Who knew that when I went with Mr. Tom in 2020 to tile some floors for a childrens home in Kenya I would be blogging about my fifth trip. A trip where I met the Kenya board. Some of the most amazing God and faith filled men that have dedicated their lives to communicating and teaching the Word of God and changing the world. Here is Bishop Munai I had two lunches and a breakfast with this man. Every meal was an experience. He is a Bishop of many pastors and churches and someone that wants to change the future of the children of Rehema and Nairobi. We met with Pastor Stanley and Pastor Kennedy and Pastor Issac and taked about how to build a sustainable income for children in need.
While in Kenya, I received a calling to continue to serve the children in need around the world. It is my passion, my mission and my inspiration in life. I am excited to follow that calling and see what more journeys of inspiration are ahead of me.
Thursday and Saturday we spent time at Rehema home with the children so I thought I would combine those pictures together on the next post – get ready for an overload of cute, cute pics. I wanted to use this post to capture my day on Friday – it was really special. It was joyous and a bit sad at the same time. Why? Many of you know the story of George and how he came into my life in 2022 and Grinched Me: “my heart grew three times that day”. Through him I met his brothers and best friends Wesley and Joseph and the four of us became a family. Texting during the week and FaceTiming every Friday for years. Joseph, Wesley and I spent the day together on Friday in memory of George and did him honor as we know he would like.
The 4 of us at MamaThe 3 of us at Mambo
We went to the last place the 4 of us were together and laughed as we remembered the times we shared. We miss you George.
Today was a shopping day for Mama Karen and to help where I could for the boys to thank them for all that they did and do. Off to the mall of course and started at the Friday Masai market to buy some local treasures. It is a negotiating event and lucky to have Wesley with me. I am awful at it and every year Wesley tries to coach me. I would see something, let out a squill of delight and point to something and say I want it. Wesley would just look at me and say “no, you don’t and just start walking”. “But, Wesley I…..just keep walking” he would say again….1…2…3: “Mister, Madame let’s discuss the price”. That’s all Wesley had to hear and he would start at half and work his from there.
The boys would carry my treasures and here they are negotiating for an UBER to come pick us up and hire for the rest of the day since there was more shopping to do. It was cheaper and more convenient to come to a price for 4 hours and multiple locations then to keep trying to hire one at every stop.
Next stop: MGallery for lunch. The area we were in was the location of the UN, all the embassies and homes for the international diplomats. Passed the USA building with the eagle proudly displayed – it was actually comforting for sure.
We treated ourselves to the rooftop Greek restaurant and if you remember the other rooftop restaurant we went to last Thursday for Joseph’s birthday – you can see it in the distance. Give a click on the MGallery link above and you will see where we are, how close to the UN and why there is so much green trees in Nairobi!
The afternoon was dedicated to the boys. They don’t have a Target, or Walmart but a shop with all imports from China filled with all the same items.
Next stop: grocery store for 24 year old standard cuisine: rice, cereal, crisps and treats – family size of course.
If I had could pick a fun-filled, and heart filling day, this was it. Of course, every day is like this here – and you wonder why I come back year after year? Guess what — already planning next trip – but you already knew that.
Tonight we invited all of the young adults that work at Rehema plus the young girls that went to Bukura with us over to the guest house for pizza and game night. I have been introduced to so many new group games, I can’t wait to share on one of our JOI hiking trips. Have you heard of Snaps, Pass the Scissors, or Who’s Triangle is It? When the children “age” out of the home they are supported for a few months to get them on their feet and give them time to find employment which is very difficult in Nairobi. This may be my new mission to tackle.
I have said to many of you, I thought I was coming to save the babies and your children. Every time I come I am comforted to see that all of your donations and all of the money we raise in the US is 100% going to the helping these children thrive now and into their future.
2024 Annual Report
I hope you will take a moment to read the annual report to see just how the funds are used.
Today we spent the majority of the day painting the dining room, held a water balloon fight, dinner, prayers and to bed. A day at Rehema. Tomorrow will be a repeat of today except we head back to Nairobi tomorrow night.
To my amazing Father who has loved, guided, and supported me throughout my life and my crazy adventures – I love you. Looking forward to spending your 98th year on this earth together.
I first want to thank all of you for the donations of much needed items from the Rehema wish list. I was able to bring over items like underwear, shoes, baby toys, clothes, money, gifts, toys and a lot of well wishes and prayers.
One of the first tasks we have is to organize all of the donations for both homes: Nairobi and Bukura – from the 14 50lb bags we transported over. How much did that cost? On Kenya Air you get two 50 lb bags for free. Shoes are the most requested items as all you parents can imagine how hard it is to keep growing children in a pair that fits.
The other people who I am here with are two other board members – one with his daughter and niece, our Executive Director of Rehema Home, USA and her friend.
All of us are here for various reasons with one of them being to work to replace a roof and to paint needed areas of the home. Below are Hope and Aria painting the edge of the home and Melisa starting on removing the nails for the laundry tin roof. Oh and of course I helped but took a little time to blow some bubbles
The kids are all in school during the day and return at various times throughout the day. The grammar school kids are picked up at 1230pm and I decided to go with Joseph for the ride. It was amusing to keep counting heads as they got in the van to make sure we had them all. I was told a few times this school year there was someone left behind — therefore, we did multiple counts!
And a very special moment happened today. One of our projects is to clean and paint the lockers that are outside for the older kids use when in high school. I was cleaning out one and guess whose it was? For those of you that know of my relationship with George who since has passed it was a little reminder you are never gone as long as you are remembered.
This week, I am supposed to say good bye to you. Nope, not sure I can. I watched the memorial service for you and Paul on Monday and I hope you felt the love from the Rehema family, friends and community as I did. Did you see Wesley and Joseph in their new suits we planned together? Yup, they wanted to look especially good for you both and of course in your favorite color. I got Jacinta to Nairobi to represent Bukura and the children who loved you as their Uncle George.
You would be so proud of these two. They have been checking in with me every day and yes, we have kept our group weekly Friday FaceTime calls.
It got me thinking that over the last plus years I don’t think I told you what you really meant to me. I know – right? You hated when I would tell you this “mushy stuff” over the phone or in person so decided to write you a letter. Ok, here it goes —- ready? Got Teddy? LOL
In April of 2022, we shared our first adventure together to Bukura and your first plane ride. I remember the moment you met Mr. Tom and I at Freda’s that morning. I knew you were nervous and you never showed it. Did I ever share with you this video as we took off?
I will never forget when you turned to me and said you understood why we all look up to the skies when thinking of heaven.
You were in Bukura for only 4 days and our connection was immediate – or so I thought or hoped. When you left to go back to Nairobi I told you I wanted to be there for you to accomplish all the plans and dreams you shared. I wondered if you believed me? I imagined you had many promises in your life — was I just one more? I asked you to txt me when you got safely home not knowing if you would. You did, I txted back, and we did not stop txting everyday until our last one on that Friday.
Our conversations continued about life, love, and dreams. One of them being to get you a passport and a VISA to get you here. We tried twice and shared such a disappointment each time when denied. It was only last week we tried the educational route asking a local college to start an international program with you. Don’t worry, I will keep trying for one of your brothers or sisters.
We would travel together to Bukura each time I went. We had the best times there, didn’t we? Painting, tiling, and helping Mr. Tom find that tile cutter. I won’t EVEN bring up your painting skills — getting more paint on you then on the nursery wall. As usual you were capturing each child’s story through your love of the lens of a camera. Your pictures above helped get sponsors and bring awareness to the needs of the home. You set up campfires and movie nights – even an outdoor theater.
I loved the dinner time stories you and Wesley would tell of the antics of your childhood. Always thinking Auntie and Uncle did not know about any it – and of course they did. Oh, and as we planned Joseph will be coming with Wesley and I next time. I will let you know how he does on his first plane ride and painting!!!!!
Remember the making of this one? Still laugh when I see it and, I don’t think the final version came out to bad?
So funny!!
And can we talk about Christmas? You were always over the top for that time of year making sure we watched the sun rise together at Nairobi time and then again on my time. You had to be the first person to wish me a Merry Christmas.
One of my most favorite Christmas memories will be when you, me and Wesley decided to bring Christmas to the children of Bukura. The balloon decorations on the tree was just perfect and the smiles on your brother and sister’s faces were priceless.
I am not even going to write about football — yes, George, Football is Life. LOL. We would talk every week about the standings and who was playing who. I would listen and pretend to know what was going on always rooting for the Rehema Team!! Even when you would prop your phone up on your couch so I could watch you and Paul play FIFA on Playstation, I would just yell a lot of Yea’s and OH NO, and Kick just to be part of it. I am sure you knew that.
Last month we were just together and it was so wonderful. Spending time with your brothers and sisters in Nairobi, the trip to see Choka, our safari with the Reagans, and time in Bukura was amazing. How I loved going out with you, Wesley and Joseph to talk about plans for your futures and what each of you wanted to do with your life. And, yes, it was your fault we left the take aways at the restaurant, LOL. I was so proud to see your apartment and spending time together in your home playing Mortal Combat. The boda boda ride home in the rain will always be my favorite.
I asked Wesley and Joseph to save Teddy for me. It gave you such comfort on the nights you could not sleep and always part of our conversations. Alex is bringing it with him when he comes back to the states.
Well, I am not going to say good bye or rest in peace…….not even sure what to say. However, since this is a letter between you and me I can be as mushy as I want. You are brilliant, compassionate and a kind soul. You changed the world through your love and passion for others – and mine. Thank you and I love you.
Adding highlights of my amazing trip. You will all be getting invites to the Race for Rehema fundraiser. See you all there and thank you for the support you have shown me and the children of Rehema.
On Sunday, I went with the Reagan family on a hike in the Karura Forest. It is a forest within the city limits of Nairobi. There have been some tremendous rains causing flooding throughout the area. Schools remain closed and roads washed away. You could see the impact of the storms through out the forest by the overflowing of the creeks and blowdown of trees.
Jungle Cruise anyone?Huge treesBridge a bit too wet to crossDuring the struggle for independence in the 1950s, the caves served as hideouts for freedom fighters evading British colonial forcesRoots coming down from the trees aboveHarrison and Cadence
The last day at Bukura is always the hardest. Flight was not until 7pm so had the day to spend time on last minute projects and giving the kids as much joy as possible. One of these moments for them was trying on their new school shoes. Remember, we bought them with drawings of their feet on pieces of paper? I have to say we had success.
And notice who is in the background by the watercolor watching the process.
What better way to spend the last time together but with a water balloon toss:
I also spent some serious time walking the grounds with Mama Jacinta to understand the projects that need to get done. They range from adding a protective fence to the front of the property, tiling and putting on a new roof on the kitchen, cleaning out the pit latrine, fixing the safety lighting in the children’s dormitory, building a car shed, painting the rooms, adding clothes lines under the shed so clothes can dry during the rainy season and general maintenance to make it a safer environment to be a kid. So much to do to help make their lives better.
Goodbyes were said, last hugs given and headed back to the Kisumu for our 7pm flight to Nairobi. Little did I know I had some loving children waiting for me to return at Rehema Nairobi and would see them on Sunday afternoon.
Kwaheri, Bukura. Will be working hard for you all year to spread the word of your needs, raise awareness and funds and be thinking and praying for you every day. See you next year if not sooner.
Karen's JOI 