My plans recently were to set up a donated iPad, work on a Mission Moment video and configure a computer to work with the projector but Kenya Power thought better of those plans. Electricity went out mid-morning so no wi-fi, worked on video until battery went out and couldn’t even begin the computer/projector project.
We did turn on the generator but only because we needed to pump water, however I did use that opportunity to write this blog post:
We have a secondary student who needed dental work done because he had a permanent tooth removed. Two generous donors helped cover the cost, which the dentist gave us upon seeing the boy several weeks ago. When he went to the dentist to begin the procedure our social worker called and said the dentist would need 4000/- ksh more (about $50 and a 25% increase in the original cost). When we asked why the dentist was changing his cost he (the dentist) told us he didn’t see that the boy was actually missing two teeth (next to each other) because of the blood. Now, I would assume the boy didn’t go in with a mouth full of blood and the dentist would have had a clear view of his mouth at that time, but who am I to say, I’m not the “professional”.
This is just one of a myriad of situations we run into on a daily basis and to be honest, for me, it gets quite frustrating to not be able to trust the competence of those “professionals” to actually do their job and do it well.
Forgive my cynicism, it had been a crazy few days (we’d been out of electricity more than we had it) and I realize what occurs here at C4KK does not come close to what many in this country endure on a daily basis. I am thankful our kids are eating every day, they are being educated, they are healthy and our donors continue to assist us in this ministry.
God did give me a bright spot though during this frustration. Dickson, a secondary student we are assisting (he doesn’t live at C4KK but was here during school break tutoring) came up to me and said “I have no words to express how grateful I am that you and dad have assisted me thus far. I am the only person in my clan (extended family) who has made it to Form 4 (12th grade) and I look forward to my future so that I can help my community. It’s all because of God’s grace this has occurred.”
We don’t do what we do for a pat on the back or thanks, but that sure was music to my ears in the midst of a chaotic couple of days, thank you Father for this boy who loves You.
Forgive me if I don’t relay those “bright spots” often enough to those who contribute to this ministry and the Benevolence projects but I pray you are blessed knowing you are helping the widows and orphans God has placed in our path.