So… I’m having the most incredible, indescribable time of my life! We arrived on Saturday at Edina’s in Kisii. There was a sign welcoming us, great! Then I opened the gate. There before me were over 75 people singing and cheering as we walked through. It was amazing! I think of myself as being tough, but the tears just came and came… I’m even tearing up just writing about it.
Edina is one amazing lady. There are over 30 children here—and lots of others who come daily to eat and hang out—and their mothers as well. They literally live day to day. If I hadn’t brought food with me the kids would have gone to bed hungry. The children sleep 3 to a bed, the adults sleep 2 to a bed—and I’m talking small, narrow bunks. So, I decided to stay at her place rather than stay at a guest house. The thought of staying somewhere with a bed and running water and taking a cab here each day seemed very wrong, considering they have nothing like that. So I’m experiencing true life in rural, impoverished Kenya. No sign of NGOs anywhere. It’s an invisible spot on the map I guess…
I’ve been playing Santa Claus since I arrived. Today we bought mattresses, mosquito nets, food, medicine, dishes, and cloth diapers; yesterday it was food from the open air market. Every minute is another new experience. I’m thrilled but unsure how I will ever go home and spend money on a bottle of wine or cup of coffee again. And, with no running water, I’m good and dirty!!!
I’m taking Edina with me back to Nairobi so she can have a bit of holiday with her sisters. She hasn’t been away from the kids since February and sleeps little—about five hours a day. We are going to fly from Kisumu to Nairobi on the 24th, then I’ll stay overnight with her at the same guest house I stayed in before and then I’ll fly off to Zambia. Tonight we will sit down and figure out the school fees and the purchase of 200 chicks that she will raise for food and money. It’s amazing how far the money we raised will go and what an incredible difference it will make to many, many lives. Edina is in ‘heaven’!
I have so much to tell, but I’m running out of time. Not with 35 hungry children zooming around and every Shilling (therefore every internet minute) is the difference between bread and no bread. Sorry, no photos.
Thanks for these updates. Can’t WAIT to hear about this from you in person. Praying you!
It sounds incredible indeed. Wish we were all there with you!!
WOW!! You certainly are having a wonderful adventure. Wish I was there with you. How is little Moses? My prayers are with you all. You are all amazing people. Tell Edina I think she is an absolute angel. See you soon.
Cathy, I have so many questions for you when you get back. We have been chatting with Craig and it sound slike a truly life changing experience for you. We are praying for you all the time! Looking forward to seeing you back in Canada soon.
so good to hear your reflections. Looking forward to hearing more when we are face-to-face. Praying for you as you leave and make the transition back to life here. Such different realities.