Wonderful Brunch and Reception

okay, i don't have any pictures--so you have to trust me--but I went to two beautiful events this weekend. the McGinnis clan did an excellent job again and I barely made it due to an extreme out-of-the-blue tummy attack. Very embarrassing. Then I made it anyway, and everyone had that look, "Are you OKAYYYY?????" ah-hem. "I'm fine!" smile.
But then truly, I WAS fine! I don't know what to say except that either God just did a couple of miracles for me (and I do wish He would have extended that 'fine-ness' to the other hours of those four days Friday through Monday,) or that somehow the distraction managed to keep my mind off my discomfort. I don't know. But I did enjoy myself immensely and wanted to share it here.
One thing I wanted my blog readers to see was the most adorable little party favor I received at Karen's home for the brunch, referred to as the "Cousin's Brunch" which was for those females in the extended McGinnis-Copelin family.

http://www.studiooh.com/default/product_list.php?part_idx=347

check out those adorable little recipe cards! I went straight to the web when I got home to see where I could get a few of these as sweet gifts, too. TOO BAD! I only got the list of where I MIGHT be able to buy them because I can't buy them directly. oh well.

I WILL add photos when Laura gets some to me.

The brunch was at the home of Wayne and Karen. Wayne is Janis' brother. Janis is the baby. So Julie must be the middle. Janis (and Mike) has Elaine, Adam, Michael and Andrew. Then Wayne has Julie and another J daughter. Julie (the sister of Janis) has three daughters. I think Lindsay is the oldest, then a middle, then Popper--or Lynn-Holly. She is named after the actress who played in the movie, "Ice Castles." 

I was thinking that poor Janis has to absorb three new DAUGHTERS as her in laws when her boys marry. And daughters are just more difficult than sons, therefore, I figured I had it easier and I am most pleased with the daughter who joined our family--Myranda, Kevin's wife. But I was wrong about Janis perhaps finding herself unprepared because she raised her children with Julie's girls--and Julie felt like Janis' boys were her own--so both of them will do great with their new additions.

The McGinnis and Copelin clans are wonderful and engaging and beautiful and fun. Tutu is the love name for the Grandpa, Robert or Bob McGinnis, who just lost his wife when she went home to Jesus just about a month ago after 66 years together--he is 88, so he was with her for 75% of his life. I enjoyed talking with him as his mind is good and he is just charming. It gave me some focus so that I didn't feel overwhelmed with all those PEOPLE! yikes! (You know, I always mean to be loving, but faced with a crowd, I just shrink back and try to smile.) Now I wish I had also taken another moment to meet Janis' mom, she was delightful, too! I greeted her respectfully, but her smile was so warm and genuine and she looked me in the eye. It was a sweet connection. I like her already.

I got to officially meet the siblings of Mike McGinnis (Laura's new father in law.) Mike is the oldest, then Kevin, then Erin, then Beth. I also know Brenda is married to Terry, Brenda is the sister of Karen. Brenda told me she is Laura's new favorite aunt. :-)

I am going to write out a family tree to get all these guys down. Then I met several of the children, who are all beautiful and vibrant. They are a close knit family and I am so happy for Laura because her children will identify with all that love and community in their genes. Yay for my grandbabies! whenever hers arrive, anyway.

Now I didn't get to all the great details of the Reception! I will add that, too. There will be photos. I assure you--I will get some photos!

latrines were blown down at Fridah's school!

Hi,
The visitation
team visited Elwasambe primary school where Gladys and Fridah go to learn and Bulechia primary school where Sharlyn, Fredrick, Walter and Brian learn. We found out that fridah's school had befallen with a tragedy of losing their latrines through a strong wind. We had a very strong wind that blew them down. We found them working on other new pits. However, we got to know fridah's academic report which is impressive. She has maintained excellent performance of scores above 300 marks out of 500. She had 332 marks out of 500 in the last exams they sat for. We also took note of her school requirements. Her head teacher said that the school is really looking to her for the best of the school's academics.
We thereafter
checked Gladys' progress. She is doing well in academics as well. The two girls love education with passion. They have chosen it as their savior for their future. She scored 308 marks out of 500 in their last exams. She wants revision books to streamline her studies.
We then left for
Bulechia primary school and met Fredrick. He had 312 marks out of 800 and position 28 in their class of 51. However he is healthy and actively participates in class by asking and answering teacher's questions. Walter had
254 marks out of 800 and position 28 out 51. We also looked at Brian's performance and found out that he scored 231 marks out of a total of 800 marks.
We recorded their school requirements and asked their teacher to work hard and ensure that their academic performance is up to date.
Sharlyn was not
in school. Her teacher told us that she felt unwell and she could not participate in any school activity and because of this, she was asked to stay home and get some treatment before she can be allowed back in school. We therefore visited her at home and got that she is suffering from mumps which totally affected her moods.

Thanks,
Erick.

Progress!

> Yesterday the leadership team went to Kakamega to purchase
> Items for the preparation of the November distribution. We bought some course
> books, story books for our library and some requirements for our candidate
> children that will help them in their final exams. We bought for them
> geometrical set, cardboard and pencils. It was a good experience for us. We also
> bought some groceries and finally transported the all stuffs to our premises.
> Today began on a good note with Oscar being the talk of the
> day. We prepared a ceremonial welfare for his departure to the Air force
> training tomorrow. We converged all of the students and the staff in our hall
> for the event. We began the program at 11:00 am with an opening prayer from
> Jack and then speeches from the students, tutors and finally the leadership. It
> was a joyful event that everyone was happy about. We felt happy for the big
> opportunity our Oscar got. However, we will miss him and his services at large.
> He has been much instrumental to the computer students, staff and even our
> sponsored children. Oscar is mentally and physically prepared for this course. His
> enthusiasm and courage can be seen in his last speech with us. His mind is well
> collected and focused towards getting into their training camp.
> We are so proud of his relationship with religion and we know
> that he is going to serve our nation under the umbrella of our creator and that
> all he is going to do will glorify the Lord. We motivated him so much despite
> the fact that he knows the challenges and technicalities in the course. It is a
> training that needs patience and sacrifice. We understand and believe that God,
> who chose Oscar out of many competitors, will protect him and put His fever upon
> him. We wished him safe journey and well
> in his training. The second last event entailed giving him gifts and presents
> as a way of blessing him. We finished with a closing prayer which involved
> praying for Oscar and finally had a meal together.
> Oscar's qualification into Air force out of his humble background
> is a true miracle we have all witnessed. This tells us that God has big plans
> for His people. If God can be on our side no one can be against us.
> Regards
> Erick.

What Happened?

Once again we have come to the end of the month of October successfully. We really thank God for the far he has brought us and that through him we have accomplished a lot in the organization. He has been our guide, protector and is always by our side showering us with his unending blessings.

Here are some of the achievements made so far in this ending month:

 We were blessed to have Truphosa give birth succefully to a baby boy despite labor complications. At first she was unable to deliver at Butere hospital and was forced to be transferred to Kakamega General Hospital. God had a reason for this because it's in the same hospital that we were able to reach out to other needy cases and offered them a helping hand. We gave out diapers to the abandoned babies and also helped settle the poor HIV positive lady's hospital bill. This was a great impact to the hospital and the organization too.  The hospital management was so grateful terming this as God sent. In their opinion they said that they have heard of many organizations but none of them had gone a step ahead to do what we did.

Alice was also blessed to join ST. Joseph's High school in grade nine, a dream that was once shuttered but had finally come true.it was more than ecstasy to see her smile again in the new uniform she had put on and the new environment she was in.

Moving on, we couldn't hold the joy of welcoming Mercyline into our family. We thank God through the donors who saw the need of helping this needy girl thus making her part and parcel of TGD family. May His holy name be glorified!

Oscar's recruitment in the Kenya Air Force was good news as well. We appreciate of His grace and favor upon him. It is a great blessing on him since his service to the community in humility has propelled him to serve the whole nation. May it be well with him.

We also registered improvements with our staff members in their areas of work evidenced in their good reporting skills. This was seen via their weekly reports and unity that embraces team work. Each department laid down their objectives and were able to accomplish them on time. Their accomplishments were sufficient and showed team work.

In cleanliness, this team carried out their duties well and ensured that the building was neat and tidy. As we all know cleanliness is next to Godliness so is our organization.

The health and nutrition ladies covered a lot in terms of reading the nutrition books to gain more knowledge regarding their work. This has really helped them a lot especially in terms of handling our sponsored children by examining them to keep up with their health progress i.e.  Detecting problems promptly and coming up with proper solutions. They also explored their skills in the field by visiting Beverlyn's home and treating the family with anti-jiggers.

The gardening team also did a lot in their department. After giving kale to our sponsored children and their guardians on Distribution day, the gardeners continued to work hard in the garden to ensure vegetables are in abundance.  A lot was done in terms of digging, weeding, application of manure etc.

The visitation team made several visits to our sponsored children's' schools to check on their general progress. They also went extra miles in visiting the front runners to make them feel they are loved too and being cared for. So far the visits were successful and our children's findings were positive.

The computer training team did a marvelous job in ensuring the two classes are punctual and attending their classes daily, to ensure a smooth learning process. They further attended prayer days in the nearby schools and encouraged the twelfth grade students and teachers to join the free computer training during holidays.

Programming was Awesome, Duncan is almost through with java script and has introduced the students to databases beginning with Microsoft Access.  

The photographers too did an impressive job. They were all over ensuring good pictures were taken in the many activities of the organization. They were also able to get a good number of headshots despite the challenges of getting all the children.

Last but not least, the newsletter team aired out some of the core achievements in an appealing to read flow. Their reliability adds great energy to the team.

Finally, we are motivated and from the sight of everything, success is on our side. May our spread wings continue touching just as many souls? Amen.

Regards

Christabel.