Container Culmination

Recently we were able to unload a container shipped from Bozeman. It contained many supplies such as solar freezers, quilts, diapers, a four-wheeler, medical supplies, and numerous other useful materials.

"Is it a car?" is the favorite question of those who see it. :)

Sammy with his quilt. His favorite things are bugs!

The newest Mbugua children were thankful to receive the new quilts that were sent.

There were several problems getting the container to its destination and clearing it through customs. In the end, it all had to be carted on the trailer from Mwanza to Mavuno. But it made it!

We praise God that the container arrived safely with all of its treasured items! And we are so thankful for the many people who made it possible!

Cows

Last night our staff, along with some Mavuno friends, met together in the evening to butcher one of our bulls. Those who helped with the process took home Tanzanian delicacies such as the stomach and intestines.

Checking out just how much grass the cow actually ate that day

The meat collected from the bull will provide clean, tender beef for the on-campus families and staff at the local price, but it will be much easier to obtain and of much better quality! It will be stowed in the solar freezer in the newly designed Mavuno Store.

Mavuno is in the process of improving the dairy program. To increase milk production, the cows are being fed more grass and remaining in their pens to be fed instead of grazing all over Mavuno land.

Jake and Carter helping out with the head

The only steer in the herd is in the process of being fattened for another butchering in the near future. Butchering this bull is one of our efforts to make our herd more manageable and cost-effective.

Hanging in the new store (check out the solar freezer in the back!)

Below, Megan Helsby oversees the meat cutting operation

Sammy and Mavuno Store

4 year old Sammy joined the Mbugua family on July 20^th. He is the tenth child on campus with John and Milka. His siblings were overjoyed to welcome him into the family, helping him adjust quickly.

The four Mbugua boys

Sammy came from Forever Angels, where he has lived since shortly after his birth. Sammy has some special needs, yet is almost always happy and loves to be held. We’re so thankful that God has brought him to us!

Sammy with his new blanket

Sammy with his mommy

Seth Powell, a volunteer here, recently cut windows and a door in one of the 40 ft. containers that will serve as the Mavuno store.

The beginnings of the Mavuno store

The Mavuno families will be able to grow food and sell it here as well as buying flour, sugar, and other necessities. This will save huge amounts of time shopping for goods in Mwanza (an hour away)! One of the solar freezers sent in the latest container will be used here to refrigerate meat and other frozen foods that will be sold to Mavuno staff and families.

Shelving was made for part of the container while the other half was blocked off to store excess food.