"We have a lot of challenges, but we are overcoming them. With the help of the Lord, we are overcoming them!"
During most of our stay in Nakuru, Pastor Daniel has been away. He works about 5 hours away in Kitalie, a city northwest of where we are. He is the executive director of Challenge Farm, a home for former street kids of Kenya. His son Patrick, also works there as a social worker. Cody and I had the opportunity to go visit this week. I don't know what I was expecting, but I was so surprised at the place and what was going on there.
Started by an American "Mamma Cheri", Challenge Farm brings street kids off the street and gives them a home, and education and love. We got to spend time playing with the kids, we saw their educational programs, their winning "football" team practice and we also helped out in the office. Pastor Daniel recently became the executive director and he is still trying to sort out a little bit of a mess he was left with in the office.
The farm is growing in so many ways. They recently got a choir director and have a recorded cd for sal on their website. They now have two social workers instead of one. Most excitingly this week, they have a new machine that grinds corn – it makes ugly, which is a staple here in Kenya. Their going to use it o make their own food, plus they will rent out it's use to people in the community.
I was so impressed with the teachers, social workers and counselors. They are obviously there not just to do their job, but to really love the kids. The school is on holiday, but the teachers still come to the farm to spend time with the kids and to help out where ever they can. They were helping to braid the girls hair today. (They offered to do mine!) I think the thing that will change these kids' lives the most is the abundance of love that they receive there!
It's true that these kids are not from a normal background. It affects their lives on a daily basis. They are so in the habits of stealing, gambling and fighting. But it is also true that their lives are changing every day.
I encourage you to check them out at their website – . There are so many ways to get involved, from buying a CD to sponsoring a child. http://challengefarm.org/
