Washing Feet/Serving Others

Today was our last day at the Virginia Children's Home.   Tomorrow, Kim and I will be making our journey home.  Harrison is staying with our friend Tom for another week.  Today was a day of service.  In the morning Kim told the story of Jesus washing the disciples' feet.  As an example, I said to Rosemary (ACO staff member who oversees the food program and the well being of the children at the Virginia Home): Ninge penda nikuoshe miguu, which means I will wash your feet and then I began to wash her feet in front of the class.  (**Ironically my Texas Twang seems to come in handy when speaking Swahili as I was told several times today I have an awesome Swahili accent when I speak...ha, ha!)  Anyway, the children's eyes lit up and they all stretched to see!  We knew we had their attention!

Then we served them and "American" lunch of sandwiches, fruit, chips (called "crisps") and Oreos.  They LOVED it!  Well, except for the strawberry jam.  They did not like that AT ALL.  They said it was too sweet. We made over 200 sandwiches!!

After a quick run to town for a restroom break (we Americans can't seem to use the "slab" they have at the Virginia Home) we came back and washed the children's feet...all 77 of them!  We had the idea earlier in the week and Harrison of all of us really pressed the idea.  I am so thankful to him for that.  He HATES feet, so this was a big stretch, but we truly wanted to give of ourselves outside of our comfort zone.  We definitely achieved that goal! The children were so taken aback by the gesture.  Some of the kids were embarrassed, but all were humbled.  It will truly be one of the greatest memories of my lifetime.

I feel like it had an impact on the children too.  We may never know how much of an impact, but you could see it in their faces.  

As I said, it was our last day, so after we washed feet, the children sang and danced and then of course took a million photos!  Kim had the experience of a lifetime and it was so neat to see her have so much fun, fall in love with the children and see them fall in love with her.  It was also wonderful to be there with my son, Harrison.  We are all three forever changed!  

Trash Ball

Many of you have asked me how you can help the children of the Virginia Home.  There is the possibility of something very exciting happening for them (so pray, pray, pray), but in the meanwhile, there are many needs!  We do bring supplies and donations when we come or we pay for a trunk ($150) to come with someone else who's coming.  But, in reality, the easiest way to help is money.  Money can be donated to ACO (African Christian Outreach) and specifically earmarked to help the children of Virginia.  We are feeding 100+ children and staff daily.  The cost for a one month supply of food is about $1500.  I have had several friends and family members donate to the food program.  There is also the sponsorship of a Form 1 (high school student) for $500/yr.

But there are many other things I'm now thinking of if people want to help.  They need water, and I have heard it is very cheap (like $50, but I need to verify) to have a water truck deliver water, or perhaps we could start to raise money for new uniforms (as most of theirs are in rags...) or even a smaller donation to buy them some new soccer balls.  They go through the soccer balls VERY fast as they are cheap and they basically play all day long on rocks and dirt.  Right now their "soccer balls" are trash balls.  They bind up trash they find around very tightly into a ball shape and use it for their games.  I played with one of their trash balls the other day and they are not so great, but I am inspired by their innovative thinking.  It's difficult to carry soccer balls over here in a trunk (they take up a lot of room) so sending money is ideal.  However, I do believe our soccer balls in the states are far superior...

I will think of additional ideas for helping, but contact me if you want to donate money and SPECIFICALLY how you would like it to be used.  I will make it happen! :)

This is Abram in his school "jumper" (sweater).  It is literally in rags.

Another Child Sponsored

Ruth Mwangi-Sponsored by the Morris family

They are SO Thirsty!

I have so much to talk about since my last entry, but I'm going to put my "Safari excitement" on hold for just a bit, and talk about today at the Virginia Children's Home.  We were only there for a couple of hours today, but it was one of those days that really got me (as well as Harrison and Kim) thinking.  We had driven in from our Safari and our driver, Charles, had a small jug of water in the trunk of his van.  He pulled it out and the kids came running!  The smallest ones ran the fastest and got in the front of the line.  How many of our children would stop playing to stand in line for a drink of water?  We poured small amounts into two cups and each child just got a sip or two.  They waited patiently for their turn to have a sip of water.  The older ones were late getting into the line and we ran out.  Immediately the three of us got into the van and pulled out our water bottles (some were only half full, but we had many from our trip), so that the older kids could drink too.  Some kids waited around to see if perhaps they could get back in line.

Normally, they have water there.  Due to it being the dry season, their well and water tank had run dry.  There has also been a "situation" with the water company that they are trying to get resolved.  It resulted in the Director of the Virginia Home being taken to jail for a night.  Now he's awaiting his day in court.  Until that day...no water from the City.  I do not know the specifics of the "situation" but I am hoping for a speedy resolution.  Until that time, Harrison, Kim and I are trying to figure out how they get water after we leave.

My friend Kim has started an online store for Kenya.  She sells some really cute things (check her out at www.theburlapheart.com) and all of the proceeds will go to help the people of Kenya, specifically right now the Virginia Home.  Tomorrow, we will help the children make these awesome coasters.  Kim will then "buy" them from the children and sell them at The Burlap Heart.  The children will be using their talents to help their school!  I am really excited about this!  We are going to strongly suggest that the children use their earnings to buy a water truck full of water.  What happens is the water truck brings a truckload of water and puts it in their water tank on site.  The water can be used for drinking, bathing, cooking and washing clothes.  We are hopeful this truck full of water will buy them some time until the rainy season begins.  Perhaps they can even buy two truckloads of water... We will not simply give the money to the Director, but will make sure that the money is spent on something tangible for the children by the children.  We hope to make this a recurring event: have the children make things to sell and in turn help better themselves and their school.

I am currently watching the Kenyan news on TV.  There is SO much need here that sometimes I wonder if my little tiny bit helps, but I have to believe it does.  When I look into the faces of these sweet children and call them by name, I have to know it does.

My Big Kids

Today I got to see my big kids!  The girls and boys who have passed their exams and are still living at Virginia but attending secondary school in the area.  We are looking for sponsors for them so they can continue their schooling.  It costs $500/yr.  Let me know if you are interested!  They are awesome kiddos who really do not take their education for granted!

Harrison Kabui-Sponsored by the Grimsley family

Alvin Olilo-Sponsored by the Holmes family

Winlite Kunga-Needs you! :)

Ruth Mwangi-Needs you! :)

And there are others...but it was GOOD to see them!  They've grown up so much in the year since I've first met them and they look so healthy and mature!  They all seem to be loving their new schools, what a blessing!

Today we mainly hung out with the kids since it was Saturday, but Classes 5, 6, 7, and 8 had school until almost 5 pm!!  They were taking exams in the afternoon, so we were hanging out with the others.  It's fun to see the kids playing games they've come up with to keep them occupied and happy.

This is Stephen...kicking a cup off of a wire sticking out of the side of the building.

Harrison and Kim have both fallen in love with a boy named Paul.  When we visited last March, Paul was a bit of an outcast.  He was very frail and sickly, and he was ostracized by the other kids.  He truly has no family.  His grandmother dropped him off at the Virginia Home one day and never returned.  I'm ashamed to say that my first couple of visits I really didn't want to be around him either.  Since we started the food program for the Virginia Home, Paul has started eating everyday.  I never really understood how important good and consistent nutrition was to a child.  Paul has put on weight, his eyes sparkle now, he has made some friends at the school and he is working hard on his schoolwork.  He used to be angry and now he has a calm "joy" about him.  

This is Paul today.  His good friend Bon is sitting with him.

I am very tired tonight and it is SO hot that I will once again sleep on top of the covers.  I've opened my windows, at least for a bit, but have probably endangered my life because of mosquitos.  My ankles continue to be puffy, but I am still so thankful to be here!  We have something special planned for next week which I can't wait to share with you!  But for now we sleep, because tomorrow we head out on Safari!

This Day Will Be Beautiful

Good morning!  Have you ever had a feeling it was going to be a beautiful day?  That's how I feel today and I'm not sure why!  I'm excited to see what God has in store for us here in Nakuru today.

Kim found some shade!

Harrison and his posse!

Fun Day!

Mary and Mercy

A Good Day!

Well today started off with Kim coming into my room at 7:30 (I was supposed to get up at 6:30) and I flew out of bed and a dream...her comment (after a giggle) was "You look like a train wreck!"  My hair was all over my head and I had black all around my eyes.  I suppose my lack of sleep had caught up with me because I slept like a rock!!  We headed to the Virginia Home, after a lovely breakfast with the best oatmeal on the planet, with animal crackers in tow for our Noah's Ark lesson (the rest of our stuff still hadn't showed up)...there were many hugs to start the day and Kim did a GREAT job on the lesson!

We went to my favorite lunch place Cafe Guava and it was SO nice to be greeted by the wait staff "I've been waiting for you to come back!  I'll get your Coke and Lemonade and you want Chips (French Fries), right?"  Harrison was still tired so he ordered a drink called the Energy Booster: Ginger, Carrots, and Apple...it was lukewarm and not so great (understatement..).

After lunch I got word that our bags had shown up!  Hallelujah!  I had to call and identify the contents so they would courier the bags to Nakuru where we stay.  Then the kids sang to us traditional action songs.  I hope to upload a video in the next day or two.  Then, the picture taking commenced!  My camera took 193 photos, and Harrison's camera took 171+ photos.  I'm having trouble uploading photos, but I'll keep trying!

Tonight at tea, and all the way through dinner, Harrison gave us a Swahili lesson.  We now know about 6 words...but we're trying.

We Made It!!

Well, we made it!  Our flight on Kenya Airways was just fine and arrived at 6:30 this morning (Wed).  However, they couldn't confirm in London that our bags made the flight and this stressed Harrison a bit.  He likes having his stuff.  We checked 6 bags total and we found 4 in Nairobi....luckily, one of those was Harrison's bag!!  Actually, all of our clothing bags made it, the two bags that are missing contain supplies, snacks and Bible Study lessons for the kids.  I know that God has a plan for this.  We will survive with the one "supply" bag we do have, and our time with the kids will be blessed.  But, we would love your prayers that God will lead us to our bags.  He never gives us more than we can handle and I think He knew Harrison couldn't handle not having clothes...love that kid!

On a side note: We had to go through security at Heathrow two more times, and not only was Harrison NEVER stopped for his "traces of chemical explosives" on his bag, but both Kim and I WERE stopped and our bags entirely searched because we didn't pull our iPads out.

We did see the kids briefly today...didn't take any photos because we were tired, but we WILL tomorrow! :)  It will be an early night for us tonight.

The Adventure Has Begun!

"Well, our adventure has begun!"  This was a quote from my friend, Kim after a fairly frustrating 24 hours.  I love it! We all maintained our composure (which was apparently a HUGE accomplishment for me according to my son who said, "Make it your goal not to get mad at anyone on our plane.")  We were two hours late taking off because they had closed down DFW airport because of the storms.  Our extremely hot plane just taxied around on the ground from one spot to another (I swear at one point we were parked in the Park 'N Fly) trying to get to the most likely "open" spot on the runway for take off when they opened DFW back up.  After take off, the rest of the flight was non eventful.  It wasn't a full flight so everyone got to spread out.  About halfway through the flight, I looked at our connecting flight's boarding passes to see if we had a chance of making our connection.  It was at that point I noticed my boarding pass was for Candace Muhamood.  Well, heck... :( I knew it would be close, our flight was set to arrive at 9:10 and the gate for our connecting flight was set to close at 9:55 but Heathrow is a BIG airport!

Upon arrival, many had already missed their connecting flights, but 6 of us still had the chance to make our flight to Nairobi.  I'm not exactly sure why they didn't let us off first, but they didn't (and we were in row 47).  When we got off the plane, there was a gate agent waiting for the "Nairobi people"...we were so encouraged we'd make our flight!  We had to fix my ticket, wait at the BACK of the security line which was moving so slow and not short of it's own drama...but we still felt encouraged!  When Harrison's bag went through they pulled it off to the side, left it there, had to get someone to re-swab it, sent it back through (all the while the sun is setting on us making our flight).  Then they took his passport and "interviewed" him about his bag.  Apparently there were some traces of chemicals used in making explosives on his bag.  WHAT?!?!  It dawned on me from the questions they were asking him that perhaps his brother, who oft times borrows the bag, may be the culprit as he and his friends were making "bleach bombs" and setting them off in a field at one of their houses.  Harrison was SO mad, I think because he was embarrassed and stressed because we needed to make our flight.  We finally cram all of his things back in his bag, ran downstairs and the gate agent informed us we missed the flight (which was a little frustrating  because our flight didn't leave until 10:15 so it was still sitting on the ground, but they had closed the gate...)  

We gathered our composure and headed to the British Airways ticket counter.  About 15 minutes later we were booked on a Kenyan Airways flight that left at 7 pm arriving in Nairobi at 6:30 am.  So, we've been hanging out in the Admirals Club all day, we've all had a nice nap in "the most comfortable recliners ever"(according to Harrison), we are currently showering and freshening up, for the next part of our adventure.  Upon touchdown in Nairobi (assuming our bags arrive) we will grab some food, change our money and head to see the kiddos.  It won't be a long visit on Wednesday, but I do want to say hi!  

It was just so frustrating that our plane was STILL ON THE GROUND and they were expecting us, but wouldn't let us on the flight...I guess that's airport "logic" for you.  At least we got out of Dallas, I heard the weather was still bad there.  When I shared this sequence of events with my husband, Walt, he said, "Well, it sounds like you've got some good blog material!!" So, I hope you agree... ;)

The Time Has Come

I cannot believe the day is here!  It's always a little bittersweet around the house on this day.  Everyone is happy and excited, yet sad to be apart and stressed that everything goes smoothly.  Once we get through this part, our moods all turn to excitement for the children.  I have just received word to expect 150 children at the Virginia Home!  That is more than we've ever had before!  I may have to go get more snacks for everyone.  Today my prayer is for safe travels and for peace at home while we're gone.  Today my "hope for Kenya" is that these 150 children and the slums around the Virginia Home will be blessed in some way by our visit.

All-Time Favorite Photo from Kenya

This is Ayleen.  Love her!

She's sassy and "cheeky" and a little bit pouty when she doesn't get enough photography attention...

Some Fun Animal Pictures from Past Trips

So much to do...so little time

Well, it's Friday...the beginning of the last weekend before we head out on Monday.  There's still a lot to be done!  Not only am I packing three extra trunks with supplies for the Children's Home and supplies for my friends, I'm driving all over town finding the things my friends need me to bring to them.  I am also making sure everything is done here (to the best of my ability) for those who are staying behind.  I'm not complaining about this, I'm really not.  By the time Monday gets here my family may be complaining about "one stressed out Momma".  Once we get to the airport and sit down in the Admiral's Club I'll begin to shift my focus and consider the journey ahead.

I've been asked what I hope to accomplish on this visit.  First and foremost I want to show my friend Kim an experience of a lifetime.  I want her to see why I love Kenya, namely Nakuru, so very much!  I want to serve along side my son Harrison bringing smiles to the children there.  I want to make sure the food program that some of you have contributed to is still running smoothly and as intended, and perhaps my newest endeavor: transitioning the older kids from Class 8 at the Virginia home to schools nearby.  There are about 10 boys and girls who passed their Class 8 exams and have been accepted to high schools in the area.  When I say "in the area", some of them still have to walk an hour each way but they are being given an opportunity to continue their education.  It will cost about $500 per year per kid for school fees, uniform fees and whatnot.  Since they are still living at the Virginia Home their meals are provided.  I am hopeful to find sponsors for each student so these kids can continue their education, something which would have been unheard of otherwise.  (Thank you to the Grimsley family for your sponsorship of Harrison Kabui!) I will attempt to accomplish whatever else God puts in my path.  It's always interesting to see what needs arise while I am there.  I had heard the the father of two of my favorite kiddos, Abram and Stephen, was in need of medication to heal a leg injury so he could perhaps get a job and provide for his family.  I have since heard he had been given the medication, so I will follow up on that while there.

If you would like to sponsor a child or help with the food program, please let me know.  I will be taking lots of pictures while there for you to see the faces of these sweet children.  For now, I'm beginning to shift my mind from the hustle and bustle of normal life to Kenya.  I have a feeling it's going to get worse before it gets better, but maybe not.

P.S. I also hope to see a leopard on the safari.  The leopard so cleverly alluded us last time we were there and Harrison will have camera in hand.  We will find you you, Mr. Leopard.

Harrison

Grimsley family, I'd like to introduce you to Harrison Kabui!

I will only see Harrison on Saturday because thanks to YOU he leaves the Virginia Home each day to go to high school in the town nearby!  But I will introduce him to your family and get some photos of him.  Harrison is 16 years old.

Abram

This is Abram.  

He is 9 years old and has an 8 year old brother named Stephen.  Their mother is not around and their father has an injured leg.  These two little guys get up and get themselves to school (they don't actually live on the Virginia Home compound) everyday.  At lunchtime, they put half of their lunch portion into a bag to take home and share with their father at night.  This truly amazes me!  I first met Abram on my November visit to the Virginia Home, although he has been there since before our first visit.  I noticed him standing by me everywhere I went on the compound, never saying a word.  One afternoon I sat down with a group of girls, talking about "girly things" and Abram sat in the chair beside me perfectly still (which I thought was impossible for this rambunctious little wild child) with his hand on my leg for about 30 minutes.  After that, we were fast friends!  The next day I let him wear my sunglasses and he treated them like they were the crown jewels!  He told me he wanted some sunglasses (his English is not very good yet) so I told him he would have to wait until "November, December, January..." and he said, "February, March...".  I was thrilled!  We were communicating!  I cannot wait to hug this little guy's neck when I get there!  My big concern right now is his father's leg injury.  I'm hopeful that we can provide the meds to heal his leg so he can take care of his sons.

Holmes' Hope for Kenya

Harrison looked at my blog for the first time today and said "It should say Holmes..."  I said, "What? Like Candee Holmes for Kenya?"  He said, "No...Holmes in place of Candee.  All of us want to help Kenya, and this only talks about you!"

So...let me clarify:  This blog is written by me and from MY perspective.  That is the reason my name and photo are in the title.  There are so many people who have been involved in this adventure and will be mentioned all throughout this blog.  There have been so many generous donations (both financial and actual supplies) from  friends and family, ACO has coordinated everything along the way,  and my sweet husband has sacrificed a lot to afford me the time to be away.

So this little blog is just about MY hope for Kenya and all of the wonderful people who seem to share in this hope with me.

This is Anne Wangui in June 2011.

She is the reason we returned to Kenya.

This is Anne in November 2011.

Her eyes are brighter and she's very happy!

Let the Countdown Begin

It's just over a week until Kim, Harrison, and I begin our journey to Kenya.  Harrison and I are excited to see Kenya through Kim's eyes as this will be her maiden voyage.  It will be my 5th trip and Harrison's 3rd. Why do we continue going back?  I get that question a lot.  The simple answer is this:  the kids at the Virginia Home in Nakuru.  I was pretty anxious the first time we drove on the dirt roads through the slums with half-naked babies, drunks, dirty children and skinny animals flanking the road as we passed.  While their smiling faces and sweet sounding chants "How are YOU?!  How are  YOU?!" did alleviate my anxiety a slight bit, I was still pretty nervous.  When our van pulled onto the Virginia Home compound and all of the uniformed children ran up up with wide eyes and big smiles my heart melted.  When the hugs started and the singing and dancing ensued I was hooked!  On the last day, Harrison promised a 13-year old girl named Anne Wangui that we would be back in June to visit (promises are a no-no).  We made good on his promise! There are days when I wonder if one little ol' suburban mom is making a difference.  There are approximately 98 Children's Homes in Nakuru alone.  But I decided that for whatever reason, God put this Children's Home in my path and my husband and I would do what we could to help them.

In addition to feeding them daily, with the help of African Christian Outreach, we have seen such a change in the Director's heart, they have received electricity through a group in Australia, and they are starting to become more self-sufficient through by running a Cyber Cafe and raising chickens and cows.  The best is yet to come, I just know it!  I am excited to report that the majority of the kids in Class 8 passed their exams and again with the help of ACO we have found nearby high schools for them to attend while still residing at the Virginia Home.  It costs about $500/yr per student for school fees and uniforms.  I have guaranteed the money but think it would be so neat to find sponsors for each of these kids.  If you know of anyone who is interested in being a sponsor, let me know.  They would have a specific child they would sponsor and almost all of them have Facebook access so they could get to know the child they are sponsoring.  Every time I come up with another "idea" or "need" for the Virginia Home, my friend Tom Stickney, Director of ACO (which is who I work through) just rolls his eyes and says, "Those kids are pretty lucky.  Make it happen."

Kevin, Harrison, Andrew and Gad

I'm proud to say that these guys successfully passed their Class 8 exams (except Andrew, he's Class 7) and are now attending secondary schools in the area thanks to our support.  If you would like to support one of these boys or one of the other secondary students for about $500/yr, PLEASE let me know!

Abram, age 9 at Lord Egerton's castle...love this kid!

Goldfish is always a snack favorite for these guys!  

How I got to Kenya

Late in 2010 (around the time I was buying and wrapping too many Christmas gifts for my children) my husband and I began thinking about a trip to Kenya to visit our former Youth Pastor and his family who were now missionaries there.  We told ourselves it would be good to do a mission trip with our family to show our children that "life was about more than them".  We planned to do some work with a Children's Home in Nakuru, Kenya in March of 2011 over my kids Spring Break.  I hesitantly left my comfort zone to "do the right thing" for my kids.  Apparently, I needed to know that "life was more than about me" most of all.  That week in Kenya forever changed me.  I went to Kenya to have an impact on my kids and the kids of the Children's Home, but I was the one who was changed.  I have since been back three more times: June, August and November.  My fifth and next trip is just over a week away (and almost a year to the day of my first trip) on March 19th.  I will be traveling with my friend Kim, who has watched my passion for Kenya bust at the seams this past year and she wants to see what it's all about.  My 17-year old son will be joining us as well.  It will be his third trip.  I will be using this blog to document my trip for family and friends back home.  My hope is that you will be blessed by it as well.