This is the sign for the school:
Their home:
Their kitchen and one of the wonderful "Aunties" that take care of the children:
The slums that surround the school:
Grace and some of the children:
Thursday, June 21, 2007
The Slums
Today I looked into the face of poverty. Grace, another short-termer, teaches at a school/orphanage in the slums. Everyday Grace rides a series of Matatu's into the slum and is escorted by a student to the school and orphanage within. As I sat there, I became very sad to think that many of these students call this home. Some of these children have witnessed horrific things, some of them are infected with HIV, and none of them have parents to tuck them in. Grace comes everyday with her purse full of band-aids and when she is not teaching them, she is helping to care for their wounds, she is comforting those who are crying, and feeling the foreheads of those who seem to be sick. She pours love onto these children and they absorb it like a dry sponge. The name of the orphanage is called Merciful Redeemer Children's Home but at first glance it may not seem to be too merciful. But in reality it is. Once you begin to hear the stories of the children you realize what a blessing this school and home is for them. Once you talk to James, the resident dad, you see the love and passion he has for the kids. And once you see and talk to the "Aunties" who care for the needs of the children, you realize that in the midst of poverty there is hope and there is love, something these children would have never received on the streets. Here are some pictures of my day...
This is the sign for the school:
Their home:
Their kitchen and one of the wonderful "Aunties" that take care of the children:
The slums that surround the school:
Grace and some of the children:
This is the sign for the school:
Their home:
Their kitchen and one of the wonderful "Aunties" that take care of the children:
The slums that surround the school:
Grace and some of the children:
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11 comments:
Katie,
It breaks my heart to hear of these small children who have no one to tuck them in at night. I imagine that there is little hope of any of these children being adopted? Is the situation abandonment or actual orpahans due to the AID's epidemic? I'm going to print this page and pray for each of those young faces and for Grace as well.
BTW, how is Quinn doing today?
Much love,
Mom.
I imagine what you saw is a lot to soak in, Katie. Grace is a beautiful example of what it looks like to love and dive in with people where they are at. Keep sharing your experiences, they are a blessing to us and challenge us to look at the world and God in new ways.
I love you and miss you, friend!
Thank you for sharing those pictures with us Katie. I wonder if there are tangible ways that we here in michigan can help this orphange, whether by sending clothes or health needs over, or something else. Would you be able to find that out? Thanks and I miss you!
I like Gina's idea... I wonder if there is anything we can do to be a part of this. Maybe after you spend some time working with your students, you can see if there is a place for us to partner in this.
These people remind me that through Christ, life is never hopeless. Here in America we'd even more hopeless then them without Christ. Our money and comfortble lifestyle provides us only a false sense of hope; or a reminder that nothing in this world satisfies.
Praise God for His indescribable gift!
-jdo
What precious children and it just breaks my heart to see them in those conditions. I'm am so thankful to God for people like you and Grace for bring Gods love to them in such a tangible way. I will be praying for these children and those who serve them day in and day out.
It's amazing to see how God puts his servants all over the world, to take care of those in need. I sure am glad that you are there doing His work.
Looking at those pictures sure does put things in to perspective back here in the states!
Our thoughts and prayers are still with you, Katie.
love,
Amy and Russ
I definitely have been talking to people and thinking about how we can be involved and support from home. Once I get there I will let you all know! Hopefully, we can be of some help with either this school and/or the nursery school in Kisumu.
Thank you all for your support and concern for these kiddo's!
Hi Katie,
I am thinking of you,and Quinn, often and keep ya'll and all these adorable faces in my prayers. It is inspiring to read your stories and hear all that you are doing to make a difference. Lindsay and I have worked to clear the mentee waiting list just in case you bring a few kids home with you!
Stay strong and safe. Talk to you soon,
Chaya
Katie,
We miss you dearly.I commend you so much for doing the things you are doing. I know that if I had to endure seeing those poor children- I am not so sure that I could keep myself together. Is there anything Brian and I could do to help.Could we possibly send some candy? (We all know that Aaron doesnt need it.)I am very new to all of this "Blog Stuff". Hopefully I can figure out how to set up a page so that you can see how much your nephews miss you.- Vanessa
Sis-
How are your dreads coming along? I love you very much and miss you even more! We are all so proud of how brave and compasionate you are. keep up the good fight,come home to us soon. Vanessa,the boys and I can't wait to see you again.
P.S. How was the the General Tou's Kitten?
Hi Brian and Vanessa!
I miss you all as well!!!! I am glad everyone is doing well! My dreads are coming a long just fine :). My hair should be throughly matted and dirty by the time I get home! Which is really only a little over a month away :). I love you guys and think of you often!
love, me
I just read It's Not Okay With Me, a book by Janine Maxwell, and found the Heart of Africa website. There you can sponsor one of these children to help!
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