And, mornings here at Rehema start early and are very busy. We got to the home at 8am to continue projects and beat the afternoon heat. It has been in the high 80’s every day – a very different temperature from back in Rochester. The home was in full gear with only one lone child in the yard. The home was buzzing with Aunties and staff preparing for a day of caring for 50+ children. Breakfast was over and lunch was being prepared. Charcoal started to cook the stew of beans and kale, laundry and more laundry being washed and hung to dry and Aunties begining meal prep for the rush of children for the next meal.

So where was everyone? The 7 new babies under 2 months – yes, 7 new ones have been taken in recently – were inside on the second nap of the day. Everyone else was in school. The grammar school kids are driven to school in the home van, the middle school kids walk and those in high school grab a matatu.

The kindergarteners get dressed every morning for a morning class on the property. Even going to school in your backyard requires the children to get properly dressed in uniforms to teach them the routine when they have to dress themselves next year.

We got back to our projects of painting, and replacing the roof over the laundry room that would fill with water when the rains came.

Rehema US Board meets Rehema Kenya Board

I told you we were here for many different reasons. You may call today an historical day. It was the first time that the board of directors of the two countries met. We sat down for a meal and fellowship, got to know each other and discussed our shared passion for the children of Rehema. We had the meeting at the PEFU Runda with the pastor and Bishop of the church. So much commonality even living on two different continents and 10,000 miles apart. It was also a special moment for me to be in the church where George and Paul’s funeral was held and speak to the Bishop who gave the sermon.

Another Birthday

I had the pleasure of celebrating this wonderful young mans birthday. Joseph turned 24 and we went out in style. Wesley, Joseph and I went to 270 Rooftop for dinner overlooking the city of Nairobi. We talked of life, love, politics, differences in cultures, their goals and dreams. Joseph and Wesley grew up in Rehema and now help out at the home. Joseph is the driver for the home transporting kids to schools and doctors and all the many errands that need to be done. Wesley is a burgeoning financial professional making sure the home has what it needs to keep home operating.

Go Bills

No conversation is complete without talking about sports. Both are Manchester United fans and Wesley is a KC Chiefs fan — which I totally forgive him for. Go Bills!