The Stories They Carry

My trip to Kenya was brief, but it was a beautiful one. I wish I could have taken more pictures, but at the same time, I wanted to take everything in, so I didn't. Kenya is the most westernized country in Eastern Africa. My trip took me out to the bush about three hours, one way, from Nairobi.

It is in Nyeri, the county seat, where BELWOP is located. This partner project is home to 28 beautiful children spanning all ages. I had the privilege to spend two days with these precious souls and hear some of their stories...

This is Joseph. I can still see his face and how he beamed every time he looked at me. The way he said, "yes," so enthusiastically when I asked him a question, even now brings a smile to my face. He is approximately seven years old. (Due to no birth certificate, they estimated his age through dental records, which is very common with children who have been orphaned.) His parents died when he was very young. There are many gaps in his story, but counselors have been able to piece some of it together. After his parent's death, he took to the streets. Social services found him and placed him in a home where he was severely abused. One night he ran away, and again, the streets became his home. As social services tried to place him in yet another house, Veronica, the director of BELWOP, intervened. He is now thriving here and is often seen running around with the other boys, with a smile glued to his face.

Some children have stories of abuse at the hand of their parents. Others had parents who neglected them due to alcohol. That's the story of these two girls. They are both reserved, and it took them some time to warm up to me. Once accepting of my presence, the youngest was found sitting on my lap. Every time I moved my hands, she would instantly clasp them back against her. If I could have held her forever, I would have because it was a sign that she wanted to "feel love." Both of their mothers were alcoholics. They were often beaten and slept outside as they found themselves locked out of their houses while their parent was out on a drinking binge. These girls still may be a little shy, but they know that they are loved, safe, and valued.

Moses was found in a bush. His mother did not want him, so she threw him out at almost 24 months. Someone who was passing by heard bleating noises in the bush, which they thought to be a goat. It was Moses. Due to the state that he was found in---soars on his back, ribs sticking out, and unable to talk, not to mention malnourished---the police thought he was roughly one month old. They called Veronica and asked if she would be willing to take him in the condition that he was in. She replied, "of course! That is what I am here for." She named him Moses as Moses in the Bible was also found in a bush. His second name in Swahili and means "rising up." They estimate that he is now six or seven years old. He is small for his age but is a content young boy.

As I sat in church yesterday, listening to my pastor bring the word, my mind went to these children. I could vividly see them running around, laughing, looking at you with their big brown eyes and wrapping their arms around your waist, and squeezing you tight. All these children carry stories, but they have also been redeemed. They live in an environment where they are loved and cared for. They attend school and have dreams of becoming teachers, nurses, and policemen. They are thriving.

BELWOP has needed a borehole or a water tank for some time now. During my stay, I was able to discuss this need with Veronica and the manager of BELWOP. They currently have water hauled in, but it is not always guaranteed to be delivered. It is a project that I will be tackling this year and hopefully will return with a team to fulfill the need. Stay tuned for more details about how you can help and be a part of this life-sustaining project!

To read Extreme Response's latest newsletter, click here: February News.