In 1878, England saw a glimpse of unfailing love. The second daughter of Queen Victoria had a young son who had been infected with an infliction known as Black Diphtheria. Doctors quarantined the boy and told Princess Alice to stay away.
But she couldn't.
One day, she overheard him whisper to the nurse,
"Why doesn't my mother kiss me anymore?"
The words melted her heart.
She ran to her son and smothered him with kisses.
Within a few days, she was buried.
The stories from Challenge Farm aren't of mothers kissing their sick children. But about the unfailing, unconditional love that these children have, despite their stories.
These are the stories of Ann, Esther and Alice:
Ann, who is part of the Luo tribe, is 17 years old and in the 8th grade. She came to Challenge Farm in 2008. She is one of four children. Her parents died when she was very young. She was then placed in the care of her Aunt where basic needs were not provided. She ran away to the streets of Kitale in search for food.
A rarity at Challenge Farm is children coming in without any addictions to drugs or alcohol. Ann is one of those rare cases. Sometimes, when children run away into the streets, they become curious of what everyone else is doing. But Ann used her wisdom to stay away from substances that would be harmful to her body.
Since coming to Challenge Farm, Ann has worked exceptionally hard in school in hopes to become a pilot someday. She now believes in God unlike before when she believed in traditions. She is an aspiring guitar artist as well as a beading expert. Her voice of praise for the Lord is remarkable and she is a faithful member of the praise and worship team.
Esther is an 18 year old Turkana, also in the 8th grade. Her and Ann came to Challenge Farm around the same time in 2008. Esther's father passed away in 2004. Her mother is blind and very poor, making it unable for her to support her family.
When Esther ran away to the streets she started drinking traditional liquor. Her main reason for running away: Her sister was abusive. After some time in the streets, she ended up at the Birunda Rescue Center from where she was then transferred to Challenge Farm.
Esther is a respectful, responsible woman with a wonderful singing voice. She tries extra hard in school and wants to become a doctor. Not only is she extremely studious, but she also makes time to get to know most everyone. Esther has a huge servant heart, and loves to pray and fast. She, as well as Ann, is a faithful member of the praise and worship team.
Alice is 17 years old and also in the 8th grade. She, like Esther, is part of the Turkana tribe. Her mother died when she was very young and she was placed into the care of her Grandmother, Aunt and Uncle. There, she argued with her Aunt until, one day, her Aunt took her to live with her father. Living with her father was hard for Alice because he also mistreated her. She ran away and ended up back at her Aunt's house. After repeated mistreatment in that environment, again, Alice ran away to the streets. She was often found searching for food in Kitale.
In 2006, Alice was brought to the Birunda Rescue Center. During her stay, the staff did everything they could to provide her with basic needs. They even looked for a place for her to go permanently. The first visit to Challenge Farm was unsuccessful, as there was no room. But a few months later, the Rescue Center received a call and Alice was able to move in.
Alice has the title of Head Girl. This is based on good character and faith. She is very outgoing, loves the Lord, and is friends with everyone. She makes it a point to know every body who comes through the gates. Alice works very hard in school and is incredibly smart. She is a responsible, hardworking, English learning woman, and joins both Esther and Ann in the praise and worship team.
Each one of these stories involves sexual and/or physical abuse. But also, each one of their stories ends up in the same place. Challenge Farm. Where love and the gospel are taught, each child has a bed to sleep in, a roof over their heads, and three meals a day. Basic needs, like clothing and shoes are also given to them. There are teachers at the on site school where each child has the opportunity to learn and succeed.
Mama Cheri, founder of Challenge Farm, has a full heart of love for each and every one of these children. And the children in turn, have that same love for her and everyone who comes on site.
I've been inspired by every story this month. So inspired, in fact, that I have talked to Mama Cheri about an internship sometime. I'm inspired, not by the stories, but by the outcome of the children afterward. They have an unfailing, unconditional love for the Lord, and for their visitors.
Of the 150 children at Challenge Farm, there is still a handful that need to be sponsored. You can find out more about sponsoring a child at http://www.challengefarm.org
