Last weekend, we took a walk to a nearby orphanage. It is a place I have wanted to go to and this is the first chance I’ve had to go. The walk there was, like most hikes here, breathtaking and challenging. But definitely worth it (see picture below).
This is a children’s home run by AIC (Africa Inland Church). It is home to 35 children, 25 of whom are there during the school year – the other 10 go to a boarding school for high school.They range in age from 6-18. Some are there because they have lost both parents. Others are there because their families cannot afford to care for them. They are raised in a loving, Christian environment. For the last 5 months, the “parents” to these children have been Rebekah and David. They are a wonderful Christian couple with 5 children of their own who work there as volunteers. That’s right – they run the orphanage and parent these children for no pay whatsoever. Even though they do not have much money of their own, they give selflessly of their time and their talents to give these children a loving home. There is a tie to Kapsowar Hospital, as both Rebekah and David used to work for the hospital.
At the children’s home, the children learn vital life skills. They are all involved in cooking, cleaning, managing a small farm as well as tending after sheep and cows. All of these things are skills that will serve them well in life here in Kenya. They also are taught scripture and worship songs. As you talk to the children, it is evident that they love the Lord and that they have great goals for their futures. Just a few that I talked to said they wanted to be doctors, teachers, pilots.And they believe that they can accomplish this. Laura Rhodes, the wife of the long-term missionary surgeon here, has established an education fund which allows these children to go to secondary school (high school) as well as to college if they qualify.
While the home is full of love, it is significantly lacking in physical comforts. The children sleep two to a bed in beds that most of us would complain about sleeping in by ourselves. The mattresses are thin and worn and sag in the middle. The blankets they have are thin and have holes. Up in the hills in Kenya, it can get pretty cold at night – even I broke down and bought a small space heater. They also cannot all eat at the same time, because they don’t have enough bowls, plates and cups.
Several people here have been impressed by this place. Just being there, their joy surrounds you and is infectious. There are plans to build bunkbeds and buy new mattresses, as well as build new cabinets for clothes.
I was so touched by these children, as I am by most orphans. There’s just something special about them. I hope to take many more trips there.
The beautiful walk there
Tons of maize (corn) laying out to dry. The kernels will be
ground into cornmeal and used to make ugali, a Kenyan staple food
A bunch of the boys with Mama Brian, Kim and Eliesa (2
medical students)
Me with some of the kids and Dave with one of the sheep
Me and the kids and Rebekah and David (the parents)
The shower
3 comments:
hey dearest, scott and i are enjoying reading your blog. hey we want to help buy cups and plates for the children's home. let us know approx. how much it will cost for you to buy this stuff there. We are serious. so let us know. lov eyou
Hi, Christina! Hey - great updates to your blog. Well worth waiting for! Mom and I wanted to post this response to your blog. Although we have had phone conversations and emails about this, I thought a posting to your blog might inspire others to do the same. Our small group has decided to reach out to Kapsowar Hospital and Kapchesewes Orphanage. We are going to make an effort to raise some funds for each, through our individual circles, pool the funds and then get them to your account. It is hard to ignore, given the major impact a relatively few American dollars can have over there! It is our prayer that others will be so inspired! May God continue to bless your efforts!
Love, DAD
Christina, As I read through your blogs, my heart was so touched to read that Scott and Emily plus your parents were touched by your story and decided to help. I am personally is a bona fide child and was a full beneficiary of this oasis of hope some years back. And reading about such great hearts led touched to help, makes me so happy that the many lives at this home will indeed realize their full potential both spiritually and academically. May God bless the good work you are doing. And for Scott $ Emily with your parents, allow me to say maybe on the behalf the the home and the kids a big thank you; may be they may not have read this. I will also bring to their attention.
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