Hi all
It has been a few weeks since my last post. I don't know about the rest of you but I believe winter is over. Here in Chicago land it has been in the seventies and eighties since last week. April is coming upon us soon and it looks like spring unless the seasons decide to change. I haven't washed my car since last summer and it really needs a bath. Maybe I should take my car to Kenya to get it washed and then it will surely rain. For my African friends, here in the states when we want it to rain we wash our cars and it rains. It's like magic.
Hezron tells me that there has been some rain and periods of no rain since my last post. There seems to be rain in the forecasts but usually fizzles out. I guess the weather forecasters in Kenya are about the same as here. We were told this winter at least four or five times of impending doom. Storms that would bring in anywhere from ten to twenty four inches of the white stuff. Each time they called for a dumping we got less then an inch. The one time we received over an inch the prediction was about eight. Maybe if they would of called for four inches we would of received four inches. Some of you might remember the storm of the century in Philly years ago when it was going to be one of those one hundred year storms and we would never forget. We got what about a quarter inch. However they were right I will never forget.
As I said in my last post we have lost many seedlings and the ones that have survived are not growing that great. Once the rains start and the passion start to grow again I will try and set a date to go back to Kenya. I have been praying to get some direction but I get no answer whatsoever. Most of the time I just can't understand how God operates. I'm convinced that he has his hands on this venture. However as we get closer to success the rug is ripped out from underneath us. There has to be a lesson here somewhere. Many times I just want to give up.
The same thing is happening with the project I am working on at the factory. I have been putting in a new production line since I came back from Kenya last October and just when I think the line is up and running good it decides to make a liar out of me. This has been going on for weeks now and I am about ready to fire myself or maybe I should give me a few days off to think about it. Not a chance I continue to go in and face the music. Everytime the line gives a little burp, jams up, or miss cuts I can only shake my head and wonder. We are making shaped pieces of steel ten feet long and the line speed is supposed to be one hundred and forty feet a minute. If my math is correct this means that the steel moves through the cutter at about two and a third feet per second. The tolerance of the cut piece is plus or minus one eighth of an inch with nothing under ten feet. Can you understand the frustration I have when it is running along fine and a piece of steel is cut and it is nine feet eleven and seven eighths inches long? Once the steel is cut it can't be made any longer. My frustration is nowhere near the frustration the boss has when we throw it into the scrap bin. He is an accountant by profession and what he sees is $$ in one eye and $$ in the other eye. For my accountant friends I am sure you can feel his pain. For my manufacturing friends I think you can relate to this as well. At least when we have longs we can recut them to ten feet exactly but it still counts as rework. I have only been able to get it to full speed on a few occasions. To minimize the shorts we are running the line in and around one hundred feet a minute until I can get the brake to stop on a dime. We keep telling ourselves that we will get it right eventually and we will be laughing about this months from now.
Again there has to be a lesson here but I can't see it.
Take care and God bless
Dave
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
March 1, 2012
Greetings
It's been a while since my last post. Things are not going very well at all in Kenya or here in the states for that matter. The lack of rain in Western Kenya has taken a heavy toll on the passion fruit. Virtually every plot has been hit with lack of rain. Some of the plots have lost up to half the seedlings and the survivors are slow to grow. Normally Mt. Elgon is covered in dark clouds providing rain on a regular basis. The last few months have been a different story. There is some bright news on the horizon as Hezron tells me that the rains are starting to come back to the Western Province.
I have also heard that the Chairlady for the Kakamega widows group had left the group and during her departure the group went into limbo. My understanding is that Hezron has gotten her to come back to the group and they are working to clean up the orchards that went to weeds.
This is all sad indeed. It appears the more you try to do good the other side pulls the rug out from under you. I guess more sane people would just call it a day. Pick up the pieces and move on. As I sit here writing to this blog I am at a complete loss on how to express my emotions. I really want to say some not so nice things. However it would do no good. All I can say is I am extremely devastated and it is time to regroup.
Here are some pictures of the various areas.
It's been a while since my last post. Things are not going very well at all in Kenya or here in the states for that matter. The lack of rain in Western Kenya has taken a heavy toll on the passion fruit. Virtually every plot has been hit with lack of rain. Some of the plots have lost up to half the seedlings and the survivors are slow to grow. Normally Mt. Elgon is covered in dark clouds providing rain on a regular basis. The last few months have been a different story. There is some bright news on the horizon as Hezron tells me that the rains are starting to come back to the Western Province.
I have also heard that the Chairlady for the Kakamega widows group had left the group and during her departure the group went into limbo. My understanding is that Hezron has gotten her to come back to the group and they are working to clean up the orchards that went to weeds.
This is all sad indeed. It appears the more you try to do good the other side pulls the rug out from under you. I guess more sane people would just call it a day. Pick up the pieces and move on. As I sit here writing to this blog I am at a complete loss on how to express my emotions. I really want to say some not so nice things. However it would do no good. All I can say is I am extremely devastated and it is time to regroup.
Here are some pictures of the various areas.
Pastor Odongo's plot Busia
Councilor Mabango in Busia
Pastor John Imala in Kakamega
Second Kakamega widows plot full of weeds
Jane on Mt. Elgon
Mt. Elgon plot
I need to make a return trip to Kenya but I am not sure on when to go and what to do once I get there. I have put this at His feet and will wait patiently until I get my marching orders. I can't remember if anyone ever told me that this God thing would be easy. The Bible does say that it will be a struggle and it's so true to its word. Maybe this is why so many people choose to ignore it.
Take care and God bless
Dave
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
February 7, 2012
Hi all
It's been a few weeks now and we still have not heard about what happened to the widow's in Kakamega. I got an email from Hezron yesterday on the status and pictures from the Mumias, Kenya orchards. Again we have lost some and some are doing very well. We have two plots in Khabukoshe Church, two at the Jerusalem Church, one for the Mumias widow's group, and one at Galilaya Church. The weather has been abnormally dry causing us some problems. Many of the dead seedlings are above the graft again. The only causes that I can think of for this to happen is from improper grafting procedures, damage during handling and/or shipment. It could also possibly be from removing the grafting plastic wrap too early/late or how it is removed damaging the graft. So far based on how many have died it looks like we have lost between ten and twenty percent for various reasons. Some have lost more and some have lost less. Once I get the total from all the plots we will get an order out to replace all of them.
Here are some of the pictures that Hezron has sent me. These plots look much better then the first plot in Kakamega at the same time frame in the growth process. For as many as we are loosing the plants that are surviving look very promising. Again this is really a heartache for me to be so far away from the little darlings. It's not like I would need to see them every day but every couple of weeks would satisfy my curiosity.
It's been a few weeks now and we still have not heard about what happened to the widow's in Kakamega. I got an email from Hezron yesterday on the status and pictures from the Mumias, Kenya orchards. Again we have lost some and some are doing very well. We have two plots in Khabukoshe Church, two at the Jerusalem Church, one for the Mumias widow's group, and one at Galilaya Church. The weather has been abnormally dry causing us some problems. Many of the dead seedlings are above the graft again. The only causes that I can think of for this to happen is from improper grafting procedures, damage during handling and/or shipment. It could also possibly be from removing the grafting plastic wrap too early/late or how it is removed damaging the graft. So far based on how many have died it looks like we have lost between ten and twenty percent for various reasons. Some have lost more and some have lost less. Once I get the total from all the plots we will get an order out to replace all of them.
Here are some of the pictures that Hezron has sent me. These plots look much better then the first plot in Kakamega at the same time frame in the growth process. For as many as we are loosing the plants that are surviving look very promising. Again this is really a heartache for me to be so far away from the little darlings. It's not like I would need to see them every day but every couple of weeks would satisfy my curiosity.
Peter at one of the Khabukoshe plots
Mrs. James Tumo at one of the Jerusalem plots
Mrs. Mourice Ometi at the other Jerusalem plot
Another view of one of the Jerusalem plots
I am not sure what plot this is
This is the Mumias widow's plot
Matthew and the Galilaya plot
Hezron also told me that Matthew's motorbike was arrested. To be clear it was not the motorbike that we provided the loan for. That motorbike was for Charles. Anyway I am not sure what Matthew's motorbike did to get arrested but lets pray that Matthew and his motorbike will be reunited soon. Matthew owns the two furniture shops that I have discussed before and his motorbike is very crucial in keeping his business running.
Hezron ended his email telling me that he was going to go and search for Councilor Bibiana to find out what has happened to the widow's and if anyone is taking care of the second plot that we planted for them. He will also be heading to Busia to check on those orchards. Later this week I hope that he will be able to get to Mt. Elgon and check out the seven hundred or so plants we have planted on the side of the mountain. Mt. Elgon usually gets plenty of rain since it is almost always holding up the clouds from drifting by. We also need to hear about the other plots in Kakamega that have not been reported on. Again please pray for our friends in Kenya and the success of these orchards.
Take care and God bless
Dave
Monday, January 30, 2012
January 30, 2012
Hi all
Hezron has reported in from Bungoma county with the plots that are in Kamukuywa. These orchards were planted for the Pastors Augustine, Doricus, Jeremiah, and Paul. Again some of the plots are doing well and some are not doing as well. It is the dry season and the plants that have survived are doing very well. We will be replacing any of the dead ones before the next rains start so the plots will be back to their original size. As for the pictures the plants that have survived look really great. Within a few more months we should start seeing some fruit.
Hezron has reported in from Bungoma county with the plots that are in Kamukuywa. These orchards were planted for the Pastors Augustine, Doricus, Jeremiah, and Paul. Again some of the plots are doing well and some are not doing as well. It is the dry season and the plants that have survived are doing very well. We will be replacing any of the dead ones before the next rains start so the plots will be back to their original size. As for the pictures the plants that have survived look really great. Within a few more months we should start seeing some fruit.
Pastor Augustine and passion fruit
Doricus and passion fruit
Pastor Jeremiah's wife and passion fruit
Pastor Paul and passion fruit
Why is it when I am in Western Kenya it rains every day and when I leave it does not rain enough? I noticed that the posts are not up and the wire has not been run yet. I assume that the sticks will be replaced with taller ones as the vines continue to grow to seven or eight feet.
Hezron will be reporting in soon on the other plots in Kakamega, Mumias, Kitale, and Busia. Again please pray for my friends in Kenya and please God let it rain.
Take care and God bless
Dave
Thursday, January 26, 2012
January 26, 2012
Hi all
Just got an email from Mayor Ben in Funyula on Councilor Magangu's orchard. As for Councilor Magangu we added an extra plot (75 seedlings?) at the last moment because the soil on his property looked very much different then the other areas we had planted. I wanted to see how the seedling did on such rich looking soil. Ben tells me that is is very hot and dry right now. The Busia area is much lower in elevation (Lake Victoria) then the other areas of western Kenya so the temperature is more reflective of being on the equator. The lack of rain is keeping the plants from growing faster. As for the pictures he sent me they look very green and are working their way up the sticks. These plants are about three months old and to me 8000 miles away they look healthy.
Just got an email from Mayor Ben in Funyula on Councilor Magangu's orchard. As for Councilor Magangu we added an extra plot (75 seedlings?) at the last moment because the soil on his property looked very much different then the other areas we had planted. I wanted to see how the seedling did on such rich looking soil. Ben tells me that is is very hot and dry right now. The Busia area is much lower in elevation (Lake Victoria) then the other areas of western Kenya so the temperature is more reflective of being on the equator. The lack of rain is keeping the plants from growing faster. As for the pictures he sent me they look very green and are working their way up the sticks. These plants are about three months old and to me 8000 miles away they look healthy.
Councilor Mabangu's Passion Fruit Orchard
Good use of Kale within the orchard
Ben tells me that he was not able to visit Pastor Ososo's or Pastor Odongo's plots just yet. As I get more pictures and reports I will keep you all informed. I have still not heard of what happened to the widow's in Kakamega but I assume that the two plots that we had planted for them are being taken care of. This waiting and not being in Kenya at this time is really taking it's toll on my emotions. I feel completely helpless and the burden of possible failure(s) is almost too much to take. There are two planting seasons in Kenya for their cash crop Maize. We have taken one of their seasons and are now approaching the next. I cannot think of what happens if these orchards do not produce an income for our friends in Kenya. So if you do not mind please keep the passion fruit in your prayers. As for me a little prayer for me won't hurt.
Take care and God bless you all.
Dave
Sunday, January 22, 2012
January 22, 2012
Hello everyone
Well I hope all of you are doing well and the new year is treating you right. The weather here in Chicago has been pretty inconsistent. A day ago it was 10 degrees F and tonight it is 40 degrees F. The snow is melting and so far January has not been as bad as it could of been. No telling what February will bring.
Bishop Hezron has and is taking to the road to check out the various orchards around Western Kenya. Hezron has sent me some pictures (below) of a few sites in Kakamega. Pastor Robert also sent some pictures from Bulimbo but they are too grainy to post. Robert says the three plots in Bulimbo are doing well. Hezron has told me that some plots are doing very well, some are doing fair, and some are struggling. Some areas did not get the rains in November as expected and therefore did not grow as fast as planned. We had one of the plots in Busia overflow with water and we lost quite a few seedlings. As the week progresses I should have more details on how the other areas are doing.
Well I hope all of you are doing well and the new year is treating you right. The weather here in Chicago has been pretty inconsistent. A day ago it was 10 degrees F and tonight it is 40 degrees F. The snow is melting and so far January has not been as bad as it could of been. No telling what February will bring.
Bishop Hezron has and is taking to the road to check out the various orchards around Western Kenya. Hezron has sent me some pictures (below) of a few sites in Kakamega. Pastor Robert also sent some pictures from Bulimbo but they are too grainy to post. Robert says the three plots in Bulimbo are doing well. Hezron has told me that some plots are doing very well, some are doing fair, and some are struggling. Some areas did not get the rains in November as expected and therefore did not grow as fast as planned. We had one of the plots in Busia overflow with water and we lost quite a few seedlings. As the week progresses I should have more details on how the other areas are doing.
Pastor Elijah Ambula's and his wife working their orchard
This picture says Kakamega Widow's plot 2 however I believe this is the 1st plot
Melissa Okaba's plot
Hezron has also told me that the Kakamega widow's have all but disappeared and John Imala is taking care of the original plot. After they had harvested the Kale they have not been back to work the plot. I have asked Hezron to get with Councilor Bibianna to see what is going on with the widow's. It will be very sad indeed if they have decided to give up on this project. Once I get more details then I will report back to you all. Please keep these women in your prayers. Their lives are difficult to say the least and I possibly cannot begin to comprehend what they go through. One of our main goals is to come in and help where we can. We need to do this without causing any harm. Again it is very difficult for me to get a grip on this situation being 8000 miles away. So right now I am in complete denial and can't comprehend what is happening. These women have two orchards and the potential to have money in their pockets to feed themselves, their children, etc. Sorry I cannot dwell on this anymore until I hear more.
As of right now my plans are to make my next mission trip to Kenya and Uganda late March or early April. If there are larger problems that I need to deal with then maybe I will have to make a quick trip over next month.
Take care and God bless you all, and please pray for the widow's in Kakamega.
Dave
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
January 10, 2012
Greetings and Happy New Year to you all
It has been a couple of weeks since I have last posted. I hope everyone has gotten over the holidays and are enjoying your return to whatever is the normal routine for you. Isn't the weather just great? Chicago in the 50's in January who would of guessed? Today was simply wonderful but I believe it will be short lived and old man winter will come to bite soon enough.
I haven't heard too much from Kenya on the orchards since my last post. The first orchard planted in July passed the five month mark a few weeks ago. The first fruits will start to trickle in within the next month or so. After they are six to ninth months old they will start to produce more and more fruit for what we expect to be about 5 years. The second and third years should be the best and then the yield starts to dwindle after that. Within the next week or so I will have Bishop Hezron go out and get some pictures of the orchards. Progress reports too.
I am presently trying to come up with my travel dates for my next visit to Kenya. I would assume that since we planted the twenty six other orchards about 10 weeks after the first orchard in July it will be about 10 weeks after the first orchard starts harvesting fruit before the others start to harvest. This looks to be sometime in early to mid April. This still seems like a long time from now. My goal is to be in Kenya a couple of weeks before the first harvesting and for a few weeks as the first harvests take place.
On this next trip I have to get into Uganda to visit the orphans that Bishop Moses of Freedom Ministries has told me about. My heart aches that these children have to live like they do. If we can be successful in getting widow's to be self sufficient groups then can we do it with orphans? Out of all the money that is donated every year it is only a drop in the bucket for what is truly needed to reach all the children that are in need. We hope to provide capital for an orphanage to venture into something that will produce an income for support and sustainability for the children.
Take care and God bless you all
Dave
It has been a couple of weeks since I have last posted. I hope everyone has gotten over the holidays and are enjoying your return to whatever is the normal routine for you. Isn't the weather just great? Chicago in the 50's in January who would of guessed? Today was simply wonderful but I believe it will be short lived and old man winter will come to bite soon enough.
I haven't heard too much from Kenya on the orchards since my last post. The first orchard planted in July passed the five month mark a few weeks ago. The first fruits will start to trickle in within the next month or so. After they are six to ninth months old they will start to produce more and more fruit for what we expect to be about 5 years. The second and third years should be the best and then the yield starts to dwindle after that. Within the next week or so I will have Bishop Hezron go out and get some pictures of the orchards. Progress reports too.
I am presently trying to come up with my travel dates for my next visit to Kenya. I would assume that since we planted the twenty six other orchards about 10 weeks after the first orchard in July it will be about 10 weeks after the first orchard starts harvesting fruit before the others start to harvest. This looks to be sometime in early to mid April. This still seems like a long time from now. My goal is to be in Kenya a couple of weeks before the first harvesting and for a few weeks as the first harvests take place.
On this next trip I have to get into Uganda to visit the orphans that Bishop Moses of Freedom Ministries has told me about. My heart aches that these children have to live like they do. If we can be successful in getting widow's to be self sufficient groups then can we do it with orphans? Out of all the money that is donated every year it is only a drop in the bucket for what is truly needed to reach all the children that are in need. We hope to provide capital for an orphanage to venture into something that will produce an income for support and sustainability for the children.
Take care and God bless you all
Dave
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)