On Friday, February 1, Jeremy Brewer and his colleague arrived in Mombasa on mission and were able to deliver all the kitchen utensils donated for the Catering school. I want to give special thanks to Jeremy and Nicole for coordinating this, the MOMS Giving Tree committee, the parish office, and each and every one of you for your contributions. As Jeremy and I unpacked the boxes at my house to display them for a photo, we were both amazed at the number of items.
I was able to show all the kitchen tools to the students on the first day they were dressed in uniform for a practical lesson. Most of these everyday items are very foreign to them, for example a can opener, "Mr. Mike, Mr. Mike, what is this?" They just could not figure it out. Most of these kids are not familiar with canned foods, as they are available in the grocery store, but the grocery store is not a place that they are accustomed to purchase their food like we do. Their food is purchased daily from street vendors, wrapped in newspaper or empty flour bags, and carried home.
The students are so eager to learn and curious of many things. They appreciate the opportunity for an education and strive to be the best they can be. I am amazed with their retention skills and the respect they have for their elders is inspiring. It will be so much fun be able to teach them the skills they will now learn using all these new kitchen gadgets! I thank you for that as do the students!