I have been so unbelievably busy that I have not posted in a couple days! Pole sana (very sorry)! Anyways I am trying to get things written up and sorted out so that I can do workshops with the teachers! I have had so many meetings and ideas just keep spilling out of my head!  These workshops are for the special ed teachers and general ed teachers in the slum. The wheelchairs will be here shortly, and more material will be bought because I have extra from your donations! Feeling a bit overwhelmed, only because I want to make sure everything I want to do is done before I leave, but its a good overwhelming feeling. A feeling I know means (hopefully) I am doing good work here. Well thats my update. I know I can't save the world, but I can try and I ask you to try too :)!

with a little piece of my heart,

Julia

clean up clean up everybody everywhere!

Today, with 15 mzungu's (white people) and the Maji Mazuri Youth,  we did a garbage clean up in the Mathare Valley slum. So much hard work and all our efforts combined, trying to make their community better. The youth are the future of Kenya, and with a group of people like the ones in Maji Mazuri, Kenya's looking like it will take over the world! Looking forward to the coming week when the wheelchairs will be delivered, but realizing I only have three and a half weeks left :( I know won't be able to stay away for long though, as Kenya has captured my heart. Have a beautiful day!

with a little piece of my heart,

Julia 

I LOVE my Hunter boots :)

JingJing and me working hard to clean the sewage system!

YOUTH :)

the team (minus me because I am taking the picture hahah)

oh happy day!

So happy in fact I was overcome with emotion. With the help of your donations  I was able to buy six wheelchairs that are custom made to fit the needs of the children, an adapted toilet, custom made Polio shoes, and an adapted walking cane.  Today, was really touching. I cried hard at one point knowing that this was all possible by OUR joint effort. I thank everyone who has donated from the bottom of my heart. If you would like to donate, please send a check or cash made out to me and send it to 4256 Vicasa Drive Calabasas, CA 91302. I can assure you 100% of your donation goes directly towards the children. If you would like to donate to the greater cause of Maji Mazuri, which helps sustain ALL the projects,  please visit their website at MajiMazuri.org. When I see how involved people are getting, it truly makes me feel like WE can change the world for the better. ASANTE SANA (THANK YOU)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Please note that checks are only tax deductible if the donation is given through the Maji Mazuri website.)

with a little piece of my heart,

Julia 

Jackson will be able to be independent with his custom new wheelchair!

A very happy William being measured for his very first wheelchair (custom for his needs none-the-less)!

Simon will finally have a wheelchair that supports is back so it wont curve his spine anymore!

African henna :)

This is what happens when you live in Kenya and you pretty much have NO idea what bit you :/

grrrrrrrr Kenya, why do you hate my body?!?!

reunited and it feels so good!

After being away for a week, I went back to work today. Gosh how I missed the kids! I know teachers are not supposed to have favorites and I truly don't, BUT William has stolen my heart. I don't know whether it's his smile that reminds me happiness is not far from your soul, or whether it's his determination and willingness to learn despite his multiple disabilities, or it might be the fact that at 8 years old he's ready to conquer the world and I believe he can. "My son," is a shining light put here on earth, I can only hope someday my children will have half the courage he has. As much as I have taught him, he has taught me. Soon, with your donations, William will get the wheelchair he deserves and that brings a smile to my heart and a couple tears in my eyes. Don't worry ALL the children, who have also amazed me with their stories and perseverance, will benefit from your donations and they all do have place and in my heart! I've said it before but I'll say it again, life is beautiful.

with a little piece of my heart,

Julia 

William and I

My boy will soon have a wheelchair! 

The little ones

Recovering (both physically and mentally)

Still recovering, but soooooo much better I am so happy and thankful for my health! This week 10 UK students are coming and 4 men will be staying in the same house as us girls (and trust me its not that big of a house) OY VEY! I am also looking forward to having a wheelchair technologist come out to the school to measure the kids and custom make wheelchairs for their needs. This is all possible by your donations!

Never take for granted what you have and the people around you. Your life is beautiful, and never should you settle for something that is comfortable. Get out of your comfort zone experience other cultures, religions, and other things that make you uncomfortable. Only then can you truly appreciate your own beliefs. Without this knowledge your beliefs can be less valuable, if not ignorant. Below is something Wandia wrote (Wanjiku's daughter and a good friend of mine) that I loved and wanted to share.


Lying in bed this morning, asked myself: What are the secrets of success in life? I found the answer right there in my room. The AC said - Be cool. The roof said - Aim high. The window said - See the world. The clock said - Every minute is precious. The mirror said - Reflect before you act. The calendar said - Be up to date. The door said - Push hard for your goals. Don't forget, the carpet said - Kneel down & pray.

with a little piece of my heart,

Julia

Missing these faces WAY to much, whether I am strong enough or not I will be back to work by Wednesday!