Persistence Pays

This is what I saw today, when Tony and I managed to get up the rain torn road to the new home:

True to form, I simply started to cry.  Even now, a few hours later, I think I am somewhat in shock.  The reality of of our new rescue center hit home.  I am absolutely elated.  The building to the right is the kitchen.  We will be purchasing an energy efficient jiko stove next week!

The girl's room:

A REAL security door, the kind I have pushed for, for 5 years!

The boy's room:

Hallway to bathroom:

The bathroom is not finished.  Two toilets will be going in and two bathing stalls:

Tony, explaining the shelves we will be building:

The driveway!!

View to the north:

The fence around home is impressive.  It is solid and very secure.  We purchased a car load full of shrubs today, which will be planted around the perimeter of the property.

Tony and I are going to buy 27 trees, one for each child.  We will plant them along the eastern side of the property, with a name tag on each tree, from youngest to oldest. The children will be responsible for their tree, and must water it daily once the long rains have ended.

Backing up a few hours, Tony picked me up at 10:00am this morning, so that we could meet Evelyne in Ngong.  Evelyne is the no-nonsense District Children's Officer, who took my complaints from January and February very seriously.  We waited an hour and a half for her, but she was kind enough to come out and greet me, and apologize for the wait.  

Once in her office, after the usual formalities, Evelyne asked me: So, how are things?  I told her that I had been banned from the home by the board - 4 out of 11.  "Don't they need a quorum?"  I asked.  She looked disgusted, and said "yes".  When she asked why, I told her that Agnes has accused me of giving condoms to the children.  Again, she looked disgusted.  I told her that if Agnes is going to make such an accusation, then I would like to see evidence.  We chuckled at the ludicrousness of this suggestion; Evelyne looked at me and said: 

"Is the home ready?"  Smiling, I looked at Tony and said: "You deserve to answer this question!"  Yes, he responded.  Tony looked as proud as I have ever seen him.  "Then are you ready to move the children?" she asked.  At the same time, Tony and I said "Ndio".  YES.  As she picked up her phone, Evelyne said it would be a good idea to meet with the Kajiado County Children's Officer on Tuesday, so that we can do this right.  She called the officer, and we are now all set for a 10:00am meeting on Tuesday.  

We are going to take the children to their new home next week.

While Evelyne didn't say it, the message was clear:  Agnes is going to be shut down.

We said our goodbyes, got in the car, shut the doors and I let out a whoop.  Tony gave me a high five, and said:  "God has answered my prayers".

The only thing that stings about this meeting is the fact that we all decided it best that I stay away from Nagolie until Tuesday.  There is no point in fanning the flames with Agnes.  I do not want her approaching me with her usual rants in front of the children.  They don't need to be subjected to any more outbursts from her.  Nor do I want her to call 'her' police because I am on the premises, and start trouble.

So, I am headed south tomorrow for two nights to visit friends.  To be a mile away from my kids and not be able to see them pains me greatly.  Tony will explain to them tomorrow why I am not there.

I will not be blogging until after our meeting on Tuesday morning.

Despite the fact that I have not seen the kids, it was a WONDERFUL day!  Everything is falling into place...

A very good night from Kenya.  This is the view from the rescue center: the Ngong Hills. 'Ngong' means 'knuckle' in Kiswahili.

Lala salama and good night,

Simmie