THANK YOU !!!

Hello my friends!!!!! I wanted to make sure to send you a note before the year ends. We have gone through a lot during this past year. As 2008 is closing, I need to thank you.

Personally, so many of you have been there for me both with my own crazy life and also this wild ride called Comfort the Children. I don't think I can really write how deeply I love you and how much you mean to me. But I can try. What I feel is without you none of this is possible. I would not be the person I am today nor be able to take on these challenges if I did not have such an amazing support structure. I am a blessed, I know this. We all have hard times in our lives but with you I know I can accomplish anything. So here's to you, why the hell you even want to be my support structure, now that is the crazy part :) I try to run from myself at times so knowing you stick around is mad. Thanks for being those endless rocks in my life.

I also want to specially thank all those who over the past year have supported CTC and the projects in Kenya. Your donations and positive words of support are what have always kept us going. I am so happy to know we have added so many new CTC members to the crew and your kindness through making donations makes me personally proud to call you a friend. You never have to make any effort and that you do says so much about your love for others.

So Happy New Year my friends. I wish you were all here with me so we could throw a huge party and ring in the new year together. I will cheers you tonight and look forward to seeing you soon.

Love you!!!!!!!

New Classrooms Completed

We are expanding!!!! Well, yes, sort of growing but really just improving the current classrooms for the disabled children. Basically, we are taking one of the larger rooms we currently use as a store room and turning that into a classroom. And one of the dukas (shops) next to our current office vacated recently so we took over that and converted a huge room to a classroom. The previous two classrooms were great but small. The children were cramped. Now they can spread their wings and create more havoc. CTC has not given up the smaller classrooms though. What we have done is convert one into Mama Peter's (the malaika kids cook) kitchen. Currently, she is cooking in a side little alcove on the ground. No doors and not sanitary enough for the children. We were originally limited on space so we made it work but now even Mama is moving up :) The other old classroom has been turned into our new store room.

As many of you know my Bro, Luke, is in Kenya visiting and has been a rock star. He's been helping with any task put in front of him. The big challenge for the two of us was to get the new classrooms painted and ready for the children who return on Jan. 5th. It took a few days to get it complete but with Luke's great help painting we were able to complete a few days ago. The large wall hangings you see in the pics are the same as I wrote in a recent blog. They were donated by SEP (Special Education Professionals) and made by the fathers and mothers of the children. They look fabulous now with newly painted walls. I'll be updating with pics soon of the children using the new classrooms.

Personally, completing jobs and having a visual outcome to look at really does make work here all that much more enjoyable. Every day for me seems to be another adventure and rewarding experience. To be able to work along side my brother was a blessing. And to know our work has really nothing to do with us, nor benefit us personally in any way is .........Well you know at XMAS when you get a gift it feels one way. Wonderful, sure. But to give a gift. Now that is something COMPLETELY different. To watch a loved one open a little treasure from you and see the reaction is something special There is a deep, pure loving feeling that comes from giving. And I know Luke and I surely felt this during our painting expedition. I just hope the children will enjoy the rooms as much as Luke and I did to prepare them.

Until next post............

Drip Feed Pilot Program

We are off to the races!!!!  After our very successful community garden in town of which you have all seen pics, the next challenge....How do we get drip feed technology into the hands of the community?   Rocky and I have been working to develop a plan to roll out small, individual drip feed systems that are cheap and easy to install.   We have developed a 5 row, each 17 feet long with a 5 gallon bucket to supply the water.  Most of this system is sources locally in Maai Mahiu which also supports us supporting local community.  We had two well wishers out of the States (you know who you are and THANK YOU) who were very excited about this program and came forward a month ago to fund the initial 10 systems.  Each system costs $20 and that includes employing a local young man, John, to set the system up with the family.  So we not only give access to new technology for a family but also employ young, hard working individuals from MM.  One of the big issues with the town is lack of employment.  

judge the progress and if it works then move forward with another 5.  My hope is we have these systems installed in 50, 100....who knows maybe hundreds of families in Maai Mahiu.  We will also install sack gardens eventually which work out to be $3 a garden completely installed.  An very important part of this project was total family commitment.   The family has to be present for the installation and help through the entire process.  If they don't show up we don't install.  There needs to be ownership and through the installation John can education the family on how and why the system works.   

We have currently installed 3 systems with the other two being done this week.  The first was to one of the HIV patients we help support with food.  He has not been able to work so they are very desperate.  I included a picture of a man with his children working.  Truly amazing to see a person work even though he's so sick.   The second two families are those of grandmothers (ShoShos) from our community garden project.  They believe in our systems and constantly talk about how well the garden is progressing.  For us this is great press within the community.   The hope is those families surrounding the ones already with a drip system will talk and ask for the system also.    I also included a photo of John our project manager.  He had a long days work in the hot sun taking a well deserved rest.   In the future it would be nice to know we can employ him at least part time installing systems.  Who knows maybe we can turn this into a multiple employee business.....

I'll be updating pictures in the next month or two and show progress on the systems.  Thank you again to the donors who have funded this project.  CTC is low on funds currently so those who decide they want to adopt a program really help take off stresses.  Also, many new ideas are hard to get on the budget so working outside the box is pretty quick and successful.....

What would we do without partners?

What would we do without partners? Special Education Professionals (SEP) came to Maai Mahiu last week for one of their amazing toy making workshops. They hold these all over Nairobi building wall hanging, interactive toys for many facilities that take care of disabled children. Karolien, Edmond (physical therapist) and her two carpenters came with all supplies for a full day of work. They were very clear with us that they will bring the materials and expertise but we needed to supply mothers, fathers, brothers etc. who would work to make the toys. Not only did every mother participate, but so did various men from the families. We invited many but never knew who would show up. In fact, there were at times to many chefs in the toy kitchen but then we are not ever going to complain with extra help. It just goes to show the constant support shown by the community of Maai Mahiu.

The first picture is of one carpenter building feeding chairs for Danson and Francis. Both of these boys have cerebral palsy and cannot do much without the constant aid of those that look after them.. How their mothers do it on a daily basis and for an entire life is truly beyond dedication....it's sainthood really. The new chairs were built for the boys at their homes. Currently, they both have chairs at our facility just like the ones being built that were measured exactly for them. The issue is when they went home after our daycare and on the weekends there was no chair to aid. Back to laying on their backs. So SEP graciously volunteered to have home units made. I'll update with some pictures in the near future of the boys at home in the chairs. The second picture is of Francis who is in the standing aid supplied by SEP. This came last time they visited and allows these boys to look upright and work on standing muscles that have atrophied from years of inactivity. All donated by SEP!!!

The third picture is of Karolien who runs SEP and John our resident artist. One comment she made was that normally things like sewing and artistic touches are not around during a workshop but since we have all the ladies sewing just next store and John who is a great painter, it allowed for an easy day without interruption. John is putting the face on a lady who Karolien has made hair by which the children will play, putting clips and braiding to practice hand eye coordination. The fourth picture is of the men painting and working on a big domino set used by the children to practice matching and numbers. Damn I love dominos!!!!! These children have no clue what they are in for, domination :) I swear these toys are going to be used by me more than any little one. Ah well there have to upsides to it all, right?

The last picture is of my "little" (he'll hate that) bro, Luke. He joining in on the normal morning songs that start the day for the children. I was so impressed by him. He arrived from San Francisco the night before and by the time we got home and in bed it was 1AM but he was up at 7 and jumped right in. Talking about thrown into the fire head first. But he thrived. And that is so impressive. It takes people some time to feel comfortable especially around the children with disability. I think for people these children can show the weakness in human beings. And so with that we feel very insecure and awkward. But Luke did not, he bonded very quickly with them and they loved him for it. What we all realize working with these little ones is they are the same as any other child. They just have a bit more to struggle with in life. But that does not damper their spirit in any way. They are truly Malaikas .......Angels!!!!

We are retrofitting two new classrooms for the children before New Years that will be much bigger and better laid out. New paint, etc. Also, I'd like to start in the New Year employing on a part time basis a physical therapist to work with the children to improve motor skills. If anyone is interested in contributing to buying new mats for the floors, paint for the walls, additional learning material please let me know. Also, CTC has no funds to employ a physical therapist and anyone who wants to call this their baby we would be greatly appreciate. I have not done the exact numbers but it will be less than $100 a month for a therapist.

Thank you all for your constant support and please keep in touch we me. I know I am far away but I love hearing from you.

I'm Back !!!!!!

Hello Everyone!!! So sorry if I have been quiet for awhile, I went home at my 6 month to visit family. Thanksgiving has never been so good....I really never felt that writing about home was all that interesting to you so I've been MIA. But I just arrived into Kenya and back to the swing of things. Today was our Monday weekly staff meeting which serves as a sounding board for the managers of projects to voice their opinions and supply updates. So many great things happening and I will be updating the blog this week with pics.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, is going to be both a sad and exciting day for me. Weird here how that seems to always be the case. First the sad part. Alison Costain, our Kenya National Director, is leaving for good. Well, I know she'll be back to visit and be part of CTC always so FOR GOOD is always relative. But she's decided to head back to Vancouver. We are going to miss her!!!! Al has been the central force over the past year who has built our facility Maai Mahiu, created so many quality projects and created a solid foundation for CTC. We could never have done what you see now as CTC without her. As an organization we are so thankful to have Al give her time and dedication for nearly a year and a half. A woman on her own in Kenya is truly inspiring, this place can be hard on people, but especially a woman. And that Al was able to get so much accomplished even against the odds is truly amazing. I have worked with her over the past 6 months and she's been a great friend and mentor. She has skills I wish to possess and hope to develop and has been truly welcoming to me. It's been fabulous sharing a house in Kabuku with her and creating so many memories!!! On a personal level I will miss her dearly and wish her all the best. I know that it's time for her to move on and she is going to be so happy teaching again. It's truly her calling! So Alison if you read this I love you and so does CTC and we appreciate all you have done for the organization. And I thank you for the great friend you have been to me. This is not the end "GIRL" so see you soon :)

And the exciting part, my bro is coming tomorrow night. I actually drop Alison at the airport and my bro arrives an hour later. All the way from good ole U.S of A. First time for him in Africa. It's going to be so special to be able to show him around and have some good adventures. The plan is to work a bunch in Maai Mahiu and then take a few trips. He's staying until just after New Years so here's to a good Dillon XMAS and New Years in Kenya. This country has no clue what it's in for .........

Boys Dormitory FINISHED!!!

This is a follow up to the recent post about our moving the boys at Good Shepherd to their own dorm.  Thanks to a generous donation from a well wisher, we were able to finish the siding, paint, add a lantern to the room and metal boxes for each boy.   Now they can have a place for the little bit of clothing they possess, some toiletries and such.  It was such a good day!!   My good friend Joe Merrell, who is out visiting, and I threw up the rest of the plywood.  And as I rushed to get a paint brush, Joe worked for a few hours rolling the walls with a good color for boys, Sky Blue.   There was a point when all the children came into the new dorm and you could just see the excitement on their faces.  Jane, the caretaker, told us it now looked like a bedroom.....comfortable.    That statement really did sum it up for me.  Simple gestures of love that mean the world to these boys who have so little.  Good stuff!!!!

Once we were done I brought the boys in to sit with Joe and take a few shots.  I think the smile on Joe's face says it all.  Again, thank you for the donation!!!  You know who you are and it means the world to the boys.  It's gestures like yours that make their lives easier.   Asante Sana!!!!!!  Oh and thanks Joe for coming out and giving your time.  The boys thought you rocked!!!!!  I included a picture of a drawing of Joe and I on the chalkboard.  Yes that is about how we look..

Bosch Boys

So here's the story.  Weeks ago the windshield wipers on the Pajero broke.  Motor went out.  Now in the "West" getting that part and fixing it would be as easy as an appointment.  But just before Joe, John and I were to leave for the trip to the Mara and go on game drives I took it to that "appointment". Which included driving around to every possible Mitsubishi dealer to find a replacement motor.   I think you can already guess, never happened.  Well as this is Kenya and you need to make it work, the boys did.  An idea, inspiration really out of desperation.  Basically, Joe and I figured we could make our own wipers.  You can call us the Bosch Boys.  As you can see from the pics we took a heavy twine and tied a line to each wiper.  Joe held one and I held the other as he was the wingman and I drove.  When it rained I would pull to the right, and Joe pulled back.  Now as crazy as this sounds it actually worked.  Most of the time.  This all assumed Joe and I had our shit together to pay attention.  If one was off the whole system seemed to fail.  So really it all came down to our team.   Oh and another technical problem, it was raining pretty hard on a dirt road.  If you hit a big puddle made in a huge pot hole and it rushes over the windshield, the Bosch System seems to over load.  We're working on that technical issue.  You are more than welcome to use the new system but be warned it is patented so please reference the creaters so we don't have to send the Kenyan Secret Police :)

Masai School Classroom FINISHED!!

Another rewarding day yesterday, Tuesday, as we completed the first classroom at one of the local Masai communities.  This project was first started in July when the Faith and Healing team worked all day to put up the walls and start the rafters.  We ran a bit over budget so had to scramble to make sure the facility was built.  It has taken longer than expected but then TIK "This is Kenya".  And for those of you who have been here or who even read this blog regularly know what I'm talking about.  Sometimes just completing a job is the biggest reward, scrapping the time table is often necessary.  I have included pictures that show the progression of the classroom.  As you can see there is still the room to the left which has not been completely.  Again, this is due to lack of funds.  This too will happen, no time frame :)

We worked all day yesterday, well I should say the fundis (laborers) worked their asses off. As did Rocky, Joe and John.  Spending most of the day on the roof finishing the rafters, securing the roof and then laying the mumbati (tin sheeting).   By the end we had a big classroom that will now house a class of 25 Masai children.   The community is so excited to finally not be sharing the church that is also a tin shed, with the school.  To say things were cramped is an understatement.  Thank you to the first team in July for coming out and working so hard to start the project.  Also, thanks to the donor, no name needed, who funded this classroom.   I hope soon enough to update you on the completion of the second classroom.  

Joe in the Wild

As  many of you know a very good friend and also big supporter of CTC, Joe Merrell, is out visiting until late October.  It's been really good to just hang.  We spent a few days this week exposing Ghetto Joe to the wilds of Kenya, the Masai Mara.   We spent two nights at this fabulous ranch/farm on the edge of the reserve.  The bandas were amazing with Joe even having a bathtub that overlooked the Mara River.  Damn Joe life is good :)  It was a dude trip with another bud, John Mazor, Joe and I.  We spent a full day on drives looking for the big five: lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino and leopard.  And we did it!!!!  I included a few great shots of some of the wildlife, the boys on top of the Pajero and some shots of the place we stayed.  It's truly a blessing to spend time with good friends in a place in Africa that is touched by so much beauty.  The trip was such a gift.  The nights around the fire bullshitting, and if you know me well you know that is A LOT, were some of the best times.  I really also enjoyed watching Joe see it for the first time.  We saw so many Discovery shows on these places and to see them first hand blows your mind.  I think there were many times Joe was left speechless.    

To see these animals in the wild, it hits hard that they should never be kept in zoos.  It's not right as these animals are too majestic for that crap.  OK I'm going to stop writing now, I think the pictures tell the whole story.    Can't wait for my bro to come in December.  You get to see this too LUKE :)

CTC Open House

Sorry this post is a bit late....  Have a good friend from home visiting for a few weeks and we went out to the Mara to see the animals.  I'll post a blog on that subject next.  

But the most important update is to highlight another great day in Maai Mahiu.   A week ago today, Saturday, CTC held it's first Open Day.  The plan was to invite all the stake holders from the community to show the projects and work on growing unity within the town.  It went very well.  I think we would have like to have more people come but there were apprx. 40 community members including several key government officials.  Most importantly the MP for the district came all the way from Nairobi to be part of the day.   He led very good discussions at each program site.  It was wonderful to see the "top dog" appreciating our efforts..  He even pushed the Chiefs representative to give us the rights to use an acre plot in town for an additional community garden.  We are not there yet in actually having funding nor the plans totally laid out but the promise is there.   How amazing could it be if the town had various community gardens producing quality vegetables and employing local people?   Now all we have to do is get it in writing.  I have included a few photos of the MP at the garden and Malaika Moms, Malaika kids in sashes and a few random shots of the day.

Overall the day went smooth and we had various CTC volunteers along with Rocky and Ken working crowd control.  Alison worked her butt off managing the day and gave a few great speeches on what can be done if we all work together.  I think the vibe definitely was one of being impressed.  Many people commented on how much the work is helping the community.  The plan now is to work those relationships to enhance the current projects.  We also need to target working with the community on cleaning up the town, drainage issues, goats eating everything and well the list goes on .  But then what would development work be if there weren't more "to do" on our long list, right?

Friday of Play and BIG HELP

This Friday CTC had the privilege of hosting two groups at the Malaika Kids facility.  Both were there to help in very different ways and each so important.  The first is called Sarakazi.  They are a Dutch/Kenyan Trust who support the performing arts in Kenya.  A good friend of CTC, Fernande Verwiel, brought 3 young men who are amazing clowns, artists, acrobats and really awesome with children.  They entertained a group of the children with puppets, games, songs, skits and many funny performances.  They really were wonderful and kept the children (and adults) laughing constantly.  The children really had never seen anything like those few hours of pure hilarity and fun.  I included a few pics of Mike dressed as a clown with furry glasses.   A few hand puppets and the boys at their best.  Also, a picture of Fernande with some of the Malaika girls.  I personally wanted to thank them for taking the time to drive the hour to Maai Mahiu from Nairobi and donate precious time to the children.  It was a day they will never forget and we hope to work with Sarakazi in the future.  We both have the same goal, taking care of children and creating smiles as often as possible.

The second group is called SEP.  They organize and train special education teachers and caretakers on how to better work with children with unique needs.  They were also wonderful.  Karolien, picture included, brought 3 physical therapists and special needs professionals to the facility to lend their EXPERTISE.  I highlight that word because we do as best as possible but often need individuals who do this for a living, who know the best possible way to improve what we are already doing.  They helped so much.  Simple bits of advice like not feeding the children lying down anymore.  They asked one of the care takers to lie down and  try to eat and drink lying down.  She choked and couldn't do it.  So now all the boys who can't sit up by themselves are fed sitting up and slowly allowing them to ask for food and digest properly.  They also measured the boys who lie on the floor all day for special chairs so we can have them sit up daily and be more involved.  We learned that sitting allows the children to improve motor skills and become more aware of their surroundings.  Also, they asked us to make sure we had tooth brushes and paste, along with tongue cleaners.  Such simple things but with the children who can't brush themselves at least we can assure that they get the proper dental hygiene and this will also reduce sickness.   Further, they gave us ideas on toys, interactive material and ways to improve motor skills.  One little thing that Karolien did say was she was very impressed with our facility.  When Alison worked so hard to set this up with the community there really was very little to model ours off.   And Karolien was very impressed how happy the children were and how nice the facility was as she has seen many in Kenya.  I guess they aren't that nice.    Even with this compliment we realize there is so much more to do and we will do it.  Anyone out there interested in helping with chairs for the kids, toothbrushes and paste, re usable cloth diapers please let us know.    Thanks again SEP we really appreciate all your advice and hope to work with you in the future.  You're a bunch of rock stars :)

Rift Valley Academy and Good Shepherd

What a fabulous Saturday spent at the orphanage!!!  A group of 12 students from the Rift Valley Academy (RVA) in Kijabe came to Good Shepherd to help finish the sack gardens, plant some additional seedlings, move the boys to the dormitory and generally have fun with the kids.  We had a great introduction first of songs, skits and "hellos".  Every time we do this the kids always have new song to present and this day we even had a song competition.   Picture is included.  Sorry RVA students, the winner was Good Shepherd.  It's pretty hard to beat 18 screaming kids at the song they love the best.  From there we broke RVA into three groups.  One was to retrofit the old classroom to a boys dormitory.  The second group worked on planting the last 3 rows of drip feed.  And the last group worked on additional 4 sack gardens. 

One of the pressing issues at Good Shepherd was that all 18 children from ages 3 to 12 slept in the same 6 bunk beds.  Now this might not be such a big problem but it's a combination of boys and girls.  And as you can imagine there have been some problems with boys and girls being well.....boys and girls.  So we took a seldom used classroom and went to work.  First, we put up plywood siding on the obvious gaps in the walls so that the wind did not come through.  Second, we replaced 6 metal sheets on the roof with new ones to stop leaks when it rains.  Lastly, some small additions like a new lock and concrete to cover big gaps in the floor.  The group of 4 boys who helped did an amazing job.  Working tirelessly to fit the siding, lay the concrete and get the room prepared/cleaned.  I have included a pictures of the roof off and all the boys in their bunk beds.  Precious!!!!  Funny, the really young ones you can see on the right side of the picture were a bit scared.  Trying to figure out the new digs and get their minds around the a sudden change in their home.  The older boys seemed pretty excited to have a new "boys club".  I think over the next few weeks they will settle in nicely and Really like the space.  We did not have enough money to do this project but it was important to me.  So I funded it to make sure it was done immediately.  But there are still some needs.  We need to finish the siding and paint the room so it looks more homely.  That will come and if anyone out there is interested in helping it should not be much, not more that $100.  So let me know if you feel the calling.

The second major area was to complete the drip feed systems and get even more sack gardens set up.  This is a great impact to the orphanage. It increases the productivity of the garden and allows them to be more self sustained.    The RVA kids had never seen this technology and were all excited to learn and jumped right in completing the job that would have taken Rocky and I many days.  They did it in one..  I have included some pics of the garden as it stands now, the sack gardens and the children helping.  It still amazes me how they always WANT to help.  They like working along side us, learning and just being shown that someone really cares for them.   Again, a huge thank you goes out to RVA.  You did a great job!!!!!

And we did also have some art time and the RVA group worked with the children to make a bunch of educational photos.   We tried to focus them this time on hygiene.  This seems very simple but they are lessons that most of these children have never been exposed to as no one has taken the time to show them.  Lessons like how to wash hands before eating, brush your teeth, wash every day and keep your area clean.   Simple examples but so integral to daily life.  These will also keep the children from getting sick so often and keep the facility cleaner.  I included a pic of the children working at some art.  I also included a picture of Cyrus.  Of course once the children get markers the paper is not the only canvas.  Many had drawn on their own faces.  (that is not blood on his face it's red marker).    We even had boys coming up to us and lifting up their shirts to show entire drawings on their bellies.   So hilarious!!!!!!

Thanks again for RVA, Rocky, Ken, Mwaniki and Alison for good days work.  Without you it would have never been possible.