After our adventures and travel, we all napped the day we got back, and then made a list of everything we need to do before returning home However, as darkness fell, we quickly realized that there was no power. Someone had stolen the transformer! We told stories by lamp light, and went to bed early.
The next day, the others walked all the way to town to charge our computers, only to be told the transformer in town had been stolen too! No electricity also means no water. The orphanage usually is connected to the Kenyan water supply for the Western province, but with no electricity there is no pump, and thus no clean water. The orphanage has a well, but the well is contaminated with sewage, and has to be dug deeper to be safe. The power goes out often here, especially as power is rationed. The need for a new well is great, but there are so many other needs as well. Before going on the trip, we emailed over 50 non-profits who work in Kenya, but we did not hear back from any willing to help. Every night they pray for us and our well-being and for all the children without homes who the orphanage does not have the resources to take in. It is uplifting, sobering, and motivating all at the same time. Often they will pray for over three hours, believing so completely in the power of God and miracles and that life will get better. Their faith is like nothing I have ever seen in America.
There is still no power right now at the orphanage, so pardon me for not writing for the last few days. However, the transformer in town has been replaced, so I am charging the laptop as I write this.
Today we took pictures of the orphans for the website (The included picture is the one the orphans took of me), and we also gave them balloons. The kids were so excited, but we didn’t bring enough, so we felt terrible. “Teacher, teacher please! Assist me with a balloon!!!” they came one by one with their big sad eyes and hand outstretched, only to be told we had already given away all the balloons, so we swung them around through the air until their sad faces turned to giggles. It can be very overwhelming at times here. So many children begging for so much that we don’t have.
And running through the sugarcanes and countryside, past cows and chickens, and children laughing and holding onto their 3 cent balloon as though it is the coolest thing they have ever seen, I can’t help but feel excited myself, caught up in the simple moments of joy so often taken for granted back home.
Love,
Laura
P.S. Check out Sara's blog she just made!
www.sarahollis.blogspot.com
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