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Published: September 22nd 2006
The following are stories of children at Vihiga Children's Home in Western Kenya, where I am volunteering for 3 months, under the auspices of Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church (Kentucky, USA). The stories are factual; surnames have been omitted.
Brian's Life: Brian is 7 years old and a pupil in standard two. He and his twin brother were born to a woman and man who soon parted. The children's mother returned the babies to the father who then reconciled with his previous wife. Brian suffered from marasmus and kwashiorkor; his twin was more robust. Neither the father nor his wife accepted the children. When the boys were three years old, the father tied them outside at night in the cow stall. His plan was to let the cows stomp them to death. The cows would not harm them. Little Brian, the clever one, found a way to cut the rope to free himself and his brother. The boys wandered until they found a church to sleep in. With nothing to eat there, they continued until they came to a house. Through an open window, Brian could see food on the table and no one in the room. He and his brother climbed in and ate, then they hid. When the man of the house sat down to eat, he asked his wife what happened to his breakfast. This is how he found the boys. Brian's great good fortune was that this householder was a district official who took the boys into care and placed them at Vihiga Childrens Home. Birna's father was sent to prison. Today Brian is a physically fragile child with nutitional and other health problems. The effects of early abuse and neglect are obvious to an observer. In America this boy would have special pediatric attention and ongoing services. In Western Kenya at the childrens home, he is one of a handful of children at this orphanage with similar problems. With all his troubles, Brian is courageous. He craves attention from adults. He's a sweet natured boy; when he's given a special snack or treat, he generously shares with peers. Brian is also learning to read. He still protects his twin brother. Brian's TJ sponsor is frequently in his thoughts and mentioned in conversation with me. He seems to regard her as a kind of angel or far-away mother. He tells me she's going to send him a motorcycle. I've taken Brian to the doctor once and I've given him special baths and treated his skin infections, so we've spent a lot of time together. I wonder what the future holds for Brian and those like him - Kenya's unfortunate orphans. I am horrified at the abuse he's suffered, and thankful that he is now in a placement where he has a chance for a future. In my final weeks at the orphanage I am getting emotional about leaving here, leaving vulnerable children behind. It seems a crime to return to my comfortable life in America. That's how life looks to me right now.
Emily's Shoes: In July, eleven year old Emily, who lived a 40 minute walk away, heard that some Americans were at the Vihiga Children's Home giving out shoes. Emily is an only child whose parents are dead, so she lives with her blind grandmother. Other relatives have refused to help them. Emily came down from the hills and walked into Mrs. Agesa's compound where she saw strange people sorting clothes and shoes and building cubbies. Joining the throng, she blended in with the children from the orphanage who were waiting in line for shoes. Emily got those shoes! During the August school holidays Emily returned to Vihiga Childrens Home and began attending standard four with the other students. During that month, several teachers left their positions and volunteers were handling classes at the school, so Emily was not recognized as out of place. One day Mrs. Agesa went through the school, spotted Emily, and got her story. She invited Emily to move into the children's home.
Emily came with her uniform from her previous school, a skirt and those shoes. We took her information to help in finding a sponsor. Whenever I would walk with Emily, she insisted on carrying my bag. She asked me, "who cooks for you, who washes your clothes? You shouldn't cook for yourself, I should do it." My response was to inquire if that is what she had done for her grandmother. She tearfully told me she was worried about her. On the next Sunday, I took Emily and Lillian to walk to grandmother's house. It was a long climb up and down footpaths to a remote area. I may even be the first muzungu who ever visited that hill. On the road there, we encountered the local "madwoman" who tried to seize my backpack, but Lillian warned her off. We found Grandmother Josephine at home alone in her clean but empty house. Her only furnishings were a few wooden stools, a low table, and a mosquito net suspended from the ceiling. She sleeps on the dirt floor on some tattered cloth. She is completely blind and did not know Emily until Emily came forward and took her hand. She told us she hadn't eaten for one day and was glad to get the mandazi (doughnut) we brought her. Lillian interpreted Grandma's dialect for me. Here's what she said: "I want the chld to stay at Vihiga Children's Home. I have no food to give her here. She must stay there. I cannot get food for her. I don't want her to become a thief." Emily's uncle lives next door, but we did not see him during the visit. When we left, Emily seemed relieved to know that her grandmother unequivocally wants her to stay at the childrens home. I encouraged Emily to visit grandma on Sundays and holidays. She is now settling in at the home, is a good student, and is looking forward to getting her sponsor soon.
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baby bro
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Life takes us on trips to fill our minds and souls. your journey has a special meaning... These children are learning somthing great... that there is someone that cares, in the poor world that they live... Kathi you have about another 30 years to live. you could stay in Africa...have you thought of that... Sister Mary Kathi sounds kind of nice I love you...and hope you come back... I understand how the lifes of these children have jumped into your heart.. you are the best of what men should become... carring and sharring...giving and giving some more.. This is my favorite verse frome the Bible.... Mark: Love has no greater value than to give his life for a friend.... or somthing like that....I have tried my best to live a christrine life.. And you lead through example...I am very proud of you...and all that you do and I am very forunate to have been a small part in your life.. You once told me that you worried that Todd was joining the the air force. I think your children have learned to be carring through you. Clay severd his country, Todd did the same, and Lynn is a great nurse I scene her in action when Nicole took that spill sledd riddding.... keep up the good work...we all love you and hope to see ya in the coming months.... from the Sanoran Desesrt .....your Baby Bro......