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