We have our orphan support ready to go. We have worked out the program in Kenya. We have returned to the original idea of keeping them in their current homes. Yes, it will make administration difficult, but Titus' home is not in good condition. Once it was opened up to prepare for cleaning, it was clear that it was less than satisfactory after sitting for some time. The well could end up costing significantly more than planned. The government seems to be eager to press the Mazungu to keep high standards, which may include various fees. I am not about to let the government corruption stop us from giving these children precious relief in their suffering. There aren't rules about them staying in the home. I can't let them nickle and dime me out of a program of support. I was never thrilled about the communal living, which solved some problems and created others.
True, there are a few children who need to get out of their homes. We'll work on that. Most of them could stay, though. The important thing is getting them in school and getting them more food. We had hoped to be sure they had fresh clean water and a variety of nutritious food choices. We will be buying large amounts of food for the family to receive each month. The start up costs have been saved up from the last three months of giving. They will get bed nets, mattresses, toothbrushes/toothpaste, soap, underwear, uniforms, school supplies and more. Then monthly they will recieve rice, beans, ugali, oil, eggs, oranges, and more. Pastor Joseph will earn five dollars of every 25 for purchasing and delivering these goods to the children monthly--it will be quite a task! He has already been monitoring and ministering to them for free, so this will feel like a reward to him. Praise God! We partner together for the work of God and His Kingdom.
Titus, in the meantime, is undertaking an orphanage. He has done well with the preschool and would like to expand the protection to more children. He'd like to build a girl's dorm and a boy's dorm. He'd like to expand the school to the 8th grade. We both agree that under the church umbrella, the government will not hound him but support him. It is better for his organization to undertake something that will be government supervised and monitored. He can sniff out a rat better than I can! He has friends that will help him know what is truly required and what is not. It will take him some time to get all the building completed, but we are in agreement with him in prayer. The need is unbelievable. The number of double orphans is so high and again, tons of children in dire straits with only one poverty stricken parent. There is so much abandonment among the poorest of poor, that many children are left as orphans with relatives who might have some parents alive somewhere but completely uninterested. Women, in particular, leave their children when the father dies. They find another man who can support them and he usually doesn't want the extra baggage of someone else's children. Very sad, but very common. It is life lived on the edge and in survival mode, morality takes a dive. Thankfully, there is strong community incentive for blood relatives to take in children in their extended family. We see it over and over. But that does not mean the child lives in any sort of comfort. They might get a corner of the floor.
I'll stick some photos up soon. I went to see several of the children. I love them so much but it is so awkward with the language barrier. I thank those of you who are so generous as to care for a child not your own whom you don't even get to see. That is the love of God in your heart. and my heart breaks for these children and God has brought your heart to heal here. Thank you so much. Love is life.
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