with you.
Some of the classrooms. 
The courtyard, looking worse than it probably usually does due to rain the night before. 
All the kids chipping in to do the laundry. 
Raising chickens. 
Growing a garden. 
The kitchen. 
My daughter Val, doing what she does best, helping out. While the rest of us wandered the grounds, she sat down, grabbed a plate and started sorting beans, much to the delight of the young women. These girls were all so beautiful, but because their abusers are still out there, I unfortunately can’t share any of their pictures. (I can’t imagine anyone would find their pictures here, but I must be respectful.) 
Like daughter, like mother? I don’t know about that. I wasn’t all that helpful, but it doesn’t take much to just be in the moment. 
May 14, 2017
Happy Mother's Day
I have to be honest, I didn’t know what to write today. So I thought I would just post a bunch of old family pictures, showcasing, of course, Mom. Happy Mother’s Day to everyone out there. The weather is going to be beautiful here in the Northwoods. Get out and enjoy it.
May 11, 2017
2017 Kenya Log Entry 10
Here I am again, not being as productive as I had hoped. Fortunately, for you, I still have pictures to share from Hell’s Gate.
Here Boni and John are giving us instructions for hiking in the gorge.
Here we go down into it.
Somewhere along here is where my feet went out from under me and I came down on my left hand. That was five weeks ago, and it still hurts. I did have it x-rayed when I got home and it wasn’t broken. It is feeling much better though every day.
Rachel and Kenzie, our volunteers from back home, put up with a lot from me that day.
I don’t know how I would ever exit in case of emergency, but how reassuring. Not so much.
Rachel and Kenzie dealing with me again.
This is the point where Boni said, “we can go to the left up this canyon and see a lot and climb a lot and it will take a half an hour, or we can go the other way and be out in five minutes. Your choice.” As if I had a choice.
Our first major obstacle. I took this one like a champ. Too bad I melted down later on,
As if the rope at this emergency exit will save me.
Then just a few more bends and I hit the wall. If you didn’t read about that earlier this week, you’ll have to go back and check that out.
A beautiful place and truly worth it.
Here Boni and John are giving us instructions for hiking in the gorge.
Here we go down into it. 
Somewhere along here is where my feet went out from under me and I came down on my left hand. That was five weeks ago, and it still hurts. I did have it x-rayed when I got home and it wasn’t broken. It is feeling much better though every day. 
Rachel and Kenzie, our volunteers from back home, put up with a lot from me that day. 
I don’t know how I would ever exit in case of emergency, but how reassuring. Not so much. 
Rachel and Kenzie dealing with me again. 
This is the point where Boni said, “we can go to the left up this canyon and see a lot and climb a lot and it will take a half an hour, or we can go the other way and be out in five minutes. Your choice.” As if I had a choice. 
Our first major obstacle. I took this one like a champ. Too bad I melted down later on, 
As if the rope at this emergency exit will save me.
Then just a few more bends and I hit the wall. If you didn’t read about that earlier this week, you’ll have to go back and check that out. 
A beautiful place and truly worth it.
May 8, 2017
2017 Kenya Log Entry 9
I was going to stick to blogging about our work in Kenya and save our tourist activities until the end, but I started working on other stuff for the nonprofit tonight and ran out of time. It’s quicker to post a lot of pictures, without so many words and background information, so here’s how my day at Hell’s Gate National Park began.
You can either bike or ride in the comfort of the van through this part of the park, before getting to the canyon where I almost died. I knew that I would appreciate opting for the van over the bike ride.
We got to see lots of wildlife and the scenery which inspired the backdrop for “The Lion King”.
A beautiful place.
You can either bike or ride in the comfort of the van through this part of the park, before getting to the canyon where I almost died. I knew that I would appreciate opting for the van over the bike ride.
We got to see lots of wildlife and the scenery which inspired the backdrop for “The Lion King”.
A beautiful place.
May 7, 2017
Don't Let my Foot Slip
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let my foot slip— (Psalm 121, NIV)
We were at Hell’s Gate National Park in Kenya last month, hiking through this beautiful gorge. We got to what looks like a dead-end, and I’m thinking, yikes, we have to hike all the way back out.
Nope, we have to climb this wall.
I wish there was better documentation. Or, maybe not. After Rachel clambered up, I put my camera down and started getting myself psyched up. Anna scaled it next and then I told them, I have to go next or I never will.
I have never been so terrified before in my life. I kept telling them, I am too old to be doing this kind of nonsense.
All I can say now is –
Thank You Lord God for not letting my foot slip. Thank You for guiding my footsteps at all times. Amen.
We were at Hell’s Gate National Park in Kenya last month, hiking through this beautiful gorge. We got to what looks like a dead-end, and I’m thinking, yikes, we have to hike all the way back out. Nope, we have to climb this wall.
I wish there was better documentation. Or, maybe not. After Rachel clambered up, I put my camera down and started getting myself psyched up. Anna scaled it next and then I told them, I have to go next or I never will. I have never been so terrified before in my life. I kept telling them, I am too old to be doing this kind of nonsense.
All I can say now is –
Thank You Lord God for not letting my foot slip. Thank You for guiding my footsteps at all times. Amen.
May 4, 2017
2017 Kenya Log Entry 8
A little background information first.
Violence following the 2007 Kenyan presidential elections saw houses and businesses burned and over a half million people driven from their homes. 4,500 of these refugees set up camp beside the town of Maai Mahiu in the Rift Valley, building dwelling places out of any material they could find. Most homes were made from rice or potato bags and plastic shopping bags held up by sticks. These families never returned home, but now consider these camps their home.
Luckily, over the years, various charitable organizations have built homes for many of these families. Yet, ten years later, conditions for many have not improved much.
My daughter Val first visited these camps in 2010. I returned with her in 2013. Circumstances have gotten better, but there is still an oppressive air throughout the village. I visited again in 2015 and Val was there a year ago.
With every trip, we think, “something’s got to get better for these people.” But change is slow in coming. First there is the ravine which separates the school from the homes.
The roads into the community are long and dusty. When we were there last month, rain hadn’t fallen in a very long time.
There’s another ravine separating more homes from the outside world.
Many of the homes are now made of cement blocks. But many, such as this fairly new home, are made with cheaper materials.
The family that lives here was so happy and grateful to move into this house.
How’s the kitchen in your house compare to this? Think you still need stainless steel appliances and granite countertops?
Once this project is finished, it will be the best outhouse many of the people in this camp have had in ten years.
But some people are still making due with what they have.
Violence following the 2007 Kenyan presidential elections saw houses and businesses burned and over a half million people driven from their homes. 4,500 of these refugees set up camp beside the town of Maai Mahiu in the Rift Valley, building dwelling places out of any material they could find. Most homes were made from rice or potato bags and plastic shopping bags held up by sticks. These families never returned home, but now consider these camps their home.
Luckily, over the years, various charitable organizations have built homes for many of these families. Yet, ten years later, conditions for many have not improved much.
My daughter Val first visited these camps in 2010. I returned with her in 2013. Circumstances have gotten better, but there is still an oppressive air throughout the village. I visited again in 2015 and Val was there a year ago.
With every trip, we think, “something’s got to get better for these people.” But change is slow in coming. First there is the ravine which separates the school from the homes.
The roads into the community are long and dusty. When we were there last month, rain hadn’t fallen in a very long time. 
There’s another ravine separating more homes from the outside world.
Many of the homes are now made of cement blocks. But many, such as this fairly new home, are made with cheaper materials.
The family that lives here was so happy and grateful to move into this house. 
How’s the kitchen in your house compare to this? Think you still need stainless steel appliances and granite countertops?
Once this project is finished, it will be the best outhouse many of the people in this camp have had in ten years.
But some people are still making due with what they have.
May 3, 2017
2017 Kenya Log Entry 7
Wednesday, April 5, was the big day for our teaching at Southern Cross Academy, the school at the SIDP camp at Maai Mahiu.
First, we gave our presentation to the older kids, grades 6, 7 and 8.
They all know and speak English very well, and actually could have taught us. We gave it our best shot though.
Next up were the younger kids, grades 3, 4, and 5.
Samson, our driver, even gave us a hand.
After our presentation, Kenzie and Rachel sang Old McDonald Had a Farm for them, and they joined right in.
Then they sang us a song. Their little voices are so sweet.
Last we had some play-time with them, before we left for the day.
When we return the following week, we will be delivering the rabbits to the school.
First, we gave our presentation to the older kids, grades 6, 7 and 8.
They all know and speak English very well, and actually could have taught us. We gave it our best shot though.
Next up were the younger kids, grades 3, 4, and 5.
Samson, our driver, even gave us a hand.
After our presentation, Kenzie and Rachel sang Old McDonald Had a Farm for them, and they joined right in.
Then they sang us a song. Their little voices are so sweet. 
Last we had some play-time with them, before we left for the day. 
When we return the following week, we will be delivering the rabbits to the school.
May 1, 2017
2017 Kenya Log Entry 6
Tuesday morning, with our two volunteers back from Safari and ready to jump into things, we headed out to see the rabbit project headquarters.
We met the two people in charge, Isaac and Irene. After receiving some information on the project, we went with Irene to see the rabbit demonstration farm. 
We were shown how to pick up and hold a rabbit. 
And we each made friends with the one we got to hold. 
All of the rabbits were friendly and looked well-cared for. 
Then, since we thought we now knew everything there was to raising rabbits, we went back to the volunteer house to work on our presentation. 
Rachel and Kenzie decided to revisit last year’s chicken project and teach about the life cycle of the chicken. That left the rabbit teaching to me
You’ll have to check back next time to see how our presentation turned out.
April 30, 2017
God Bless the Children
5 Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.6 He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— he remains faithful forever.7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.The Lord sets prisoners free,8 the Lord gives sight to the blind,the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.9 The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.Psalm 146 (New International Version)
Various children we met in Kenya along with their living conditions.God bless them all.
You can help bless them too. Donate here:https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/149000
Or mail your tax-deductible donation to:
Tumaini Volunteers, Inc, PO Box 726, Wausau, WI 54402
April 28, 2017
2017 Kenya Log Entry 5
Finally, Monday afternoon we rode out to Southern Cross Academy to see the work on the rabbit project. The week before, Tumaini Volunteers had wired the money to Marafiki, so that they could buy the building materials to start the hutches.
We were pleasantly surprised by how much work had been done. They assured us that the hutches would be finished by the next week, before the rabbits would be delivered.
When we returned to the school two days later, the hutches were looking good and were almost done. The plan was to take the rabbits to their new home the following Tuesday. You will have to wait a few days to read about how that turned out.
In the meantime, in case you are asking yourself why we started this project, here’s why.
We were pleasantly surprised by how much work had been done. They assured us that the hutches would be finished by the next week, before the rabbits would be delivered. 
When we returned to the school two days later, the hutches were looking good and were almost done. The plan was to take the rabbits to their new home the following Tuesday. You will have to wait a few days to read about how that turned out. 
In the meantime, in case you are asking yourself why we started this project, here’s why. 
