Orphanages cont'd

When in Mombasa, I was talking to Fernanda about wanting to help at an orphanage. I feel very strongly that this is where I belong, at least part of the time. Maybe it's a need for some balance: I spend so much time amongst extreme poverty and sadness, my heart needs also to be around hope and innocence. So, the Thursday after we returned from Mombasa, Louise and I spent a day at the orphanage Fernanda has been working at.
On the Wednesday evening, after spending the day in Korogocho slums, we hopped a matatu and traveled to Thika town. Thika is about an hour from where we stay - to the east. Elyse, whom we also met in Mombasa, lives with Fernanda too, so it was a mini reunion! (ok, it had only been 3 days since we had last seen each other, but it was still nice!). Elyse is doing a nursing volunteer placement at a local hospital.
Thursday morning, Louise, Fernanda and I headed out to her orphanage, which is in the rural part of Thika - a beautiful area. Thika itself is also really nice - the nicest town we have seen - paved roads, sidewalks and even the odd traffic light!
                                                                                             Can you tell the difference??

There are 14 children at this orphanage, ranging in age from 3 to 14. The older kids were at school, but the younger ones were on sight attending nursery school. We brought them tea and bread in the morning, and then played with them for about a half hour during their "recess". Of course they all wanted to be lifted, carried, thrown in the air....whew! We rested with a cup of tea for a while after that!!

Lining up to be tossed around!                                                Let's pile on top of Fernanda!

For lunch, we made them a "mzungu" meal of spaghetti and delivered some to the older students at school. They were all a little hesitant to try at first, but then came back to fill their bowls even more, once they had tasted it!

There are millions of orphans in Kenya. It is comforting to visit these orphanages and see that some are being loved and cared for. We made lots of new, little friends this day. I hope they enjoyed the visit - they certainly brightened my day!!

Love to all!