Against the odds.

Charis putting on a gown for a student graduating from preschool.

The end of the year means several different things here in Kenya. It means it is the season of KCPE (exams taken after 8th grade) and KCSE (exams taken after 12th grade) which determines what secondary school the students will receive invitation letters to and whether or not college will be in their future. (Almost all high schools here are boarding and there are different schools that are considered the very best to get accepted into) It also is the season of graduation ceremonies whether it be from nursery school, primary school or secondary school. This month there was also the celebration of the 20 year Anniversary of Life Frontier School (known as Campus Crusade for Christ outside of Kenya). We have gotten to rejoice and cheer for some of these celebrations and it has made me reflect on the challenges these students have overcome.

 Against the odds, these children have truly risen to the occasion.

Against the odds of poverty:
There are times of drought when the land is sparse and crops are not growing to provide food. Many people live in a 1 room manyatta, or hut. There is no electricity and no water. People occasionally get donated clothing but due to living conditions they get worn and tattered fast. To eat meat is considered a luxury, most meals have a starch and a small portion of vegetables or beans, if there is a meal at all.

Against the odds that education is not always valued:
Many parents never attended school themselves, therefore, there is no emphasis of a need for their own children to go.  Families are very large here so everyone needs to do their part to help run it. If a child attends school it prevents them from serving in the home.

Against the odds of sickness and disease:
This past year there was a cholera outbreak and over 60 people contracted it. The health workers did an amazing job of controling it and not one single person past away from this. Outbreaks come and go. We often have a polio campain in our town because of an outbreak that is going on in Dadaab (The biggest Refugee camp in East Africa) Our family takes every fever seriously and immediately we go get tested for malaria, but others often wait things out and don't go into see a doctor until things have gotten severe.

Against the odds of FGM (female genital mutilation):
I know this is not the first time I have written about this, but it is a normal fact of life for every single M female. It is done when a girl is a small child and the horrible effects of this trauma thats done negativily effects a woman for the rest of her life. Every child that is born is undeniably a miracle from God because of this.

And there is so much more that is perhaps hidden, but God sees. God gives the breath of life to face another day. God gives the ability to learn. The strength to play. He deserves the Praise for the completion of another year and the credit for every accomplishment. While living in a place where Islam and Christianity live side by side, this is something that both agree on.

The younger students watching the graduation, knowing their time is coming.

The graduates. We are so proud of them!

We are doing inventory of the medicine. The following day our team served at a Medical outreach.

Amos watching the people getting lined up to attend the medical outreach.

The medical outreach was done at Life Frontier school, to jump start the Anniversary .

My expertise is to prepare and do crafts for all the children who come.

Our team running the triage, each time they do such an amazing job.

Different angle of crafts.

Another part of our team doing pharmacy .

This is Madame Eunice who is the head teacher of Life Frontier School, she is speaking to the MVP's that were invited to the Anniversary. 

Boy scouts marching and presenting.

Michelle took my picture walking to my seat, if you were to see me a few hours later I am all sunburned, except where my sunglasses are.