OVC and Neema House

To say that one experience can change one's thoughts on life sounds unrealisitic. However, I think it is safe to say that the time the group spent exploring the homes of Eldoret changed all of our perspectives. We partnered with the OVC (Orphans and Vulnerable Children) program of AMPATH. It helps children who have lost one or more parents to HIV/AIDS. By providing children with medicine and food, the program gives these children a chance.

Sean: The most tragic story I experienced today was a HIV positive woman who had been on the AMPATH program since the beginning, 1993. She lost her husband to HIV/AIDS, but she was framed for his murder. She couldn't obtain his death certificate because she was wanted for his murder. In a down spiraling series of events, she and her 5 children are now being taken off of the food program and one of the children will not receive financial help for an education. She lives in a mud house with a tin roof. No bathroom, no electricity, and no way out.

Joanie: I thought I was mentally prepared for what I was going to see today. I have heard the stories, and we have discussed the awful situations in which families are forced to face. It didn't matter. Everything I witnessed today blew me away. One of the places that I visited was a home for abandoned children. In one of the many slums in Kenya, Catherine and I saw children who were living filthy, unsanitary and cramped conditions. Forty orphans were packed into a room the size of one's pantry. However, smiles were across every face. They greeted us with open arms and sang to make us feel welcome. We were shown around their living space which consisted of one bedroom to house seventy children (The other thirty were at school). Trash surrounded the place on all sides. Yes, I knew this. I had heard it from many different people. Seeing it first hand is completely different.

The Neema house is run by Jospeh and Miriam. They take in orphaned children through a government process. Approximately 75% of the orphans are AIDS orphans, which is why the IU house is in close contact with them. Neema means Grace in Swahili, but it is more than just the name of their home. It has become a way of life in that they all believe that it is God's grace that their mission becomes possible. Through generous donations, they have been able to create a house full of love that is like no other house in Kenya. There are currently 34 children living in the homa, and today we got the prilvilage of interacting with all of them. We all enjoyed playing the various games and simply spending time with them. Aron was a lucky one who sat a young girl on his lap. It was just a matter of time before pee reached his pants. Unfortunately, he was peed on. While he might not have found it quite so funny everyone else did. The most memorable moment, however, was when Joseph took us all aside and explained his personal journey in creating the haven. Tears filled his eyes, and we felt his emotion when he talked about the children.

It was the most challenging day thus far, but it was an experience that has given each one of us a new perspective on our lives.

We miss you all!!
Joanie & Sean