I really believe that bringing new experiences to these kids is just as important as making sure they have shoes, food, and medical care. Those needs are definitely a priority, but adding some fun and excitement into their lives makes a huge difference too! We made arrangements to take three different groups of children on three different adventures. These adventures were “firsts” for all of them. A bus ride, seeing live animals, played in a ball pit, bowling, and cooking a meal! Experiencing these adventures was unforgettable, and it reminded me how much these experiences can shape their happiness and confidence. Already planning on next year.
First Time to Nairobi ParkOff to the Animal OrphanageSeeing Live Animals Simba!My Friend Edward
Nairobi National Park
We took the first group on their first bus ride to the https://www.kws.go.ke/nairobi-animal-orphanage. It was fabulous able to see the animals up close. The children – and I were able to feed, pet and get up close and personal with Edward the Giraffe.
Feeding EdwardThe Wheels on the busReady for AnythingEdwardLet’s Go BuffaloNairobi Park in Back of Us
Off to the Kids Playground
Our second trip was to the playground at a nearby mall. What a blast these children had.
Bowling and Putt Putt
We took the teens bowling and miniature golf. Mix this with beverages and lunch and you have a great time by all.
Regina has the biggest smile with new bubbles and Pop Rocks
Time is flying
Wow today is Friday already! We got here on Sunday and hit the ground running and this is the first chance I have had chance to sit and reflect on our first week. In fact, we are already in Bukura for the next 5 days.
24 + hours of traveling over 7,000 miles bringing 350 LBS of donations.
Auntie Karen!!!
Getting back to Kenya and Rehema Home has been such an experience already! Every time I return, it feels more familiar. Since my first trip in 2020, I’ve watched this place grow in my heart, and I can’t help but feel part of this community now. As soon as I arrived at the home in Nairobi and heard the shouts of “Auntie Karen!” from the kids, it immediately reminds me of what’s truly important ini my life.
Christmas in February
On Tuesday evening, we invited the young adults who have aged out of Rehema to join us at our guest house. These remarkable individuals are navigating the adult world, and one of our missions this year is to explore how we can support them in finding employment. Their survival skills and resilience are truly admirable. They’ve shared dreams of becoming everything from tour drivers to office administrators, fashion designers, and even Uber drivers.
We wanted to bring some joy and fun so we decided to have a little Christmas in February. Complete with stockings and a snowball fight. Their aspirations were inspiring, and we are dedicated to helping them turn dreams into reality.
Shopping In Nairobi
After a much-needed rest and acclimation, we set out on a shopping adventure with Leann and Belinda. With the funds that were graciously donated, we were able to buy new sheets, towels, and fresh bedding for the children’s cribs. Of course, this took negotiation and keen bargaining, and we left with a items to make the children’s home feel a little more special. Just look at Nicolas’s face as he received his brand-new Spiderman towel and sheets -priceless!
Lent
This year we stayed with Anne and Steve at their home while in Nairobi for the first part of the trip. They invited me to their church for Ash Wednesday. There were more than a few jokes about how my ashes were seen as the only white person at the service of over 100’s of Kenyans. It was a beautiful service. The mass was in English and the music in Kiswahili. I tried my best to sing along with the words projected on the wall and decided to just clap and dance instead.
Bukura and Baby Bound
Friday — for another break of dawn flight – we headed to the other Rehema Home in Bukura, Kenya. A quick 40 minute flight and 2 hour drive we arrived at a place that is truly special to me. It was here that I first was introduced to Rehema Home – spending 2 weeks at a time for 3 years in a row. Of course we headed to the babies immediately.
Leann’s first flight!!
I had a wonderful visit with an old friend in town about a new mission—taking care of families in need and how to bring some hope and much-needed help to them.
There is so much faith here and so much need—I truly feel I am in the right place to serve.
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.
We had a parting shot of all of us in Bukura before we left for Nairobi. You see in the picture the children, Aunties and us. We were not leaving until 7pm out of Kisumu so had most of the day to finish up projects, play with the kids and say our goodbyes. Our projects were to patch and paint the dining area which Mr. Tom and I tiled years ago. The table that the young ones eat at was missing a bench on one side and broken on the other. Myson replaced the benches and reinforced the table. He also fixed the kitchen roof from leaking and secured the current roof. We all felt we left the place a little better then when we arrived.
Painted the Dining areaMyson fixed the table
Belinda and Kevin came home today from boarding school – common for high school in this area. I ended up walking into the village with Kevin and Lois to repair Kevin’s phone so that he could use the headphones I bought him. Doesn’t matter if you are an 18 year-old in a village in Africa or a town in the US — music and a phone are critical. We stopped at the store for a cold drink and a treat of chocolate.
Lois, Kevin and Karen Shop in BukuraAlways a cow on the sidewalkDowntown
As we gathered in the yard to say our goodbyes Myson entertained the kids with a demonstration of his ability to ride a unicycle — and juggling. At one point had Timo on his shoulders while juggling. A man of many talents and such a blessing to have him on our trip and with us.
Myson on his unicycleBalloon animalsAuntie Karen and hugsBelated Xmas Presents
Over the years I have grown close to the ladies that take care of me and the children. Saying goodbye is always hard and I leave knowing that the children will be loved and taken care of. I promised to return and made them the same promise again.
We headed back to Nairobi to have another meeting with the PEFA Board on Wednesday for lunch and game night with the young adults. There are many of the children of Rehema that have “aged” out and on their own. Some of them work for Rehema – as we do – and invited them over for a pizza party and game night. When I asked Wesley where to get the pizza he said — why Domino’s of course!
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.
Today, we all went to church with the older kids. It’s part of PEFA, which stands for Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship of Africa. PEFA actually traces its roots back to the US, with the former Elim Missionaries Evangelistic Association started by Apostle Ivan Q. Spencer from Lima, New York. I hadn’t even heard of Elim until I met Rehema, and practically in my back yard. Alex, who grew up in Rehema, Nairobi, is at Elim on a scholarship and staying at my home to take care of my cats. So basically, I came to Africa to look after his home while he’s looking after mine.
We walked to church, which was just a quick 3/4 mile down the street. Along the way, we passed a bunch of folks heading to their own churches and saw cows and sheep munching on grass by the sides. The service is a total change from what I’m used to from my Catholic upbringing. It’s super lively, dynamic, and full of energy, packed with music and people really getting into the worship!
The group ready for the walkChildren having Sunday school outsideMyson preaching about Cain and Able
We were greeted at the church and told to head to the front to say hi to everyone. It felt great to see some familiar faces and get big handshakes and hugs. Myson was asked to share a message as a guest, and presented a wonderful lesson about Cain and Able.
The afternoon was mix of playtime, gift giving and patching and prepping the wall in the dining room for a fresh coat of paint tomorrow. The night ended with devotions, praying and bible reading — and rounds of games.
I hope your Sunday was as wonderful and fulfilling as mine.
Yesterday was transition day waking up in Nairobi and going to sleep in Bukura. We took a short trip from Nairobi to Kisumu and then the 1 1/2 hour drive to Rehema Home – in the dark. It is a wild ride and not for the faint of heart. There are no stop signs, speed limits, or street lights and many vehicles do not have lights…..it is a white knuckle experience for sure. It filled my heart to be greeted by the children and Aunties that I have so missed over the year.
The next morning we went down to the market to get food for group. This year the group to Bukura is quite large. There are the 7 of us and we brought 4 young ladies that grew up in Rehema. We bought fresh fruits and vegetables and you will see below treats for the children.
Every year brings a new taste sensation. A common way to eat a fresh mango is to have them cut it up and sprinkle with a spicy salt mix. We all gave it a try with various degrees of appreciation for the taste.
We spent the afternoon with the children sharing the blue lollypops and playing in the yard. It is so amazing to me to see these children grow over the past 5 years. Truly a wonderful feeling when they remember my name, and the traditions we have started. Lois said to me, “I can see why you love this place.” I really do.
Throughout the day I would pass people that I knew and they would all stop to say hello and welcome me back. This is Jack, you may remember him from years gone by as the one that would drive us around and help Mr. Tom find all the tools and materials we needed for all of our home improvement projects.
And what would Rehema be without me loving on some babies. Lady the cat had kittens and I could not help but try and figure out how to get one home. There were also two new babies welcomed into the Rehema family and I could not help but try and figure our how to get the one home. Kidding – not kidding.
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.
Getting the charcoal burning for the potStarting to prep for lunchHanging laundry out to dryOnions drying in the sunKale ready to be cookedBeans, beans and more beans.
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.
Laundry buildingTin roof to replacePutting down hardy board first before tin sheetsLois painting outside lockers
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
Happy Birthday JosephOut on the town in Nairobi
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!
