Have you ever watched someone read a cherished note from a person they admire? Their eyes get teary, and you can almost see their heart swell with joy. It is a beautiful thing.
This happens every year at our Postcard Party and this time, we captured the experience for you in the video below. Please click and watch – it will take less than two minutes. You will see joy and hope
on the face of each child. This hope grows into confidence and identity in Jesus, then into excitement for the future plans God has for them.
Along with the note, they receive a photo of themselves, and a small bag of gifts that are chosen for each age group. This year, the squeaky, light-up balls were a hit with all ages, along with the cars for the small boys. Endless “vroooooom” noises could be heard from all corners of the homes that brought giggles to those within earshot.
Many of the younger children need help reading their special notes and the older kids make sure they hear the heartfelt messages. They also make sure they see every last item in their bags.
We top off every postcard party with a yummy treat – usually ice cream! This year, we added colorful sprinkles which were new to many of the kids and added that final “sprinkle” of “happy” to the party!
Being loved, cherished, and accepted really does change lives. Our children feel this daily in a physical sense, but we also remind them that their Heavenly Father loves, cherishes, and accepts them too. That fact is what truly makes all the difference.
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John 1:12-13 Amen!
If you SPONSOR one of our 112 children,
THANK YOU!
Thank you for your prayers, your gifts, your postcard notes – they help provide a loving, secure, full life for our children.
If you are not yet a sponsor, don’t wait – become one today. We have many kids who are not fully sponsored. Next year, it could be your note bringing joy to a child’s heart.
Uncle Kefa Onserio started working in our Kikuyu home in 2014 as a cook and was quickly promoted to Head Chef. He is married with four children – two in university; one studying Construction Management Engineering and the other studying Nursing, and two in high school. Whatever Uncle Kefa makes, it is delicious, probably because he cooks it with love. We are so grateful for his presence in our kitchen.
“We depend on people like you, who have grown children, to share your experiences when we are having challenges with teenagers. You are such a wonderful part of our family and a huge blessing to our home. We see clearly that the work you do is from your heart.” ~Abraham Kiboki
In Kefa’s Words
When I arrive at the home each morning, the kids are the first thing on my heart and mind. Before I start my work in the kitchen, I check in on the children. I like to hear about their day and how they slept. After I’ve chatted with them a bit, then I get started preparing the the menu for the day.This job is all about our kids. I love to cook for for them.
I like to prepare food that the kids enjoy, so I ask them what their favorite meals are. Some popular answers are rice, mukimo, and chapati. An important thing I need is the school’s weekly lunch menu. I make sure that my menu is different so the children have a variety of food. All this work, I do from my heart.
Some of my favorite things to cook are: beef stew, chapati, mukimo, chicken, ugali – pretty much everything. It’s more about who I am cooking for than what I am making. A favorite of many (especially Abraham and Kristy) is mukimo with special African sauce and guacamole. Mukimo is made from mashed potatoes and pumpkin leaves (which makes it green), maize, and peas. I’ve been told my special African sauce tastes like a combination of delicious beef stew and savory gravy. It is reminiscent of American mashed potatoes and gravy but with a Kenyan twist.
Many of the older kids enjoy helping me in the kitchen and spending time with me. I think it’s because I talk about what life might be like for them when they grow up and move outside the home. These teenagers need to understand that the life they live here, inside this safe and godly home, is different than when they grow up and live on their own. They will face many challenges and we talk about how they can overcome these challenges. I provide guidance on how to grow and make good personal choices which will lead to a better life. So even though my job title is Head Chef, my more important role is “parent.”
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and taking the opportunity to have a meal out at a restaurant. Another fun thing I do sometimes is give the kids a quick ride around the compound on my motor bike. This is fun for all of us.
~Thank you, Uncle Kefa, for your heart that is dedicated to giving our kids food that helps them grow strong and healthy. But also, for being a good parent who listens, guides, and advises both the little ones and the older ones. We are so thankful for you!
