As Promised

Well, I had the teleconference this morning. Of course it started 40 minutes later than I expected, but really that's not bad for Kenya! They told me they are committed to the project, recognize the uniqueness of my work and the great need for it. They are working on 5 different options for developing the project. They will have a plan before I arrive in May, meetings are scheduled for May 21st, with the final plan that I return around July 1st. I'm excited but also sad to think about leaving my family. That will never never be easy. There's so much to balance, I love the work I do there, I think it's important and it fully uses my skills. The work of starting a new organization in a developing country will give me so many new skills, open new doors and give me so many new experiences. But, it takes me half a world away from my family. If I stay here I know my work won't be fulfilling or allow me to grow. Again, this is never never easy.
Sad news. I talked to Beth, a volunteer who returned home last week after 10 months at Nyumbani. She said Sammy has had another stroke and is now completely paralyzed, most likely blind, unable to speak or eat. He also appears to cry out in pain a lot.
Before the second stroke he got the Hallmark cards we all sent, the ones with the music in them. She said he loved them, knew they were from us. He would play the music all the time, (which drove everyone crazy!) and wouldn't let anyone take them away from him. She said she talked to him all the time about me, that I was going to come back and help take care of him. That we loved him.

A Plan, Sort Of

Ive been waiting until I heard something for sure, and one thing I learned in Kenya is you wait. and wait. Finally, some word has come through. I am having a teleconference on Wednesday morning with the PEPFAR folks, to discuss the "way forward." (That's a phrase you hear over and over) I am going on May 18th for 12 days. I need to check on Sammy, (haven't heard anything more from Nyumbani) see my Cottage D kids and finalize the plans I make on Wednesday. I'm hoping I will return to Kenya on July 1st to finish my work.
More details on Wednesday, promise!