Last night I met with two advocates that are well schooled in the nonsense, corruption and intimidation towards foreigners, particularly mzungus, who want to help orphans. This problem is not exclusive to Kenya, of course, but it is well known and documented here.
We spoke at length about the children and the environment in which they are currently living. I shared 5 years worth of experiences with Matthew and Michael. The current state of Nagolie is an absolute mess, the worst I have ever seen it, I told them, but they already knew.. They asked about the 'manager' Helen, marveling at her lack of skills, no experience with planning, structure, policy, management etc.etc. Helen tries to stand out as a hero, I explained, despite the fact that she has done absolutely nothing for these children. Nothing. She can't even come up with matatu fare for Joshua to go to Kajiado to pick up a child's birth certificate. "How does she expect to get food for the children?" they asked. "She wants me to provide it, and then wants me to disappear. (Even Vivian remarked at this hypocrisy). I provide food and everything else, and she then reports to the DO that I do nothing for the children. She and Agnes are born from the same cloth, it is shocking. Neither of them care for the children or the conditions they are living in. Neither of them care what kind of people they leave the children with - in Helen's case, she doesn't bother to show up for days (I haven't seen her in nearly 10 days, only in passing) and leaves the children with a man completely unfit to be watching over children, much less staying in the same dorm with them. He is supposed to spend all his time in the shamba, but she leaves him in charge. It is despicable, irresponsible, just plain wrong and possibly criminal. But they are from the same tribe, so it must be okay.
If I sound angry, I was. Reliving everything to these kind and very helpful men last night stirred up my emotions. I have worked hard for these children for 5.5 years, and on the eve of leaving, I cannot help but worry about the children's safety and well being, when I am not here. But true to form, everything seems to fall together at the 11th hour. Today, My new friend Jane took the time to accompany me to Nairobi so that we could meet with a new attorney, together.
John is bright, serious, energetic, sharp and a specialist in children's rights. We talked for about an hour and he assured me that we would be able to transition the children. He works at the federal level and knows the law. I recounted my meeting with Vivian and he scoffed at her suggestion to Lucas that 'he will lose' if he goes to court. "She cannot predetermine the outcome of a court case" he said, almost laughing. John understands the system and knows the players. He did not appreciate that I was insulted and humiliated by the DO's not so subtle suggestions that I could be abusing the children. "These women", I said, "are fighting a war against me, while I am fighting a war on behalf of the children. They would rather focus on me being deported than do what is right". "Deported for what?" He asked. "You are not required to be in possession of a work permit. You are a volunteer". Period. He didn't even flinch as he explained to me how typical the behavior I have encountered is.. "They want your money. You don't give it to them". I've always known this, but to hear him validate it was comforting. John was just as blunt as he focused on Nagolie's multiple violations and lack of management. He laid out an agenda in about 2 minutes. "We will go to court and all of the players will be held accountable. All of them. And you will win."
For the first time in many, many days, I feel relaxed and confident that yes, we really will get the children. To be in the hands of such a competent and confident attorney was quite a change of pace. Jane and I left the office, and naturally, I proceeded to shed more than a few tears.
For now, I must sign off, but will return tonight as I head towards Amsterdam, on my way home.
Tuonane baadaye ~~
Simmie
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