April 2016

K U L E T A

T U M A I N I

Bringing Hope

~ Simply Toothpaste ~ My family and I were part of the July 2015 Mission Trip. I was greatly inspired by my trip to Kenya. I had the privilege of working with one of the nurses in wound care and due to my dreams of one day becoming a surgeon, I eagerly jumped in to help. After seeing everything from burns, to scratches, scrapes, and even a wound which needed stitches, my passion to become a surgeon blossomed even further. When we went to the Olmalaika Home I realized the great needs that must be met to house over 30 girls. When school began in Colorado in August last year, I was asked to do a Problem Based Learning project, (PBL). I immediately thought of the Olmalaika Home. After juggling many ideas, including making bleach for water purification and overall sanitation, I finally landed on the idea of making your own toothpaste. Toothpaste is an ever-constant need at the home, and what better way to have it than to make it yourself? I decided that I would come up with a recipe that could be made with ingredients easily found for little cost in Kenya. This July the girls at the Olmalaika Home will be trying out my toothpaste and will be able to make their own. ~David Ross, age 13

2016 Mission Trip Schedule

July 6-19, 2016 Medical/Dental – *Narok South/Olorte Division

*Options after the mission trip – Climb Mt Kenya (16,400 ft) or safari

*The optional trip is not tax-deductible Oct. 26-Nov 8, 2016 Medical/Dental –

*Narok North & South *Options after the mission trip -

Climb Mt Kenya (16,400 ft) or a safari/coast trip *The optional trip is not tax-deductible

Go to the “Trip” page on our website for information and applications

www.globalvillageministries.org

~ Happenings ~

We have 35 girls living in the home now (rumor has it another is about to move in) and two young ladies that are now in college!

In January and February Kim was able to spend about one week in Singapore and just over two weeks in Australia where she was able to share about the home and help bring about awareness of female genital mutilation in numerous churches, hospitals and other organizations. It was a real blessing. Here are two links for videos that were done while she was there. Kim’s Story https://youtu.be/8oHmvn4iO4Y The Olmalaika Home https://youtu.be/fB46fIh7BGQ

Some of you have asked about the Women Like Us Foundation documentary called “A Night to Inspire” The Olmalaika Home will be one of the features in it, and we have heard that it will be coming out this summer.

The annex will be completed by June. The kitchen is the last big project we are working on in it. The kuni water heater was just installed. Bunk beds are being made now. Two will go into the annex and eight will go into the O Home which will enable us to open the last two rooms for about 13 more girls.

From our guestbook – The visit to the home was super. The girls all looked so well and happy and it’s so good to think that they are safe and can grow up in a warm, Christian environment. We went to the river to get water, did the laundry, washing the clothes in buckets and hung everything out to dry on the lines and the bushes. The girls sang for us and it was beautiful. If anyone is thinking of a way to make a difference this is it – sponsor one of these girls through school so that they can change the world in their own village. ~ Jane Buckley-Alt, RN in Switzerland

This is what we will purchase when the funds come in & this will be the end result.

"Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase"

The GVM board has approved Kim’s request to purchase a 4x4 Land Cruiser Heavy Duty Pick-up! It's a big (HUGE) project but we have GREAT FAITH! The cost is US$58,000 for the vehicle and about US$12,000 for the conversion - so around $70,000 total. The conversion will make it into a safari vehicle which will be able to seat 8 people plus driver! We know that figure sounds TERRIBLE ~ but in the long run it will make such a huge difference as every year we spend around US$13,000 leasing a vehicle here in Kenya. If we could purchase our own, we would be able to save a huge part of that for the Olmalaika Home. Having our own vehicle would enable us to: *Provide special field trips for the girls and regular transport for certain appointments such as dental trips etc. *Transport supplies for both the home and mission trips. *Use for optional safari after mission trips. *Use for Mission trip transport if we have over the amount of people that fit in the overland truck *Use for when Kim is in Kenya before and after the group. *Plus it could be used as a source of income for the home as well. So here's the good news! All we need is.... 70 people to give $1000 dollars! See how easy that is!! or 140 people could donate $500 or 280 people could donate $250 or 700 people could donate $100 Without a doubt it is much harder to raise funds for something like this which is more of an administrative need. When people see a child’s face they are much more eager to give, but what is important to keep in mind is that when you don’t have the administrative side, when you don’t have a caretaker, or someone to cook the meals, pay the bills and more, then you will no longer be able to fill the home with laughter and singing as there would be no one to provide for the girls. In 2012 we stepped out in faith and built the Olmalaika Home, and then in 2014 built the annex and now we have once again stepped out in faith to purchase a vehicle. If you would be willing to help, please contact us via phone, email, facebook or you can donate right on our websites. It would be a HUGE blessing to have it so we could use it in July of this year.

~ March Mission Trip "Africa is not just a place, it is a feeling…...it is the heart of the world

and there are only a few of us who have been touched by her."

I grew up in Kenya and moved back to the U.S. when I was 10 years old. Ever since then, each day my heart has longed to go back. This year I was able to go back with my two siblings for the first time and I thought my heart would burst with excitement. The trip was the best thing that has happened to me since I lived there. Going to Africa is unlike anything you will ever do. The people on the trip with me were all amazing, and the people I met in Africa had beautiful souls. The wildlife is incredible. We were able to help so many people during our clinics and everybody - no matter their degree or lack of degree - was helpful. Everyone had their place. Kenya isn't just a place you can visit and then return to your normal life. It becomes a part of your heart. It changes you. Kim DeWitt is my mother and her passion and love for the country and people of Kenya is inspiring. I wouldn't go on a trip with anyone else, not because she is my mom, but because she pours everything she has into making the trips a life-changing experience for everyone that comes. I was able to go to the Olmalaika Home for an afternoon with my siblings. For those who don't know what the O Home is, it's a special place for girls that have experienced/escaped circumcision (FGM) and being married off, many to0 MUCH older men - the youngest girl at the home being only 6 years old. Being around the girls and getting to play with them and see their rooms was a special experience. Each girl is so beautiful and whenever I looked at them I felt such joy knowing that they had been through so much and were able to be brought to this safe place created by my mom. I just wanted to hug them all. Each girl is unique and you can tell they are all one big family. It was an amazing thing to get to know them and see the world through their eyes. I will cherish those memories forever Every night since I left Kenya, I dream of going back. ~ Ashley DeWitt, student @ Southern Adventist University

“What do I Remember” (Kim’s visit to Australia)

Here in Australia I was so happy to have Kim come and visit with me. I have known her for many years and have been out on 2 trips to Kenya with her and Global Village Ministries. She arrived just before the weekend and I had her booked for 3 meetings on the first Sabbath. Our church here in Warburton had helped out already with the Olmalaika Home in the past and so she gave a talk in Sabbath School and then a childrens’ story in church. In the afternoon she shared about the home and the mission trips. She wore her Maasai dress and the meeting finished with question and answer time. I noticed that there were some in tears while she talked of the girls. The Church took up an offering for the home for which we were so thankful. During the week we drove about 650 miles / 1000+ Kms to Cooranbong in New South Wales. That weekend she had 2 more talks in church meetings and also a reunion with those she knew from when in Kenya. We had a great time. The following week she did a talk for 3ABN Australia., Sydney Adventist Hospital, Greater Sydney Conference Office, and several churches in and around Sydney. Then Sunday we drove the long drive back to Warburton again. Steps to Life Australia videoed her sharing about her life and the home. What do I remember about her trip out here??

Her passion for her girls in the home. Kim never seeming to sleep. Trying to keep in touch with the Home and administrating it.

Lots of laughter, bird watching, showing her Australian wild life. Stopping on the side of the road to look at Kangaroos feeding.

Driving across the Sydney Harbour Bridge (not actually planned!!!!) Thank you Kim and your husband Curt for coming to Australia to share your passion. Come back again we will welcome you anytime! ~ Gwenyth Davis, from the “land down under”

NOTE: Global Village Ministries is a registered non-profit 501(c)(301). All donations received throughout the year will be recorded and contribution statements will be mailed by Jan. 31, 2016. Global Village Ministries 37223 Highlite Drive Sterling Heights, MI 48310 USA Phone ~ 586.838.4998 / 989.413.3364 Email ~ letmeshine4him@yahoo.com Blog ~ www.globalvillageministries.blogspot.com

From Kim’s heart…..

I just arrived back from Kenya a week ago. The weather in Kenya was hotter than I have ever experienced it there, and I’m still hoping that Michigan will follow in Kenya’s footsteps any day now. We have been working hard to get the home registered as a “Charitable Childrens Institute” and sometimes it feels like they are constantly re-creating the regulations! We have put together a 26-page policy and procedure booklet, re-done some physical structures at the home, added a radio and have yet to hang a picture of the president….. but I have faith that at some point they will run out of things they want us to change or do and we will finally be approved. Meanwhile they sure don’t seem to have any concerns about sending girls to us! Today was a big day ~ Lilian, one of our secondary school graduates began a new chapter in her life; She started school at Narok Dicece Training Centre to be a pre-school teacher! I am so very proud of her!! The girls are thriving, happy and safe because of each of you and your generosity – that is the simple bottom line. Thank you for being a blessing, Kim xoxo

To Live To Learn To Love

www.THEOLMALAIKAHOME.org

The O Home Team - Rose, Sarah, Joyce, Jesca Stephen DeWitt playing games with the girls

Faith & David in wound care – July 2015 Optional safari – March 2016

Jane Buckley-Alt providing medical care – March 2016 Kim and Dorothy in New South Wales

MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR 2016 Here’s an opportunity for your office, church, school,

club or family to change lives. Help us meet our 2016 goal for THE OLMALAIKA HOME

www.theolmalaikahome.org ITEM AMT NEEDED FOR 2016 COST AMT DONATED Rice 2,100 kilos / 4,630lbs $4,700 FULLY SPONSORED Green Grams/Mung Beans 720 kilos / 1,590lbs $1,650 Beans 1,440 kilos / 3,175lbs $1,620 Maize 3,000 kilos / 6,615lbs $1,400 Charcoal 108 bags $1,200 Bread 432 loaves $880 Cooking Oil 420 litres /110 gallons $700 Milk 72 cases $700 Bananas 3840 bananas $600 Cabbage 480 heads $510 Sugar 420 kilos / 925lbs $500 Chapati Flour 384 kilos / 846lbs $350 Eggs 72 flats (30 eggs per flat) $350 Oranges 1920 oranges $320 Uji – porridge 960 bags $310 $300 Sukuma (Greens) comes in bunches $230 Goat 3 for special occasions $230 Tomatoes 2020 tomatoes $180 Onions 575 onions $170 Potatoes 96 bags $150 Salt 144 kilos / 317lbs $90 ITEM AMT NEEDED FOR 2016 COST AMT DONATED Laundry Soap Bars 480 bars $830 Bath Soap 480 bars $500 Lotion / Vaseline 480 jars $420 Toothpaste 480 tubes $540 Toilet Paper 960 rolls $400 Sanitary Pads 432 bags $740 Shoe Polish 480 tins $490 Floor Wax 20 tins $450 General Needs $1000