Latest posting from Diane Clements (Director of Grace Children's Home):
“A Father to the fatherless.....is God in His holy habitation. God makes a home for the lonely.” – Psalm 68:5-6
It was a moment of pure realization and sheer joy – I was squashed into the backseat of a taxi bouncing down yet another red dirt road - dirt which was billowing into the car through the windows that were stuck permanently down! The revelation was related to the 4 precious children packed around me, staring up into my eyes with a mixture of curiosity and fear. We were on our way to the hospital for checkups for our second batch of children when the thought occurred to me “Diane, this is what you were born to do!” My heart was flooded with the sense of privilege that had been bestowed on me. I wanted to go door to door and find more and more children who were in desperation and work at bringing them home too.
All day Tuesday was spent at the hospital – praise God all the children were HIV negative. We discovered an assortment of lung infections, parasites, worms and fungus. One girl, Munyiva, has severe malnutrition. When I took off her dress for her chest x-ray, I audibly gasped (and I am not one to react openly to things). She was completely emaciated in her chest and shoulders and neck. She also has had prolonged, untreated pneumonia – which the doctor said might have contributed to her wasted body. But still... we will keep an eye on her and make sure that she is gaining weight as she gets healthy.
Then Wednesday was our “coming home” day for this 5. How fun to travel to each of their places and pick them up and deliver them to their new families. What a joy! We spent time with each home of relatives – signing the final release papers and making a video/picture history for the children. When at last we arrived to their new homes, they were welcomed with open arms. It was so gratifying to finally see our families completed (for now anyway) and the children gladly settling into their new homes. There wasn’t a single tear or hesitation on anyone’s part – just glad anticipation and big wide smiles.
Please meet our newest children –
Christopher Ndambuki (13), Mary Nthenya (10), and Catherine Munyiva (7) – brother and sisters who lost their single mom a couple of years ago. They had no relatives willing or able to care for them, so a kind neighbor took them in. It was clear that there was not enough food for them – she also was widowed and had children of her own. We were just planning to take the girls, but Ndambuki was so eager to get chosen too that we just couldn’t say no. He is a very bright and engaging young man.
Mutie Kilonzo 7 years – his mother died giving birth to him and his father died about 3 years ago. He was living with his grandmother at a place where they sell changea (local brew) and there were always drunken people around. It was reported that he was abused as well.
Mutuku Musyoka – 5 years - Father died of pneumonia and mother died of malaria. Grandparents also deceased. His guardians (aunt and uncle) work and so Mutuku rather lived on his own – with a river nearby. His safety was a big issue in choosing Mutuku.
Anyway, thank you so much for joining us here in Kenya through your prayers. When I am able (with a good internet connection) I will be sending you a picture of our family – a tangible manifestation of God’s work thru you. Thank you – we would never have been able to get this far this fast without the prayers of all of you.
May blessings, shaken down and running over, pour out into your life because of your sacrifice.....
With gladness,
Diane
“A Father to the fatherless.....is God in His holy habitation. God makes a home for the lonely.” – Psalm 68:5-6
It was a moment of pure realization and sheer joy – I was squashed into the backseat of a taxi bouncing down yet another red dirt road - dirt which was billowing into the car through the windows that were stuck permanently down! The revelation was related to the 4 precious children packed around me, staring up into my eyes with a mixture of curiosity and fear. We were on our way to the hospital for checkups for our second batch of children when the thought occurred to me “Diane, this is what you were born to do!” My heart was flooded with the sense of privilege that had been bestowed on me. I wanted to go door to door and find more and more children who were in desperation and work at bringing them home too.
All day Tuesday was spent at the hospital – praise God all the children were HIV negative. We discovered an assortment of lung infections, parasites, worms and fungus. One girl, Munyiva, has severe malnutrition. When I took off her dress for her chest x-ray, I audibly gasped (and I am not one to react openly to things). She was completely emaciated in her chest and shoulders and neck. She also has had prolonged, untreated pneumonia – which the doctor said might have contributed to her wasted body. But still... we will keep an eye on her and make sure that she is gaining weight as she gets healthy.
Then Wednesday was our “coming home” day for this 5. How fun to travel to each of their places and pick them up and deliver them to their new families. What a joy! We spent time with each home of relatives – signing the final release papers and making a video/picture history for the children. When at last we arrived to their new homes, they were welcomed with open arms. It was so gratifying to finally see our families completed (for now anyway) and the children gladly settling into their new homes. There wasn’t a single tear or hesitation on anyone’s part – just glad anticipation and big wide smiles.
Please meet our newest children –
Christopher Ndambuki (13), Mary Nthenya (10), and Catherine Munyiva (7) – brother and sisters who lost their single mom a couple of years ago. They had no relatives willing or able to care for them, so a kind neighbor took them in. It was clear that there was not enough food for them – she also was widowed and had children of her own. We were just planning to take the girls, but Ndambuki was so eager to get chosen too that we just couldn’t say no. He is a very bright and engaging young man.
Mutie Kilonzo 7 years – his mother died giving birth to him and his father died about 3 years ago. He was living with his grandmother at a place where they sell changea (local brew) and there were always drunken people around. It was reported that he was abused as well.
Mutuku Musyoka – 5 years - Father died of pneumonia and mother died of malaria. Grandparents also deceased. His guardians (aunt and uncle) work and so Mutuku rather lived on his own – with a river nearby. His safety was a big issue in choosing Mutuku.
Anyway, thank you so much for joining us here in Kenya through your prayers. When I am able (with a good internet connection) I will be sending you a picture of our family – a tangible manifestation of God’s work thru you. Thank you – we would never have been able to get this far this fast without the prayers of all of you.
May blessings, shaken down and running over, pour out into your life because of your sacrifice.....
With gladness,
Diane
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