Bad news.... We had MANY, MANY pictures from 2009 in our camera however it was stolen. So we had to scourge up a few pictures from William and Winston's camera as well as a few from Kathy Ronci who went with us in 2009.

In 2009, LDO sent Lance, Sonja(his wife), and Kathy to work with the orphans. It was a wonderful experience and the best thing? We all stayed relatively health except for a few minor things. It was a good trip. Here are some highlights of 2009 on what LDO were able to accomplish.

When we were there, I was informed that Enock was really sick.

We sent him to the doctor immediately and he tested postive for Malaria. It brought me some flashbacks from when I buried Lavenda and I was thankful we came just in time. Enock was so sick he could not run. By the end of the second week, he was able to run and play with the kids.

This was also an emotional day. Peter smiled and stood up then called for a boy to come into the room. As I saw him, I recongized him. Peter asked everyone else if they remembered this boy. I raised my hand...

"Paul", I fingerspelled.

Paul (the orphan standing in blue shirt) nodded and said "Thank you, father, for saving my life." If you look back a few pages, you will recall that Paul was hit by a car and sustained life threatening injuries. Paul does have an head injury and is prone to anger fits- but he is slowly improving from this. Again, because of people's support when LDO sent out a distress call for funds- we were able to save yet another kid!

We knew they had difficulty at times seeing at night and trying to save kersone at the same time, so we brought them three LED wind-up lanterns.

Kathy, studying to be a teacher, was doing what she loves the best....

... giving out books! Kids were feeling the sheep wool in the book. We also brought crayons, extra books, medical aids, etc etc etc.

Recall that I lucked out and bought a LOT of crocs a few months the trip? The kids literally screamed when they saw the suitcase filled with crocs and crocs!

Then an amazing thing happened. With a LOT of people's help a month before this trip, we had a rummage sale and raised $ which went towards purchasing them this farm land!!!

But alas, we had to hire a lawyer, do title search, etc etc- so that way we could be sure it was legit. I was sad that when I left, it was not theirs yet. (As a part of empowering them, I do not own it, nor does LDO officially own the land- it's 100% under their control) It would take about 8+ months for the deed to come through. :)

We had sent some $ for them to build a new toilet (see previous page). They went slightly overboard and added a bath to it Far left door) and then asked LDO to pick up the tab. Here is where I had to stand firm and teach them that what, according to IRS and LDO decisions, we give and instruct them to use, they are to follow the letter to the dot. It took them many weeks to pay back the debt they had incurred (Not that much, but it was a good lesson for everyone to adhere to the budget). The ministry of health signed off on this, approving it!

The board expressed concern about their front side of the building. Sometimes the jagged, sharp edges would scratch or cut the kids. They also were worried it would not hold up when the kids tried to peer from the top. So LDO decided to help out.

Before and almost done after.

During the week, I decided to spring a surprise visit to them at nighttime. It is so dangerous driving at nighttime and everyone is generally expected to stay in the hotel. However having been here a few times, I took the risk. I noticed that some of the orphans were sharing and fighting over a blanket- and they didn't have much activities to entertain them. That next day, LDO purchased a badimination set and several more nice blankets so the kids could have enough blankets.(as well as a few more school items)

LDO also went on a huge trip to the bookstore and got the orphans hundreds of text books that were required by the ministry of education in order to keep their credentials as a school in Kisii. When the kids saw those books, it was a mad riot- everyone laughed, clapped hands and had smiles the rest of the day.

One other instance of where we can empower them is this: The girls were using cloth rags for their monthly periods and handwashing them then reusing them. This broke our hearts. Sonja and Kathy decided to teach them some basic, very basic, understandings of how the woman's body worked. LDO then bought the orphans boxes and boxes of pads. Their face expressions as they held the boxes is priceless!! They no longer have to reuse the "rags"- and in the long run made them more independent and increased their self esteem!!! That is one of LDO's mission statement, to empower them! Thank you!!!When LDO sends them support, we include enough so they can have a continious supply of pads for the girls.

I asked about them trying to raise chickens and they mentioned that they had a huge problem with people stealing chickens from their coops because of the flimsy chicken wire used to build coops. So I got out my paper and pencil and drafted a blueprint for LDO's chicken coop which would also house some rabbits if they could.

We also hired a DEAF carpenter to start the framing.

LDO was able to purchase the materials and labor. I helped a little but it was near the end of the trip and we had to leave. A few days later, it was completed exactly as I drew it up(You will see it later on). With this design, over a year now, nothing has been stolen. :)

It was then time for us to leave, so we took one more group picture.

One of my last "look" at the front of the building as I left made me smile. The front now was 99% completed, only in need of paint which they would paint after we left.

(kids playing badmination)

It actually took 2 months later but the chicken/rabbit coop finally got finished.

Sidings are spaced just enough to let air in and out, the roof can be raised and closed, and there are spacings on the bottom as well. Then they can lock it when they have to leave the school.

Then in August, we were able to help faciliate a team of four interpreters from Tennessee go to LDO for two weeks!!!

(click this picture to go to part four)

Whew!!! We have accomplished a LOT, but yet we have so many more we would love to do.... get them their own land, buildings, and better education. Here's looking to the future!!!!

-Lance