In 2004 they began the story ......

In 2004 they began the story ......
The dream and the reality: The Amani Reading Centre was completed thanks to the dream of Peter Mageto, who grew up without any books in a western Kenya village, and high school students from Signature School in Evansville Indiana who heard him, listened to his dream, and said "His dream is that his village might have a library with books for the people to read? No problem! We can build one!" Pictured with Peter Mageto (in the U.S. until 2006 working on his doctorate) are Elizabeth Korb, Catherine Forston, David Moore, Sarah Moore and Kristin Moore. Peter's brother Jared, from the Kenyan village, and Jim Coy with the beacon group in Evansville were important parts of the project. The building was completed, filled with tables, chairs and books, and 'inaugurated' with an Itierio/Ekerenyo community celebration in 2006. Catherine Forston was one of 10 who traveled to Kenya for the big event! That initial team also included David Forston, Alex McCool, Sarah Leider, Karin Heinicke, Jesse and Phyllis Elliott, Jacque Hardin, Ken Montgomery and Lynn Renne. The second team went in July 2009, and included Sarah Moore, Amanda Reid, Pat Miller, Fran Vix, Carol Watson, Alexa Watson and Lynn Renne. This trip allowed for meeting people, painting and making curtains for the Reading Centre, planting bushes and trees around it, and seeing the Safe Water System installed up the hill from the Centre, thanks to the generous donation of land by a man in Itierio and Aldersgate donations. Peter's brother Clement has done an amazing job overseeing all of the projects, including most recently, the hooking up of the Reading Centre to electricity and installing a water tank next to the building!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010



The adrenaline was flowing at the Evansville airport this morning!
As we gathered we found we had more things to bring than it appeared we had room for,
but somehow it all disappeared into all our suitcases and glasses duffels,
got on the plane and off we went. Thanks to everyone for their donations of medicine, toothbrushes, vitamins and supplies.

Detroit was snowy, and the funny thing was to hear Lee (who is not a happy flier) say he texted Kara as we waited on the departing plane: “They’re de-icing the plane and I’m not too happy about that.” He’s not from the snowy north! He wouldn’t have been too happy if they had NOT de-iced the plane  After the 7 ½ hour flight to Amsterdam we walked up the ramp and the minute we got into the airport 4 women saw our “Kenya partners” polo shirts and came running over to us. They were on their way home from Kenya – where they had been working at the Wesley Mission Clinic in Nakuru, the place I was working last February. They were sad to be leaving – said they wanted us to pack them in our suitcases and take us back with them.

The adventure continues!
We're doing great
Posted by at 11:57 PM

4 comments:

  1. 1 down and 1 to go--but you should be on the ground now in Nairobi, maybe even checking in at the Methodist Guest House. Confession: I am soooo jealous!

    Don't get tangled in the mosquito netting!

    Hugs to all, including the Mageto clan,

    Pat Miller

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  2. Oops! You know I don't do numbers. Hope everyone is snug in your bed with visions of joy dancing in your head.
    Pat

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  3. Hi there- I am jealous too! I know you will have an amazing experience! It will be fun to follow you through Kenya! I am there with you in spirit! Give the Magetos a hug for me! Carol

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  4. Annie, Elizabeth and I are jealous, too!! Please give Teddy, Chrystal, Irene and Peter much love from the Roberts. We think about them often and they are in our prayers. We can't wait to hear all your stories and will check your blog every day for more scoop! Love you guys!!
    Nancy

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