Beautiful Country and Beautiful Children

Today was a day away from the hospital and an opportunity to explore the area surrounding Chogoria. In the morning we planned for a 45 minute hike along a trail through the countryside to a waterfall. This turned into a 2 hour adventure when we lost the trail in the middle of the valley. We made several more wrong turns trying to find the trail again as we trudged on in the general direction of the falls. Fortunately the kids were patient and we attracted a lot of attention from the locals. I was able to teach the kids the "rest step," (my climbing friends can appreciate this), during several short but steep climbs. Near our destination we were surprised to find ourselves in the backyard of an older Kenyan woman who did not speak any English, but fortunately she pointed us in the right direction. The falls were beautiful and a reward for the extra hour of hiking.

In the afternoon we visited the Family Resource Center where Millicent feeds and entertains children who are considered the poorest of the poor in the region. These are young children with little parental involvement and they are often left to care for each other.  I was told it is not unusual to have a 5 year old caring for a 2 year old sibling while the parents are away during the day. It was a humbling experience, but what a joyous group of children. They loved to play and read books. Half of the room was used for playing soccer with multiple balls flying all over and surprisingly no one was injured.

 

 We all enjoyed the interaction and even Josef led a group of toddlers pushing chairs around in a circle.















The afternoon ended with a Bible lesson about Jonah. The raucous and chaotic scene became very orderly during the lesson. The children sat politely and listened intently for almost 30 minutes...all except for Josef.


As the children were leaving we were able to give each child a toothbrush and toothpaste. Some of the neediest also received shoes.


These 2 hours every Saturday are a brief respite from the reality of the difficult daily lives for these precious children. They are precious because they are God's children. A special part of His creation. In spite of the broken world around them He will give them refuge.
 Psalm 5:11 "But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exalt in you."

-Jeremy