Dear Westmoreland Congregation Members:

Jambo. I returned home from the holidays to a letter from the Board of Community Action and a check for $500.00. This generous support by one of the Friends of the Kilimanjaro Initiative will help fund the present project of providing backpacks for each of the 318 students (about 100 students with this amount) at the Mrokora Primary School in the town of Marangu, at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Previously, I had been able to equip them with pens, pencil, and compasses, that were at the top of their priority list. The next item was a backpack, so they will be very excited. At the same time, we are discussing ways in which they can access the internet - they have no electricity or phone at their site - at one of several places in town (church, business, government building) until a more dedicated arrangement can be arrived at. When that happens, I hope that a tie-in with the Church will be possible, as well as some area schools.

We have established an audit trail and are arranging for a 501(c)(3) process, so that you will be able to know that your money is 100 percent spent for a specific benefit. I underwrite the wiring charge ($40) with my own personal funds, and I will attempt to obtain the actual names of the children who will be receiving your gift. For those who wish to visit them during your climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro or a trip to the Serengeti Plain for the annual migration, I am sure that you will be warmly welcomed by a visit to the school and a personalized guide from Exaud Kissamo, who was my guide and a former attendee at the school. In the meantime, I will try to keep you posted on any relevant information on the Westmoreland website for your access and review. And, as a member, I have made an equal pledge to the church, so there is no net diminution of funds by the church itself. I have also volunteered to serve on some committees was well, as a result of your actions.

What you sow, so also you reap! Please feel free to call (301-718-8592), see me after church, or e-mail at any time with questions or individual donations, as you wish, kenmar@ix.netcom.com.

Kent Watkins