We got back to our work schedule after one-month visit to the US. It has been a very busy time for us with our extended family, Grace School, Construction and at the Church.
VISIT TO THE US:
We (Monica and Samuel) visited the US between September 16th and October 15th. We had three goals.
We wanted to visit with our Son Peter who goes to Knoxville College and we had not seen him for four years. We were able to be with him Tuesday and Fridays when he was not in School or working. He drove us to stores and other places of appointment. We were impressed by the way he has grown physically and intellectually. He is adjusted to the first life of America. Thank you to the many families, Churches and individuals who have helped him in diverse ways.
Our second Goal for the visit was to have our physical and Dental health looked into. UT Pastoral care Department put a Medical plan for this. We were able to see a Physician and Dentist. Samuel was diagnosed to be Diabetic and that is the reason was having pains on his legs and feet. Monica did not have an on going medical problem. The many tests done revealed that she needed further gynecological tests in Nairobi. Our health is relatively better and we are going on with the Medical advice. Our dental problems were taken care off at UT Hospital. We are very happy and appreciative to Rev. George Doebler Director of UT Pastoral care department for organizing the Medical Plan.
Our third and last goal was to talk to friends and Partners about our work. We had many speaking opportunities. Showing pictures using Power Point presentation enhanced our talk. We talked in 1st Presbyterian Church, 2nd Presbyterian Church, Korean Church, Bethel Church, 1st Baptist Church Powell, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Fairmont Presbyterian Church, and Lake Forest Presbyterian Church. We talked to CPE residents at UT Hospital and many informal groups. The purpose of our talk was to solicit for more financial participation in the work of Grace Ministries and in particular Grace School.
RESULT:
We were able to take Grace School children for an Education tour an event that the children look forward to with a lot of anticipation.
Safari Walk
Feeding the Giraffes
Grace School children and staff had a Christmas party. This is the only occasion to enjoy a cake and a bottle of coke to most of our children.
Karanja doing an advent skit
Moureen reciting a poem
Our health has improved tremendously and we have strength to continue with the demands of the ministry.
We got significant funds to start construction of the three classrooms on the second floor. We have continued to get undesignated money, which we have put to the construction. It is a miracle for us to see the construction almost complete in less than two months.
View of the school from the road
Closer view
Front view
FINANCES:
The actual cost of construction has been more expensive than what was budgeted. Various factors have played into this:
The budget figure was the actual cost of doing the three lower classrooms one year ago. There was no provision for inflation on building materials that has ranged between 30-50% during that period.
Construction cost increases as one goes high. Human labor does the work.
$
Budgeted
12,000
Received and used
14,000
Over expenditure
2,000
Despite this over expenditure the building is not ready for occupation. There is need for glasses, paint and furniture.
$
Buying and fixing window glasses:
200.00
Paint (Windows and doors only)
150.00
Furniture (25 Desks, 1 Tables & 1 drawers)
1250.00
(was not on budget)
TOTAL NEEDED
1600.00
We have received pledges from churches and individuals to support the work of Grace School in the year 2005. The pledges are however far below the needed amount.
$
Monthly expense 2005:
1,620
Pledges for 2005
(Officially confirmed)
160
MONTHLY DEFICIT
1,460
We are aware of others who have pledged to give but have not officially said communicated.
OUR THANKS:
Our trip was successful because of magnanimous support we received:
Money for the Air ticket
A wonderful apartment to live
Many people volunteered to transport us to our many places of engagements.
Provision of Power Point Projector
Prior arrangement/ preparedness through many of you.
Your love and support
It is not possible to thank all the dear people individually without the risk of omitting some. God knows you all by name and may his blessings be upon you.
PRAYER NEEDS:
Monica’ brother who was HIV/AIDS passed on November 26th living behind a wife and three children aged 1-12. Most of you can remember him from the pictures we shown.
There is an urgent need of $ 3000 to complete the construction before the children return from Christmas break on January 3rd 2005.
Provision of on going monthly support
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR
From Samuel, Monica children and staff of Grace School
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Please know that your donation can help, not only to save the life of a child in Limuru, but to guide that life in such a way as to loosen the stranglehold of despair and death that threatens so much of Kenya's population. Thank you, in advance, for your compassionate support!
