What a day!

Well today was one of the most rewarding yet. Garnets and Fleurys, I think I have found the answer to your questions re: sponsoring and projects.

We had lined up a trip to two orphanages for today. We were to go with two sisters and a husband of one of them from Seattle to visit an orphanage up the road in the a.m. and one about 5km down into the valley this afternoon.

We left in a van at about 10:00a.m. loaded with gifts from home. When we arrived at the first orphanage we were swarmed with children hugging us, greeting us, asking our names and holding our hands. We couldn't walk two feet. They finally were asked to gather and sing some songs with us and dance. Us North Americans tried to follow their actions, but somehow our bodies just don't move like that!!!! Hopefully in heaven we can! We had a great time playing games with them, handing our lots of hugs and visiting. Adam was a hit and always had a crowd around him.
They lined up patiently and waited for candy and toys to be given to each one. They sang and thanked us again. I'll never forget watching their faces as they received the toys - even the older boys picked out dolls. One boy even kissed his doll as soon as he got it. I'm guessing he was Brett's age or older. Some were shy and had a hard time choosing a gift. More hugs and away we went.

This afternoon, we travelled down into the valley to Maai mahiu to another orphanage, much poorer than the first. We were warmly greeted and given a tour of the dorms and all the buildings. THe children were older here. About 120 kids. Only about 70% are sponsored by someone. We were extremely impressed with the staff. Their love for God, and the children was very evident. You really need to see the pictures. Each child had a bunk, neatly made and a small box with their clothes. They are in desparate need of bathrooms among other things. The manager has a real vision for what needs to be done there. The children are taught life skills as well as attending the local school. They had been taught about cooking, laundry, sewing, carpentry, metal work, leather work etc.
We had a wonderful time of singing and prayer with them. There were many tears from we visitors as we met with them and presented them with toys and gifts. They all shared their things and waited patiently in line to receive something. I really would like to explain more to anyone who is interested when I get back home, as I feel the possibilities for us to assist them are many.

My kids had fun playing with them and I even tried to help with the stirring of the "ugali". Everyone laughed. I told them it was definitely a man's job as I could hardly move the paddle in the huge vat of ugali. They had a garden and a number of cattle and animals to care for. They are thus able to supply most of their own vegetables and milk. They have no vehicle and last night there was a sick child and one of the staff tried to carry him on their shoulders to walk up the hill to the hospital (5km). I think they finally found a taxi.
They have a huge waiting list. The manager showed me the stack of files of the children waiting to be admitted to the orphanage. Right now they have no room for more, but they are hoping funds will come in to build another dorm.

We were told today that there are 6000 new orphans a day in Kenya alone. By the year 2010, there will be 2.8 million. It costs $30 a month to sponsor a child.
This is where my heart is. What the next step for me is I don't know. God had orchestrated this whole trip in his timing today (another story) and tonight I feel tired, emotionally especially, but excited about what all it means.

Pray for these beautiful, loving children and the amazing staff that love them and take care of them.

Lori