Editor’s Note: This week our fellowship recipient Emily Lohmeyer checks in from her volunteer position with Sure 24, a children’s orphanage in Kenya, and has a few new insights to share with us. Below are the stories of both Nova and Wangare, two young girls who live at the Sure 24 orphanage.
New Perspectives
I’ve really been enjoying my time here, and I’ve been learning a great deal of patience in the last few days. We haven’t been able to take Nancy to the hospital yet because her doctor who knows her case will not return until mid January. The pace of life is so much slower here that it can be frustrating at times. But things are starting to swing into motion as the roof of the school is almost finished and most children have completed their placement exams for this year of school. The kids still amaze me on a daily basis with new stories and games. Its such a blessing to see the different ways that people live. I’m cherishing the simple moments of being taught to cook by a loving grandmother who I can’t even communicate with or staring up at different constellations. Here’s a couple more stories from the girls:
Nova – 14
I have four sisters and five brothers. My mother is a widow and couldn’t find work so she struggled to feed us. It was a difficult life but we survived. During the violence in 2007 my mom departed. I didn’t follow her because I didn’t want to give her more problems. My mom knew Marianne and asked her if I could stay at Jamii (Sure 24 Children’s center) and she said yes. Then my mother left and went to her village and I haven’t seen her since.
Nova
This year I finished class 8 and I’ll be starting secondary school soon. My mom will be very happy and surprised when I finish secondary school because she was never even able to afford the fees for primary school. Right now I’m very, very happy because I’m healthy and because I know God loves me. When I grow up I want to be a lawyer. Many of the lawyers in Kenya are corrupt, so I want to do better. I want to protect the rights of Kenyans because many people are physically abused and they don’t have anyone to defend them. I think the biggest challenge will be to pay the fees for university. I’d also like to travel the whole world so I can defend people just like the UN.
If I could give advice to other girls I would tell them to take very good care of their lives. Even if you are in a difficult situation don’t think that you have been left alone and don’t think about prostitution. Even if life is very hard, education is the key to making it better – you can’t make it anywhere without being able to read. Life is a journey, so don’t give up. Whether you’re rich, and have lots of cars and houses and things, or if you’re poor, we are all humans and created by the same God, so don’t feel neglected.
Wangare –11
My dad used to beat my mom everyday, so my mom ran away, then my father left us too. My two brother and two sisters and I didn’t have anywhere to go so we were on the streets in 2010. A woman found me and took me in to her home for one month. After that she took me to Jamii center. I am happy to have a home now but I don’t know where my brothers and sisters are.
Wangare
English and math are my favorite subjects. I like living with the older girls because they teach me so I can understand many things. When I’m older I want to have a big family and help lots of children just like I’m getting help.
These stories give me so much hope for the future! That you are there (literally half way around the globe) at Sure 24, and that so many others are doing work around the world in ways similar to this is beautiful. Education is key, love is paramount! I’m grateful for this blog, for your telling the stories through the girls and including us in this journey. Many people are asking what kind of support can we provide?
Thanks for the encouragement! I will be answering your question in the next post, coming in the next couple days. Stay tuned, and thanks for showing solidarity for this cause!
What a wonderful opportunity for these young ladies to learn from each other. Emily is building a bond that will last a lifetime. Thank you for the glimpse into such a different way of life. Although the hope for a brighter future is universal, for these young ladies who have overcome so much in their young lives, it us much more significant. Keep on the good work!
The world is thirsty for this kind of compassion. Its difficult to know that for every girl’s story I read here there are hundreds of others going untold, unseen, unaided. This work is filled with beginnings for which we can all be grateful. Each story is a call for our participation in any way possible.
Emily-I applaud the work that you and the Sure 24 crew are doing to improve the lives of those young women over there. That you chose to take this assignment tells me a great deal about your resolve and strength of character. Hopefully, I’ll be able to hear your stories when you get back stateside. Stay safe and continue the good work…..Lee
Em,
Katie just informed me about this blog of yours and the amazing stories she’s been reading. Wow Emily, this is inspiring beyond words that you would be there in Kenya lending your helping hand to those in such need. I want to throw my arms around each one of them and spare them of their struggles. YOU are doing that!! Their lives will be forever changed because of you and your group’s efforts and I applaud you from the bottom of my heart. It must be a profound experience for you and one that I look so forward to you sharing with us when you return. If you can think of anything we could do to lend our hands, please ask. We miss you and appreciate you. Our love, Wendy and Corbett
Emily,
How wonderful that you can be half way around the world doing the things you are doing and experiening a life filled with learning, adventure and compassion. I’ve enjoyed your blog, so grateful to Judy for sending me the link! Both girl’s stories are filled with a sadness that no child should have to face.
I will definitely check back.
Ana Hall