December 19 - A Christmas Miracle

One of the best parts of my trip to Kenya last summer was getting to know Joseph Mwengea and his beautiful wife Mwaka. Joseph is the Kenyan Director of Kenya Keys. http://kenyakeys.org His vision of providing scholarships to worthy students in the poorest area of Kenya is changing so many lives.  Joseph can tell you the story of each recipent of a Kenya Keys sponsorship and I think at last count that is around 300 students.  He is a brilliant man. Mwaka is equally amazing.  She graciously opens her home to batches of Kenya Keys interns each summer and fall and makes each feel loved and like a part of her family.

 Joseph and Mwaka have a 12 year old daughter named Patience who performed so well on her exams that she boards at a prestigious National School.  For several years Joseph and Mwaka have hoped for an addition to their family.   In December of 2011 they lost a full term baby girl.  This December a miracle occurred when Victor was born by C-section in Mombasa.   C-sections, that we take so much for granted, are a miracle in Kenya.  In the words of Rinda the US Director of Kenya Keys, "Everyone refers to the baby as Lucky Victor, because he wouldn't have made it without the friends that made it possible for Mwaka to get the good care she has received.  As most of you know, C-sections are unheard of in Mwaka's world.  They are an unreachable luxury for the women of Taru.  It breaks my heart to think of how much women suffer in many parts of the world as they give birth, especially the ones in Kenya that are suffering and dying right now because all government clinics are closed due to the nurse's strike.  I wish we could save all of them!  But at least we can know that we've saved this one - and allowed Joseph's son to make a triumphant entry. If he's anything like his parents, he'll shine a bright light in this world."

Welcome to the world, Victor!