Whoever would have thought I’d be cold in Africa. But I am. Mornings and evenings are chilly, with very hot afternoons. Top that with only two hot showers since leaving home to wash away the extreme filth. We all feel much the same…a bit worn-out. At least we can wash away the filth from out bodies – but our minds…that’s another story.
After spending the last number of days at the orphanage, seeing the lack of everything we take for granted to even survive, our hearts are broken. What is normal for these children and the people of this region is appalling! Just a pair of shoes for most is foreign.
Yesterday I heard a little boy quietly crying, so I went to investigate. To my shock, other children were helping to hold apart the boy’s toes, so another young boy could dig out the jiggers (bugs) that were buried deep within his skin. Using only a safety pin, it seemed to take forever. When they were finally finished, he walked away barefoot through the dirt, rotting debris and feces. This is their reality. We retreated to our hotel – a resort in comparison – for lunch. I wrestled with guilt at the extreme opposites of where we stay and how they live.
When returning to the orphanage I sought out this young boy to put Polysporin between his toes, hoping at least it may keep him from infection. Unfortunately he is one of many!!
Today the team split up with the guys trying to complete their projects of the garden and the kitchen. Us girls went shopping for items that would make life at the orphanage a little better. We purchased plastic cups and bowls for the children to eat out of, pots for the “house mom” who does all the cooking, food, soap, washing supplies and many items to help.
This afternoon was our “tooth brushing” lessons. Some of us found the shade of a tree and gathered the children for their first lesson ever. Some had never brushed their teeth. The craziest part by far was the rather large manure pile right beside us. No one cared! After strategically handing out personalized plastic containers holding a toothbrush and toothpaste, we began pushing through the language barrier and brushing our teeth. It was fun seeing their faces at their first taste of toothpaste, hearing some gagging and quickly rinsing with water.
After the lessons we had the girls and boys make two lines and Julie handed out goodie bags that her sister and her children made that were filled with cars, bracelets, crayons, balloons, paper and stickers. What joy we all shared seeing the contentment and satisfaction on the children’s faces at finally being treated special for once in their short lives.
To top off the day we gave the “house mom” a special gift just for her. By her reaction, this may have been her first gift ever. What a wonderful feeling to bring her such happiness. She works so hard for all the children. Everyone at this orphanage has touched us deeply.
As we look forward to our return home in just a couple of days, we all seem to have mixed feelings. As homesick as we are (and we are!) we will always know that a piece of our hearts will remain broken by what we’ve experienced.
Love to you all; missing you terribly; your messages sustain us.
Lorri – Mama G homeslice (See you soon family!)
All the Beukema kids are so happy that the kids loved their goody bags.. Jenna says thank you for the nice Tshirt
Lydia says I miss you and I love you, and thank you for my Tshirt..
Josh wants to say he is excited that you are almost coming home
Larissa wants to say we are having lots of fun with grandpa and (mostly) grandma..
Grandma says..all is extremely well on the home front.. praying for strength (to say good-bye),as you leave and travelling mercies for the way home..
“..for the least of these..”
OXOXOXOX
Lorri – thanks for sharing in such detail what your day was like!
All – As I read these posts over these last few days, I am beginning to already process what this means for your return and how we can best provide the space and feedback to help the reality of all you’ve experienced best affect life here.
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit”, says the Lord (Zech. 4:6)
It’s not ’bout us, really.
Kristie – looking forward to having you home soon!!
Lori, thank you so much for sharing your heart. May God give you and the team wisdom and grace to sort through the realities he is showing you now in Kenya…
Sarah, I know you aren’t really looking forward to it, but we are looking forward to having you home!
Jacks
We continue to pray for all of you on your journey. So much reality in such a short time. We also pray for all of those you will leave behind, and that your work will be a blessing to them.
Praying you will have a safe trip home!
The Bisschops (family to G&J)
Hi Jeremy and Chantal
Just thought you’d like to know one of the bonuses of being away is you miss the joy of moving the Monster Couch out of the basement. Josh moves into his apartment in Port Coquitlam Sunday and we’re passing it on. I think that means everyone in the family has now owned it.(Mom reminds me you probably don’t even know that he is moving)
Thanks to everyone who has had a part in keeping us up to date with this blog. It is really, really appreciated.
Marcus…hope you’ll take care of Jeremy if he gets a callous from carrying that camera….love the pictures.
Our prayers continue for you all
Dad (Ron) and Mom (Carol) Roberts
Tears just come to my eyes when reading this blog because we have so much, they have so little. Thankyou HFL and all of you who went on this trip to Kenya.
Rita
Alright, I am bawling now.
Thank you to each writer for painting a picture for us back home of what you are experiencing day by day.
I can’t imagine what it has been like to experience all of this.
Wow.
Anna ~ Dad misses you terribly and is taking the entire day off work to meet you at the airport. Justin is following the blog and says prayers for you (when reminded of course) and me?
I found the CD’s!!! AND I found the presciption!!! But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for…you!
Alright, that was bad, but I’m not the songwriter in the family!
Lots of love ~
Mom
Hi All, wow, I’m crying once again after reading the blog!
Thanks for sharing your heart Lorri! It’s hard to understand why we have so much and take it so for granted! Life changing experiences, eh. I can relate to the cold showers! Think I only had one warm shower when we were in Peru.
Kristie is will be so good to have you home!
Praying that you finish strong and have a safe trip home.
Oh, hey team! You know there are switchs on the wall that turn on the water heater for the shower?
Jackie – you’re making sure of this on day 13??? hot showers for the last days–yah it’s worth it I’m sure
Hi Marla,
Looking forward to all your stories when you get back. Got Sandra moved and her house cleaned the past two days. Rest are doing well.
Now to get our hay finished so we can leave on holidays. Continuing to pray for you and the rest of the team. Hi to Dan and Charlene. Praying for a safe trip home for all of you, with your luggage! Take care. Miss you and our phone chats.
Love, Karen
Hi Karen!
Missing you like crazy, not being able to pick up the phone and say HI! Have tears everytime I read the blogs….you are all doing amazing work there and I am so proud of you, Karen, for going and doing what God called you to do!! It sounds like you all must be very tired but so blessed!! Can’t wait to hear all about everything!!
Love you lots, sis,
Brenda
Hello!!!!
it was great to hear some first hand stories of your time there. You were such a blessing to Dave…and he is so proud of you all!!!! i am so sad to be missing your arrival home, but am looking forward to stories when i get home from my trip.
thank you to all the blog writers – you are doing an amazing job!
I will pray for strength and grace for you all as you make the long journey home….
Heidi
Hi Lorri! What an amazing opportunity. You have touch the lives of so many. I can only imagine the expression on their little faces when they first brushed their teeth. This will be a memory that will last a life time for you. Looking forward to hearing your stories.
Hey Lorri,
so great to be on the trip with you guys through these posts! You’ve all been on my mind and in my prayers. Looking forward to hearing more about it when you return.