Isn’t this verse beautiful? It is a promise for the future, but even now it comes to life in both of our homes.
Our kids work hard in school and help around the home, but they also have
a lot of fun!!
This is especially true during the month of April when all the children are home for the spring holiday.
Football (soccer for us Americans) is a favorite activity not just for the kids, but the uncles as well. The competition is often filled with life lessons, but a good hard game of football is a great way to spend the afternoon!
The children’s creativity turns simple activities like sidewalk chalk into a time of joyful giggles. Their artwork fills the walkways with beautiful drawings and sayings. You might even see a few life-sized child outlines! What fun!
Another way the children work out their energy is on the playground. We have swings, merry-go-rounds, slides, and teeter-totters. Can you remember the last time you enjoyed swinging? It feels like flying!
Board games and card games are great fun, especially once the sun goes down. Games bring out the problem-solving skills in the kids. It’s interesting to see how differently God has gifted each child in their thinking and reasoning skills. One game may come easily to a child whereas another game is quite challenging. You can learn so much about them by playing games.
Dancing is another favorite activity and our Kenyan children and staff dance with such freedom and joy – it is truly inspiring. See for yourself by clicking on the link above to watch our Kitalale family – young and old – all performing together.
There are so many things in this world that are challenging and disheartening. It is such a blessing that these children can set all of that aside for a time and have fun with their God-given family.
Would you like to meet these amazing kids and join in with their fun? If you would like to visit Kenya with me, please reach out. The impact they have on your heart will last a lifetime!
Uncle Peter has been working in our Kitalale home since November of 2014. Because he is a security guard, his hours vary from day to day – sometimes he works days and other times he is on the night shift. But whenever he is on duty, he has the security and safety of our children and staff as his top priority.
Uncle Peter is married and has two daughters – one in high school and the other in elementary. He is so proud of them. His family lives not too far from our Kitalale home.
“Thank you, Uncle Peter. You are such a dedicated, focused, and trustworthy employee. You are always hard at work, and your wisdom and input are so valuable to us here at CoH. We know that when you are guarding the home, we are in very good hands. May God bless you!” ~ Abraham Kiboki
In Peter’s Words:
I have many responsibilities around the home as security guard. My main duty is to ensure the safety of the children, staff, and property all around the home. When I arrive each day, I make the rounds and tidy up the property. Sometimes I find a stray shoe, jacket, or toy and return it to it’s proper home. I also sweep up the parking lot/basketball court and clear any debris from the walkways. As I am doing my rounds, I make sure everything is secure – things are locked up tight and the lights are working properly. I am responsible to keep our generator and our vehicles in good working order, making sure the vans are ready each day to take the kids to school.
During the night shift, I check on the children and staff who are sleeping at the home. I provide peace of mind that things are safe and secure so they can enjoy their time and focus on their duties. I also keep my eye on the older boys since their boys’ cottage is separate from the main living area. The house father and I check to make sure the boys finish up their chores and get to bed on time.
I remember when Moses Kwemoi was one of these young men. Moses has really made an impression on me. When he started high school, I became his guardian, and we formed a close bond. Moses is a wise young man and took to heart the advice I shared with him. That influence and connection helped Moses improve his grades and his general behavior. He is doing well in college now and I am so proud of him. It was powerful to watch Moses transition from a boy into a responsible young man. I am filled with joy and just so very proud of him!
When I have some free time, I don’t like to be idle, so I usually work in my little garden or help my neighbors. Many of them have so much to do and I enjoy assisting them.
Uncle Peter – Your bright smile lights up your whole face and goes all the way up to your eyes that watch over our children so diligently. Thank you for your heart of service, for your dedication, and love.
