Helping Orphans When Others Can't


When we visited the orphanage the nuns explained how the current pandemic has affected their support system. Government aid is now albeit non-existent because of the reallocation of funds to address the public health crisis; the missionary organizations which have helped in the past have since returned to their countries of origin; and several of the overseas non-profit groups that have sustained them have apologetically discontinued support.
In addition to the gross shortage of financial / material support, the nuns are suffering because of their reduced workforce. Typically there are seminarians, consecrated brothers, and community volunteers who visit the orphanage on a regular basis to help with chores and facility maintenance. These volunteers also assist by facilitating enrichment activities, tutoring the kids, and providing infant care. Because of the nature of coronavirus and the kids' fragile immune systems, these volunteers are prohibited from entering the orphanage's compound, which leaves the nuns with a whole lot of work to do on their own. As if the reduced resources and increased workload isn't enough, keep in mind that the kids who normally attend school for 8+ hours each day are there at the orphanage all day, every day and have been since the schools here in Kenya closed in March. I'm sure you can imagine the challenges that this presents to the sweet nuns who selflessly continue to give all that they have for these kids who have nobody else to love and care for them.
Although we wish we could have done more to help ease their burden, we were at least able to buy a large supply of food. When one of the sisters saw what we had brought she said that our gift would sustain them for at least a month...
~ THANK YOU TEAM CARMODY ~
Following are photos of the orphanage compound so you can see what it looks like:
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Here is a picture of one of the dormitories. I love that there is a grotto out front for our Blessed Mother! |
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There is a large garden in the compound which provides them with fresh veggies (when things are ripe and ready of course): carrots, corn, beets, tomatoes, potatoes, maize, etc. |
To make sure that we got the biggest bang for our buck, we bought the food which we donated to the orphanage from a nearby open market. Following are some photos from our outing:
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Our pseudo-son, Isaac Dario, has always loved doing ministry with us. He was super thankful to be able to accompany us to the market to buy the food and other supplies for the kids. |
Even though Michael felt tired from a "hard day's work" he was excited to help the man pack all the food onto the top of our truck. |
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I'm SOOOO thankful that my kids have learned NOT to complain about being uncomfortable! Their eagerness to selflessly serve others is truly a gift from God! |
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What we couldn't buy at the open market we got at the local shopping center: diapers, balls, breakfast cereal, juice and other little treats. |
John Wooden is known for saying, "Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." Although it has been challenging to figure out how to preach the gospel and serve the poor during this awful crisis, we're finding little opportunities here and there. We thank God for providing us with such an amazing team which allows us to help those who are really suffering.
Thank you for your loving support,
Karen
We'd love to hear from you via email:
carmodyfamilyonmissions@gmail.com
If the Holy Spirit is nudging you to support us financially
so that we can continue serving those in need, please visit:
or call Family Missions Company at (337) 893 - 6111.
Thank you and may God bless you and your family!