Sometimes the stars line up beautifully. Today was one of those days. I hedged on whether or not to come to WT or go to the Ostrich Farm about 15km away. The kids chose WT, and I'm glad they did.
After a typically Kenyan start because of a dead car battery (2x), we arrived at Whistling Thorns for an afternoon of lunch, swimming and the bouncy castle. While it may be repetitive to read that once again we came here for entertainment, this is what the children love most: choma, chips, ice cream and the pool. Some played football in the field, some bounced around in the castle, some swam and others relaxed with hugs. Lots of happy, contented hugs. It was an incredibly beautiful day here, all around. When my friend Anne showed up, she commented on how wonderful the children look. 'Tis true! She even said they look 'fat'. This, of course, I laughed at. (I left her in November, asking her to continue to teach the children new beading techniques, so she has seen them a lot).
I spoke to so many visitors at Whistling Thorns today, all of whom were enjoying watching the children playing and swimming in the pool. "They don't look like orphans, they look like school children." "Where are you from?" "Do you live here?" "These children are so happy!" "May we visit your center?" "How have you managed to make this work?" And finally: "How can I/we help?" Trust me when I say, I have heard this particular question far too often and do not hesitate to give plenty of ways to help..
All of these conversations had me contemplating the success of WWC, in large part because of the nutritional advantage our children are receiving. Just a little over a year ago, our children came to us thin, hungry, malnourished, tired, abused, and riddled with various fungal infections and illnesses. Today, these children are working hard in school and succeeding. They are treated with love and respect. They get regular and nutritious meals. They are all in the top of their classes - all having risen from the bottom. I cannot help but marvel at the good fortune I have had, thanks to all of you reading this blog tonight. Each of you has enabled me to continue providing for the children and in the process, to create an environment for them in which they can thrive.
The following are the faces of children who have never been in a pool before:
Some even had ice cream for the first time.
Tiff, inspecting her cup:
While everyone was busy playing, a lovely gentleman approached me and asked me where I was from, if I was from a Rescue Center. We introduced ourselves and spoke about the work we are both doing in this region. Ron is Program Manager with an NGO dedicated to improving the lives of pastoralist communities in the Maasai region, specifically developing water projects to combat the extreme drought in these areas. His company is also actively involved with clean energy, economic development and education. Ron is heavily affiliated with Rotary, Int'l and told me they are "seeking projects in our area to help." We had a wonderful time talking today, in between choma, swimming, ice cream and the constant interruptions of young children. We will be touching base this coming week, as he is centered in Rongai, the next town away from Kiserian. I look forward to speaking more about potential projects, particularly bore holes. I am always blunt about our need for our own bore hole. This will give us the total independence we seek.
Sheila, wearing a beaded necklace Anne made:
....and Tiff and Denis:
Josie:
Eunice:
Njeri
It was a terrific day here in Kenya.
I feel absolutely and completely blessed.
It's all working.
With love,
Simmie, Sarah and Jackie (my friends at Whistling Thorns)
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