oceans.

"We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop." -Mother Theresa

Yesterday we had a HUGE fundraiser that the staff of Teule has been planning for months! The kids ran a 15km relay to raise money for Teule and their education. I was the first aid person so I got to just ride in a car until the last 1 km, I ran with all the little kids! It was a good and long day, full of music, dancing, and of course food! During part of the ceremony, some of the past Teule kids came up and told how their lives had been changed because of this organization. They attended primary and secondary, and are now looking forward to college. It was a very cool and aspiring moment for myself and I think for the kids here at Teule now.
It is easy to look at this world and just be discouraged; pain, suffering, poverty, disease, hunger, abandonment, etc. It can feel as if what you are doing is just a drop in a vast ocean. I see Jon (the director), along with so many past and present staff members and volunteers of Teule and see they have made an impact in so many children in Kenya. Children that might have been left in the streets, been hungry, subjected to violence, or even worse an early death. These children not only have an education and a home, but they also know the love of Jesus through devotions and the staff that love them unconditionally. I look at Jon and see someone who has dedicated his life to a mission that seems impossible, but his faith and love for God and his children has made it possible. These kids are proud to be Teule kids, and I am proud to know them and be a part of this.

Games Day!

It was games day at the school yesterday for all the kids! I think about 7 other schools also participated in soccer and volleyball! It was such a good day, I was so so so proud of all my kids!! They played so well and even though they only won one game, they played fair and well. The other teams had kids that looked WAY to big/old to be in primary school (K-8). As I stayed the entire day, I had herds of other children following me and staring at me. It eventually was frustrating when I was trying to watch my kids play and they were staring at me....as I began to be angry God reminded me too focus on my kids. I realized that I have the best 50 kids in this entire town. They would come stand by me and cheer and also yell at the other kids to leave me alone! haha. But the Teule kids are different from those other kids, they all come from different backgrounds, different situations, hurt in different ways, yet they are all here and they love each other for who they are. I looked at my kids play and how they encouraged each other and had fun even in their loses. I realized that I have the best kids, the nicest, the smartest, and lastly the most good looking ones! haha some of those kids...they were rough. But I told them all that night after dinner how proud I was of them and how much I love them. Being far from all my family and friends can be hard but since I have been here they have accepted me into their family and made me feel welcome. Not once did they stare at me because I was white or tried to steal money from me. I felt so blessed and I told them they are the best second family I could ask for. Even as I sit here and write this I look out my office window and see my kids coming to eat lunch and I just feel at home. Each night as a I fall asleep, my prayers always start with "God, how am I supposed to just leave?" The last two months approach too quickly.

upendo (love)

There hasn't been power in the compound for about two weeks now so I am using another computer to update this blog! Other than the lack of electricity, life is pretty much the same (which is great!). I have been really busy updating files and doing school visits for the kids. I went over applications for the new social worker and I think we will be interviewing them soon! Along with doing social work type of stuff, I have been trying to reorganize and structure their sponsorship material for all the kids. Right now we have roughly 80 kids in entire program (50 live here at LTK and another 30 in high school around the areas such as Nairobi) and from that 80 we have maybe like 15 sponsored! I have been sponsoring a child from Compassion International since I was a junior in high school, Compassion has children all over the world and their structure is very clear and helpful for donors. So I am trying to model this system to be like that, more information on the child and program, a clear understanding of where the money is going, and most importantly what Teule does and how to write to your child here!!! So that will be a lot of work but my goal is to have WAY more kids sponsored than just 15. Sponsorship should be more than just a $40 check each month, your supporting someone's education that otherwise would be not possible! You are helping to give them a life that is away from abuse, the streets, or an early marriage. Whether you believe in God or not, it is our job as humans to help, to assist, to love, and to protect those who are weak, poor, or in need. Helping and loving someone does not have to mean picking up and moving to that place, its giving money, or a earnest prayer, or a little time in parts of your community that need it. It looks different for each person, but love should be the core of who we are.
With that all said, if you are interested in more information about Teule and sponsoring just email me:) I would be glad to let you know! emuether@gmail.com
blessings. -e

long live

I haven't wrote on this in awhile! ahhh sorry! okay so life here has been super busy and super awesome! The hospital stuff did not goes as smoothly as planned...Daudi and I went to the Kijabe Hospital and after two longggg days we had a 3 minute consultation with an orthopedic doctor that did not offer much information or help. So with that being said, we are going to another hospital in Nairobi within the next few weeks. I do not give up that easily. One of the matrons went with Geofrey to Kenyatta Hospital for the ear surgery, which also did not go as planned. The hospital here in LTK gave us the wrong date. So that is postponed until March 8th, but it is still happening!! And then Cynthia...got her glasses!! I will take a picture soon and post it! She is very excited about them and looks forward to being able to see in class! Right now, the entire compound is without electricity, so I am writing as fast as I can in order to save my computer's power! I am hoping by Sunday we have the power back on...because after church we are having a movie day and watching the Lion King and eating popcorn!! Life is so great here and I really feel blessed to be a part of this whole thing! One of my best friends Hanna told me before I came on this trip...that God doesn't have favorites but if he did its definitely children! That is something that has really stuck with me, because I think its kinda true! I feel so blessed and lucky to be able to spend time with these kids, hear their laughter, and help them in any means possible. These are some of God's favorite people and I get to be around them 24/7, its really a good reminder of how good our God is and how good life can be if we let it.