Gone but not Forgotten

It has been more than two months since Walt and I left Kenya.  In many ways, it seems like much longer.  We've taken a couple of trips, moved two boys to their new "homes" on their respective college campuses, etc., etc.  But the Virginia Home of Nakuru, Kenya is never forgotten for us.  We give money to them monthly. We communicate with both the director and many of the students on a weekly basis.  We have hopes and dreams for their future.

I have been told that my recount of the "theft story" struck a nerve in some who are passionate about the children and Kenya.  I have been told that some people didn't think I should write the story, make it public, or show the photo of the boys.  Honestly, I am a little taken aback by this for a couple of reasons: First, I never knew anything I would write would make people mad (which solidifies for me that it was an important story to tell), and secondly, I want you to know what life is like in this third world country.  As I stated before, I was not mad that my property was taken, I was sad that someone made that choice and why they felt they needed to.  I was, of course, bothered by their methods to produce "justice", but this is how it's done in this culture.  I felt like it was important for you to see the "authentic picture".  If I only told you all of the beautiful stories, and showed you the beautiful photos, you would feel good.  You would feel happy inside and you would move on to the next Facebook article.  By showing you the boys' photo, I wanted you to identify with them, and pray for them. By telling you "the warts and all" of the Virginia Home in Nakuru, Kenya, I want to strike a nerve.  I want you to feel a tiny bit of the passion I have for them.  I want you to consider ways to help them!

Currently, as I type actually, there is an ACO Team spending a couple of days at the Virginia Home.  It's a small part of their time in Kenya, but Tom, the ACO Executive Director, asked me before leaving:  What would you like for us to look into while we are there?  I gave him a couple of "business/housekeeping" items, but my main request was to look at "What's next?" through a fresh pair of eyes.  I'm excited to speak with Tom once he arrives back home. I believe in these children, want what is best for them (even if it means telling you the stories that make you uncomfortable) and I'm excited to take the next step and hopefully get you on board!