So, for a awhile the news was good, things had settled down and there seemed to be some progress in coming up with a peaceful solution. I have been in touch with Warren and Nicholas, they're in different areas of the country so have different perspectives. Both were feeling very optimistic and starting to venture a little farther out from where they were hunkered down. Then, the president appointed a cabinet full of his tribal members and the opposition leader refused to meet with him. Violence again.
As all this plays out against the background of our own electoral process I have learned so much about what it takes to make a democracy work, it's more than just a trip to a voting booth. The lack of leadership in Kenya has chilling implications for the ability of tribes to live together peacefully.
The hardest thing is the implications for all this in terms of the country's economy, tourism and most poignantly, the lives of it's children. The HIV+ children enrolled in our Lea Toto program are now scattered and out of their ARV medication. Time off from the meds greatly increases the risk of resistance and due to the limited availability of drugs in Africa will certainly lead to the death of many.
My own plans, like those of many people, are pretty much on hold. I will go back when the US Embassy says it is safe. In the meantime, I have decided to use my time wisely and have come up with a plan for my D boys. Stay tuned for details...................
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