Article from Asante Newsletter
Over a year ago, I stumbled across the 2007 Asante Newsletter at a local coffee shop. I couldn’t stop reading about all the wonderful things KOP was doing to help the children of Nairobi, Kenya. The following day, I contacted Ching Fu and inquired about volunteering at JCC. I strongly felt the desire to spend time working with the children. I didn’t know how or when. I just knew I wanted to go. Little did I know, after a year of anticipation, I would have the opportunity to share Christmas 2008 with the children of Jubilee Children’s Center.
In early November 2008, I purchased a plane ticket and spent less than a month preparing for what would turn out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I collected an overwhelming amount of paint, markers, paper, paintbrushes, yarn, and other arts and crafts item, and flew across the Atlantic ocean and entered into a world vastly different from my own. Upon my arrival at Jubilee Children’s Center, I was greeted with shy, friendly smiles and was given a tour of the facilities. The children were happy to show me their classrooms, bunk beds, cafeteria- everything! I spent many days helping the children write letters to their sponsors. The children paid close attention to each letter they composed as the children are so grateful to their sponsors who have so generously given to them. We also spent many afternoons painting, making jewelry, playing soccer, crocheting, playing in the fields, and watching movies like High School Musical (their favorite movie!). On Christmas Eve, we set up two Christmas trees, hung garland, and decorated the church with colorful lights. The children were ecstatic when the decorating was complete. Christmas day, I woke up early and shared Christmas breakfast with the children which consisted of poorage, two boiled eggs, and a banana- a real treat! I spent most of the day in the kitchen preparing lunch and dinner with another volunteer, the cooks, and several high school girls. The children ate chicken, rice and vegetable stew, mangoes, and had ice cream for desert. That night, one child told me, “Rebecca! We ate like kings in the palace for Christmas!” The following day, each child received their own book, a cup, a spoon, candy, and gum. I will never forget the sounds of the children smacking gum while they sat and read their new books. They found great pleasure in such a small thing like gum! On my last day, I shared peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and milk with the children, they braided my hair, and sent me off with lots of hugs and kisses. Giving and receiving love this Christmas was a blessing I am grateful to have been given.
I will forever remember my experience at Jubilee Children’s Center and the beautiful children I met. They have given me the gift of genuine love. With every smile, laugh, hug, and hand I held, I received a piece of their spirit and a glimpse into their happy life at JCC.
-written by Ms. Hyatt
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