Eliza

It is with heartbreak that I write this post.  I was informed yesterday that my sweet Eliza is missing.  She left the CYEC during the August holiday and has not returned.  The staff at the CYEC have been unsuccessful in reaching her.  Please join me in praying for her safety.

br

Why I Serve

Serving in Kenya completely changed my life by opening my eyes and heart to the needs of others.   

Upon my return, countless people have asked me if I will return to Kenya and continue to serve internationally.  When thinking about their question, I go back to those 3 months at the CYEC:

I remember the moments that caused me to feel pure sorrow and joy at the same time.  
Never in my life have I experienced the range of emotions that I felt while in Kenya.  I held orphaned babies and my heart was torn in half between the beauty of their eyes and the pain I felt over their situation. 

I picture the faces of the sweet children I fell in love with.

I remember the way it felt to be humbled by receiving more than I could ever give. 
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that true service only begins once entitlement ends.  When we remember that we share the same Father, we can connect with people on a human level.   They become our brothers and sisters, not just people we came to "help."  

I recall the stories I heard from the most courageous people I have ever met.

I think about all these things, and my answer to their question is simply “Yes.” 

Care Packages

I'm SO excited to finally share good news with you: the care packages have arrived!  All 17 of them.  There were several complications in customs and at the post office in Nyeri, but they are at the CYEC, and that's all that matters.  I got an email last week from my dear friend, Gladwell, who has taken over the Zawadi Shop.  She was so grateful and asked me to thank everyone who helped.  "The children are very happy, and they are buying things with their points" she said.

24 backpacks, 1000+ pens/pencils, 150 pairs of socks.
That's just a fraction of the items that were sent to the children in Kenya. 
The monetary value of all the supplies exceeded $2800.  That blows my mind.
The real worth of these gifts goes way beyond the monetary value.  A pair of shoes means a chance to go to school; a new pen means the ability to take notes in class; a pair of socks means warm feet during the cold, rainy months.  Please try to imagine the sweet, smiling face of a child who just earned enough points to buy these things.  Like this one:

 YOU helped make that possible. 

I cannot begin to express my gratitude for you all.  I wish I had the names of everyone who donated-- I would thank you personally.  I am in awe of this community's willingness to give and the selflessness with which you answered a call for help.  Businesses, individuals, and families all pitched in.  This was truly a community effort, and I'm SO proud to say I'm from a place that values helping others!
Norton, Kansas may be a small place on the map, but the hearts of its people are big.  Forces were joined, boundaries were crossed, and lives were improved. 

Please don't stop.  Don't stop giving, helping, serving, or praying.  These children--and millions around the world--need people like you.  Yes, they can survive without shoes and books.  They can live without a pair of warm socks.  But that doesn't mean it's okay.  Or fair.  Or just. 
They don't need your stuff, but they do like and appreciate it.  It doesn't solve their problems, but it improves their daily lives.  Makes things a little easier...or maybe just more bearable. 
More than ANYTHING, they need your love, your thoughts, and your kindness.  These are our brothers and sisters, our sons and daughters.  We share the same Father, and He loves them as much as he loves you. 

My challenge to you is this: love the people of this world.  Serve them.  Help them.  Think of them.

Your life will be better for it.  I can promise you that.

-br

Home

"If home is where the heart is, I'm out of place"

It's been two months since I landed in Kansas City.  The way my life looks now--compared to 6 months ago--is very different.  Assimilating back into this culture has been harder than I ever imagined.  3 months in Kenya really changed my life, and I miss my friends there more than words can say.  Not a day has gone by that I haven't thought about them.  About their sweet faces, about the way they smile through the rain, and about the way they love.  They taught me so much about life: who I want to be, what I want to do, and what I want to stand for.

Video Part II

Here is our completed team video!  The first five minutes were done before we left; the last 10 minutes capture our time in service.

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhkdVrvq_Fw&feature=youtu.be

xoxo
-br

Shoes (Thank You)

Thanks to some of you, I was able to go shoe shopping during my last week in Kenya!  A couple weeks ago, I received an e-mail from my mom telling me that several people had donated money to be spent purchasing shoes for the children.  Thanks to several generous families, I had enough money to buy over 30 pairs of shoes and socks!  That same amount of money would have maybe purchased three pairs of shoes here in the States.  A little money goes a long way in East Africa, and I am so so thankful for those of you who were gracious enough to share.

Shopping was an all-day adventure for me.  From the staff members, I got a list of children who were in need of school shoes. Because I was unable to personally take these children into town and go shopping, I recorded their shoe sizes.  To do so, we traced their feet onto a piece of paper and took it to the shoemaker to be measured.  

Here's what a traditional shoe-making shop looks like:

With the money, I was able to purchase 10 brand new pairs of black, leather school shoes.

 
I had enough money left over to buy 20 pairs of school socks and 15 pairs of sandals from a street vendor.

Then came the fun part: handing out the new shoes! :)
A staff member and I called in the children and we had a shoe party!  I was so excited to see their sweet faces when they got their new shoes and socks.    

To so many of us, a new pair of shoes is no big deal...it's just another part of life.  But I promise to you that this is not the case at the Centre.  A new pair of shoes is a huge deal, and it makes such a difference in the children's lives.  For some, it means the chance to go to school.  Please know that your act of kindness in donating money did not go unnoticed or unappreciated.  The kids were so thankful.  One of the boys, Dennis (3rd picture) came to me the next day and said this: "Bethany, will you please tell whoever gave you this money that I said thank you?  I'm really happy."  


Again, I want to thank you all so much for your continued support (both financially and otherwise) of my experience this summer.  Your sweet words/messages have meant the world to me. 

You have all helped to bless these children, and for that I could not be more grateful. 

love,
-br

Eliza's First Day of School

Last Tuesday was one of the happiest days of my time in Kenya.  Eliza went to school! 

For the last few weeks, I have been working to find Eliza a sponsor.  I haven't been successful as of yet, but time was running out.  Because of the way their school system is set up (based on 3 terms per year), she needed to start last week or she would have to wait until January.  I couldn't let that happen.  "You're going to school tomorrow" I told her last Monday.  I could not stand by and allow money to prevent this girl from starting a new chapter of her life. 

Tuesday morning, we left the center early and headed into town.  Our first stop: the tailoring shop where we bought her uniform.

We also made stops at the bookstore, the market, and the shoemaker.  After several hours, we had everything on her school list.  She was ready to go!  I don't think Eliza stopped smiling the entire time we were shopping.  She kept grabbing my hand and whispering "I am just so happy." 

We headed back to the CYEC so she could change into her new uniform.  Of course I had to take her "first day of school picture." 

We walked to school, and I enrolled her with the headmaster.  We discussed some details, and then he told her it was time to go.  I panicked.  "You're taking her?" I asked, like a mother might on her child's first day of school.  I hugged her tight, and told her to have a good day.  "I'll see you when you get home," I told her.  "I'll be waiting to hear all about it!"  Of course I cried the whole walk back to the CYEC.  What if the other kids don't accept her?  What if she doesn't understand the classes?  What if she is too behind to catch up? Worry filled my heart for the sweet girl.

I thought about her all day until she walked through the center's gates that evening.  She ran up to me and hugged me for a long time.  She thanked me and told me how happy she was.  "Except, I cried all day," she admitted.  I laughed, and told her that I had cried, too!!  She said that most of the tears were 'happy tears,' but every time she thought about me walking out of the school and leaving her, she had 'sad tears.'  We are quite the emotional pair, haha. :)

This week, Eliza has been happier than I have ever seen her.  Several of the staff members and students have told me that they have never seen Eliza like this before.  "It's like a breath of fresh air has filled her lungs," one of them told me.  She has purpose again.  The girl who (just 2 weeks ago) sat on a bench at the center all day is now in school, studying and working hard toward her goals. 

I have spent each evening with her in the library, helping or encouraging her while she studies.  Each night, she has been one of the last students in there.  She has also started waking up at 4:00 each morning to study.  I walk her to school at 6:30 each morning, and the whole way she talks about her classes, her teachers, and her peers.  The once-quiet girl has become quite the chatter box.  :)  

Yesterday (Saturday afternoon), I couldn't find her anywhere.  Finally I spotted her in the library, hunched over her books.  I didn't disturb her: just stood there and watched her, praying for her and her future.  

It's hard to explain how I feel about this whole situation.  It brings me SUCH joy to know that Eliza is in school.  But it breaks my heart to know that there are countless children in this community (let alone the world) who are so desperate for a chance at an education.  And the only thing preventing that opportunity is money.  The last two weeks have taught me a lot about money.  What is it, really?  What does it matter?  How can I go to sleep at night knowing that I have money sitting in a bank account that could change someone's life?  Money, as well as all of our material possessions, are such a blessing.  Of course we know that.  But they also present a problem.   How do we enjoy them when we know others are suffering from lack of them?   A song lyric has been playing over and over in my head recently:

"Now that I have seen, I am responsible.  Faith without deeds is dead."  

Now that I have seen how far a little money can go, I am responsible. Responsible for the futures of the 97 sweet faces that look at me each day.  The faces I have grown to love and care for.  

No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and money.  Luke 16:13

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

And all who believed were together and had all things in common.  And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.  Acts 2:44-45

For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? Luke 9:25 

15 Kenyan Lessons

I figure it's about time for a more light-hearted post.  Here is a list of things I have learned while in Kenya:

1.  Always keep bread on hand.  It is only 50
     cents a loaf, and sometimes it is the only hope 
     for feeling full...even after a meal.
2.  Avocados and bananas cost 5 cents.  Need I say
     more?
3.  Hard water pressure is a thing of the past.  So 
     are hot showers.
4.  Although I will never be okay with it, lizards, 
     rats, and spiders are perfectly normal
     housemates.
5.  Hand-washing your laundry can be very 
     therapeutic.
6.  Speaking of laundry: I will never take soft 
     clothes for granted again.
7.  Toilet paper is a luxury.  Then again, so are 
     toilets.
8.  Sleeping with a pillow is overrated.
9.  Never expect people to be on time...it will only 
     cause unnecessary frustration. 
10.  Kenyan tea is the best tea on the planet. 
11.  Kenyans (children and adults alike) LOVE 
       mzungu (white person) hair.  Don't be 
       surprised when they come up and touch it. 
12.  They are also very intrigued by freckles.  It 
       takes a while to convince the children that 
       they are not dirt marks. :)
13.  Roller coaster rides cost 40 cents.  Okay, so 
       not an actual roller coaster.  Just a matatu 
       (public transportation vehicles).  I'm
       convinced that the only traffic rule is this: 
       arrive at destination in whatever way possible.
14.  Amos's voice, Marueen's singing, and 
       Regina's laugh are three of the sweetest 
       sounds on earth.
15.  God spent extra time creating the landscape of
       rural East Africa.  It is breathtakingly
       beautiful.

lots of love,
-br
   

Miss Eliza

It is with great hesitation that I write this post.  I do not take the stories I hear from the children lightly, and sharing them is not easy.  For one, it is not my place to do so without asking permission.  Secondly, these stories are not intended to simply make us feel better about our lives.  They are real.  They happened.  People lived them.  It is easy to hear a story, feel sad for a few minutes, and then go on with life.  But that’s not the point.  The point is to be changed.  The point is to let a child’s words affect you to a point of action.  One of the biggest challenges of living here is remaining sensitive to each child’s story.  Not becoming numb to them.  I cannot allow them to become the “norm,” just because they surround me.  I pray these stories continue to touch me, bring me to tears, and move me to action.  

And that is what I’m doing right now. 

I want to tell you about my new friend, Eliza.  

I have known Eliza for a few weeks.  She is quiet and shy, but very polite.  She is around during the day (when most of the children are at school), so I see her often.  Our conversations have never gone beyond the surface.  Until last Friday.

It was a slow day at the center.  I saw Eliza sitting on the bench, so I joined her.  We talked for several minutes, and I could tell something was bothering her.  

“What’s on your mind, Eliza?”  I asked her.

“I am so bored.  I just want to go to school,” she told me.  I asked why she didn’t go to school, and she said “There is nobody to take me.”

Immediately I understood: there was no money for her.  Once the children pass class 8, they are ready to enter secondary school (high school).  However, they must have a sponsor.  There is no other option.  Either you pay, or you stay home.  Unfortunately, the CYEC is too low on funding to sponsor all the youth who are of age to attend high school.   

To lift her spirits, I asked her if she would like to help me with some of my work: I was doing a needs assessment on the Zawadi Shop that day.  I wanted to hear more about her school situation, but I can’t just expect these children to trust me unless I invest in them.  So as we worked, I asked what she liked about school.  “Without an education, you go nowhere in life,” was her simple answer.  And when I asked what she enjoyed learning, her face lit up.  I wish you could have seen it, it was so beautiful.  “Chemistry!” she exclaimed.  She told me that she dreams about being a nurse.

“You will be the kindest nurse in the world,” I told her.  

We finished our work and sat on the front step outside of my room.  “I want to tell you my story,” she said.  I braced myself.  This gentle, shy girl had decided to open up to me, and I had no idea what to expect.  

Eliza was a young girl when her father murdered her mother.  She witnessed the entire thing.  Her father was sent to prison, and Eliza was taken in by a family friend.  This woman provided for her and paid for her education until the middle of Eliza’s 5^th school year.  Eliza was faced with two options: find money or drop out.  She decided to leave home briefly and find work.  She only needed 500 shillings (equal to 6 US dollars).  It took her 3 weeks to earn that much.  When she returned to school, money in hand, the teacher turned her away, saying that she was not serious about her education.  (She didn’t understand that Eliza had missed school in order to earn the money required to pay her school fees).  Soon after, Eliza’s caretaker asked her to leave: she was no longer able to feed her.  Eliza moved in with her uncle’s family.  Her uncle was a kind man, but after he died, Eliza was thrown out of the house by the aunt and cousins.  She had nowhere to go.  She moved to the streets, and slept on the sewage drains.  One night, she tried to end her life.  She had no reason to live.  No family, no one to care for her, no one to love or appreciate her.  Her suicide attempt failed, and the police found her.  They threw her in jail, and she lived in a cell for several months.  She was then moved to a children’s home, where she was able to finish class 6, 7, and 8.  She came to the CYEC in 2011.

 

Eliza’s story brought me to tears.  How can any child survive that?  She is now 17 years old, and a beautiful girl.  Each night she can be found in the library, studying with the other children.  Despite her traumatic past and her current situation, her hope remains.      

Eliza told me that she lays awake at night, wondering if she’ll ever be able to attend high school, leave the CYEC, and have a family of her own.  I told her not to worry anymore and that I would help her figure something out.  She hugged me, and told me she loved me.  “You are the kindest friend I have met,” she told me. 

And all I did was listen to her. 

 

Will you pray for Eliza?  And will you also pray for my efforts to find her a sponsor?  Before I leave in August, Eliza will be able to go to school…that is my goal.  After everything she has been through, it is her turn to be taken care of.  She deserves it.   

At the least, she deserves the very thing that I have taken for granted my entire life: an opportunity for an education and a chance at a better tomorrow. 

love,

-br

     

"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."  James 2:14-17

                                                          

Wants vs. Needs

On Monday, we opened the Zawadi Shop for the first time.  Finally!  We only opened it for 30 minutes, so about 15 children got to come in.  We are trying to figure out the best way to serve 90+ children’s needs while still maintaining order (the shop is not very big…not nearly large enough to hold that many little bodies). 

That thirty minutes was one of the best and worst experiences I have had in Kenya thus far.

The children had only been earning points for one week, so naturally they didn’t have very many.  Definitely not enough to buy their essential items and a toy.  I was so nervous.  After all, what child would choose to spend their hard-earned points on a bar of soap over a new stuffed animal?  In fact, there has been a lot of discussion around this very point.  If we don’t distribute these items (i.e. soap, toothpaste), how will there be any guarantee that the kids have them?  And with the  widespread occurrence of scabies, this is a very real health concern.

I shouldn’t have worried.

Joseph was the first boy to walk through the store.  He walked straight to the “school supplies” section, picked out a brand new BIC pen, paid his points, and walked out with the biggest grin on his little face.  I teared up.  Of course.  When was the last time I was that excited about or as appreciative of a pen? 

Dennis was the second boy to come in the shop.  He walked in, eyes wide at the brand new store before him.  He immediately picked up a deck of cards, worth 50 points.  He turned them over in his hand, studying them closely.  Then he hesitated.  “Points?  How many I have?” he asked in his broken English.  “You have 50,” we told him.  He looked back down at the  deck of cards, slowly returned them to their place on the shelf, and walked away.  He picked up a bar of soap and a ruler, and he quickly left the shop.  It was as if he couldn’t stand to look anymore.  My heart was broken.

Not one child bought a toy or a book that day.  Not a single one.  The most popular item sold was soap.  I was both proud of them and extremely sad for them.  And here I was, doubting their ability of self-control…

Of course they know how important it is for them to buy soap. 

Of course the know that a new pen offers the ability to take better notes at school, which leads to a better future. 

These kids know what they need.  And they definitely know the difference between wants and needs. 

I am so thankful for these children and their simple ability to teach me life-changing lessons day after day.

With gratitude,

-br

He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray.  Proverbs 5:23