A mzungu (white folk) gets mobbed anytime they go into town, and we went into town quite often. We drove through town every day on the way to the orphanages and stopped every time to drop someone off or pick something up. Every time either the van was, or we ourselves were, surrounded by street children. Here and there we would have little snacks in our bags and we’d give them out, but there were 2 boys that captured my attention and later my heart.
As I said in my previous blog, we can’t help everyone but there are those that God specifically planned for you to help. The day I gave Simon my flip flops, the day I was surrounded by a group of street kids, the day I received some translation and orientation as to what street life was like…this is the day I met Megan and Jeremiah. I went around the whole group of kids and asked them their name as we shook hands. They also learned my name.
A few days later I was in the grocery store when I heard my name. I looked and saw 2 of the boys from the group of street kids and they had huge smiles on their faces as I said, “you remembered my name!?” I unfortunately did not remember their names so I asked them again. Jeremiah jokingly said his name was ‘hungry’ as he did the day we met and Megan then reminded me of his name. This began my relationship with Megan and Jeremiah and my understanding of their lives and as well as my desire to help them.
Megan (17 yrs. Old), David (16 yrs. Old) and Jeremiah (15 yrs. Old) are all brothers and live with their relative David Chege (15 yrs. Old).
Pastor John, David Chege, Jeremiah, Megan, David
After God laid it on my heart to help these boys I visited their home which was on the edge of Kipsungo (the slums). Their home is a mud house, one room, decorated with a wooden chair, book case and small wooden table. At the back of the house, a few blankets lay on the mud floor, spanning the size of a twin bed, where all four boys sleep. These boys have been on their own since 2003…Megan was 9 years old when both of his parents died.
Jeremiah, Megan, David
Jeremiah, Megan, Edward, David
I have spent sweet time with these boys and through my inquiry about how to get these boys into school and further have a chance at a better life, our ministry contact assigned one of the pastors, John, to help my team care for them. We’ve been able to spend a lot of time with Pastor John as he took us to ministry most days. John took time to look for schools and prices of tuition as well as opened his own home to these boys. I have also had the privilege of visiting one of the schools. Right now these boys are in living with John’s family until school starts.
These boys will be in boarding school, as is common, and since they have been out of school for nearly 2 years, all of them except one will be in 7th grade. Every 3 months they will have a break and will be staying with John and his family for 1 month at a time. John has 3 young children of his own and his wife, Naomi, is so excited to have 4 more kids to care for. These boys will be going to a private school where biblical teaching is part of their regular curriculum. Private schools are more prevalent in Kenya, as the public schools are overrun with students and not enough teachers.
To care for these boys, I plan on providing for their tuition, for them to have a place to go “home” to at John’s, for their personal items such as clothing, bedding, and toiletries. This first year is more expensive than future years will be since they will need all the basic items and furnishings. For all 4 boys this first year will cost $5,000 total. If you feel led to support these boys also please send me a message and I can go over many more details with you!!
I’m so excited to have this opportunity to bless these boys. Please keep them in your prayers. Pray that this transition from the streets to a home environment (with parents) and to a school environment (with teacher and pastoral authority) are smooth and that they are strengthened and encouraged through such transition. Pray for their hearts and minds to remain focused on the goal of a better life and not distracted by the freedom of street life or their friendships built while on the streets. Pray for God to show them love and to grow them into men of God. Further, pray for funds to continue supporting them.
I will hopefully be able to post more pictures of these boys soon!
