This week is a big week for my precious Kenyan boys. This week they go back to school after being away from school for nearly 2 years.
These boys have been getting tutored every day for the past several weeks and have shwon great signs of improvement. Last week they took entry exams and Megan placed into 8th grade which was such a surprise after being away for so long and a blessing! David Chege and Jeremiah placed into 7th grade and will be staying with John's family as they ride their new bikes to school every day. It has been decided that a family environment will be best for them this year as Jeremiah has a habit of running away from school and is more likely to have that temptation while boarding in a school in town. It is necessary for Megan to be in boarding school though to receive proper education, so he will be schooling in town.
Megan
I was able to speak with them yesterday and was so reassured in hearing their voices and filled with joy myself as I heard their happiness. I was asking Megan about his new living arrangement and he said with excitement,"Staci, we are sleeping on a big mattress!" This is a huge change after sleeping on a hard mud floor for several years.
Megan and David Erot at former home
Row of homes where the boys lived
Entrance to the boy's former home (door on right)
As soon as Jeremiah heard that I was on the phone he came prancing out of the kitchen to talk with me.
They all love to cook and I was told that David Chege is a pretty good cook.
I'm so excited to hear of their progress in school and in becoming more acclimated to having a family.
Unfortunately, David Erot (the brother) has remained in his habit of running away and has run away 3 times since living with John. He is currently not at home and they all have searched for him without luck. This is a young boy that laid his head in Rachel's hands and cried as he told her that he was hurting so much. He is comforted by the constant pain and has not yet been able to invite a loving family to care for him and to build a different life by going back to school.
This is always a concern and something not to be taken lightely after so many years of living on the streets. This is also why Jeremiah is learned to be better at home and not alone at school. So that his struggles of going back to what's familiar are not neglected but nurtured and eventually what's familiar is what's healthy for him and his future.
{Please continue praying for these boys and for David's return.}
