Welcome to the Peacemakers New Year eBulletin 2018. With so much bad news in the world, we hope we can lift your spirits with a short, encouraging story of a then student, Tom Beak, returning to Peacemakers Kenya after 7 years!
"When my first visit to Kathagari came to an end in 2010, I was adamant that I'd return soon. At the time, I did not imagine that this return would come a full 7 years later, but it was well worth the wait!.
The work that Chrissie has done with the local community and the progress made on the site is incredible - the plot was unrecognisable. Where I remembered building works, now stands a number of very impressive buildings - some in full use (such as the IT training centre) and some ready to be a roaring success (such as the Cafe).
It was great to see many recognisable and friendly faces (not least because I'd spent the previous few weeks alone on the back of a motorbike), but the real pleasure came from being able to contribute in a tangible way. With help from Brenda and Chrissie (and the generosity of my late Grandad), we were able to provide water filters to selected local families,
...school packs to the graduating class at Kivuria Primary School (Peacemakers' neighbour) and a new printer for the IT training room.
It meant a great deal to contribute to a place where I have such fond memories and to finally fulfil my promise to return. Visiting Kathagari and witnessing the positive work that Peacemakers continue to do...
...working with the local community rather than for it, is always a rewarding and enlightening experience - as such, I have already promised to revisit and really hope it's not another 7 years before I do!"