Kenya: Gilgil distribution

No one was untouched by our time in Gilgil. The distribution was at a girls' high school, but the children came from neighbouring slum areas in Gilgil, at least three local orphanages, and an IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camp. As usual the children were delightful and colourful in their Kenyan SCAW outfits -- and they smiled and giggled for our cameras as we mingled and talked before the official photos were taken.

The real impact for us came with the stories we were told by Mary and her colleagues who run the Restart Centre (an orphanage). Abused, drug-addicted, and prostituted children head for, or are led to, Mary’s Restart Centre. The key ingredient here is love and the children do learn to trust and care again ... so much so, in fact, that they don’t want to leave when they are older. They stay on, some working at the Centre and others working in the community but returning at night to sleep.

From Kenya 2011

We had the incredible opportunity to visit an IDP camp where children from the distribution had walked about ten miles each way to receive the SCAW bedkits. (Photo at right) By the time we had relaxed over a wonderful luncheon given by Mary and her husband, Terry, in their home, the IDP children had walked home to greet us when we went to see the camp outside of Gilgil.

We were told that there are 107 families -- averaging about six people each -- crammed onto half an acre of land, living in tiny -- and we mean t-i-n-y -- huts made of sticks, grasses, and some plastic.

From Kenya 2011

The camp includes an outdoor firepit/kitchen, a small outdoor church, a goat shelter, and a small enclosure for their cherished cow. (Photo at left.)

We were greeted with joy by the whole community and were proudly shown into homes and around the site by the delighted children. With tears in our eyes we were warmly thanked for our gifts by one of the parents, as everyone stood around in a group.

We, who have so much, were humbled by these people who have so little ... by their pride in their community and their positive outlook on the future.

From Kenya 2011

As if that wasn’t enough, we were taken back to the Restart Orphanage and treated to a “show” of singing, dancing, and modeling put on by the gorgeous children there. (Photo at right.) With music blaring, they sang and danced with passion and rhythm. Their voices and body movements were melodic and fluid. Once again there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

What a day!

Team Kenya 2011

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