Dear All,
News from Riziki. On October 15th Liz wrote:
Greetings from Nakuru! We have been enjoying good rain every day and how thankful we are for it, because it means our tanks and dam will be well replenished and our crops properly watered. It's such a blessing and joy to see crops coming up well in this weather.
The other side is cold weather and it's been a bit of a struggle trying to keep everyone warm as our clothes donations have gone down significantly due to no visits because of covid. We are currently running out of most things from inner wear to jackets and shoes and we are making do with what we have.
The kids are home for a short break, they have one last one before the end of the year that starts two days before Christmas. They are glad to be back home even if for just for a few days and are enjoying the break from school. They are always sharing stories of their encounters in their different schools, and the new ones to high school talk of their new experience. Hellen and I had a few hours one afternoon to sit with them and touch base and we were pleasantly surprised at how ambitious and visibly determined the majority of them were.
They talked of their dreams to join university not only to make Riziki proud, but also to have that sense of accomplishment for themselves, seeing where they have come from. Dominic spoke about how he is sure that being in Riziki is God's plan for his life and he is curious about what more God has in store for him (as you know Dominic is the more spiritual one of the bunch 😃) Dominic has consistently, and I mean consistently, been doing well in school. He pushes himself a lot and at times I find myself telling him to get a bit more sleep 😁. He wants to be a pilot and has worked hard towards it, so much so, that he landed himself in one of the top schools in the country, that offers aviation courses at high school level, that is how determined he is. He takes guidance very well and it's such a joy to be part of his journey whatever it is, even in a small way.
I could go on and on as every child is unique in their dreams and determination and sitting with them like we did the other day, reminds us of how important we all are in the shaping of who they will be in their community, in the country, in the world - and it's humbling.
While they were here, they helped us plant beans. Precious is taking a home science course in school and she had a go at a jiko baked cake, part it of it was edible! 😁. (A jiko is a portable, lightweight and charcoal burning cookstove.) She also can use the sewing machine so she should be able to help us with repairs very soon, maybe even do her own designs, I will keep you posted.
Good news is the vaccine finally came to the center close to Riziki on Monday and Elizabeth, Evans, and Mark got their first shots. Emmanuel got his later at a different center. I have also got mine, am the only fully vaccinated and ready to accept Christmas invitations 😁, hahahaha.
My brother also got his first shot last week. Julius and Esther get the second in November. We are happy that we can now have the vaccine close to us. It's not consistent and you have to wait to hear where it's being administered and when, but at least progress.
I want to take time to say a special thank you this time to all our supporters. As I said earlier, our talk with the kids reminded me of what we are all doing together and it's incredible. I want to thank everyone for their contribution, sacrifice and commitment to changed lives.
Asante Sana.
I will leave it here Ian and Diana. As always, I am ever so grateful for your consistent support and encouragement. Baraka!
Love
Liz
Our comments and prayer concerns.
The future of Riziki, financially.
From the start of Riziki, we have received very generous financial support from The Kirkby Foundation. This has grown as the children have grown. Kirkby has covered all secondary education and college fees and has supported other development projects. For this we are very grateful and thank God. The Kirkby Foundation may not be in a position to continue supporting Riziki and hence alternative sources of funding may be required. Costs per child range from about £250 to £400 per term, depending on the level they have reached and the status of the school. College fees are higher. At present we have two at college, three waiting to go to college and fourteen in various levels at different secondary schools.
We therefore ask for your prayers that support will come so that the education of these older children can continue.
We ask for your prayers for all the Riziki staff who have been so loyal, supportive, and hard-working throughout these difficult months, giving thanks for them.
We pray that Riziki will be able to source necessary clothing for all the children.
We ask for your prayers for Julius and Liz, for strength and wisdom to support the whole Riziki Organization.
Many blessings,
Ian & Diana.