Today we rose bright and early to head out for our first day at Beacon. As soon as we got here we joined all of the women for devotions (with a translator). We felt extremely welcomed! We got a tour of the entire premises which was very encouraging for those who travelled last year since the new facilities are MUCH larger. We got to see the classrooms and meet all of the kids who were thrilled to see us. This was followed by a tour of the women's project areas where they receive training in sewing, weaving rugs, and beading jewelry, as well as how to spin and die the thread that is used. The handmade articles they produce are absolutely beautiful!
Perhaps the most encouraging part of the tour was seeing the new health clinic up and running. We learned much about AIDS testing, medication, etc. and were encouraged to hear that somewhere around 60% of the people in the surrounding community have been tested for AIDS. We eagerly look forward to the medical camps that we will be helping to run at Bissil on Wednesday and in Ongata Rongai on Saturday. Later on, a few of us went down the hill to the school again to spend time with the kids during recess. They literally chased us around in mobs of 10-20 kids and would not stop jumping up to try to touch our hands. They were also enthralled by the girls' painted toenails.
After our first lunch at Beacon, consisting of beans and ugali (something similar to condensed grits), we are sorting all of the boxes of supplies that arrived on last night's flight. Half our team will spend the day prepping the backpacks for the kids while the other half is observing a home-based care class taught by Beacon staff.
Cindy Reigner
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