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November 2006

Projects of Hope was very blessed this month as Foundation for Sustainable Development Kenya Program Coordinator - Lillian, Projects of Hope/FSD Program Director - Peter, and former intern and good friend - Jessica, visited with the women of Yote Yawezekana.

They have shared stories, photos and reports about how Projects of Hope is making a difference in the community. I've included a couple excerpts, but suffice it to say, the many stories and kind words had me in tears (the happy kind).  I am extremely grateful for their encouragement, support and commitment to making Projects of Hope a success.

Let us continue to share our blessings and encourage our friends in Kenya to use their many gift and strengths to find hope and new life in their community.

Maize Project Update: The harvest is complete! The following photos show some of the happy results.

Above: Women of Yote Yawezekana with Harvested sacks of dried maize

Above: Joyfully dancing in celebration!

From Jessica: "First of all, I just want to let you know how much of an impact Projects of Hope has been having in Shikokho.  You should be so proud! Julius told me Shanna has become a household name, and it is actually true. Every time we passed a school on the way from Malinya to Shikokho, Peter would be telling me about children who went there through your organizing and fundraising. We also went to visit some of the children's homes who are being supported by Projects of Hope. Even though most of them have been going through very hard times, they were so grateful and smiling about the opportunities opened up to them in being able to attend school.  To give some examples: Lenah, who is in Standard 4, lost both her parents and is now living with her grandmother, is #1 in her class at Shikohko Primary.  We also visited Cornelius Shilongo, whose mother Benedina was in the hospital when we came. He was smiling and seemed very proud of attending secondary school, where he is in form 1.

We also went to meet the women's group.  They were so happy and upbeat, and they were singing and dancing for me when I arrived.  We all went around and said a few words, and I thought you would be happy to hear some of the things they said, paraphrasing somewhat. Jacinta  told us "When Shanna first came to visit me I was very ill and  I thought I would soon be dead.  But now I have enough to eat, my children are in school, and I look very fat!"  Zipeter, who owns the shop next to the tailor's in Malinya, said "When we lost our husbands, we lost hope.  Everyone around was saying that we would be dead in a week and we thought so too.  But now because of Projects of Hope we have hope for the future and a reason to live.  We feel like we can survive even longer than those who were whispering about us before." Frieda, who sells vegetables in Malinya, said "When I first found I had HIV I was afraid to sit with people, because I thought they would not want to be near me.  But now I feel free and I am not afraid to be with others." 

From Lillian: "The results speak for themselves, in the form of all of these wonderful women who are still smiling in spite of all the seemingly insurmountable difficulties that life has dealt them, and in their children, who are fed, happy, and receiving an education that will help them to get a step ahead in their own futures."

On a very sad note, many of the women in the widows group are HIV positive. Gladys and Beatryce passed away and are sadly missed by the group.  Please keep all the women and their children in your prayers as they struggle with the affects of this disease and the recent deaths of those they love so dearly.

Projects of Hope Companions Letter 2006