Land Problem Update at MITS

Thanks to all who have written comments and emails in regard to our land problem at Made in the Streets. Francis Mbuvi, our administrator, sought an injunction in high court on Friday to stop anyone from entering the premises at the 20 acres or interfering with MITS life. However, the judge wanted to leave early since it was Friday, so the case was not heard. Francis and the lawyer were allowed to enter all of the MITS documents and the plea, so that the case will be heard on Monday. We will wait until then to pursue other avenues. The people who invaded the land have begun digging a foundation. We are trusting God to be at work to protect our work for the street kids, to soften and change hearts and to make the right way for us.

Life at MITS goes on...Charles and Darlene are almost finished with the house and hopefully will move out of the girls' center by October 10. This week has seen the installation of window glass, painting, spackling, electrical wiring and installation of lights, drainage system and a few other odds and ends. Five of the young men at MITS are painting -- they are doing great work and have such a good attitude. It is nice to give the kids opportunity to earn some money. When they work at MITS or for one of us, we give them half the money now and save the other half for when they leave us, so they will each have some funds to start a new life.

Two girls had a fight today, and one's nose was hurt. We hope to slowly help the kids get anger and physical conflict out of their lives, but it is not an immediate process. That's one of the reasons we are sending Irene Akinyi to Daystar University to study counseling. We want our team to be able to guide the kids in better and better ways. Irene told me yesterday that because of her introductory course, she has already made some changes in the way she deals with the kids. That's good news!

Window glass was installed in the new girls' kitchen today, and repairs were made on their water system. Next week John Wambu plans to go to Eastleigh to make some repairs needed before the Eastleigh Center is approved by the Children's Office in this year's inspection. We have to redo the floor of the main hall and provide more ventilation in the girls' dorm; also we have to put higher barriers on the sides of the toddler beds.

Joel Njue reports that our efforts on behalf of older guys -- 18 and older -- on the streets are paying off. He found a government official working the National Identity Card office who has taken an interest in the young men. Joel and the Eastleigh Team are working to get National Identity Cards for 80 young men, and 21 will be served this coming week. They will present their documents and receive waiting cards; Joel will be informed in a few weeks that the cards are ready, and he will be able to pick them for the young men.

Darlene has begun teaching the Bible classes at the Learning Center, since Irene Mbithe started her maternity leave on Wednesday (Kenyans get 3 months off work for maternity leave). Darlene reports that the kids in all 3 levels are using English in class, with very little need for translation. She is pleased with the obvious progress and with their enthusiasm. She says that every student speaks up, asks questions and answers questions. The class is currently studying the Gospels, and this week has been taken up with the work of John and the baptism of Jesus.

I talked with several of the young people who are taking exams in November and December, and they feel confident they are ready. Several will take the 8th grade government exam (in English, Swahili, Social Students and Religion, Science and Mathematics), and others will take the Level 3 Auto Mechanics exam. One student will take the Level 3 exam in Tailoring.

Thank you for praying for us and for supporting us. Let the hungry and homeless children of the world be blessed.