Destination: Kenya

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A TRIP TO MEET ORPHANS CHANGED MY LIFE. LET’S LEND A HAND TO EASE THE LIVES OF THESE CHILDREN.
By Troy Yosten, Circuit Breaker Sales Co., Inc.

DURING A CHURCH VISIT two-and-a-half years ago, I heard about a small orphanage in Kenya. I decided to get in contact with the founder, Michael, and have been corresponding with him for about a year now. I’ve helped him and his 38 orphans with the daily needs of the children and caregivers. I first thought that what he needed were sponsors for the kids, but I couldn’t feel like I could ask anyone to help unless I went and saw for myself.

A TRIP TO MEET ORPHANS CHANGED MY LIFE. LET’S LEND A HAND TO EASE THE LIVES OF THESE CHILDREN.
By Troy Yosten, Circuit Breaker Sales Co., Inc.

DURING A CHURCH VISIT two-and-a-half years ago, I heard about a small orphanage in Kenya. I decided to get in contact with the founder, Michael, and have been corresponding with him for about a year now. I’ve helped him and his 38 orphans with the daily needs of the children and caregivers. I first thought that what he needed were sponsors for the kids, but I couldn’t feel like I could ask anyone to help unless I went and saw for myself.

Before long, I was on a 777 bound for Nairobi (well, London first; there are no nonstops to Kenya from the U.S.). Twenty-two hours later, Michael picked me up at the airport.

I was in Kenya for eight days. It was surreal to say the least, and it made me really thankful that I live in the U.S. A few facts about Kenya:

  • 95% of the citizens don’t own a car.
  • Food costs just as much or more as in the U.S.
  • Gasoline is twice what we pay.
  • The average income for someone without an education is US$100 per month.
  • Most people have no utilities, water, sewage, or electricity.

destination kenyaWe arrived at the orphanage in the town of Ndhiwa (about six hours from Nairobi), and I finally got to meet the kids. I took photos of each one and asked them some questions.

“What are your favorite foods?” Cabbage, minnows, kale, rice and beans, ugali (a wet, heavy, flavorless cake made from corn flour and water), and fish. Their diet is almost vegetarian and meat is rarely an option.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” They have dreams of finishing school and becoming teachers, pilots, nurses, engineers, and police officers. Education is the only way to lift yourself from poverty in Kenya. Many also said they wanted to help orphans.

My next task was to create a list of needs. I took photos and measurements of buildings so I could draw a lot plan. We also sat down and made out a monthly budget for food, staff, and other expenses. We created a wish list for things the orphanage needed. We also visited a local contractor to talk about the cost for some improvements on the facility.

Before I left I treated the kids to a chicken dinner. It was actually roosters we bought at the local market — $9 apiece! The kids were so excited. Then I left them and headed back for Nairobi with passport in hand, boarded a 747, and came home.

But I’m not the same, at least for now. My job was to visit, see, and bring information home to help those kids. I think it’s great when we invest a little in those less fortunate, whether in our hometown or halfway around the world. It improves our planet and adds value to our lives. My wish is that someday those children will look back and say, “Someone cared for me and gave me a chance at a productive life, someone from the USA.”

A child from the orphanage can be sponsored for $60 a month. All money goes directly to the cause. If any individual or affiliate is interested in helping, please contact me at tyosten@cbsales.com or 940-736-0945.

I am working on uploading some video clips and pictures to YouTube, and will make those available to the group as soon as I can.

Life is good. Enjoy your blessings and be thankful for every day!