For one year now, we have been anticipating and planning for "Project Hope."  It all began when incoming DG David Gallagher was having a conversation with Lee Kucker over David's intent to have a quality matching grant during his tenure as DG of District 5220.  Through that conversation David was introduced to Agape Children's Ministry and in June of '03 David came for a visit to Kenya along with his lovely wife Diane.  It was a brief whirlwind tour that included a few flat tires on a last minute safari to Lake Nakuru National Park.  During the stay, David visited Agape, was introduced to all the staff, enjoyed some time with the boys and surveyed the needs that a matching grant could meet.  Along with visiting Agape, he and Diane also toured TEMAK with its ministry to about 150 young women of Kisumu, many of whom are HIV positive, others who need skills training in sewing, craft making, computer and hair dressing.  A few side trips were taken as well, including a visit to the mayor's office, the Kisumu Rotary Club, as well as a CHE (Community Health Evangelism) project in Maseno--about 30 km to the north of Kisumu.  Then we decided to take a day to relax and visit Nakuru National Park--famous for it's transplanted rhino from South Africa along with thousands of flamingo and pelican.  The trip turned out to be not so relaxing as a few punctured tires along the Kisumu/Nakuru Road added some adventure to the journey.  Everyone held up well though and the day was a success along with the entire trip.

David returned energized to present Agape and Temak as recipients of an International Matching Grant from District 5220.  Current DG Nick Mascitelli eagerly consented to encouraging the project, Lee Kucker put together a power point and the promotion began.  Patty and I joined the hoopla when we were in the states in Sept. of '03.  We spoke at 12 clubs in the district, answered many questions and added interested people to mailing lists.  The energy and enthusiasm for this project was overwhelming and very encouraging.  A highlight of our visit was receiving a Paul Harris Fellow during the regular meeting of Modesto Sunrise's Club meeting.  Patty also received one through the Oakdale Club at that same meeting, given by Lee Kucker.  That was a wonderful surprise and a humbling honor.

After returning to Kenya in December, there were only a few last minute items to put together to get the grant on the fast track.  A few more pro forma invoices needed to be obtained and a couple more documents signed by the new club president in Kisumu.

With all those items in place, we awaited the visit of Madhumita Bishnu, Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Calcutta.  She arrived for three days a few weeks back to review the project for RI and see things first hand.  She was given the royal tour of Kisumu--sans the Boda-Boda ride. (Boda-Boda is a term used to describe the bicycle drivers who give people rides for 20 shillings on the back of their bicycles.  They are notorious for their dangerous driving habits)  The Rotarians here in Kisumu treated her to some great Indian hospitality, welcomed her at the International Night Event on the day before her departure and were most gracious.  She was able to visit Temak as well and even took a few hours to accompany us on the street for our Wednesday meeting with the boys on the street. 

Madhu is a very educated and well informed Rotarian.  How many Rotarians can name the current RI president elects for the coming years as well as the RI convention sites for the next five years?  She was favorably impressed with Agape and Temak and even received the ringing endorsement of Agape from the mayor of Kisumu, Shakeel Shabbir, who coincidentally met her as she arrived at the Kisumu Airport with Chairman Nasurulah Miraly.  Things could not have been planned better if it had been orchestrated by the Club Presidents from District 5220.

Patty and I were also honored by the Rotary Club of Kisumu recently.  The club chairman, (In Kenya, the president of the club is called the chairman as tradition holds that only the president of the country is given the title "President) wanted to have our honor as Paul Harris Fellows recognized by the club.  Only three current members are Paul Harris Fellows.  Patty now intends to join the club as well and become the first female Rotarian in the club and one of only a handful of women who are Paul Harris Fellows in the country.

Thank you to all of you who are leaders in your clubs in District 5220 for your support of this MG for Agape and Temak.  It truly will do some great things for the work of rescuing and rehabilitating the boys from the streets of Kisumu.  In coming letters, I'll highlight some of the areas that will be addressed in the grant.  Next week: The fuel efficient cookers that will be used at Agape and a look at the current cookers being employed.

Thanks and God bless

Dan Schmelzer

Project Administrator

Agape Children's Ministry

Kisumu, Kenya