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.