All Over Kenya 2018 11 03

This past week was a whirlwind.  I feel like we drove all over south Kenya and then back again.  In reality, the kilometers probably weren’t all that much, but when you add in the speed bumps, the cows, the goats, the motorcycles, the SLOW trucks…..did I mention the speed bumps?  What should be a couple hours stretches into 3 or 4.  I traveled with Pastor Simon Kariuki to see 2 new locations and visit one I did training at last year.  Pastor also has a garden with drip irrigation at his house.  

The people we’ve shared the drip irrigation technology love it for the most part.  We have a complication here or there, with each location presenting a different challenge.  Pastor Simon is an avid supporter and promoter of the drip system and conservation practices.  And the electric fence to keep the monkeys out is working too!  He is tweaking the system we provided last year to make it a little more monkey proof.  Those guys are determined!  Pastor must have some good vegetables!   

This has been a busy trip.  As I reflect, I am just humbled that God chose me to be a part of what is happening in these locations.  Many times, I am told that I am the first mzungu (white man) to visit a location.  And many times, I am told I am the first person to come help teach about agriculture.  It is such a big deal for someone to come into these areas, whether it is a South Sudanese refugee camp in Uganda or a bush village in Kenya.  One older farmer in one of the camps was so thankful for us coming that he gave us a chicken to cook for our meal on the second day we were there.  I was given eggs at another location just to thank me for coming to visit.  The ladies at another camp location had a parade for me after lunch…..complete with dancing, singing, and tree branches.  They presented me with a lovely gift to mark my visit.  Really?  I’m just an old farmer from South Carolina.  This appreciation confirms that what we are doing is needed and wanted.  So glad to be a part of it.  

My brain is full and my heart is too.  I look forward to seeing how we can press on in touching more lives in East Africa.

A dry river bed in Kitui Kenya. Dixon, the guy in the rear on the left is a Mobile Messenger with With Open Eyes. His wife Judith is on the right.  Below is a picture of Dixon and Judith's garden.