Nothing but the clothes on my back

My sambas . . . cleaned . . . repaired . . . and with a new owner

So, I'll definitely have pictures about this day, but I decided to do something a bit rash. Noticing that there are very few males who volunteer (guys if you want to meet women from all over, volunteer abroad) I felt that quite possibly boys were neglected in gifts and meaningful items. Having worked with the older boys with the daily chores and the chicken coop I felt the need to give them something. So, I'm coming back with a belt (because with the weight loss I can't hold anything up, a pair of pants, and 2 shirts. Everything else I gave to the boys, from a watch, to a bookbag, collared shirts, pants, shorts, and tees. I even gave away my Sambas to one of the young soccer players. It'll be about a year before he'll fit properly into them but it was a sight to see Emmanuel polish the sneakers to a shine. My backpack it light, but will be full of some souvenirs later on.

Rojas . . . he'll grow into it

Time for a last meal with my ladies before Claire leaves at 6am and Lucy leaves around 11am tomorrow.

Gloria and I have a late, late flight tomorrow and will arrive around noon on Saturday. We'll have plenty of more things to write and stories to share...

What time has brought

In 5 weeks time we've accomplished the following at Faraja:

1. Established the orphanage on Fadhili's list of orphanages to be at. Not only have we had people transfer to the orphanage (Amy, Lauren, and How will replace us for the next month), but they even delivered three bags of toys and blankets for the children.

2. Made the chicken coop "sustainable". We went from under 20 eggs daily to over 70 eggs daily. The coop was sectioned off to guarantee fertilized eggs which go for 25ksh instead of 8ksh for un-fertilized. Omari is paying off a debt quickly and has been set up with Kiva.org to begin conversations to receive a micro-loan. (If this happens I will mass email all so we can fund the project)

3. Health and hygiene has improved. We moved the fire so the smoke is no longer affecting children, cleaned the house properly, and have been working with the kids about coughing and hygiene.

4. Plans are in place. We finally contacted the landlord and now understand that Faraja was penalized with no water and electricity because prior tenants had 2 years worth of back debt. Their payment history will be looked into and they may receive those amenities. Also, the landlord approved of a plan to draw water from the local farm to give free water to the orphanage. These are high hopes, but progress is something. Finally, How has been educated on the farming/garden project and will undertake it when the rainy season starts in September.

5. Education. I passed along the grouping plans to Amy, Lauren, and How and they will take time in the day to review with the children as they are on holiday until September.

6. Incentives matter. My deal with the water merchant working and our replacements are fine with continuing "the deal". 220ksh for 220L of water is more than fair and will allow more work to be done at the orphanage.

Tomorrow will be a VERY difficult day. It's our last, don't really want to talk about it.

I will also update with images and video so please check back when I put some posts on FB. See you around . . .

Its not the end. Its just the begining.

 Omari and Emmanuel figure
out Twister

I can't believe tomorrow is our last day with the kids. Its heartbreaking. Its to the point where they all hug and kiss us when we arrive and leave. They push each other out of the way to hold our hands for walks...walks they have done for years alone. I have to muster up all the strength I have to not cry in front of them.

This trip has been extremely mentally and physically draining but equally rewarding. I am forever changed by my experience here.

Mary is all smiles

I know in my heart that I will return and I plan to begin some projects for Faraja from home. Its going to be so hard waking up and not seeing their beautiful little faces around me but knowing we will meet again someday will get me through it.

Handing out gifts on the last day

One of the boys asked me if I could tell Father Christmas about him and the other children at the orphanage. Just today we received at least fifty gifts for the children and will be distributing them tomorrow. God works in mysterious ways...tomorrow will be Christmas in August at Faraja.

To my friends and family back home hugs and kisses!