Hello Mary, Jeremy and Don,
Several days ago I received mail from home (Salem, OR) and found your note which had included the $300 check. Earlier when I was told via email it had come and been deposited by the person who tends my home bank account, and I had already spent the money to help with the mattresses, I notified Ruth of such, but didn’t have your names or addresses. I certainly appreciate her interest and help as well.. So, here I am sending a big thank you for your thoughtfulness. Through Ruth I have been aware of your good works with Soar-Kenya, Inc. and have enjoyed learning about your activities. Keep up the good works; it means so much to those who benefit as you know.
To up-date you; Along with your donation, I added much more and we are now in the process of making 70 mattresses for our Montesorri nursery children. The mattresses that you can buy here are the typical ones of sponge with a cloth covering. It is impossible to keep them clean and the fabric gets torn easily. Our mattresses were so bad and dirty I couldn’t stand even thinking of the children sleeping on them, so tried to get funding, which I was able to do. We have a parish Self-Reliance vocational program that teaches industrial sewing and three tailoring/dressmaking classes (for which I am in charge), so we put the two groups together to make the covers for the mattresses. We were able to purchase at a discount a fabric that is washable and durable.
With the whole month of December being a holiday month here in Kenya no one is working now, but will get busy come January 5th when schools open. At that time I will take some photos of them making the covers and finishing the mattresses and later our little ones having a peaceful nap!
The last day of August I had a very bad fall and fractured my shoulder and am finally able to go back into Kibera to work with my 8 schools and community library for the past month, which sure makes me happy! I didn’t like being housebound but had no choice until the bones started to mend. I still have very limited use of my shoulder but enough to shift my car to drive and type. I hope to start PT soon and get more range of motion. Because of my injury it took longer to get this project going. It is now a priority to get finished.
Again, many thanks for your generous contribution and thoughtfulness. Enjoy a blessed Christmas and abundant New Year! Don’t give up on photos, I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
God’s Blessings,
Vikki Smith, MLM
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