i love it here....

... i really do. it is just an easy place to be. getting here is the tricky part lol! 

we put in a full day that was very productive. most importantly, we visited the in His hands rescue center!!! OMGOODNESS! i really don't have words to express how blown away i am! these guys'work ethic is impressive, to say the least. 

the organizational structure is extremely efficient. steven is the owner of the contracted firm. chris is the onsite foreman. then there are 13 artisans who are responsible for their particular area. each artisan has one helper or more depending on the work. each day and every week, the workers are given their expectations for what should be accomplished. it is very detailed, so they are able to stay focused and accountability is high. 

seeing the buildings firsthand is absolutely incredible. there are three buildings -- the pavilion encompasses the kitchen and dining hall on ground level; on the next level is the three-bedroom apartment (1,700 square feet) for the full-time missionary family and the two-bedroom apartment for short-term mission teams; and the next floor is for vocational and academic training. the rooftop will be used for solar panels, garden beds, and a large gathering area once the funds are available to finish it. the.view.is.breathtaking.

behind the pavilion is THE BATHHOUSE!!!! it is amazing!!! i promise if you could see it, you would think the $79 or whatever you donated was some of the very best money you have ever spent!

and then the building to the very back is the rescue center, the actual housing for the blessed kiddos who will call this home. it is huge! we talked about how the bunks and dressers will be positioned, a separate area for the house moms, security, storage, and a hundred other things. all four floors are almost finished. 

THIS IS REAL PEOPLE! i feel so humbled and honored to be here and be part of something that is absolutely life-changing. wow, wow, wow!

behind the rescue center is the water tower. the well will pump water up into large tanks to supply the three buildings. michelle also was able to acquire the property to the very back. it is gum trees, and guess what is going in this section of land? DAIRY GOATS!!!! did you read that? DAIRY GOATS! we will put up hammocks between the tall trees too, and kids and kids will spend time chilling and eating. be still my heart 💕.

we discussed an area for a playset, retaining wall for when the rains come, sidewalks, parking area, and the desire to have lots of grassy open areas for just playing. 

and all this was before noon! because this is so long, i will save the afternoon accomplishments for tomorrow. 

it is now evening here, and i am sitting alone in the outdoor dining area listening to a bleating cow,  rumbling thunder, and singing crickets. peaceful, safe, perfect. 

michelle is posting videos on her facebook page. search for Michelle Delhaute McGowan for a tour. 

p.s. the laundry girl found me a little bit ago, and gave me fresh towels. she exclaimed, "i remember you! you are the lady that loves the crunchy towels!" yip, that would be me : )

(in the bathhouse shower)

(our kenya home away from home)