Over four months has passed since the disasters of flood water, boulders, mud and debris altered life in Maai Mahiu, Kenya and the surrounding community.  The Kenyan Defense forces are long gone. Many funerals have taken place.  Children are all at their studies and candidates in Grade 6 and 12 are preparing for cumulative exams.   Beneath the surface of daily activity,  compassionate relief efforts continue. With the support of our friends and donors the following responses have been possible: Stipends for local pastors working extra hours to visit and pray with all relocated flood victims. (The same pastors assist John and Leah with pre-assessment visits and follow-ups for physical needs.) Housing for counselors working with victims in Maai Mahiu. Assistance with funeral costs. Hosting meetings, retreats and camps for community leaders and flood victims.  Replacement home furnishings, food, cooking utensils, Bibles, school uniforms, medical expenses, transportation and school fees as needed for displaced victims. Mud out work, pit latrine construction and home repairs for neighbors whose property was still livable.  These helps cannot erase the pain of trauma and loss for our Valley Light staff and community, but they do provide a way forward where needed.  Giving comfort is the same as receiving the gift of purpose.  As leaders of our children’s home and in the community,  John and Leah set the example of a meaningful life worth living for many who struggle with questions about their existence in disaster aftermath.   They will continue with personal visits to victims, the relief activities listed above, collaboration with other community leaders and conversations with their own children at Valley Light as the work of healing takes its time. The board of Valley Light offers our deep gratitude at this time to all who have cared for the Valley Light community with messages, visits, prayer and financial contributions for relief.  The children have experienced kindness and participated in service that will impact their understanding of God’s faithfulness beyond this crisis. Please click the link below to see several current pictures on our website flood crisis tab where prayer requests and praises are also listed. If you have questions about support for our "where most needed” efforts or daily operations, please reach out to us via our Contact Page. Virginia Lynn  Valley Light Programs, Inc. Board Chair