Making a Difference?

The Mural of the Good Samaritan at the University of Nairobi

Before we left for Kenya, the question was “Do you see a difference?”  We definitely have in this place called Tenwek Hospital.   That question was also answered by the Bill GatesAnnual Letter 2014.  The Gates Foundation has a clear purpose and with partners is making a difference.  It is worth reading!

I just finished the book “The Unwinding:  An Inner History of the New America” by George Packer.  These stories of success and loss in America chronicle the “unwinding of America that is not encouraging.    The metric is income, foreclosures and financial loss.

What should we do with these divergent views of the world?   My short answer is that poverty and purpose are two different outcomes.  What I have seen here at Tenwek is a clear purpose that results in an increasing impact of this institution in this region.   So reduction of poverty, availability of clean water, medical care and education are all important; but it is a clear purpose that sustains the work here at Tenwek.  That purpose is found in the lives of the staff and sustained by their faith.

Marvin