Hello all,

Sorry for the lack of recent blog updates! Our power and internet access have been seriously unreliable and we seem to be incredible busy! Well we hear that the country we live in has hit the dizzy height of BBC News, sadly for the serious lack of rain, the serious lack of food, riots and crazy inflation rates. It is slightly strange living in a country that produces such headlines and yet it has become part of everyday life and some of the food shortages could have been predicted months ago. The area we live in is lucky to have had some rain over the last few months and farmers here should at least get some crops, although still a significant decrease on better years. Having said that, with inflation rates well over 20% and food in such short supply, the average village family is currently lucky to have 1 meal a day. It truly is hungry season, but not on scale being seen in other parts of Kenya. The medical outreaches from DMCC have been going to areas that have had big disease outbreaks, usually caused by the lack of clean water or adequate food. DMCC has also seen an increase in malnourished children treated, and sadly this is only likely to get worse over the next month. The medical outreaches have treated hundreds of people at a price they can afford, and it is really amazing to be a part of something that in a small way helps those most in need. Along with the day to day work at DMCC, we are aiming to upgrade DMCC to a hospital. Simon and Jane are back in Kenya so the team is up to full strength, and it should be an exciting few months for the little health centre up a mud road! The x-ray is awaiting the final paperwork, eye surgery is booked again for the end of August, and the quest to find a dentist is underway! If anyone wishes to offer please give us a shout..!!! Clean water is in short supply and shows the huge significance of Mike'ss water projects, which not only should provide clean drinking water for thousands of families but also provides health education with the aim of preventing such outbreaks. As some of you may have heard the drilling team's arrival has been delayed due to travel restrictions through areas of tribal clashes. Weapons and armed guards were distributed to protect the team, and we are really praying they can travel safely and should arrive this week to start the main bore holes. Otherwise all is well. We are off to Uganda with Simon and Jane for 5 days at the end of July, and it will be nice to have a break from the work here and be tourists for a few days! Bye for now Becky and Mike