An Update from Kenya
From Sr. Ann McAllister FMSA
                                  March 2013

Scheduled for home-leave in April, I had no definite plans to distribute food to the needy before coming home. That is until a companion informed me that he had identified a group of people who were suffering greatly from the effects of hunger. We quickly made plans to purchase goods and travel to this area.

We had visited this particular Internally Displaced Camp before as the people are in a situation of almost destitution. Many have lost their homes due to flash flooding and live in tents. After a year the tents have greatly deteriorated, offering little shelter. Because they do not have any land, they are unable to plant and so are desperate for food.

Most of the people who live in the camp were commercial sex workers who have been rehabilitated. Many of the women are living with HIV/Aids and are struggling to survive and support their families. Most of the children are poorly dressed . There are not many schools in the area. Life seems to be an uphill struggle all the time. However, I heard few complaints only gratitude for what we were able to bring to help them.

Through your donations we bought maize flour, rice, sugar, cooking oil washing soap and tea. The children received underwear, pencils, exercise books and some sweets. Once again it amazed me that the people were so anxious to receive the simple items of food that we had bought. We just kept giving out until it was finished and there was no one left in the compound. As always we made no distinction with regard to tribe or religion and there were some Muslims in the group who thanked and blessed profusely as did most of the women.

Food Distribution Station	Mother and Child in IDP Camp

Once again I want to thank each of you very sincerely for enabling me to go and reach out to these distressed people. The photographs give a glimpse of great poverty and need. Know that the people promised to pray for you with great gratitude.