Orphan Day

Since the day we arrived till this day the weather has been good with just a small amount of rain each day but then the night after the medical clinics (which was a blessing) it poured most of the night On Friday it rained in the late afternoon right after the women left for home from the conference lots of them came from far away and this downpour was not the kind that you would keep walking in The pastors wife had to take refuge in the generator room just a few feet away from the office where we all were until the rain stopped With the Orphan Day coming up on Saturday we were praying for a clear day If it rained at all the kids wouldn't be able to play with the new balls and jump ropes we had purchased for them Saturday was start off early as there was to be a medical check up for each orphan before their crafts and party One of our biggest challenges is not having enough hands to finish things on time but with over 20 volunteers we thought we would be organized but nothing goes as planned in Kenya this time our van did not arrive at the time we had set that morning But despite the late start we rushed to get set up the kids were waiting for us and we were able to finish in time for the party Unfortunately it started to rain mid morning and the kids had to be moved inside the church for coloring projects and some crafts The kids didn't seem to mind The party started with the kids singing and reciting poems It's amazing how they can memorize a very long poem! Now came the time to sing happy birthday to them and cut the cake Every orphan got a new backpack along with some personal items school supplies and candy They were so excited to receive these things....they don't just get a new pencil or a bar of soap when they run out They have to wait until there is enough shillings from the sale of some vegetables in the garden or go gather firewood to sell at the market and then only after the daily needs are met is a pencil purchased So when we come with these gifts they are so happy thank you to all sponsors that helped to make it possible for these extra items to be purchased The day ended with an appreciation dinner held by OWI and GHP, an org that we are a part of and who helped support the medical clinics with money for medicine and people to do the work A long but satisfying day!

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