Tag Archives: orphanage

Construction update

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I know, I know you were expecting safari photos but Tarrin and I are coordinating our blog posts so you can read them both and get immersed in our experiences!  Those will be coming tomorrow…I always love a suspense story anyway!  If you’d like to read Tarrin’s perspective of our trip to Nairobi before the safari you can go to her blog.

But for now here is an update (before we left) of the construction.

new doors and windows for the north end site of the property

Tarrin finds a unique rock!

discussing site plans

walls are coming up!

Chuck is at the site today getting things back in order – walls are higher but one wall and several re-bar columns were knocked down by a lory and other such things that make you wonder what the heck was going on!

Blasting!

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WARNING:  the following is “tech talk”.  For those who aren’t tech savvy, sorry but for those of you who are maybe you can help :)

I have a digital video camera that records AVCHD video in .mts format.  The new Windows Live Movie Maker (excuse me) sucks so I was able to download the old Windows Movie Maker which has so many more options.  However my .mts format video needs to be reformatted to .avi so I can use that video in the old Movie Maker program.  I have Adobe Media Encoder but can’t seem to figure out how to do the translation.

All that to tell you here’s a video but I wanted to put slow-mo on for the blast but the new Movie Maker doesn’t have that option (one reason I think it sucks)

I love how the goat is so nonchalant about the whole blasting noise, tires flying through the air and debris falling all around him!

Look back…

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It was a busy week last week and a lot was accomplished, thank you God for your help getting through it all.

The digging for the pit latrine (which will be used by the matron and her kids until the children’s home is actually built) was completed:

Drilling (in order to blast for the pit latrine) was completed

Digging was completed on the pit latrine

Bosco digs around the pit latrine in preparation for the foundation of shower stalls

Ananstacia was moved into her apartment.  She will be the matron for the children’s home and is temporarily living in an apartment with her children and 2 other class 8 students.  Actually they are sharing 2 apartments.

Anastacia's items were stored at a neighbors - thanks!

Everything was moved from the unfinished apartment to a finished one!

Love this "distressed" table :)

Then there was time taken out to encourage a runaway who wants to come live at the children’s home – which is nonexistent at the moment.  Hoping and praying the kids are seeing the work being done and it is being done for their benefit…if they can just hang in there.

Encouragement for this young boy came from all sides!

Discussions ensued over drawings for the children’s home:

Moving walls, inserting windows, changing floor plan...exciting :)

Materials were dropped at the site for construction to begin on the latrine and showers:

Stone was delivered for the new latrine!

And as I’m sure you are familiar with I took a few nature photos:

That pretty much catches you up on last week.  I’ve also been planning paint colors for the new gate, updating my database for the students at Nice View (which I completed on Monday), working on pen pal letters and working on the website for Caring for Kenya’s Kids…whew.  Now to see what God has in store for this week :)

Anticipation

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While the world anticipated the royal wedding (had no idea it was on until I turned on tv during lunch and there they were) we are anticipating an end to a long-running situation at an orphanage we know with kids we love.

Here’s a very brief update:

A couple of days ago Chuck went to Machakos to work on the permit for water on the new property, while he was away some of the kids from the orphanage came to the property looking for him.  When they were told he wasn’t there and wouldn’t be back until the next day they left.  Actually we were told they left saddened and had to go to a neighbors to fetch water – the well on the orphanage property is broken so they have to haul water from other places.  That night we were told, and later it was verified, these kids went to the stage (where you can board a matatu, public transport) and were planning on leaving.  To where they didn’t know and that’s why instead of leaving  they stayed somewhere – we have no idea where but thank God they were not harmed and returned safely.  A local church went to the orphanage and found no food there but was able to get something there for the kids and neighbors contacted the chief of the village.

That’s when it broke loose.  The chief called the child welfare person only to basically be told it was none of his business.  He made it his business and someone contacted Citizen TV (a large Kenyan television station).  The news crew showed up (again Chuck wasn’t there) interviewing the chief, sub-chief, neighbors and the kids themselves.  Apparently the tv station got a lot of information!

Today I was wondering if it’s ok to be happy to see the fall of an enemy?  I certainly feel sorry for the guy who has been using these kids for his own financial gain and pray he repents, but in the meantime I rejoice in the knowledge that God fought this battle.  He worked it out so things occurred without us.  Neighbors are now involved in the lives of these kids and who knows how far reaching this act of kindness will go.  May God receive all the glory for this…we were simply bystanders, watching His faithfulness!

Yes it seems things are coming to a conclusion but that actually means just the beginning.  Work continues on the new children’s home (logo and name to be introduced soon!) and your prayerful consideration in assisting is greatly appreciated.  Thank you for all the prayers lifted up for these kids, please continue to keep this situation in prayer.

 

 

What is reality?

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Today I have no idea what reality is.  How can reality include children being kicked out of the only  home they’ve known for years?  A reality where a “man of God” is doing the kicking out?  House mom with 4 kids unsure of where she is going to stay tonight.  Class 8 students who are beginning an all important year to take their final exam not sure of where they are being taken or if they’ll even continue their education.  A sick child who may have TB being ripped from one home, brought to this orphanage and now being shuffled around again for the sake of money.  A boy who was being scheduled for circumcision now unsure of what’s happening….all this in one orphanage.

I read and hear that it’s through the struggles our faith is strengthened and I really do pray that one day I can look back and say this is true in regards to this particular situation – both for me and the kids.  There is no way possible (outside a divine understanding) for me to understand what these kids are feeling today as they wonder “where am I being sent?” “where will I sleep tonight?”  And yet I know God is going to take care of them, I’m not sure how but I trust He does.

My heart also feels sorry for this “bishop” that if he doesn’t see the evil he is doing and repent his eternity will be spent away from God.  My hope lies with Jesus Christ that He will wipe every tear from these kids’ eyes and show them, and everyone involved, His glory through this struggle.

Sorry for the choppy writing but my thoughts are in a jumble right now.  God knows what is needed, please pray for these kids.

Times they are a changin’

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Currently I’ve been feeling a sense of clearer direction and anticipation of what is ahead and can see how God has been shaping me over the past months in preparation of His new service He has for us.  And Chuck pretty much explains that here in an excerpt from his March 2011 newsletter…  why rewrite when I can just take his stuff :)

Seasons are ending and others are beginning….change! We are beginning to turn a corner serving in Kenya.  God is bringing focus to what we are supposed to do.  This is going to involve change.  A couple of seasons in our life are ending and a big new one is beginning.  As you remember, there was a very successful fundraiser to purchase land to farm and build a children’s home on.  As I write, we now have purchased the land, received approval for the sale (things here are different than in the US relative to land sales) and now the last issue is to physically change the title.  The land is 3.25 acres.  We will farm on two acres and build a children’s home and church on the other acre….I believe this is our focus which God wants us to pursue.  These activities will take place under our “sister” organization in Kenya called “Caring for Kenya’s Kids” (C4KK).  You can find more information on the Saved By God’s Grace website.  There is much to tell you about what has transpired and will be happening as we go forward so I will attempt to give you a little detail now and more as time progresses.

True Vince Christian Church (TVCC) and Caring for Kenya’s Kids (C4KK)…We found to legally do the work we have been called to do on the ground in Kenya we needed to have an organization approved by the Kenyan government…we formed two and they are approved.  One is True Vine Christian Church and the other Caring for Kenya’s Kids.  The church will be physically built on the upper floor of the children’s home.  We will be worshiping and presenting the love of Christ as a community and with the watoto (children) who will call the children’s home their home.  The process will start with putting in a well and a borehole (wells are shallow and hand-dug while a borehole is deep and machine dug).  The well will be a community well in which all neighbors will be welcome to draw water (scarce commodity in the area of the home).  The borehole will supply the children’s home and the farm with water.  The next step will be electricity.  Once title is obtained we can request Kenya Power to bring in the electricity…it is close since electrical poles run along the edge of the property.  Finally we will begin the physical construction of the home.  Yes, we will be looking for your assistance as we begin to construct the home and church…I will keep you informed as time goes by.

What about Nice View, Mercy and Eldama Ravine. These children have not been forgotten or left behind.  Under the umbrella of C4KK we will be working with Nice View Academy as we have in the past.  It is simply now under one umbrella (Saved By God’s Grace will be contributing to C4KK and C4KK will be responsible for the distribution of funds to the various projects in Kenya).  We look forward to having the children from the home being educated at Nice View and at another school called Koma Hills Primary School.

We have been, and continue to, support the children at Mercy.  It is a sad situation which I can’t go too far into, but rest assured there is a plan for those children and God’s mighty arm will bring it to fruition and C4KK will play a major part…He is their protector and provider…we are His weapon He will use on their behalf.  I believe….well, like I said, I can’t go too far into that situation.

Eldama Ravine goes on well.  Currently we are allowing the home to use Saved By God’s Grace to collect donations from the US and we simply transfer them to the children’s home.  The Executive Director, Magie Kigen, is now finished with nursing school in the US and is working for a hospital in the Phoenix, AZ area.  She will be taking over all aspects of dealing with supporters of Eldama Ravine.  As mentioned, currently we will be accepting donations and forwarding them to the home (for security purposes and to allow US donors to continue to get a tax donation).  Magie will be handling all questions about what is happening with the home in Eldama and will ultimately take over accepting donations once she puts the processes in order.

As we move into a new season I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your continued support, as I said recently on Facebook “what a blessing to have such wonderful friends back in the States…you guys rock!”

Friday’s Child: A Chance to Support an Impoverished Child in Kenya

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Mwikali Mwau (Child No. MC116)

Mwikali was living at home with her mother until she remarried and moved away.  At that time she started living with her grandmother.  When her grandmother was no longer able to care for her, her uncle brought her to Mercy Child Foundation in Koma, Kenya.  Her father has died.

She was born in 2000 in Nairobi, Kenya.  She has two brothers living here with her, Muthama and Ben and no sisters.

Her favorite color is maroon and she likes playing netball (basketball).

Mwikali likes all her subjects but numbers is her favorite.

Her chores here include sweeping and mopping.  When her chores are finished she likes playing.

Mwikali is among several children who are ready for sponsorship.  To choose a child to sponsor, please visit our Sponsorship Gallery.

Friday’s Child: A Chance to Support an Impoverished Child in Kenya

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Mukaria Bariu (Child No. MC121)

Mukaria was living with his mother until she remarried and moved away.  At that time he lived with his grandmother until she was unable to take care of him.  His uncle brought him to Mercy Child Foundation.

He was born in 1998 in  Nairobi, Kenya and has one brother, Ben and one sister, Mwikali, both living here with him.

Mukaria’s favorite color is green and he enjoys playing football (American soccer).

His favorite subject is Science because he understands it.  He would like to be a pilot when he grows up.

His least favorite subject is Math, he says he “doesn’t get it.”

His chores include fetching water and mopping.  When his chores are finished he likes reading.

Mukaria is among several children who are ready for sponsorship.  To choose a child to sponsor, please visit our Sponsorship Gallery.

Friday’s Child: A Chance to Support an Impoverished Child in Kenya

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Moses Muriki (Child No. MC130)

Moses was living with his mother when she gave the local church permission to bring him to Mercy Child Foundation in Koma, Kenya.  His father has died.

He was born August 9, 1994 in Meru, Kenya and has three brothers and two sisters.

His favorite color is green and he enjoys dancing.

Moses’ favorite subject is Kiswahili because it’s the easiest for him.  He would like to be a doctor when he grows up.

His least favorite subject is Social Studies because he doesn’t understand it.

Moses is among several children who are ready for sponsorship.  To choose a child to sponsor, please visit our Sponsorship Gallery.

Friday’s Child: A Chance to Support an Impoverished Child in Kenya

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Mtunga Mutinda (Child No. 138)

Mtunga is an orphan (mother and father have both died) who lives with his grandmother.

He is a student at Nice View Academy in Tala, Kenya and was born in Segani, Kenya.  He thinks he was born in 1998.

Mtunga’s grandmother does not work and relies on the generosity of others to survive.  He has a sister, Ndunge, who also attends Nice View Academy.

His favorite color is blue and he loves to play football (American Soccer).

His favorite class is math because “it is good for him”.  The class he likes the least is English because it is hard and he does not understand it.

Mtunga helps at home by fetching water.

Alex is among several children who are ready for sponsorship.  To choose a child to sponsor, please visit our Sponsorship Gallery.