Serious stuff

Samburu, Kenya is experiencing a worse than usual drought. Today, I had another meeting with the executive director for Koins. We discussed the imminent need to build a safe and sanitary girls dormitory at the Samburu Secondary School. The stories she told me about the conditions she saw there last May made tears drop from my eyes.

Of course, they'll need a water source. Since Samburu's topography doesn't work for boreholes (wells) we will most likely tap (via pipeline) into the main water source from Mombasa. If you have any questions about the specific, technical aspects just let me know (it's not that interesting to write about..really...plus, I can put you in touch with someone who can explain the process much better than I).

One of the saddest facts that young women face is the inability to continue with their education because of menstruation, pregnancy (often due to early marriage or rape) or lack of funds and water.

Most people know, or should know, that an educated woman is the first line of defense to poverty, violence and AIDS. Anything we can do to keep even one girl in school is worthwhile.

The next time you turn on the tap, try to think about what a precious resource water is.

Status update

Oh my, it's been a while since there's been an update. To quote one of my favorite songs,* it seems I've spent most of the year in a plane going up and down (mostly for work), while continually working and thinking about the well project. Thank you to everyone (friends, family, and strangers) who continue to show support and interest in CFAC.

Lots of activities happening now, in the near future, and ongoing.

Now: Cake for a Cause. Try your luck at winning, hands down, the best cake from the best baker in the state of Oregon. Those of you who have had her cakes know what I am talking about! Call Georganne at 541-479-4559 if you want to buy a ticket.

Near Future: One of my dearest and most creative friends will open her Lake Oswego home for a children's holiday party Sunday, December 13th from 1-5 pm to benefit CFAC. Treats and crafts will be provided. Please email me at alampert712@gmail.com for information. Oh, and I'm going to have one at my house too. I will do pretty much exactly what she does......why reinvent the wheel? The date and time at my home TBD.

Ongoing: Headbands, notecards, and art sale. I'll get the links and photos for those up soon. But right now, I have to do my other job and get daughter to sleep.

*Does anyone out there know Tracyanne Campbell from Camera Obscura? Goodness, it would be more than I could say to get her to do some kind of benefit. Oh, I know, right, yeah, but if you're going to dream.....dream big!