Memories of Kenya
One week ago today, a small Hope Grafted In team, comprised of myself and my son, returned home from Kenya somehow both weary and refreshed. Yes, we were weary for the obvious, travel-related reasons but refreshed by so many other small moments.
While other team members have visited Haven of Hope more recently, it has been several years since my last visit. I found the children to be overflowing with personality, each uniquely themselves. I laughed. Oh, I laughed a lot. I quickly found a great appreciation for their sense of humor and cleverness.
Since most of the children were home on half-term break, we had lots of quality time with them. We played card games- mostly new to them as they were good listeners willing to learn some new things. Some of the girls, who are especially interested in design, tried their hand at embroidery. Soccer was played and rugby balls thrown around (not well on my part). The kids, experts really, taught us how to make chapati. Some showed us their dancing skills, talked to us about their hopes for the future, and everyone showed us the value of teamwork.
Haven is home to over 40 children, and as you’d expect of any family that large, everyone needs to chip in. Children responsibly completed the chore or dinner prep they were assigned, and it was evident that everyone played an important part in keeping the home running smoothly. The children took evident pride in the part they played, and the importance of teamwork and responsibility was on display.
One day, some of the older children traveled to the grocery store and open market with us to purchase some needed staple food and home items. They had their list, moved with confidence, and worked together to shop for the items most needed.
And, on Saturday, we experienced a day so full of fun that it might have just become famous in our memories. We surprised the children with a pool day, complete with water slides, a bounce house for the littles, a field perfect for soccer, and a lunch buffet complete with a soda. At the end of the day, we returned home with some exhausted children and the memories of a really, really great day together.
Sunday, we attended church . It happened to be “Teen Sunday”, so we were both entertained and taught by teenagers leading the service. They did a wonderful job preparing all aspects of our praise, worship, and sermon.
And, at the end of our week at the children’s home, we met in the main room of the house and said our goodbyes-for-now. Farewells are never easy, especially when you are met with 40 hugs afterwards, but I also left with an intense sense of pride. These children are tenacious and driven, spunky, and determined. I will return again another year and feel sure it will be another opportunity to celebrate their achievements with them, cheer them on toward achieving their dreams and goals, and hopefully have another pool day together. 😊
In the meantime, hold tight. Sponsors will be receiving letters and updated photos in the coming weeks, as children were excited to make this connection. Thank you, Northeast Church, and all of the sponsors who gave to make the pool day and replenishment of staple items possible. Your generosity is deeply appreciated by the children, staff, and director of Haven.
Courtney Wennemar
(Keep scrolling for more photos!)
