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