1. "Do you really like it over there?"
My first thought was, "Does my blog not convey my true feelings? I should reread what I've been writing!" The simple answer is, I love it! I go to sleep at night so thankful this is my life. I love listening to the kids giggling themselves to sleep, I love when Ian wakes up singing, I love that Karanja can't stop smiling. I love the feeling of love and reward that I get from spending my days and time with these kids. It's about giving dignity and hope to people who might not have otherwise had it. It might be a simple life that lacks most modern conveniences but it is a life abundant in relationships and joy.
2. "What do you need?"
Here is a list of what we need:
- Backpacks- If you live in STL I'm collecting backpacks (used or new) to take back with me.
- Student Sponsors- I have 6 students who still need their school fees to be paid so they can go to high school. Sponsor a student at $50/month tax deductible. Or make a one time donation. Go to http://kenyaeducationfund.org/ and click "donate now". Add a note that you heard of them through Sheila Murphy.
- Money towards items for the house. Paypal: kenyaamini@gmail.com
- Dining table and chairs- Still need $700
- Two bunk beds & bedding- $200
- A water tank for rain water harvesting $300
- A solar converter for our solar power $300
- Wish item- Solar water heater $1,500
- Money for dental work- See previous post on Hand Made Kenyan Bracelets
3. "Are you starting a non-profit?"
Yes, I am working on creating a non-profit. The US IRS projects that it can take between 6-12 months to complete. I'm hopeful that it will be ready before spring. If you want to donate now and receive a tax deduction please do so via Kenya Education Fund, go to http://kenyaeducationfund.org/ and click "donate now". Add a note that you heard of them through Sheila Murphy.
4. "What exactly are you doing??"
I support projects and students at St. Gerald Children's Centre (STG). Also, when the STG children are on school break, STG looks for guardians/families for the orphans to stay with. However, there are typically 10-20 kids with no where else to go and remain at the Centre/orphanage living in the dorms. These remaining kids come stay at my house in a family environment. Additionally, I help to find sponsors for our high school students so they can attend school. Then I monitor the progress of each of these students which includes attending parent-teacher conferences and activities at their school. As the students finish high school I help to advise and support them on transitioning into the next phase of their lives.
5. "Can we come visit?"
YES, please come! I love having visitors and it will be a trip of a lifetime! It's truly an intimate experience with the Kenyan culture that few tourist have the opportunity to experience. Typical visits are 2 week trips which include about 5 days at my house followed by 4-5 days on safari. Total cost including airfare starts at ~$4,000. If you are interested just message me info@kenyaamini.org.
6. "When are you going back? And will it be hard to go back?"
November 13. I'm definitely enjoying spending time with my family and friends but once Nov 13 comes, I will be ready to head back. I'm really fortunate to be able to split time between both places.
