The tables have turned

I figured I got my contract when we passed Agnes as we headed out of Kiserian to the meeting this afternoon, while she was headed into Kiserian. She couldn't face me, so she left. If she had her way, she would have stayed to gloat. I'll never forget the way she held me hostage over the dorm - not allowing the children to move in, because I hadn't built a bathroom. Had she mentioned this two months prior, we would have at least negotiated this. But no. I had to have a wall knocked down, add a bathroom, and fix the septic cover. Otherwise the dorm would stay empty.



Today, the tables finally turned. I had a great meeting with the chairman of the board, and 3 other members. I told them it was critical that they hear my history with Agnes, in order to fully understand the current situation at the home. I talked for a full half hour, sharing details of Agnes' shenanigans with me over the past four years, her verbal abuse with anyone who disagrees, the fear she instills in the children and matrons, her stealing from the children, the constant lies and her ease in circumnavigating the board to get what she needs. Each of these men listened intently, and were clearly disturbed and shocked at many of the facts and situations I presented to them. I laid out Western Union receipts for every transaction during the past two years, where I sent Tony emergency funds for food, because Agnes refused to provide this basic human need; I imparted to each that they need to prove to me that they fully understand the flow of power and corruption from Agnes, otherwise this board serves no purpose. I also very gently suggested that each board member take a more active role with the children, and asked that each of them visit the home on a regular basis in order to get to know the children, which will be most beneficial to the children, and will enable each of them to fully understand what transpires on a daily basis. When it comes to this board, or anyone who has a history with Agnes, I am cynical, skeptical and have no trust. These three men, however, were so sincerely upset by my account, and Tony's validation of it, that it was difficult to accuse them of being disingenuous.



I don't have an agreement in hand, only because the government inspectors are coming on Monday to renew Agnes' permit for the home, and once this renewal is in hand, they will give me what I need. I wasn't thrilled, despite their assertions that it is a done deal. "We would be crazy not to give you what you request". Indeed, I said. "In the meantime, I can provide nothing without this, so it is up to you to expedite this as soon as you can. I would hate to go home without filling the pantry with food, and really don't want to have to bother you with every single request I receive from the children, from this moment on." They thanked me profusely for the meeting, and the chairman took me aside outside to say: " I am so sorry you have been treated the way you have. Most would have walked away. If Agnes had been here with us this afternoon, you never would have spoken, and we would all remain in the dark". We chatted a bit, and I invited him and all the board members to our party at Whistling Thorns tomorrow, and he was delighted with the invitation. An hour later, he called Agnes and told her "you will attend the party tomorrow, out of respect for Simmie and what she has done for the children and the organization". Chuckle chuckle. Of course she said she would come, but we all know she will fall ill, have an emergency meeting to go to, or perhaps a sudden funeral. I really don't want her there, but admit to being a bit gleeful at the image of Agnes being told she has to attend an event with the children. I imagine having a migraine would be preferable.


Cary returned from Maasai Mara (no limp or sign of injury) with Hiram and Tarak. The climb on Kilimanjaro was a great success, and their pictures are fabulous. I'm so grateful to both of them for visiting us at the home. The children take to new visitors like a clam does to water, and I could see this is going to be a fun few days. It's always fun to guess who will gravitate to who, and in this case, it was too easy:


Cary, Janet and Tarak:

Hiram and Papa:

You would have thought we had left the kids for weeks, not a matter of hours.. Cary was gone for 2 nights, and I headed up to Lewa, north of Mt. Kenya, for one night. It was great to be reunited with them all, their happy faces and wonderful dispositions.

From Nagolie to the bush:

Sheba, Sirikoi's resident cheetah (rescued 16 months ago):

Today was a great day. Agnes has been reduced in power, and exposed. She will no longer be able to circumvent the board she put in place. This will only serve to help the home and the children, who deserve so much more than the very little she chooses to give them.


Tomorrow will be just as active and fun - 4 sets of hands is going to be a treat!

Tuonane baadaye from Kenya!



Simmie, Susan and Janet