Wednesday, October 10, 2007

To the Nation and a whole day at Nyumbani


Tuesday went back down town for Jennifer to meet up with her contacts at The Nation. It was quite interesting going to the base of the largest newspaper in East Africa. It is based in this huge building. For us to get clearance to go into it took some time. However, they were very welcoming and are allowing us to utilize all of their facilities and contacts. It is also a direct contact to possibly get stories published in the Nation while we are here.Sister Joyce and one of the kids
Not sure why but kids all over always give the thumbs up when you take there picture.


Protus is one of the most kind, supportive and caring people I have ever met.

Today, Wednesday, was another great one. We went out to Nyumbani early to hang with the kids all day. When we got there we had a huge surprise that they had also found out about that morning. They told us the former President Moi was on his way to greet the kids and have a ceremony for the donation of food from his organization. After all, it was Moi Day. This is why the kids were not at school and were all there. The other day it was only the young ones that were there.

I think yeah great P.R. stunt that Jennifer can write about and we may get something in the paper. But this is Kenya. Seems as if timing is something of an issue here. Nothing happens on time. They expect them a little while after we arrive at between 10 and 11. Here we all are at the entrance drive with 100 kids playing and waiting.
At least it gave us time to hang with everyone involved, including some of the Board members. One of which has been a Ambassador for Kenya to the U.S.A. Although they left once the disappointment came.





Noon roles around and a representative of the government comes and says that he is coming. The district commissioner has everyone set up chairs and then the kids sit there for a while longer. Everyone gets really hungry sitting in the sun waiting.



Below is one of the 'mothers' with her 'family' as well as her family. Here they are all one.
So then the we all go eat. Then the commissioner tells us that he is not coming because of a mix up the the timing and planing but he is sending a General in his place. This ends up happening around 2. Disappointing but what would you expect from a corrupt president that stole millions from his people. At least he is giving back some.




But most importantly gave use time to have so much fun with all the children which call Nyumbani home.


















Tomorrow off to Kibera a slum of Nairobi where an estimated 800,000 people live. Then afterward to the Village in which Nyumbani is involved. We plan on being back on Friday but may end up staying longer. Talk to you when we return. Remember for a journalist's perspective check out ensjourneytokenya.blogspot.com. The girl can write and really put a story together. More photos are here though.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

do you even know how much i look forward to reading this blog every day?! i can't express it enough. and these children. i cannot believe it. i love them even more than i thought i would before - which was a SIGNIFICANT amount! i'm just in love, michael. really, in love. now if you DO NOT bring any home with you, it's just wrong. what love they have - and need! i'm loving these stories and photos. thank you for bringing them to me. give them the love that i wish i were there to give myself. b'shalom - amg