Sunday, 17 June 2012

Father's Day by John



One of the great things about being here at Tumaini is seeing the number of sponsored children who are supported by people from other countries. Very good friends of ours from St Luke’s in Nottingham sponsor one such child – Samson. We wanted to visit Samson's home to meet his family and take pictures for our friends in England.  Samson's father passed away so his Uncle Kai has taken him and his brothers into his home. Kai works here at Tumaini and lives in Timbwani in a 2 roomed house which he has built himself. He lives there with his wife and 6 kids. You can imagine it is quite a busy house!

We spent a couple of hours with them and we heard about Kai’s story and his family. He shared with us his struggles and his hopes.  One of his children is less physically abled than most kids. He is four and unable to sit up, he doesn’t walk or talk like other kids his age. Kai patiently placed callipers on his legs, part of a daily exercise to strengthen his son’s legs. All throughout this the other children helped and Kai kept cooing to his son to keep him calm and make him smile. It was a very touching display of tender hearted fatherhood. 

Later we read from the Bible together and I had the privilege of praying for the family. They didn’t ask us for anything, although their needs were great. All we shared with them was the love of God and lots of smiles. What an inspirational family to be with on Father’s Day.


Monday, 11 June 2012

Safe Haven



Last week we had a day out with some of our friends, the Davidson Family.  We always love time with them as we laugh a lot and the kids enjoy being together.  They were going to visit a Baby Rescue Centre in Mombasa and we said we would really love to go with them.  We are very glad that we did… what a special place.  Looking at the building from the outside you would never know the haven that lies within those walls.  



 We received such a warm welcome from Selpher who runs the centre with her husband Peter.  We walked in and were amazed at an incredibly bright and welcoming room with many cribs!  The boys loved playing with the little 3 year old boys and Mikey helped feel a baby who was only a few months old.  I held a gorgeous little girl who was only two weeks old.  This precious little baby had been left at the hospital by her mother.  As I held this adorable bundle of beauty I was overcome with so much emotion.  For me there is always something very special about holding a newly born baby.  This time was no different but I was overwhelmed that this little baby had been abandoned.  I was deeply moved by the loving and safe home that Peter and Selpher had given her.  I was also emotional thinking of the many more babies out there waiting to be rescued.   In this home there is room for 11 babies but at times there is not the financial support to make this happen.  We had such a lovely morning, lots of laughter and fun.  We all enjoyed the cuddles and having an opportunity to learn some of the story of this centre.







There are many babies abandoned in Mombasa and many reasons for why that may happen.  It is inspiring to see how Peter and Selpher work to provide a haven for these babies.  If you would like to find out more their website is http://www.babyliferescuemombasa.org