Let's all come together and help Agnes and her boys move into their new home by the end of 2012!
Here's the latest update regarding what's been happening over the past few months:
Here's the latest update regarding what's been happening over the past few months:
May
We found found the land and house. You can review all the details here.
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| Agnes and her boys' future new home |
August
Agnes and I again met with Morris, the current owner of the property. He showed us how far he'd reached in initiating things for the sale, gathering various documents, etc. My friends, Robert and Edgar Alu, also joined us... as did their mom, Mary. Additionally, Tony, Duane, and Zach got to see the place for the first time. Morris and his wife had a nice lunch ready for us.
September
I attended the first Land Board meeting as Agnes' representative. The purpose of this meeting was for Morris to request permission to sub-divide and sell a two-acre portion of Morris' land. Edgar also came along to help me understand the proceedings.
October
Morris and Agnes signed the purchase agreement; I was one of the six witnesses. We also all traveled to meet with the surveyor and submit various forms and pay various fees. Additionally, a large amount of the purchase price (over 2/3) was transferred to Morris' account here in Kenya. This will allow him to make a payment on his new property and start to build his new house.
November
We'll meet with the Land Board for the second time to finalize all the details.
December
We agreed that Agnes would take possession of the property on or before December 31st. That's also when the final payment to Morris is to be made.
Additional charge
Last November and December, we raised $12,340! In May, after we found a piece of property that also included a house and other improvements, I asked if you could help us raise an additional $3,235 that would also cover the surveyor's fees and the costs to move Agnes and her family.. You responded well and another $861 came in!
However, when I tallied that total, I hadn't yet been informed of the 'Stamp Tax' that's to be paid to the Kenya Revenue Authority. I've now been told that it should be approximately $250 (2% of the current value per acre in the area where the land is purchased). It must be paid before a new title deed will be issued in Agnes' name.
That's where we need your help again!
It's time to finish what we started!
Let's aim to blow the top off of our thermometer before Christmas! We've already received $533 towards the $2,624 that we need.
Please consider contributing and giving to the Acres for Agnes project in lieu of some key Christmas gifts for your friends and family.
For those family members, friends, and colleagues that already have everything they could possibly want, or for those in-laws and co-workers who are impossible to buy for...
Instead of buying a scratchy pink scarf, iTunes gift certificates, a necktie the guy will never wear, or another t-shirt that will stay in the drawer...
Consider a different idea this year. You could give a meaningful gift that would make a lasting impact and difference in the life of this family.
On Christmas Day, instead of giving your family member, friend, or colleague a gift they can hold in their hand, you can share with them how you instead gave to a needy family in Kenya.
If just 53 of you contribute $50, or if 70 of you contribute $38... we can finish what we started.
You decide what amount to give. Any amount will help.
You may choose from one of these two options:
Thank you so much for your generosity!
I hope you take a few minutes to enjoy this video of Duane and Zach enjoying the wide open space of their future home. It's quite cute.
Agnes and I again met with Morris, the current owner of the property. He showed us how far he'd reached in initiating things for the sale, gathering various documents, etc. My friends, Robert and Edgar Alu, also joined us... as did their mom, Mary. Additionally, Tony, Duane, and Zach got to see the place for the first time. Morris and his wife had a nice lunch ready for us.
 |
| Edgar, Agnes, Morris' wife, me, Robert, Mary, Morris |
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| Agnes with Zach, Duane, and Tony |
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| We all enjoyed a stroll down to the shore of nearby River Nzoia. |
September
I attended the first Land Board meeting as Agnes' representative. The purpose of this meeting was for Morris to request permission to sub-divide and sell a two-acre portion of Morris' land. Edgar also came along to help me understand the proceedings.
 |
| Besides us, many other people were there to meet with the area land board. |
 |
| Morris (3rd from left), surveyor (2nd from right), Edgar (far right) |
October
Morris and Agnes signed the purchase agreement; I was one of the six witnesses. We also all traveled to meet with the surveyor and submit various forms and pay various fees. Additionally, a large amount of the purchase price (over 2/3) was transferred to Morris' account here in Kenya. This will allow him to make a payment on his new property and start to build his new house.
 |
| Edgar filling in the purchase agreement details |
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| The surveyor's office |
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| Inside one of two rooms in the surveyor's office |
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| Agnes signs the document to transfer the title deed. |
November
We'll meet with the Land Board for the second time to finalize all the details.
December
We agreed that Agnes would take possession of the property on or before December 31st. That's also when the final payment to Morris is to be made.
Additional charge
Last November and December, we raised $12,340! In May, after we found a piece of property that also included a house and other improvements, I asked if you could help us raise an additional $3,235 that would also cover the surveyor's fees and the costs to move Agnes and her family.. You responded well and another $861 came in!
However, when I tallied that total, I hadn't yet been informed of the 'Stamp Tax' that's to be paid to the Kenya Revenue Authority. I've now been told that it should be approximately $250 (2% of the current value per acre in the area where the land is purchased). It must be paid before a new title deed will be issued in Agnes' name.
That's where we need your help again!
It's time to finish what we started!
Let's aim to blow the top off of our thermometer before Christmas! We've already received $533 towards the $2,624 that we need.
Please consider contributing and giving to the Acres for Agnes project in lieu of some key Christmas gifts for your friends and family.
For those family members, friends, and colleagues that already have everything they could possibly want, or for those in-laws and co-workers who are impossible to buy for...
Instead of buying a scratchy pink scarf, iTunes gift certificates, a necktie the guy will never wear, or another t-shirt that will stay in the drawer...
Consider a different idea this year. You could give a meaningful gift that would make a lasting impact and difference in the life of this family.
On Christmas Day, instead of giving your family member, friend, or colleague a gift they can hold in their hand, you can share with them how you instead gave to a needy family in Kenya.
If just 53 of you contribute $50, or if 70 of you contribute $38... we can finish what we started.
You decide what amount to give. Any amount will help.
You may choose from one of these two options:
1. PAYPAL. Click on this "Donate" button. Indicate the amount you would like to contribute to the "Acres for Agnes" fund. Except for PayPal's fee, 100% of your donation goes to this project!
2. SNAIL MAIL. If you live in the United States and would like to send a check, please make it out to Deb Smith. On the memo line, write "Acres for Agnes". 100% of your donation goes to this project!
Mail it to -
Deb SmithPO Box 34083Omaha, NE 68134
Thank you so much for your generosity!
I hope you take a few minutes to enjoy this video of Duane and Zach enjoying the wide open space of their future home. It's quite cute.
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