"Hello Rafiki,

At this time we thank God for everything that he has protected us from the challenges that we faced over the year.

The season here is dry and windy. Most of the farmers are busy harvesting their maize. I have finished harvesting our maize last week and have cleared the farm for the lecture room and the greenhouses to be erected. We pray God to open a way for you to raise the amount [needed]. Faith can move mountains as we trust and depend on God's plan.

We have been fortunate this year after loosing a lot of personal property during the violence when we had to run for the safety with my children. Among the things I lost was the camera, so I have not been active taking pictures for the newsletter.

My two daughters Vanessa Chebet and Winnie Jepkemboi sat for their National Examination and we are waiting for the results before December 28th.

Otherwise everything here is doing well.

God Bless, David

 

2008 - Good year for crops
In March, the ground was cultivated again for a new year of crops. This year's crops included potatoes, to improve the soil, along with the traditional vegetables; sukuma wiki, cabbage, and spinach. David used seeds that he had collected from previous crops. David also planted a hybrid corn and some sorghum and millet. The sorghum grows well in acidic soil. David used the technique of "inter cropping" and planted beans in with both the sorghum and the corn.

Getting Connected
Two government utility projects were extended into the Uashin Gishu District. The Kenya Water Project and Kenya Power (electric) both required registration fees from us. We raised enough funds from ticket sales this summer to the annual Concert Under the Stars to pay the registration fees and purchase supplies to connect to these utilities. We had enough funds left over to renew our Community Based Organization status (non-profit status in Uashin Gishu District). And those who attended the fundraiser dinner and concert had a blast.

Agness and Vincent said goodbye.
Kosgei Agness became a member of the Harvest Grove Community Center in our first year (2006) and helped teach small-plot farming to 35 local families from the community. We had a children's garden as well. Agnes assisted these families in the second year as they grew their gardens at their own homes. Agness is now working at a school and will no longer be assisting with training at the farm. Vincent Kibor Mutai joined us in January 2007 and was trained to teach agricultural skills, but also took courses in finance. Vincent has left to continue his education at the University. We will miss these volunteers/friends.

Harvest Grove Make Plans For 2009
This year, David researched greenhouses and we decided that we would like to purchase two. This is one of our goals for next year. David and Jayne also want to plant more fruit trees on the compound. We also are still looking for funds to build the lecture room. It is important to have shelter so that we can have more workshops during the rainy seasons. Jayne Hayes is planning a return visit to the Harvest Grove site in Kenya in May of 2009. It is so exciting to be a part of something that is a blessing to others. God is great.

Happy Holidays
We wish you many blessings during the holiday season. We extend our Thanksgiving to all of you have supported us in the past with funds and prayers. You can help by purchasing photos at Cornerstone... or by donating funds to Cornerstone designated for the Harvest Grove Project. You can also bless us with your prayers.