Frank and Lynn visited two of the three ABCD family shambas (farms) where cows, funded by the generous supporters of ABCD, were being raised. An agreement was formed between ABCD, the families, and the local veterinarian Mr. Umburi who is on the ABCD Advisory Board. The ABCD families were chosen to receive these cows based on their capacity to provide adequate food, shelter and medical care. After the first year the family is responsible for all maintenance of the cow. The cows are delivered pregnant and is the custom that the calves will go to other families and so the cycle of community sharing continues. Fingers are crossed that no bulls are born?
The cows will also give milk and this provides another source of food and income for the families because surplus milk is sold to the local milk coop. Twice a day the mamas, sometimes helped by the children, have to feed the cows (banana leaves and stalks, grass). Often they have to forage quite far from their small farms to find food.
Frank and Lynn were warmly welcomed and unexpectedly offered plates of avocados and eggs.