Our goal for 2008 has been reached and surpassed!!!!

 

Our goal for 2008 was to purchase 10 acres of land in order to build a larger school/dormitory and have the capabilities to meet the needs of many more children in Mtwapa, Kenya and the surrounding communities. We surpassed that goal by completing the purchase of 23 acres of land in January 2009!!! Thank you so very much for everything you did to help us accomplish this incredible goal!

The land is very fertile and includes property along the edge of a river. There is plenty of space to build the school, offices, dormitories, etc along the ridge while leaving the slopes for growing crops. There are already crops growing (maize, casava, beans, banana trees, mango trees, etc) which proves that the space is ideal for sustainable crops. There is even flat space down below which will make a wonderful football (soccer) field.

 

The Best Day of Our Lives!

When the purchase was virtually complete, we piled all 44 children who live at the school into a vehicle and took them to the land. They didn't even know we were thinking about purchasing a larger piece of property so they were quite surprised! It was the best day of all our lives - complete with swimming in the river, climbing mango trees, exploring the new land, eating lots of food (goat meat, soda, bread, and fruit!!!), playing football, and rejoicing at a dream come true and a truly wonderful future for each of us!!! We definitely have a reason to continue smiling!!!

As James once said, "I can't wait until I live in a place where I can spread out my arms and not touch anyone!" Well, James... you're not touching anyone!!!! Your dream has come true!!!!

 

One Goal Reached... A lot of Work Ahead of Us!

The purchase of the property means that one large goal has been reached but it also means that we have a lot of work ahead of us! Our goal for 2009 is to build a school (classes 1-9) and a dormitory (capable to housing over 100 students); as well as office space, large kitchens, numerous toilet facilities, etc. Our five year goal is to have a large school (classes 1-12) and trade schools (where students can learn how to cook, sew, build, and farm) in order to provide hundreds of children with hope for the future. We also plan on growing many crops in order to at least partially sustain the school and create a steady income by selling them to members of the community. We would also like to open a health clinic and meet the needs of more people in the surrounding communities. One goal has been accomplished but the work is far from over! We would appreciate your continued support in order to reach our future goals!