Local Couple visit Kenyan Children’s Home.

David and Marian Rushbrook, from Witnesham near Ipswich, recently visited the Kajiado Christian Children’s Home in Kenya.

 

Marian Rushbrook says of their trip “It was the first time David and I had visited the Home and to be greeted by so many happy and smiling faces was such a wonderful experience. Everyone was so warm and friendly and so pleased and grateful to us for visiting them - but we were the ones who felt blessed and humbled by their welcome.”

 

The Kajiado home, situated in Massailand to the south-west of Kenya’s capital Nairobi, provides shelter and education for over 80 orphaned children aged from 6 upwards. It is staffed and run by Kenyans, but receives financial support from a charity based in the UK and donors in the USA. Many supporters live in the Ipswich area, and David Rushbrook is the UK Administrator.

 

Marian writes “Meals at the home, cooked by Baboo, a bubbly man with an infectious smile and loved by all, were very tasty. Being vegetarian I was a little concerned, but needn’t have worried; his vegetable stew was delicious. Baboo is one of life’s characters and we’ll never forget him posing in his new Harley Davidson t-shirt with the potato peelers we had given him.”

 

“After meals came a time of devotions led by Jason the administrator and “dad” to all the children. Seeing the children gradually losing their shyness and having their photographs taken was something I’ll never forget, they all loved seeing themselves on the camera, and stuck to David like little bees round a honey pot - the wonders of digital photography!”

 

“Sunday morning worship was in the chapel on the site and was attended by all the staff and children. Our first impression of the Chapel was that it was rather sparse and bare, but this seemed insignificant once the service started. All the staff and children attended and it was a very uplifting and wonderful experience. The children took full part in leading the service, preaching and reading the bible. Praising God with their singing and dancing was the most exhilarating, uplifting and moving thing I have ever experienced. Seeing Napthali the day guard dancing and praising God in the Massai way is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

 

“Music is very important to them, a gift from God, and when we told them that St Matthews School in Ipswich had held a special day for them and had raised money for musical instruments such a shout of joy went up, they had been praying to God to provide some and he had answered their prayers. The service lasted for several hours; no one seemed in a hurry for the service to end.”

 

“There had been no rain in Kajiado for some time so everywhere was so parched and dry, and made me realise how precious water is and how fortunate we are in England. In the middle of the site a beautiful Bougainvillea bloomed so majestic and vibrant, bringing colour and life to the area where the children did their washing.”

 

“The Children’s Home, although basic by our standards, is a place rich in love, joy and laughter, and is very homely with the staff and children all caring for each other. Everyone there is so grateful and thankful to God and content with so little (giving us food for thought).”

 

“Would we go again? Yes Please.   Would we recommend others to visit?   Definitely! We still have more children who need sponsors so if anyone would like to be part of a young child’s life please come and see us.”

 

David and Marian Rushbrook can be contacted at -

Email: ukadmin@kajiadochildrenshome.com