Some of you will remember from earlier posts that I was trying to
assist a child named Baby Fidelis and her family, to raise funds for medical help. The funds were needed to
travel from Kenya to Canada so that the baby could undergo
reconstructive surgery. Medical costs were to be donated to the family but the family had to get to Canada and have funds to live on as well as funds for after care once they return home.
After a tumultuous start to their journey, the baby and her mother arrived in Toronto, Canada in August, 2015. It's been awhile since there has been any news but thanks to a news agency in Kenya, there is now a public update. I'm sharing the photo and story below. Credit goes to The Star, Kenya.
Baby Fidelis underwent successful surgery last week in Toronto. There aren't any new photos of how the baby looks since she is barely a week out of surgery. But I will update the photos of the baby if, and when, they do become available.
Thank you to those who prayed for this mother and her child and contributed to
helping them financially.
~~~~
Baby Fidelis Muthoni in Canada before surgery. Photo/COURTESY
BY ALICE WAITHERA
Baby Fidelis Muthoni has successfully undergone a corrective surgery in Canada to remove a growth on her face.
The one-and-a-half-year-old baby has been suffering from frontal bone defect since birth, which disfigured her face.
According to her father Kenneth Kinuthia, the baby underwent a
surgery that took the better part of Tuesday and is now recuperating in
the intensive care unit.
Kinuthia said his wife called him on Wednesday evening to tell him
Muthoni was even able to speak, hours after she was out of the theatre.
“Muthoni has finally had the operation and we are now hoping she will get better and live a normal life,” he said.
on Thusrday, Kinuthia told the Star on the phone Muthoni’s doctors
are confident the baby will recuperate soon and may leave Canada sooner
than expected.
Muthoni has been undergoing tests in the country for two months prior
to her surgery and was expected to live there until February as the
doctors monitored her progress.
In August, a relative conned the family out of Sh2.8 million that had
been raised by Kenyans for Muthoni and her mother's flight to Canada
for the surgery.
President Uhuru Kenyatta contributed Sh500 for their air tickets
while Murang'a Governor Mwangi Wairia gave out Sh300,000 for
accommodation.
Time passes so quickly by. I know I say that a lot and I hear it a lot from my friends too. But honestly, where does the time go? Hey I think there is a song by that name.
Let me digress a moment and check out that song. My mind does like to wander.
Okay I found "Where Does the Time Go" by Barry Manilow. But that isn't the song I'm thinking of. I thought there was a song from a few decades back.
There is another song by Sandy Denny & the Strawberries called "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" That's the one I remember. I really only remember the very last refrain.
I prefer a slower version of this song as sung by the last Sandy Denny (died 1978) in the band, the Fairport Convention. Here is a video of this lovely folk song in case you'd like to listen to it. It isn't really a video because there are no moving pictures but there is good audio.
It's vibe captures how I feel about the passing of time (sad). There is just so much to do. I want time to slow down.
Here is another lovely version done by the late, beautiful Nina Simone (died 2003). I love her introduction to the song and she does a moving rendition of it in case you have time to listen.
Isn't it funny how when we are children, a week is an eternity? But when we are older, we want time to slow down a bit?
Anyway I hope you didn't mind the digression.
Where I live the very hot summer we've had is winding down and Fall is on the way. The days are still quite hot but not as blistering as it was even 2 weeks ago. Once the dinner hour arrives you can feel the distinct change in the air. The change in air temperature started about a week ago. It is always amazing to me just how summer changes to Fall immediately at the end of August here. It is like clock work. Once our last long weekend of the summer is finished, you will know it is Fall. Fall is my very favourite season though I think it is too short of a season before Winter rolls around. Don't I just sound like I could better organize the seasons of the year, lol.
I am grateful to have 4 distinct seasons where I live though it does make it more challenging and expensive to prepare for all the different seasons: heating wise, cooking wise, clothing wise and garden wise. Even the car needs special treatment for the different seasons. But the beauty you get in the changing scenery and the respite you get from the heat, cold or rain, is rather special. My friends who live in the tropics probably don't believe that. *wink (Frugal tip: Make sure to get your car serviced and oil changed at the right time. It will save wear and tear on your car and make it run better using less fuel. If you are on a tight budget it can be very tempting to put off the oil change).
This past week has been very busy. The highlight of the week was hearing that little Baby Fidelis made it to Toronto, Canada with her mom. For awhile it looked a bit bleak that she would ever make it to Canada but she made it! I'm so happy she will get the opportunity to have facial reconstruction surgery. Monday she was supposed to have surgery and I'm hoping and praying it went well.
Baby & Mom with host family at Toronto Int'l Airport.
The rest of the week I was busy catching up with things. There is a lot of shopping and clothes preparation to do before I visit mom for her birthday very soon. I only have a few days to get everything ready so will be busy with that.
For the coming seasonal transition, I've purchased a few warm sweaters, some cotton jersey nightgowns and a few bits and pieces. I have to label them all. If I have time I will also try to make a top for her out of this fabric in the photo. Pardon the purple items beneath the fabric. They are two new nightgowns which I have to modify before she can wear (I have placed everything on my ironing board so I can start the labelling process). (Frugal tips: If you are a caregiver for an elderly person and need to buy them a lot of things like I do, it pays to really shop around. I purchased 2 sweaters for less than the price of one sweater I was originally going to buy. With the savings, I was able to purchase the fabric at 50% off. Altogether I think the fabric cost $14.20 which I think is good value. I could get fabric which is less expensive but it wouldn't stand up to the washing in super hot water).
The fabric pattern looks a bit wild and busy but I think it will sew up nicely into a long sleeved jersey pullover. It will coordinate with the plum skirt I made awhile back and another burgundy skirt she has. Apparently the two dresses I made and gave her on my last visit were big hits and she has worn them a lot already .
Polyester knit fabric for top
Most of the rest of my week has been busy just catching up to house cleaning and various appointments and errands like shopping for my eye wear. It seems I'm behind on everything! (Frugal tip: Save all your receipts and be sure to submit them quickly to your insurer if you expect any funds to be reimbursed. Currently I have just over $200 owing to me. I will be submitting receipts today).
I did make some great progress this week, especially with the housekeeping. Though that may not sound too exciting, those of you who keep the household know how good it feels to be caught up for a few moments on housework. I am not quite caught up but made some very good progress.
Hopefully I can continue making progress next week too because next up I have plans to do some major closet and drawer decluttering. I haven't done a really large decluttering in a long while and it is definitely time. (Frugal tip: If you have time, energy and patience you can sell a lot of your clothing. I understand there are groups on Facebook for this and of course there is also Craigslist though one has to be a bit careful who you let into your home. There is always the old fashioned way of a garage sale outside if you happen to have a yard on ground level. Even a few dollars back can really help the pocket book. I usually just give my things away though I might put a few things on consignment now and then).
I'm also slowly catching up on my reading goals for the year. Right now I am finishing up the book in the photo below. It's an interesting story about a Jewish immigrant who leads a life of twists and turns and how she comes to make her livelihood making ice-cream. It's fascinating how a writer can take a subject like ice cream and right a compelling story around it. I admire that.
Once I'm finished, I will return to the biography of Charles Dickens and some health related books that are specific to women's issues. These are always quick reads and I learn a little more each time I read a new one. (Frugal tip: Borrowing from the library is better value than buying a book and you don't have the problem of where to store the book once you've finished reading it.)
Here are a few photos I took while out and about this week.
The last photo I'm sharing was taken at the Van Dusen Botanical Gardens earlier this summer. Can you spot the bee having a feast? There were a large number of bees in the garden that day. (Frugal tip: Where I live I signed up for the Inspiration Pass at my local library. It enables a person to visit multiple sights in the city over a 2 week period and to take a bunch of people with you as guests; all for free. You might have something similar where you live.)
Unfortunately the water restrictions this summer means that all the
plants in the Van Dusen Gardens (and other parks) are in jeopardy. It
is sad but what can be done?
Weather changes around the world impact us
all. Hopefully the gardens can recover but I've been hearing that weather patterns and climate change is such that we can no longer expect what used to be normal weather. We should now expect the unexpected. I guess we all have to learn to adapt.
Little Baby Fidelis and her mom Martha have arrived in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
They arrived at about 12:10 p.m. on Saturday August 23, 2015.
Baby Fidelis & mom Martha, with welcome bear.
Isn't Baby Fidelis just the sweetest child? She is already holding the bear so well.
Here with host family at Pearson International Airport. The host mom is a nurse who hails from Kenya.
It is a very long journey from Kenya for mother and child.
Surgery is already set for Monday.
Please pray for the child and the doctors and nurses.
Baby Fidelis and her mom Martha are expected to be in Canada for six months as the baby undergoes
further follow-up.
I imagine there is more than one surgery involved as the baby's face has to be reconstructed.
Photo credits: I retrieved these pics from Kenyan media. I believe they were all taken by the host family & posted to Facebook to update people on the baby's safe arrival.
I'm still sharing the beautiful birds I photographed at the Bloedel Conservatory in Vancouver this summer.
Today I'm featuring three small birds.
This bird was prettily perched on a huge palm leaf so I almost missed it.
This little bird was busily gathering feathers for nest building.
This bird has the loveliest colours. I have more photos of it.
Do any of you know the names of these birds? If "yes' you can write them in the comments section. I have the names of the birds. I'm just curious to see how many of my readers already know them since there are a huge number of bird watchers out there. I will return and post the names in a few days.
I also saw a very pretty sky earlier this week and haven't had a chance to upload the photos yet. I hope you like them too.
Update: August 23/15: Bird in photo 1 is a Cuban Finch, Bird in photo 2 is a Zebra Finch (female) and Bird in photo 3 is a Gouldian Finch. Well done to those who participated in Name These Birds.
By the way, if you missed the awesome news in my post yesterday please have a look here if you have time.
At last the Baby Fidelis and her mom are on the way to Canada!
In fact they may have arrived in Toronto as this news is being posted.
See and hear all the details in the video I've posted.
I cannot wait to see how the baby looks after surgery and facial reconstruction.
I'm so delighted that she and her family will have a new lease on life.
Thank you to those who gave and to those who prayed.
May God richly bless you all!
Have a wonderful weekend.
UPDATE August 23/15: Sorry dear readers. The video I posted has now been removed from youtube. I have no idea why. It might have to do with the fact that the baby's identity information (passport) was also posted.
Approximately 9 hours ago ( 3 p.m. Pacific Standard Time), the Kenyan reporters were saying the family was still trying to get visa and funds together. Slightly overlapping that update, was news that
Baby Fidelis and mom will be travelling from Kenya to Canada on Friday (tomorrow).
In another development, His Excellency, President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya was reported to have gotten involved in the Baby Fidelis case. It is said that he has donated money. This is in addition to the funds donated by Muranga governor Mwangi Wairia. The amount donated should cover all the costs associated with the long stay in Canada.
As for Joseph (aka Alejandro) Wanjau, he was arrested on Thursday. The police used two friends to lead him to a place where he was then arrested. It remains to be seen what the defense will be.
I want to thank all those that have prayed for a good outcome for Baby Fidelis despite the circumstances.
Baby Fidelis
Please continue to pray that all will work out well for this family and the Baby and that there won't be any more hiccups and delays.
It has been difficult to get precise and up-to-date information concerning this situation but I have been sharing about the Baby's need on my blog for some time and know that there are people praying for this child and who want to know the outcomes. I am hopeful that things have now turned around for this family.
Today's inspirational graphic was selected because I'm inspired by the example of the baby's family. They haven't given up hope for this baby. When faced with hardships and trials in a seemingly losing situation, they are doing the utmost to keep hope alive for Baby Fidelis.
There is power in love and hope.
God bless you for continuing to pray and hold this family in your thoughts.
I am so sad to report that Baby Fidelis' surgery in Toronto did not go forward on August 18, 2015 as scheduled.
A monetary dispute between Fidelis' family and the family advocate, Joseph, has erupted and interfered with the scheduled surgery. Serious allegations have been made and the police are now involved. I don't have too many details and I'm looking for positives in this matter.
The advocate says no funds have been stolen or lost. So if he can be believed, that is good news. However to the best of my knowledge, the funds haven't been transferred to Baby Fidelis' family yet. Neither have the Canadian visitor's visas been given over to the baby and her mother.
A bit of good news is that the hospital in Canada says they will open a new surgery date for Baby Fidelis if the family can get to Canada soon. Major hospitals in Kenya cannot do the type of surgery that Baby Fidelis requires which is why she has to travel abroad.
The challenge is that Baby Fidelis has a team of doctors that have travelled to do the surgery. They come from different countries and cannot indefinitely stay in Canada waiting for the baby and her mother to arrive. I've heard that the doctors will remain in Canada for 3 more weeks in hopes that the family can come up with the funds to fly to Toronto and to cover travel insurance.
Another bit of good news is that the county government where Baby Fidelis and family reside in Kenya, have officially gotten involved in this case due to it's high profile nature and the devastating turn of events.
The Honourable Joseph M. Mbai, Chief Officer (Health & Sanitation) in Muranga County has contacted the Canadian Consulate in Nairobi concerning re-issuance of travel visas. Once visas are in hand, the county government will also pay for air travel for Baby Fidelis and her mother. The baby and her mom will stay with a host family in Canada. The host family originates from Kenya and can communicate with the mom in Swahili. The host family members will also escort the baby and mother to the hospital each day. The only remaining issue seems to be the general maintenance involved in half a year's stay in Canada. Good Kenyans are now frantically fund-raising once again to help make all this happen very soon.
Sadly, this child has been caught in the middle of a dispute and it appears that the family advocate has seriously let her down. As each day passes, the baby's face becomes more disfigured and the needed surgery becomes more complicated.
Baby Fidelis
Please continue to pray for this baby and her family.
Note: I have revised, updated or deleted some of my earlier blog posts regarding Baby Fidelis and the advocate and will continue to try and do so. Particularly those requesting donations be sent to the Hope Foundation in Kenya., an organization helping the very disabled in Kenya. As a result of this dispute, the police have now frozen the Hope Foundation's accounts pending resolution of this matter. No funds should be sent there.
It was just about two weeks ago since I went to see mom. Here are a couple more sky photos from the drive.
It was a bit cloudy as you can see in the pics but that day the
temperatures soared to 33 degrees Celsius by mid-to- late afternoon.
Since then they have been experiencing temperatures in the low 30s.Today it was 31 degrees.I much prefer the temperatures where I am now since it has cooled off a lot.
The day ended with a lovely sunset.
Short update: My friends in Kenya have now got the travel visa to travel to Toronto Canada and they will arrive sometime next week.
Continue to pray for this group of travelers: for all their needs to be met, for a safe journey and for a successful surgery for Baby Fidelis. I am so excited for her and her family. Soon she will be able to resume a normal life free of pain and discomfort.
Photo Credit: Hope Foundation for Orphans, Kenya
My friend's mother, Eunice is still at the missions hospital but now on an outpatient basis to save money. She is recovering but needs continued monitoring. Her nose bleeding has slowed. Please pray for her complete recovery (typhoid and high blood pressure), ability to meet the medical costs and discharge very soon.
Thanks so much for your support.
I'm joining in somewhat belatedly with Skywatch Friday today.
Have a look there for some awesome skies from around the world.
I trust you all had a great weekend and are looking forward to the week ahead. I have a little of this and that to share with you today. It has been a busy time in so many ways.
My niece was here visiting me in Vancouver, British Columbia, all last week. We had a very nice visit together and managed to make it out to a few scenic spots in town where we enjoyed the scenery and beaches, went to the movies, visited her brother and had a small birthday party with pizza and cake. She always looks forward to the birthday cake.
Downtown in the West end of Vancouver near Davie St.& Beach Ave. People everywhere were enjoying ice cream. There was a nice breeze at the beach.
A view from the beach to the west. There are ships and sailboats everywhere!
The Honda barge being readied for the Celebration of Lights (Fireworks) competition which begins July 25/15.
Saturday we travelled home together and I had a chance to visit with my mom for a few hours too.
On my last visit with mom I took her one full slip but she needed a few more. I finally got around to making them and two long flowing dresses last week (I didn't get any good photos). These will take her through the Summer and into the Fall seasons though I will probably make her another dress and a few more slips before winter arrives.
We also took her a mini CD player. It was hard to find one that was just the right size and which came with a remote control. My brother finally went across the border to Bellingham, Washington to find one.
On the map you can see Bellingham in relation to Vancouver, and also Kamloops to the north where we travelled on Saturday.
The skies were overcast and very gray when we started our journey. Our final destination was Kamloops which takes between 4-5 hours driving one way (this includes restroom stops and lunch or dinner stops).
The temperature was about 24 degrees Celsius on departure. By late afternoon in Kamloops the temperature had soared to 34 degrees Celsius.
I'm posting a few scenic photos taken from the moving car. We travelled on the Coquihalla Highway
Big farm and silos in Chilliwack.
I've posted scenes of this route before in several other posts.
I always find the scenery very beautiful and ever changing depending on light of day and the seasons of the year.
Cornfields of Chilliwack. Hot weather is playing havoc with this year's crops.
Rocky mountain and babbling brook between the City of Chilliwack and the town of Hope.
Getting close to the town of Merritt. The landscape changes to sand and desert spaces.
Leaving Merritt and a view of the lake to the east.
Getting closer to Kamloops
The descent into Kamloops
View to the north. I brightened this photo a bit so you can see the town better.
I took a few photos of the flora and fauna along the way. I think this photo was taken between Merritt and Kamloops.
This is actually a view from the mountains on the highway travelling south to Vancouver just after dusk.
While I was travelling a few hours north to see my mom, one of my Kenyan friends was also travelling north in Kenya.
This was Jonah's monthly missions trip to the Pokot people.
The volunteer missions team makes a quick weekend trip to these people in the very dry desert area of Kenya.
It takes about 12 hours one way travelling from Kericho to Marsabit area.
I found a map which doesn't have too many places marked on it so you can easily find the start of the route and the destination.
The drought in northern Kenya is very bad this year and the people are very hungry.
I am sharing these photos and a short video in hopes some of my readers will feel inspired to help with the regular missions to these dear ones in Pokot country.
This video of the women singing and dancing really touched me.
I know the harsh conditions they live in and yet they can sing and dance in the sweltering heat.
Photo & Video Credits: Pokot photos & video by Jonah, Kenya Missions of Hope
And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones
who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not
lose their reward.
Matthew 10:42 (NIV)
Hello friends,
I hope this post finds you well and in good health. I also hope the weather is agreeable wherever you are. It seems the weather is so unsettling in many places around the world. These days you never know what to expect.
I reported just over a week ago about the abundance of hail we had here in Vancouver. Pictured below is the hail which had accumulated around my newly planted lettuce. Since that day, the lettuce (and other plants) seem to be fine. However I find the lettuce doesn't grow that fast despite our sunny and very warm weather. That might just be normal. I haven't grown lettuce for several years and I can't quite remember much about the experience.
The main purpose of today's post is to give you an update about missions work in Kenya. Many of you have been following the plight of Angel Baby Fidelis pictured in the photo below with her advocate, Joseph Wanjau and the baby's mother.
Joseph has been raising the funds for Angel Baby Fidelis travel to Canada for surgery to remove the growth on her face and brain. The baby also needs reconstructive surgery. I am so thrilled to report that through Joseph's efforts and through the support of people near and far, the family is now able to travel to Canada!
Joseph is just waiting for word from the hospital as to when they will be ready to perform the surgery so that travel arrangements can be made.
I ask each of you to continue to pray for this family. They will be far from home in a foreign land. They will need to remain in Canada for 4 months for the surgery and recovery process. I am grateful that they will get to make the trip during Canada's warmer months and not during winter. I only hope they will cope well with the humidity levels in Ontario.
Let us pray they will adapt and that they will have good success in surgery and recovery. Let us also pray for Joseph who is tirelessly working in Kenya to support orphans and to support disabled children and their families through the Hope Foundation for Orphans.
Photo Credit: Joseph Wanjau, Hope Foundation for Orphans ~ L to R, Joseph, Baby Fidelis & her mom
In other news, my good friend Jonah has continued to make his evangelistic outreach and humanitarian visits to the Pokot people of northern Kenya. These people are the Plains Pokot as they live in the dry, infertile plains herding goats, cows, sheep. Often it is too dry to keep the livestock watered and fed properly and the people also go hungry.
It takes a full day of travel to reach these people from home base in Kericho in the Highlands of Kenya. My friend Jonah has a huge heart for the Plains Pokot and has made many missions trips to reach them with the good news of the gospel and with practical food aid. He does whatever he can and travels with other volunteers from his church about once per month or as funds allow.
You can see the people are very happy to receive their flour.
Some of the local men help to distribute the aid.
Jonah also likes to try and bring treats and fun to the people.
Here you can see them enjoying the succulent watermelon. I can only imagine how good it must taste when you are thirsty in a dry land.
In my last photo you can see the woman having fun blowing bubbles.
Perhaps it is the very first time she has ever
experienced the childlike joy of blowing bubbles.
[Photo credits: All photos of Pokot mission courtesy of Jonah of Missions of Hope, Kenya]
I can certainly remember how much fun I used to have a child blowing bubbles.
As a grown up I love opportunities to buy bubbles for children just so I can watch them have fun and squeal in delight at such a simple pleasure.
In closing, I want to say that we value your faithful readership and as always we covet your financial and prayer support for the ongoing work to help the Pokot peoples
If you can help donation can be sent
to
kerichojoy[at]gmail[dot]com
Donations to Hope Foundation can be made at their website.
Thank you.
If you have any problems or need any assistance with making your donation let me know and I will try to help you.
In the coming near future I will let you know about another great initiative from one of my readers who is very keen to help raise funds for ongoing needs in Kenya.
