The Lost Children of Kenya's Political Violence

NAIROBI, Kenya - Among the children laughing and shouting on the swing set at a Nairobi orphanage is a boy who was pulled from his bed by men with machetes and an 11-year-old girl who assumes her mother was burned alive. They play as they wait for aid workers to bring news of their parents, to tell them if they're orphans or not. Waves of attacks since Kenya's disputed Dec. 27 presidential vote have uprooted more than a half million people and left more than 1,000 dead. In the chaos, many arents and children lost track of each other: Kenya's Red Cross says it knows of at least 500 youngsters who were separated from their families, and many more robably went unreported. With violence ending, more than 300 children have been reunited with their parents. But others remain adrift, stuck in orphanages or in camps for those forced from their homes.

I hate not knowing. I hate the waiting game. I am usually a patient person, but with bigger stuff, I just want to know. I don't like waiting for the surprise of life, of the future. But I have nothing on these kids. They don't know whether or not they are orphans. That would be grueling.

These children deserve to live in peace, in a safe place, with people who love them. I pray that they get there, wherever there may be.

Happy Birthday Markos!!!!

Our little boy is 4 today! I pray that he has a wonderful day, and knows that he is loved and that we are thinking about him. I pray that he gets 3 meals today and he has fun and laughs alot. I pray that he gets a giant bear hug, bigger than he has ever recieved and he knows without a doubt that he is loved, unconditionally.

You can sponsor a child too...it will change their lives forever, and yours too.

Click here to begin your journey.
Check out these guy's journey.

Needs Next Door

Terita, a friend of mine at work just brought up a good opportunity, a need in our community that I am sure we are able to meet. A Tulsa Public Elementary School, has children who are living in need, just minutes away from you and me, living in excess, as well as serious needs for the school itself. These children are going without basic necessities and could use our help. My co-worker’s mother’s church helps this school by supplying them with some basic needs, but they are no where close to able to provide everything the school needs and those children need. They provide things as basic as underwear, because some of the children do not have any. Underwear. You and I don’t even think twice about buying a new pair of boxers or panties, and how many do we have in the back of that endless top drawer. These kids go commando on a daily basis. And they’re not in some third world country, they are our fellow Tulsans. The school also is not supported by the district like it needs to be. For example, there is often no soap or paper towels in the bathroom for the children to wash their hands, another basic need we take for granted.

I want to help.

I am going to help.