Friday, March 30, 2012
Last day at Virginia Home
Well it was the last day at the Virginia Home. It was so bittersweet!!!!! The kids were so excited to see us when we drove up but the first thing they said was , " We are so sad you are leaving."
We had a very busy day planned for the kids. This day was all about serving the children. It started out with a bible story about when Jesus washed the disciples feet. I told them story and Julius translated for me so that even the little kids could understand completely what was going on. Then Candee washed the feet of the house mother, Rosemary. This was an example to the children about how Jesus washed the disciples feet. Afterwards, we explained to them that this day would be all about us serving them and that when we serve others we are striving to be like God and that he will bless us greatly.
After the story, Candee, Harrison, Julius(works for ACO), Charles (our driver), Rosemary and I made 100 ham and cheese sandwiches, 100 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chips, bananas, cookies and juice for all the children, teachers and workers. We wanted to show them what a normal American kid's lunch looked like. Most of the kids like the lunch but just as in America, there were some that did not.
After lunch and some play time, we surprised the children. Candee, Harrison and I washed all 77 children's feet. They were shocked and very pleased. Afterwards, they sang songs, gave us wonderful notes and so many hugs. We stayed late this day because we were all sad to have to leave. I told all of them that I now have 77 new friends and that they will all live in my heart. Their wonderful strong hugs were what I treasured the most.
We had a very busy day planned for the kids. This day was all about serving the children. It started out with a bible story about when Jesus washed the disciples feet. I told them story and Julius translated for me so that even the little kids could understand completely what was going on. Then Candee washed the feet of the house mother, Rosemary. This was an example to the children about how Jesus washed the disciples feet. Afterwards, we explained to them that this day would be all about us serving them and that when we serve others we are striving to be like God and that he will bless us greatly.
After the story, Candee, Harrison, Julius(works for ACO), Charles (our driver), Rosemary and I made 100 ham and cheese sandwiches, 100 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chips, bananas, cookies and juice for all the children, teachers and workers. We wanted to show them what a normal American kid's lunch looked like. Most of the kids like the lunch but just as in America, there were some that did not.
After lunch and some play time, we surprised the children. Candee, Harrison and I washed all 77 children's feet. They were shocked and very pleased. Afterwards, they sang songs, gave us wonderful notes and so many hugs. We stayed late this day because we were all sad to have to leave. I told all of them that I now have 77 new friends and that they will all live in my heart. Their wonderful strong hugs were what I treasured the most.
Craft Day at Virginia Home
On Wednesday we did crafts with the kids. I took the items with me so the kids could make coasters and then I will put them in my online store to sell. The money that I make from the coasters will be given back to the orphanage to help pay for food and electricity.
All the kids are so proud of their coasters even the older boys. They took a long time and were very specific about how they were making them.
These kids at the Virginia Home are all so unique. They take so much pride in their schoolwork and where they live. We took a tour of their dorms and every room is very neat and well kept. Every evening at 5:00, they sweep all the dirt floors and pick up all the trash around the buildings and yards. They all get up at 5:45 am to do chores and then they have tea for breakfast. During class, the teachers will address them with ,"Good Morning students" and they all respond in unison, "Good Morning teacher." It is so sweet! Don't get me wrong, they are kids and they get wild and argue with one another but all in all they are really good kids.
These kids at the Virginia Home are all so unique. They take so much pride in their schoolwork and where they live. We took a tour of their dorms and every room is very neat and well kept. Every evening at 5:00, they sweep all the dirt floors and pick up all the trash around the buildings and yards. They all get up at 5:45 am to do chores and then they have tea for breakfast. During class, the teachers will address them with ,"Good Morning students" and they all respond in unison, "Good Morning teacher." It is so sweet! Don't get me wrong, they are kids and they get wild and argue with one another but all in all they are really good kids.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Wednesday in Nakuru
We left on Saturday morning to go on Safari for the weekend and had a wonderful time. There is so much to write about Safari that I am going to post that later. We returned on Monday afternoon to Nakuru and stopped at the Virginia Home to say Hi to the kids. They were very surprised to see us and even the boys were jumping up and down screaming. It made me so happy but at the same time sad that they don't have many visitors. Some of the children were taking exams so we were unable to see all.
Our driver, Charles brought a container of water so all the children could have a sip because they were very thirsty. These children appreciate such small things here. The lack of water is a huge problem and one that we are trying to help resolve. Today we are going to have the children make coasters from supplies that I brought from home and then I will sell them on a online store that I have started. The money will go for buying water. They have a water truck that can deliver large amounts of water to fill their water tanks. Then the children will feel like they helped with solving the water problem.
The children asked for stories of the safari and would sit forever as long as we talked. You know me, I am having to work hard to keep talking- especially to remember names:) When I return home I am not going to talk for a whole week.....OK maybe a day:)
We have some great surprises for the children today and tomorrow and so come back and read about them and see pictures!!!!!!
Our driver, Charles brought a container of water so all the children could have a sip because they were very thirsty. These children appreciate such small things here. The lack of water is a huge problem and one that we are trying to help resolve. Today we are going to have the children make coasters from supplies that I brought from home and then I will sell them on a online store that I have started. The money will go for buying water. They have a water truck that can deliver large amounts of water to fill their water tanks. Then the children will feel like they helped with solving the water problem.
The children asked for stories of the safari and would sit forever as long as we talked. You know me, I am having to work hard to keep talking- especially to remember names:) When I return home I am not going to talk for a whole week.....OK maybe a day:)
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Saturday in Nakuru
Another day in Nakuru. We woke up to another beautiful day and as the day wore on, it became a little hot and very dusty. (OK....very hot) We went and spent the day at the Virginia Home. Everyday as we drive in to the Home, we drive through the area of town that is the slums. All the little children in the community come out of their homes and wave and scream, "How are you? How are you?" They are so cute. The streets are filled with people walking to work and to school. Also, they are lined with animals; cows, sheep, dogs, cats, goats. The animals are just roaming the streets and eating yet noone bothers them. What strikes me as so interesting is that the children as small as 3 or 4 walk the streets by themselves. They know where to go and noone bothers them.
The children at the Virginia Home are always eager to greet us as we enter the gates. Every single child as soon as you leave the van rushes up to give you a huge hug and greeting. Even the older teenagers greet like this. I have been sitting with a group of teenagers about 14-17 yrs old. They ask lots of questions and have been eagerly (sometimes to eager) giving me Swahili lessons. I am learning many words but the language is so different from ours that I have a hard time remembering them. They laugh endlessly at my Texas pronunciations. They were teaching me to say "I want food" and my pronunciation came out as "I want frogs". They thought that was hilarious. I have been asked if I have cows and why don't I, what does an airplane look like, what I like to eat, and many, many questions about our weddings.
Several children have won my heart but one in particular is special. His name is Paul and he was dropped off at the orphanage by his grandmother just over a year ago. He was mal-nourished, sickly and had burns and cuts all over him. The director thought he might have aids and took him immediately to the hospital but they said he was fine and healthy. So after a year of eating, being taken care of and being part of a community, he has been thriving. He speaks no English but wants to be loved so badly. I learned to say "I love you" and when we left I gave him a big hug and said that and he just grinned from ear to ear.
Also, at the Home they have cows, chickens, rabbits and sheep. All the children take care of them and even the kids outside of the Home come and feed the animals daily. Attached you will see a picture of one of the boys who sat and petted a calf and the calf just layed down with his head on William's lap and fell asleep. They use these animals for milk, eggs, and then meat. It sad for me but for them it is a way of life. They told me that at Christmas they will slaughter the oldest cow (who is 21 years old) and have a big celebration for the whole community with it. They are very excited.
The children at the Virginia Home are always eager to greet us as we enter the gates. Every single child as soon as you leave the van rushes up to give you a huge hug and greeting. Even the older teenagers greet like this. I have been sitting with a group of teenagers about 14-17 yrs old. They ask lots of questions and have been eagerly (sometimes to eager) giving me Swahili lessons. I am learning many words but the language is so different from ours that I have a hard time remembering them. They laugh endlessly at my Texas pronunciations. They were teaching me to say "I want food" and my pronunciation came out as "I want frogs". They thought that was hilarious. I have been asked if I have cows and why don't I, what does an airplane look like, what I like to eat, and many, many questions about our weddings.
Also, at the Home they have cows, chickens, rabbits and sheep. All the children take care of them and even the kids outside of the Home come and feed the animals daily. Attached you will see a picture of one of the boys who sat and petted a calf and the calf just layed down with his head on William's lap and fell asleep. They use these animals for milk, eggs, and then meat. It sad for me but for them it is a way of life. They told me that at Christmas they will slaughter the oldest cow (who is 21 years old) and have a big celebration for the whole community with it. They are very excited.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Thursday In Nakuru
Well another eventful day in Nakuru! We headed to the Virginia Home in the morning to spend the day with the kids again. I taught the bible story "Noah's Ark" with Harrison's help. The kids loved it. After a fun snack of animal crackers, I sat with the older girls and talk with them. They had many questions for me about America. It makes one stop and think about what we take for granted.
We left and went to lunch in town at a small cafe called Cafe Guava. I had chips (french fries) and masala (mexican pastry). It was delicious. Harrison got an energy drink made of carrots, apples, and ginger. He was NOT impressed. Candee always has chips and hot sauce and the best homemade limeade.
Then we headed back to the Virginia Home and spent the afternoon with the kids. They sang and danced for us while I video-taped them. Afterwards, I showed them the video and they thought it was amazing. Maybe one day I will figure out how to post it. I even got to dance with them. Right now there is no running water at the Home and so all the kids are very thirsty. Afterwards, there were lots and lots and lots of pictures. The kids love to have their pictures taken. When we left we went to the new grocery store in town and shopped for water for the kids. It is called the Nakumatt.
We headed back to Alice's house for the evening. Every afternoon we have tea and a homemade desert. There are 2 wonderful cooks that home cook all our meals for us. It is so wonderful to sit down to a nice meal and great conversation. After dinner Harrison has decided to help me learn Swahili. The older girls started trying to teach me at the Home and I am not the quickest learner. Harrison is amazed by my lack of ability.:) BUT I am trying!!!!!!!
Well off for a good night sleep and another busy response.
We left and went to lunch in town at a small cafe called Cafe Guava. I had chips (french fries) and masala (mexican pastry). It was delicious. Harrison got an energy drink made of carrots, apples, and ginger. He was NOT impressed. Candee always has chips and hot sauce and the best homemade limeade.
We headed back to Alice's house for the evening. Every afternoon we have tea and a homemade desert. There are 2 wonderful cooks that home cook all our meals for us. It is so wonderful to sit down to a nice meal and great conversation. After dinner Harrison has decided to help me learn Swahili. The older girls started trying to teach me at the Home and I am not the quickest learner. Harrison is amazed by my lack of ability.:) BUT I am trying!!!!!!!
Well off for a good night sleep and another busy response.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
WE MADE IT!!!!!!
We successfully made it to Nairobi!!! It was a good flight and I was able to get some good sleep in. When we got to Nairobi we found 4 of our 6 bags of luggage. The other 2 are missing somewhere. The good thing is that the bags we have are all our clothes:) We were met by two men, Julius and Charles and they are our driver and tour guide for the trip. After leaving the airport, we ran a few errands and then went to the Virginia Home.
The area where the Home is located is in the middle of the slums and is very dusty. They have not had much rain so with the wind blowing everything is covered in orange dirt. As we drove through the streets all the little kids would smile and wave! It was so cute!!!!! We met all the kids at the orphanage and received many hugs and lots of questions. They were especially glad to see Harrison. I didn't have my camera today but will take lots of pictures tomorrow. Everyone here is very nice and very welcoming.
Then we headed to Alice's house, where we will be staying. She lives in town on the side of a mountain. The landscape is beautiful and as I sit here at her dining room table looking outside there is a herd of cows being led down the street. She has a breath taking view of the mountains. We are all about to eat dinner and go to bed early. We are exhausted from all the travels.
Hope everyone has a wonderful day!!!!!!!!
The area where the Home is located is in the middle of the slums and is very dusty. They have not had much rain so with the wind blowing everything is covered in orange dirt. As we drove through the streets all the little kids would smile and wave! It was so cute!!!!! We met all the kids at the orphanage and received many hugs and lots of questions. They were especially glad to see Harrison. I didn't have my camera today but will take lots of pictures tomorrow. Everyone here is very nice and very welcoming.
Then we headed to Alice's house, where we will be staying. She lives in town on the side of a mountain. The landscape is beautiful and as I sit here at her dining room table looking outside there is a herd of cows being led down the street. She has a breath taking view of the mountains. We are all about to eat dinner and go to bed early. We are exhausted from all the travels.
Hope everyone has a wonderful day!!!!!!!!
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