Hello Everyone,
Today we arrived to the orphanage. And Wow, what an amazing experience. Starting off.
The Ride:
The ride was crazy, and I thought I drove bad. They don’t really follow any rules per say. They honk a ton, and then bomb down the rode dodging cows and goats, which are deathly sickly looking and skinny. Currently the country is having a massive drought. Crops and cattle are dying by the hundreds. All the far away tribes are bringing their cattle into the city for water and food. As you drive down the road the cattle line the streets. If you take pictures of them they shake sticks at you and scream. They feel they are being exploited.
The Scenery:
The scenery was amazing. No lions, tigers, or bears, but we did see some slums. Nairobi has the biggest slum in all of Africa. Our driver used to drive media through the slums new his way around fairly well. He took Kelly through really quick for some good media coverage. The internet is slow and I am not able to upload any pictures, but I took pictures of 4 story buildings that looked like they survived suicide bombers. Cloths lines hung tight and kids played on the roof. This was concidered middle class.
The Workers:
The workers at a grocery store, coffee shop, gas station are all well dressed, happy, courteous – low and behold they only make around $350 a month! The average income in Kenya is only $500. Thus making the slums one of the most affordable places to live. Most children walk around 2 miles to school. Every school requires a uniform and shoes. If you can’t afford such – you don’t go to school.
Some of the homes were AMAZING and huge. They would be cuddled next to corn husked roofed shacks. The economy has a big divide where the rich truly get richer, and vice versus.
The orphange:
As we drove down the dirt road to the orphange we saw a massive 4 story building and a large gate…this was the orphange! Much larger than I thought. As we drove up tons of children ran outside their rooms to take a look at the Mazungo “white man”. (not a racist term). We unloaded tons of boxes and the children were very excited. However, we are not passing out the shoes till Wed.
We got a tour of the orphanage by the elders and managers. Along with about 50 children holding our hands. The orphanage used to be gov. funded, all funding was pulled and the children were left behind. It was adopted by a church. The massive building was actually donated by an American who willed his U.S. property to the orphanage. They sold it and build on.
They survive on soooo little. Many of the rooms don’t have light bulbs because they can’t afford them. 40 children sleep in one room. They are very disciplined – and help each other. They truly are each other’s family. Many will stay here till they are around 19-21 years of age. Most of their families have passed. They pray together at night, sing, dance, take pictures with our cameras, play soccer, ping pong, and jump rope. They have a 20″ TV for 170 kids, 3 cooks, and . . . I could go on and on.
The shoes will make a big difference. We truly are going to change hundreds of lives. Thanks to all for your help. We are taking many pictures, shedding some tears, but will bring back a story that will inspire all!
Much Love,
Brian
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