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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday May 23, 2008 - 39 Couple still need support for Kenyan mission Continued from page 37 For Andrew, the remarkable coincidence was like a bolt from the blue. "Of all the people to meet that day I meet the parents of a pilot with AIM," he said. "It was an incredible miracle." That night, Andrew told Sue what had happened and the two began moving forward with plans to go where they were needed. However, doing so was easier said than done with the process involving the renting out of the couple's Oakville home, getting the necessary immunizations, quitting their jobs and raising the sufficient funds to see them through their two year experience. "All of this is volunteer work," said Andrew. "So your supporters have to pay to send you there." To date, supporters have raised 65 per cent of the monthly support the Fabers will need. Once in the Rift Valley the Fabers will be housed on the grounds of the academy. Their oldest daughter Hannah will attend Grade 1 while Beatrice will attend a "We both recognize that perhaps there are some risks, but there's a risk walking out on the street and maybe getting shot downtown on Spadina or wherever." Sue Faber preschool, both of which are within the confines of the academy. Besides working at the school the Fabers are hoping to make a few trips to South Sudan to aid Tut Pur at the Akobo hospital. "There's like zero infrastructure there. There's a hospital with one doctor for more than 100,000 people. I think there's two nurses who are actually trained," said Sue. "I just think there's a great opportunity to train basic nursing skills to women who are just interested in learning more." On top of this the Fabers will be there to observe in an effort to understand exactly what is needed, where and how they can bring help. "We really want to go as learners," said Sue. "A lot of people try and go in as fixers and offer solutions without actually listening to what the problem is. Someone might want to give $100,000 to rebuild a hospital, but they don't recognize that all these other things need to be in place for that hospital to function. We want something other than a quick fix solution and I think that's what people want over here, too, because they're tired of giving money and hearing more bad news." With the date of their departure, set for late July, fast approaching the Fabers are confident that it is now safe enough in Kenya for them to do their work. The violence that rocked the country throughout December and January has, for the most part, ceased thanks to a power sharing arrangement between the country's president and the opposition. "We've been told that it's safe. The crisis seemed to wean itself by the end of February, coming into March," said Sue. "The school does have a very well thought out evacuation plan so if something were to happen there are procedures in place." Andrew also noted that when the violence was taking place it was not directed at the non-government organizations or other outsiders, but against the tribes of Kenya's different political factions. Still, the Fabers know there are no guarantees this would be the case if the chaos were to return. "We both recognize that perhaps there are some risks, but there's a risk walking out on the street and maybe getting shot downtown on Spadina or wherever," said Sue. "It's just like that." What happens at the end of this two-year odyssey? The Fabers note that they're not quite sure. "We will return to Canada and at that point we'll make the decision whether we resettle or go back and continue our work in Africa," said Sue. "It all depends." To learn more about the Fabers' mission or to become a supporter call them at 905-815-8250 or visit their website at www.faber.to. Encounter: St. Hilda's Join us in worship! We're looking to initiate a new kind of encounter with Christ; bring your doubts AND your enthusiasm. Come sing, pray and share in the Bread and Wine We're open for inspiration, transformation and spiritual journey with Jesus. Sundays at 8:30 am 1258 Rebecca Street (between 3rd & 4th Lines) in Oakville Services conducted by Reverend Canon Brian Ruttan, PhD Priest-In-Charge, St. Hilda's Anglican Church 905-520-1443 Under the auspices of the Diocese of Niagara, Anglican Church of Canada oakvillebeaver