After nearly three months here, I am finally drawing some conclusions. The most startling one is that these children, just like all children the world over, are able to love unconditionally. All they want is to love and be loved. They give so much! Some of us are here out of a calling, or perhaps out of mere curiosity. Some of us are here to learn about love. Those of us are who are living alone in the states, whether by choice or by circumstance, could all benefit from the love these children give so freely, and also freely receive. Loving, and being loved like this in return, is addicting!
Sadly, the children seem to be the happiest of all on board here. The mamas and staff seem content at times, and at other times seem restless, stressed, and unhappy. As for the mamas, who wouldn't be stressed trying to almost single-handedly raise 10 orphans in one small cottage with very little pay and very little time off??? As for the staff, they are lucky to have jobs at all, so they dare not quit. I still can't get over how high the unemployment rate is here. It grieves me to know that so few people have work, or hope of it any time soon--much less a choice about where to work! It's certainly an employer's market, and that allows employees to be taken advantage of by companies and bosses. I pray that Kibaki, if he is reelected president this year, is able to make a difference in stimulating economic growth during his second 5-year term. I had a fascinating conversation with Chris, our Kenyan tour guide this past weekend about that very subject. Remind me to share it with you if such things interest you.
Back to the mamas and children. Kristin (my new MM pal from Aspen) and I have been concerned about Clarissa, one of the four newest toddlers who have been placed in homes here in the last month. She always looks frightened and bursts into tears when she feels neglected. We have been going overboard to make her feel loved and welcomed, and it seems to be working this week. She cries less, smiles more, and laughs and jabbers and plays now. Joy! However, because I was afraid she wasn't being nurtured enough by her rather stern mama, I casually commented to this mama, as I was bringing Clarissa back home from a walk, that all she needs is a lot of love and affection. Immediately, the mama said, "What little love I have to give has to be divided by 8 kids." Of course, I understood. It's a superhuman task. I just know that no matter what our circumstances, we could all stand to be loved more. There is no such thing as too much love. Kids this age are too young to understand that God is source of all love, even if there is no human to share it with, so they must depend on adults for that expression of God's love. For those who love love, this is the place to be.
All in all, I can confidently conclude that we MiniMissionaries definitely make a difference in these kids' lives. We are able to supplement the love and affection and attention they receive from their mamas and aunties, when those people are too tired to give anymore. And that, in a word, is satisfying! As in any large family, it's natural for the orphans to comfort and nurture one another. That is a beautiful thing to see! The big kids are so loving and helpful and tolerant and kind to their younger "siblings". Some are blood siblings, but most are not. Regardless, their love for one another is amazing!!! The love they exude is the best thing about this visit! Enjoy these photos, Laney's I believe.
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