Visiting our children in Kenya is the best part of my job and it is always a memorable experience. I wanted to share a bit of the fun we had on my most recent trip along with some general updates on things happening on the other side of the ocean.
Josephine – Back in May, we mentioned that Josephine, in our Kikuyu home, needed a new set of prosthetic legs. I am happy to announce that we received some very generous donations that covered 92% of this cost! Thank you so much to those who donated. Josephine has completely adjusted and is moving around the home with speed and efficiency! The photo shows Josephine with Terry and little Biver, who is especially attached to her.
Parachute – Do you remember the one or two times a year your PE teacher pulled out the parachute? It is a favorite activity for children in the U.S. and our Kenyan kids agree! Click the video to hear the giggles of joy from not only the little kids, but also the big kids, and even the staff. It seems you are never too old for a little bit of fun!
Pancakes – Another fun U.S. inspired activity we tried was making American pancakes. Kenyans have pancakes too, but they are thin and more like crepes. The fluffy, very filling American version was a hit! Some of the older kids helped cook them on the jiko stoves using a huge batch of batter. It made for an exciting and delicious start to the day!
Bubbles – We often have left-over supplies from the craft projects we do with the kids. After our last visit, we had a surplus of plastic straws. We were excited when we found a fun way to use them up – making bubble blowers. Who knew that blowing bubbles took a bit of skill, but after some practice they got the hang of it!
Crazy Olympics – As only God could work it out, some of our long-time supporters were in Kenya in early August at the same time I was. They brought along some Word of Life friends to host the “Crazy Olympics” for our Kikuyu kids. It was a day filled with silly games, friendly competition, treats, and a time of Q&A with the older kids. It was a safe place to ask some hard questions about God and about making godly choices as a young person. Thank you to our donors for their generosity! Click the video to see some of the fun!
We are so grateful to our supporters for helping provide a very good life for each of our 112 children. We hope the smiles on these precious faces show the difference your efforts are making. Thank you!
James Lucheli has been working as a cook for our Kitalale home since 2012. He and his wife have five children, from a daughter who is a Registered Nurse to the youngest two children who are still in primary school. He has always felt called to serve others and in his role as cook, he has the opportunity to serve the precious children God has brought to Children of Hope.
“Your love for the children is evident in the way you engage with them and invite them to be a part of what you do in the kitchen. Thank you for your hard work and commitment. We are so blessed that you are part of our family.” ~Abraham Kiboki
In James’ Words:
I have experienced so many blessings through working at Children of Hope, one of which is: I no longer need to be concerned about paying school fees for my five children. With the salary I receive from CoH, I am able to provide for my wife and family. Working here has been wonderful and so good for my life.
My day starts very early – at 3am when I start to prepare breakfast. On school days, meals need to be ready by 5:30am because the children leave at 6am for school. It gives me such joy to see them enjoying their breakfast, filling up their stomachs before they leave for the day. Once they are off, I spend the remainer of the day preparing lunch for the staff and little ones, then dinner for all the children once they return home from school. I finish up my day around 8pm. While I am working, I sleep in my room at the home which really helps with the early morning and late evening hours.
In James’ Words:
I have experienced so many blessings through working at Children of Hope, one of which is: I no longer need to be concerned about paying school fees for my five children. With the salary I receive from CoH, I am able to provide for my wife and family. Working here has been wonderful and so good for my life.
My day starts very early – at 3am when I start to prepare breakfast. On school days, meals need to be ready by 5:30am because the children leave at 6am for school. It gives me such joy to see them enjoying their breakfast, filling up their stomachs before they leave for the day. Once they are off, I spend the remainder of the day preparing lunch for the staff and little ones, then dinner for all the children once they return home from school. I finish up my day around 8pm. While I am working, I sleep in my room at the home which really helps with the early morning and late evening hours.
The fact that every day, I get to serve these children keeps me motivated and committed to this work. I have always had a call to servanthood on my life. This position provides me with that opportunity.
What I really enjoy about this job is that I get to teach and communicate with the children. Together, we come up with meal plans and I share what I am thinking about making and how to prepare the dishes. This stirs up conversation. The kids get excited about the plan and can’t wait to help me prep and then enjoy each meal. The excitement in the children’s eyes and the love they share really inspires me.
Some of the older kids enjoy helping me in the kitchen: Meshack, Elisha, Faith, Praise, and Precious. We always have such a good time and what really helps me engage with the children is that I don’t come in as their superior, but as one who is on their same level. I use storytelling as a tool to endear to them and bring about change in their lives. I love guiding and counseling, especially the boys. I also like to share the Word of God. I remind them that God’s Word is the firm foundation that everything else is built upon.
What do I like to do for fun? I have always enjoyed a good game of soccer. When I was younger I was a goal-keeper, but at my age, I just enjoy watching the game. My favorite games are the kids playing on the field at the home.
~Thank you, Uncle James for your commitment and dedication to the children. Your heart of service is so evident and your food is delicious. What a blessing you are to our Kitalale home.
