Time Well Spent

What I always look forward to when returning to Massachusetts is spending time with friends. We had the opportunity to meet with some the Knights of Columbus from St. Agnes Parish to say thank to them for their generous donation toward solar power to bring light to our Kimini clinic and maternity buildings.

Through slides and discussion we were able to share the work that goes on in the village.

Thank you for your encouragement, support and prayers. It is because of caring people like you that lives are improved in Kimini.

MERCI BEAUCOP !

What I Miss

I am often asked, ”What do you miss about Africa when you are in the states?” It makes my heart beat faster just thinking of my African home. First and foremost I miss the people. The list of adjectives to describe the Burkinabé is a lengthy one. They are tenacious, hard-working, joyful, welcoming, family –centered, generous, strong and loyal. And this only scratches the top of the list.

I miss the women and babies.

Shh !

Boiling shea nuts

I miss their smiles and laughter.

What a smile
                                                                       

Smiler

                                                                    I miss their friendship and help.

I miss their ingenuity and resourcefulness.

Making peanut butter

And the list goes on and on !

Sharing the Love

One of the most rewarding parts of our work in Africa is having the of privilege distributing food and gifts to sponsored children and widows. The compassion and generosity of each devoted sponsor reaches out and touches an individual child and says, “You are loved. You are important. You are child of God.”

Pierre is bursting with joy !

Ousenni is happy to have rice for his family.

Lizette and Papa 

What a great smile ,Rasmata!

Ruth reads a sponsor's letter to Mabesini.

A bike is more than a toy in Burkina as Seraphine knows.

Hito and his father

Oumar feels the support of someone who cares!

These smiles say it all !

Surrounded By Gifts

Sharing the road with camels

"Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons." Ruth Ann Schabacker.

 Our return to the village of Kimini after our extended stay in the States reminds me why we call this little village our African "home".  

After driving several hours  to arrive at this remote location, we were weary from travel but energized by the friendly smiles and warm greetings.

 Here are just a few of the many blessings that fill our days in Kimini.

The directress of the school mobilized the bigger girls to clean our little house as a welcome home gesture.

cleaning our house

Sweeping our porch

unwelcome visitor

Now if only they could sweep away those pesky scorpions! 

Morning flag ceremony at Kimini school.

Thanks to the generosity of the children and staff at Saint Thomas School in West Springfield, MA, our students proudly assemble each morning to raise the flag and sing their national anthem. In addition to this gift, each first grade now has a new reading book!

New first grade readers

Enjoying the new microscope donated by a dear friend !

Each of you is a blessing to us. Each of you is a gift!