Rescue Center

This was a big day. We all agreed it was good that it was the last day before we head out on safari since it was both physically and emotionally draining.

We were at the Eldoret Children's Rescue Centre. They take care of kids who have been abandoned, have been living on the streets, and/or have been abused. They are a faith-based group but the church/state separation is not the bright line the U.S. tries to adhere to so they are always working with and getting funding from government agencies.

Our time there started with some songs led by Lance and then by one of the leaders. During that time,  I also snapped a couple of photos that will probably always stay in my mind...

I spent a little time with this young woman later. She never spoke and doesn't move much. She was reluctant to look at me at first. I kept flicking away flies that gathered around her eyes. But by the end of our short time together, she was looking deep into my eyes.

We established 5 stations for the kids to rotate through. Our plans soon devolved into sort of a chaos but most kids got to participate in each station.

Maggie taught art - of course!

Lisa had a station with lots of field games and activities. Blowing bubbles was a big hit!

 Doug and Vasily manned the games tent.

 Ann worked with the kids on making friendship bracelets and Inga set up a manicure station.

 Lunch was a big deal. Fresh hot chips and sausage from a store, plus soda pop.

Then it was time for new shoes. Thanks to a super helpful contact at Nike (plus a few donations from others), we had a lot to offer; this photo shows only small portion of them...

This young man with special needs was ecstatic about his new shoes. But he and we were informed that he shouldn't wear them out into the compound right away because it was probable they'd be taken from him. We are not sure how they're going to work out the times when he will be able to wear them, but it sounded like the caregivers had a plan. He was heartbroken about not being able to wear them right away and kept coming back to the room to see them.

What a gift that Joseph was there to comfort him and help him.

Joseph himself grew up in a slum and was eventually able to go to New Dawn High School where he first connected with "Mama Miriam." He is one of Kizimani's first scholarship students so was able to graduate from college with a teaching diploma. After teaching for awhile, he's started a curtain business and is also volunteering to teach Congolese refugees because he has such a heart to "give back."

It's so hard to know which these kids from extremely difficult backgrounds will be able to break the cycle of poverty, abuse and alcohol they grow up with. We are so grateful to be a small part of Joseph's story. He is a warm, smart, and generous man.


We are nearing the end of our trip. Tomorrow we leave on another long van ride, this time to the famed Masai Mara. We'll be staying in a tented camp so might be without internet (gasp!) for awhile.