A Kikuiu bible for Joseph

rs. For many weeks this man asked me for a favour. He was looking for a blible in his Kikuiu language. Joseph is a former employee of the Presidential Guard. Now he is in pension. He lost everything during the turmoils and came into our camp. Today, on the way to the hospital I found a bible in his language and bought it for him. He was more than happy and thanked many times for the present.

The container is finally in position!

rs. Our whole crew waited for the arrival of the crane truck. At 10.10 pm local time we finally saw the first lights of the truck and half an hour later it arrived. At 11.15 pm the container was placed in position, where we had prepared it. So a long adventure came to a happy end!

Breaking News: Crane arrived

We just got a call that the crane vehicle arrived this evening and now they all have a lot to do to prepare the field to place the container which arrived yesterday . The work will continue in the night and we will bring you the first pictures in the early morning . -Blog Editor

Now we are waiting for the crane!

rs. The container arrived at the Rhein-Valley Hospital ground but what is lacking is the crane with its driver. He had some problems with the engine and is waiting for some spare parts- Hopefully he will arrive tomorrow so that we can place the container on our prepared spot. It was a question of inches that the truck with the container made the passage through the main gate.

The laundry lines had to be removed to let the truck enter the field.

People watched the truck on the way

The container is almost here

rs. After many obstacles along the road the long awaited container finally arrived at our ground, but now we need a crane to lift it up and place it on the especially prepared place on our properties (see picture below). On the way people came out of their huts to watch the huge container crawling up the mountain. They have rarely seen such a big vehicle. As I was informed the crane is now in Naivasha and should arrive in Kasambara tomorrow, if everything goes well...

Odyssee of container continues...

rs. We prepared the place for the container this morning but unfortunately it's odyssee is without end. After troubles with the muddy road yesterday, today new obstacles were in the way. The road conditions are so bad that the truck driver couldn't manage to continue his way in time. We expect him to arrive within the next one or two days...

Container after long waiting on the way

rs. Finally we succeeded to get the final permissions for the long awaited container with school supply material and gifts for the Kenyan children. The container was organized by our partner, the kidstokids organization in Switzerland together with the Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation and was blocked at the customs in Nairobi for many months. Countless telephone calls and personal visits at various offices were needed. Now, the truck is on the way but due to the heavy rain (see picture) and bad road conditions it could not make it up the mountain to Kasambara. After many tries the truck driver decided to wait until the sun will dry the muddy street - hopefully tomorrow! We will keep you posted.

Family planning is still unsuffiicient

rs. The patients like to wait in the grass until it is their turn at the doctor's office. Inside the hospital all chairs were occupied. Some women got their family planning injection which is easier than taking the pill which they often forget. Unfortunately good information is lacking in many cases. This picture was taken yesterday; today I was in the office the whole day.