What time has brought

In 5 weeks time we've accomplished the following at Faraja:

1. Established the orphanage on Fadhili's list of orphanages to be at. Not only have we had people transfer to the orphanage (Amy, Lauren, and How will replace us for the next month), but they even delivered three bags of toys and blankets for the children.

2. Made the chicken coop "sustainable". We went from under 20 eggs daily to over 70 eggs daily. The coop was sectioned off to guarantee fertilized eggs which go for 25ksh instead of 8ksh for un-fertilized. Omari is paying off a debt quickly and has been set up with Kiva.org to begin conversations to receive a micro-loan. (If this happens I will mass email all so we can fund the project)

3. Health and hygiene has improved. We moved the fire so the smoke is no longer affecting children, cleaned the house properly, and have been working with the kids about coughing and hygiene.

4. Plans are in place. We finally contacted the landlord and now understand that Faraja was penalized with no water and electricity because prior tenants had 2 years worth of back debt. Their payment history will be looked into and they may receive those amenities. Also, the landlord approved of a plan to draw water from the local farm to give free water to the orphanage. These are high hopes, but progress is something. Finally, How has been educated on the farming/garden project and will undertake it when the rainy season starts in September.

5. Education. I passed along the grouping plans to Amy, Lauren, and How and they will take time in the day to review with the children as they are on holiday until September.

6. Incentives matter. My deal with the water merchant working and our replacements are fine with continuing "the deal". 220ksh for 220L of water is more than fair and will allow more work to be done at the orphanage.

Tomorrow will be a VERY difficult day. It's our last, don't really want to talk about it.

I will also update with images and video so please check back when I put some posts on FB. See you around . . .