Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.
Psalm 127.3-4
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| Kathy and Kathy |
We’ve been eager to meet Kathy.
7 years ago, Kathy's good friend Grace gave birth to her 4th
child, naming her Kathy, in honor of the other Kathy! She’s now a bright, energetic girl. We got to meet her
a few days ago when we were invited to her home in Maai Mahiu, a town about 5
miles down the hill from us on the floor of the Great Rift Valley. Having driven
the road to Maai Mahiu many times in the past, we agree that it’s still one of the worst roads
we’ve ever been on, but it was worth the trip!
Grace and her husband Mark have a joyful love for the Lord and
for His work, especially among children. Like many Kenyan families, theirs has
been profoundly affected by the AIDS epidemic. When Grace’s parents and some of
Mark’s adult relatives died of AIDS, they took in several orphaned children
from their extended family, giving them a home and a future by helping them get
through school.
Helping children through secondary school can be quite a burden. In Kenya, students usually go to boarding school for grades
9-12, sometimes far from home, based on their performance on a national exam
given at the end of 8th grade. Students who score higher are
assigned to more prestigious schools to help prepare them for university.
Boarding school can be expensive, up to $500 for each of three terms per year –
a large amount for most Kenyan families.
Mark and Grace took on the burden gladly. So far, their adopted sons Don and Bob were able to finish secondary school and are now on their way to becoming a chemical engineer and an agronomist. Vincent has a good job at Kijabe Hospital. Still coming through secondary school are Karen, who hopes to be a pediatrician, and Elsie, who wants to be a school teacher.
Mark and Grace took on the burden gladly. So far, their adopted sons Don and Bob were able to finish secondary school and are now on their way to becoming a chemical engineer and an agronomist. Vincent has a good job at Kijabe Hospital. Still coming through secondary school are Karen, who hopes to be a pediatrician, and Elsie, who wants to be a school teacher.
Kathy’s older brother Navis will take his 8th
grade exam next year. His performance on the exam will determine what level of
secondary school he will attend, and how far away he will be boarding.
Meanwhile, Kathy will be at home for a few more years,
attending a local Christian primary school in Maai Mahiu. She’s a sweetheart!
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