southern cross academy: then and now

Izzo, the leader of this project, heads up Marafiki Community. and just over 6 months ago, i had the opportunity to be a part of some of the good works that he is doing in Kenya.

it brings me so much joy to see what HUGE successes this program is having.

all the work with the IDP camps has come along unbelievably. sure, there have been bumps and finance issues along the way, but in one year's time... look how far they've come! i don't want to make this sound about me, because it's not... at all. but these people and these projects are closer to my heart than any other "wow, that is really great" program because i know these people.

i got to be a part of the early stages of building this school. i helped remove grass from inside the classrooms when the only thing built was a very basic structure.






then, a few weeks later, we all were so excited as we drove up to the school and saw that there were walls and doors.




we did a medical camp for the camp residents that day and over 50 people came through to see the doctor. it was such a success that we unfortunately ran out of medicine to treat everyone.




a few months later, i returned with a group. first we played with the kids and gave out some candy and clothes.


















and then we went to the school and helped move rocks and stones from a huge pile to be laid down, and soon followed up with cement poured over them, to create floors in the classrooms.






they were clearly proactive about getting themselves a school.


these days were fun, but when i close my eyes and picture the kids spending their days, now instead, in their classrooms - sitting at their desks, reading and writing and learning math and social studies and science and CRE - i smile bigger than this. because that is so amazingly greater than this.


obviously this community has extreme needs. the people living at the IDP camps need support. they have gone from having nothing, to having so much with more to come! i remember talking with a mom of 7 children named jane during one of my visits, and she said, "in time, god will provide for us." He is providing for them... it is evident... and it is amazing.

Izzo, and volunteers from around the world, you are rockin' it. you are making a difference in the lives of these people and blessing them beyond belief. keep following your heart and the Lord's guidance... you are doing such a great thing.