I love happy occasions! This week I got to experience one of those when Starfish Charities delivered books to a Government Primary School near our property. (For the "back story", please read the blog entry from August 2010.) Our container full of books arrived in October while I was in the states. Jeremiah and I spent the end of December and much of January sorting books so we would only give them age appropriate reading materials. The problem with sorting books is that I wanted to read every one of them! I love to read.
This is how we found the library building when we first went. The empty shelves were heartbreaking.
One of the teachers, Esther, had a desire for a library at this school. She cleaned this building the best she could, and organized the few books they had. However, all her efforts didn't produce the result she wanted for these children. So, she started praying -- asking God to send someone to help make this happen. God is so amazing. After reading the intro of the August 2010 post you will realize that Kathleen started collecting books to be sent to this library two years ago. God already had a plan.
James and Gregory went right to work preparing to plaster the walls so they could have a smooth surface to paint.
Voila! That ugly gray became sunshine yellow! What a difference a few coats of paint made in that room.
In Kenya, the blackboard is really just part of the wall painted black with paint that is actually called "Blackboard Paint". Now instead of the grey board they had when we started, they now have a shiny new blackboard.
On February 17, I went with four Starfish board members to deliver the books and officially hand them over. We asked for a few minutes of their time so we could take pictures. "Our" plan was to hand them over, allow them time to get them organized on the shelves, then come back at a later date for the official event. This is Kenya! Anything good is cause for a celebration.
This gentleman is the head teacher
Our short program turned into a three hour event. They brought in desks, invited all their school committee officials, chairman, and teachers. Each person was invited to introduce themselves and share what was on their heart.
When my turn came, I shared the story about Kathleen in Texas who started the book collection as a school project. (Jeremiah is interpreting for me. He talks with his hands as much as I do!)
These are the committee members along with head teacher.
From left to right are Jeremiah, Pastor Paul, me, Joanna, and James. We are five of eight board members for Starfish Charities.
We were fascinated when this Maasai man began handing out sodas. They didn't have a bottle opener, so he used one capped bottle to open the other one. Amazing. He didn't chip a single bottle.
On the table is a platter of boiled goat meat! Anything worth celebrating is worth having (1) meat (2) bread, and (3) sodas. These are things they don't get to buy often because of cost. 
Ruth and I were sifting through the boxes. The teachers were so excited. I can only imagine how thrilled the children are going to be.
And speaking of children. They are the reason for it all. These precious lives are so worth investing in. Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving to my ministry so we can pass on the blessings to these precious lives. This is an investment in their future. Thank you for helping me make a difference.....one life at a time!
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