a new Tumaini video and security info links
First of all, watch this beautiful video posted yesterday by the 3 U.S. volunteers at living Tumaini right now. It’s good to see everyday life continues on there despite the turmoil. It’s a glimpse into the HopeRuns program, and the music is sung by a student at Tumaini.
On to news... It’s been a more peaceful week in Kenya, and we’re praying it continues, especially as there is word that a peace deal has been signed by both parties through talks with Kofi Annan.
No major violence has been reported for nearly a week (in Nairobi for longer). Nyeri and Central Province have remained calm throughout. Some promising developments last week included the reinstitution of live broadcast television and peaceful assembly, both of which had been banned in the tumultuous weeks after the election. The displacement of people and food supply issues are the biggest problem now, as you can read in Rev. Muindi’s letter in the previous post.
I thought I’d share some of the links I use everyday to keep tabs on the security situation in Kenya:
www.katokenya.org : Kenya Association of Tour Operators -- gives a daily briefing on security situation as it relates to tourists -- safety of roads, airports, and destinations within the country.
www.alertnet.org/db/crisisprofiles/KE_VIO.htm?v=newsdesk -- A Reuters news and information site geared toward humanitarian work/workers. There’s a lot of background info to mine here. They’ve been doing a good job of giving historical context and offering maps of affected areas.
www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4 -- This is a traveler’s forum that I’ve used for a long time, with online discussions about tourists’ experiences. Type “Kenya violence” in the search bar and you can read ongoing posts from people who have traveled to Kenya since the violence. Offers “eyes on the ground” viewpoints.
http://nairobi.usembassy.gov/ -- Travel messages from the US Embassy in Nairobi. Click on Security Situation Update.
www.nationmedia.com -- local news coverage
And here is a message I just received a few minutes ago from Peter Kariuki, our Kenyan travel agent...
Dear Abigail,
I hope this finds you well.
Thank you for the wonderful prayers you have been praying for us. We have
really seen the hand of God. Things have cooled down in the country. People
are talking to each other, and soon or later there will be an
agreement. Things will start working the way they should. So continue praying
for us. We are relying on the word forgiveness. Read Colossians 3: 12 -13 and Ephesians 4: 32.
Many blessings to you,
Peter Kariuki.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
