Once we got to the budget, I sat up a little straighter so that I wouldn't completely collapse - from the sheer ridiculousness of the proposed budget, my disgust at their inability to be subtle, and Agnes' talent at lying like a rug. I announced that the home has been out of water for 4 weeks. This is a fact. Agnes, however, vehemently shook her head and proclaimed this to be a lie. I insisted, which prompted the chairman to pursue this matter, for my benefit. It backfired on him, because there are two uninvolved members of the board who really do care about doing the right thing. Vincent, across the table from me, was alarmed at this neglect, and pushed for answers on when this situation would be rectified. Agnes, incapable of keeping her stories straight, said her son was in town getting a part for the break in the line, which should cost 10,000ksh. 3 seconds later, she figured the cost would 'be around 30,000ksh'. When pushed by my new found friend across the table, she said the water had been shut off, because she simply couldn't afford paying for the children's water anymore, and separating the orphanage from her home (water and electricity) was a priority. The chairman, puffed up and self important, announced 'Board? This is a very serious matter.' Everyone looked down, but me. 'What can we do?' Members still sitting, face to the ground, except me. 'Simmie: will you rescue us?' Me: "Hapana. Not this time".
I interjected several times throughout the review of the budget (assessed at 12M KSH annually - roughly 143,000K USD) and the matter of water. I told this gang of thieves that I had paid for a doctor to come and evaluate the children, just two days ago. The doctor was alarmed that there was no water, which I shared with these people, adding that he would be contacting the authorities promptly if this situation was not repaired immediately. As for the budget, I asked where they planned to get these funds. Why, Simmie! We have prepared a letter for you to take back to your donors! Out of courtesy, I scanned this letter for 7 seconds and handed it back. My only remark was: "This doesn't apply to me. I will direct my funds at the discretion of my donors. Period".
The good doc gets a call tomorrow.
I could go on and on about this meeting, but won't. It was an experience of a life time, even if it was frustrating and infuriating to sit and watch Agnes lie to all of us. I announced that I had an urgent matter (God help me for sounding like them) that needed to be addressed now, not later, not during the next meeting or next year. I want a contract, or agreement from this gang by Friday. It's a very simple agreement: I need to protect my investment, reserve the right to come and go as I please and will continue to be granted the authority to act on the children's behalf as I see fit. I'll have my contract on Friday.
The funniest part of this entire charade was Tony. Tony is an easy going, decent and kind human being, with a very quirky sense of humor. He, David and I got into the car to head back to WT at 6:30 and all of us burst out laughing. Tony, however, pulled out his cellphone and showed us both that he had taped much of the meeting. I thought I would die. David said to him "Tony! you are becoming intelligent!" Once back at WT, we listened to two clips and I couldn't stop laughing. It was the perfect ending to an absurd afternoon. Oh - and the children, naturally, found ways to listen to much of what was going on, by situating themselves within earshot of the room we were meeting in. They, of course, bolted around the corner the moment Agnes headed outside. This scene is something I always enjoy - they take off like rats on a sinking ship - anything is better than being cornered by her. Anything.
The bottom line is the children. They are content, well fed and share their dream of being in a home with Auntie Simmie. They are a savvy bunch who share their/my vision of being together in an environment free of fear and embraced with love and security. Today, despite the ludicrous scene I endured for 4 hours, the vision is clear - perhaps more clear than ever before. When I walked outside at the end of the meeting, I was surrounded by 29 happy faces, all trying to whisper to me at the same time. All clamoring for hugs and affection. We're all on the same page, and no one has to say a word.
It's a funny place, Kenya. I wouldn't trade the corruption, poverty, disappointments, heartache or frustration for anything in the world. Because on the flip side, the beauty, the joy and the fight for survival is worth every single second I spend here. I look at the faces of these children each day, listen to their stories, hear their laughter and share in their sorrow. It's a life I feel comfortable in.
Good night all - sorry for another day of no pictures. I'm disappointed, too!
Tuonane ~
Simmie, Moreen, Anne, Jer and Susan
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