When disaster hits close to home.

Earlier this week, I wrote about how relieved we were that our students arrived back from their Easter break safely and that none of their families were affected by the devastating floods that have caused dams to overflow and rivers to break their banks, causing entire villages to be swept away, often in the middle of the night, killing hundreds.
Tragically, we received a phone call on Thursday morning from the neighbor of one of our students informing us that the brother of one of our girls had been swept away when a river broke its banks in an area not too far from us known as Mai Mahui, destroying everything in its path.
Kenyan flood toll rises to 219, with 41,248 households destroyed.
Another 48-hour downpour is predicted.
Residents and members of the National Youth Service (NYS) search for the bodies of missing people after flash floods wiped out several homes following heavy rains in Kamuchiri village of Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County, Kenya May 1, 2024. REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi
Our staff counselor, Pastor Susan, came immediately to tell our girl and prepare her and another student from the same village to be emotionally prepared for what they would encounter when they returned home.
I contacted our landlord, who owns a vehicle, and our head teacher’s husband, who also owns a van, asking if they would assist us in getting food, aid, and whatever other supplies are needed to the families affected. Both replied immediately that they would help us get the food and aid to the area as quickly as possible. If sturdier, four-wheel vehicles were required, they had friends who would also step in and offer their vehicles.
This is a very special request for your
emergency donations.

We’ve been distributing food hampers for over four years now. Ever since COVID first shut down everything.

We’re good at it!…

Doing it in an orderly and dignified manner.

Quite frankly, we’re very good at it!

Please help us provide as much food and assistance as possible now, and as we brace for the predicted
48-hour downpour.
Thank you in advance for your assistance with this very special appeal.

Warmest blessings,

Jennifer Hughes-Bystrom

Founder/CEO