May, 2011 - Our Humanitarian Projects Finally Start

 We hope you all enjoy this version of our blog - most of it will dedicated to finally starting our projects.  The first couple of months in Kenya were spent getting comfortable with missionary life, then it was a month of office work, and now, in May, we have had many visitors, water short term specialist (17-day stay to resolve a large water project that had contractor problems, then our bosses from Johannesburg visited, and the  NRT (neo-natal resusitation couple) came for 14 days, we assisted them in the Help Babies Breath Training.  The following pictures will help you see what we've been up to. 

You'll note that when I left my hair was somewhat longer, then with Dick's persuasion I went for a cut from the locals, what a disaster....then in an effort to fix that mistake I tried to cut it again myself - didn't do too bad but thought I'd try the local hairstylist again - now I have the shortest haircut ever!!!!!  HELP - Where's Romela!!!!!  Oh well, no worries - we have more important things to do.

The Richardson's are our bosses from Jo-burg they are originally from Louisana.  They visited us for five days giving us training and looking at our proposed projects.  We enjoyed spending time with them. 



The Richardson's From Johannesburg



Jericho High - All boys school   



 We were invited to a presentation from the community, parents and headmaster of this 780 all boys school.  The boys  live here full time while in school. The only have water 2 days of the week.  They want LDS Charities to drill a borehole, some showers and latrines.  What's different about this project is that its right here in the suburbs of Nairobi.  It will be a small project but good because its close and we can montior the work as needed.

The school went all out to present the proposal - it was a 4+ hour tour and presentation.  The needs are so great and we need to stay objective in choosing the right projects that meet the most needs.  We felt this school will be good to partner with because the community, parents and school have accomplished so much with so little. We liked this school because they want to help themselves, and they are not afraid to work for it. The head school master truly has a vision.  

These pictures with us sitting around with the dignataries are too much. They make us look like we are important and know something and we don't. Very formal presentation!  

 May 4th...we headed 8 hours west of Nariobi to the Butere area - quite rural.  We are doing site visits to the schools where we'll start a big water and sanitation project.  These are typical latrines out in the bush at the schools.  I know there is a better way, and we will find it.  Maybe we will be known for way cool latrines.  Can you tell Elder Tuttle took over the blog for now. Like I told you before I have other talents. 

This is a spring in the Butere area.  90 percent of the women fetch the water. I guess they are stronger than the men or else the men are just too busy.(WORKING?...not!)  I carried they-re 5 gal water cans to the top of the hill to show them that men really can carry water.  They thanked me several times.  This is the area we are going to capture 66 of these springs which means, dig out the head of the spring, lay pipe cover with gravel and cement.  This makes a good safe spring.

This is an example of a rain water catchment off the roof into the tank, which is a good system - the area receives alot of rain.  The only thing is they don't know about PVC cement for the fittings and most seem to come undone. 

The person to the left is Rita, Janet's new best friend.  She is the superintendent over 39 schools.  She and Janet hit it off like two pees in a pod.  They have big plans to put all the men to work.  When Rita talks everyone listens.  She is one cool lady who broke out of the typical water-fetching mold.  We will be spending a lot of time with her.

 How good is your aim?  We didn't try this one.  Besides as you can see...No Door.  We can't wait to build them new latrines, we might even surprise them with a "special sit-down style" toilet along with the traditional "squat-type".  Oh Joy!

This is Rita's first grandbaby, You would think this baby was dressed for the north pole. Not so, this is normal attire for in the house.  3-layers, plus the hat.  Can you say suffocate?  That's how I felt just looking at the cute little thing. 

OK - now this was cool!!! Eating with your fingers at Rita's house.  Ugali (Kenya's main staple), rice, meat with some juce on it and some mashed up green stuff and no seasoning. Here's how it works, take a chunk of ugali and mix it up with rest with your fingers.  Then lick your fingers. What a great time we had! 

 Rita put on her African attire and we danced, then listened to her loud Christian music videos.  She is one cool lady. She will be our friend for life.

Here's our good buddy Justis Suchi,  He works for an NGO (Reach the Children).  We will be partnering with him on the 46 springs, 15 latrines, 2 boreholes and 12 rain capture on the school roofs. Suchi is one honest, transparent, happy, friendly, educated, spiritual guy, and he is also our friend.  He is the only Kenyan that talks loud so I can at least hear one African out of 39 million.

We'll publish this post for today and will continue tomorrow with part two.  Good evening to all - we love you all and thank you for your prayers and support.  Take care of each other and stay healthy, safe and happy.

Love, E/S Tuttle, Mom/Dad, G&G, Dick/Janet