Our Story
Sister Freda & Dot
On our 1st trip to Kenya in 2007, I was particularly touched by the accomplishments of a saintly woman named Sister Freda and her hospital in Kitale. In addition to medical treatment of locals in the area, many of whom walked many miles for treatment, she also conducted, and still does, a school for children who cannot afford regular schools (or the uniforms required ) The children numbered close to 100, and their ages were from 4 to 8 years old. Of particular importance was the fact that these children were fed a healthy meal at lunch. In many cases, this was their only meal of the day.
She also is the adopted mother of some of the children who have nowhere to go. Of particular remembrance was a small, underdeveloped child of 3-4 years of age. Dot weighed 18-20 pounds. She had been abandoned in a ditch as a baby and left to die. When brought to Sister Frieda, she showed no hesitancy in taking in Dot on a permanent basis to raise as her own.
-Terry Hodges D.D.S Board member MEDS for Africa, pictured here with Sister Freda
Our Story
Toti
Terry has already told you the story of Dot. She was found when she was an infant. She weighed less than three kilos (about 7 lbs) at two years of age. Her full name is Jacqueline Toti and we saw her first in 2008. We recently asked Sister Freda about Dot. Sister Freda said, “Oh, you mean Toti. She is in boarding school about 40 minutes away.” She still needs lots of support. Not surprisingly she has some developmental and intellectual impairment. Sister Freda said her mother was a severe alcoholic. She will never be a GEM because of her earlier life. Her grades are passing, but just barely. We recently sent her $ 100 so that Sister Freda could buy her a new uniform, shoes, socks, underwear, and help with her school supplies. We hope to have a picture of her with her new uniform. We trust that there will be continuing support for Toti AKA Dot.