Umoja Orphanage

Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit an orphanage near Tenwek. It was started with the support of a wonderful OB/GYN physician and his wife who have volunteered at Tenwek for over 10 years. They helped start 3 orphanages during their time here, and it was so special to visit the children at one of the homes yesterday. The orphanage, named Umoja, means "first". It was named that, as it was the first orphanage that the couple started. The OB doctor is here working at Tenwek now, and he took a group of us to see the kids. He shared how the orphanage was started. He and his wife were praying years ago how they could help all of the needy families who were coming to their door asking for help. God led them to an older Kenyan woman named Juliana who had a vision of starting a children's home to provide for the many orphaned children (often from their parents dying early from HIV). She donated a piece of land for the children's home, and her son Joseph, who is very committed to caring for the children, is the director of the home. The OB doctor raises support for the children and has helped provide for the kids' needs. The kids are all able to go to school, and they have a safe, clean environment to live.
During the afternoon, we had a tour of the home, and the kids sang songs for us. They were so happy and were truly inspirational in their joy, as they sang and danced for us. They were also amazing in saying that they had prayed and fasted for the OB doctor's wife, who recently passed away from cancer. They sang a song that she had taught them. What precious children! We were struck by how the children view their director, Joseph, and his wife as their father and mother. The older kids help care for the younger ones--it was really neat to watch.
One of the oldest kids at the home (the tall one 3 people away from me in the group picture) had heart surgery at Tenwek. After he recovered from the surgery, he returned to his home village. He realized that his village was a dangerous place and that he wouldn't be able to fully recover being there. So, he returned to Tenwek, walking much of the very long distance back to the hospital. One of the other kids at the home served as his "shepherd", walking the long distance with the boy and helping him stay strong through the journey. When they returned to Tenwek, they were taken into Umoja to be provided for and to live. The tall boy had never been to school, so he is now in primary school with the little ones. It's kind of funny to think of a boy over 6 feet sitting in a classroom with little kids, but he is so happy to be able to learn.
After we visited Umoja, we went down the road to Juliana's home, where she hosted us for a little while. It was a great afternoon being able to see the children and to hear how they are growing, learning, and walking with God.


The Umoja kids


Juliana, the wonderful lady who had a vision for caring for orphans and provided the land for the orphanage. Check out her earlobes--these are common in older people around this region.


Such beautiful children!


Happy kids


Juliana's home