with a little piece of my heart,
Julia
Saturday, July 23, 2011
the rains coming
Kenya knows I am leaving soon, and thus like my heart, it is crying. It is pouring here now, and hope it clear by tomorrow morning, so I can enjoy a Sunday in Nairobi flea markets. I am also going to the youth group tomorrow in the Mathare Slum to talk about what life is like in America. Can't wait to hear some of their questions. Praying and hoping and dreaming the wheelchairs will be done before I leave, so I can be there when they are delivered, especially for my boy William. I gave another workshop this week to the special need teachers on how to teach life and occupational skills. Last week, I did a workshop with the general ed teachers who work on the slum of how to create a loving a safe community within the classroom, and how to make learning fun. I did this workshop with two other volunteers and the outcome was just amazing! Today, I went back to happy life and saw the babies again! Love holding and feeding the babies, although it broke my heart when I was given a 3 week old to feed and they handed me a cup and spoon to feed him. no bottle :( But anyways still loving life in Kenya and am so thankful for the time I have here. Enjoy some pictures!
with a little piece of my heart,
Julia
with a little piece of my heart,
Julia
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All of the orphans tug at my heartstrings -- but the babies, most of all. I'm almost afraid to ask, but why no bottle? Does the infant not know how to nurse? Regardless, the warmth of your embrace (and that of others) is the one true thing that will help ease the burden of this child's loss and allow him to grow into a loving person capable of giving to others.
ReplyDeleteI am so looking forward to hearing about your experience in sharing "life in America" with the youth group in Mathare. Your posts give us all so much valuable information and insight to this place that was previously only a "dot on the map" in our minds. We hear much in the news about South Africa but, for the most part, East Africa has been mainly referred to as a safari destination.
Your messages are a meaningful source of awareness -- not only for our own personal growth levels -- but also in allowing us to extend our compassion and, (if possible), to offer our own help in support of providing food, clothing, shelter, and comfort to as many devastated lives as possible.
It is a comforting thought that, with a click on the Maji Mazuri website, one can donate (with Paypal or a credit card), any amount -- no matter how small the offering -- and know that every penny received will not only go directly to Maji Mazuri projects, but is tax-deductible as well.
Many of us are still not aware that, for as little as $30 per month, we can actually sponsor an elementary school child. To give you an idea of the amount of support this provides, (hardly imaginable by our standards), it pays for food, the school uniform, stationery, books, and personal items, such as toiletries and underwear, and helps towards the housing costs.
Or, if one wishes to sponsor a young person at a boarding high school, the monthly cost is $70. This covers the full cost of food, housing, school fees, the mandatory school uniform, stationery and books. It also provides personal items such as the ones described above.
American (or other) students that are following this blog might be inspired to keep a "spare change" donation container in a classroom or auditorium, writing an article about MM for the school newspaper, or bringing up the subject in committee meetings to help spread the word. So, even if we cannot contribute financially, it is so easy to bring the attention of our friends, family members, classmates,and business associates to foster this great cause.
Any support or inspiration that we can provide is a VERY small price to pay for saving a life.
What a profound thought.
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Information to Sponsor a Child:
http://majimazuri.org/sponsor-a-child
How to Get Involved:
http://www.majimazuri.org/get-involved
It only hurts because you are so strong in your commitment, so passionate and compassionate. You've earned so much respect in the eyes of our community...and of course, in my eyes you are a hero!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful moment to share with you...while you were feeding that baby. A little piece of your heart will be left there with each and every one of them! You will have the strenght to come home, becasue you now know you have another family, in Africa. Julia, you will always take care of your family, now and always!! Everyone is so proud of you!! Can't wait to give you a kiss & hug!!!
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