Yesterday I returned to the orphanage to see all the kids again. I was greeted immediately by at least 5 kids jumping on me. It was nice to see that none of them have forgotten me yet. Given that I have not taken any new pictures lately, I have posted some older ones that you have not seen yet. These should give you something to look at in the meantime while I try and get some fresh ones of things you havent seen.
One of the main reasons I am posting today is because I wanted to share with you a letter that I received from one of the children. His name is Peter, and he is 10 years old. I am sorry that I cannot provide a picture at the moment, I will make sure to get one next time I return. Here is what it says word for word:
Cover-"Kiss before you open it"
Inside-"Dear Kevin, How are you? How do you feel when your here with us? Please tell us how you feel. The aim of me writing this letter is to inform you that were very happy with you we feel loved and we feel like you are our brother. May God continue giving you knowledge and wisdom in your learning. We pray for you every now and then just because we love you. May God help you and get work and help you not forget us when you go home or anywhere. May God make your way back home to be just soundly and nothing happens to you. We hope that when you go back to your country your going to tell your relatives about us and how you enjoyed here. Bye thanks for your love and care that you have shown us. Bye have a nice day and goodnight. From Peter"
Reading this letter reassures me that I have touched the lives of these children. They dont ask for much and appreciate the littlest of things. He is a brilliant kid. In school, he is constantly getting in trouble, not because he is a bad student, but because he is too smart for everyone. He is constantly playing jokes while still succeeding in school. I have never met a 10-year old that uses words like "inform", especially when it is not their first language. This kid really deserves a good future. It is sad to think that such a gifted child has such a small opportunity to succeed. He deserves nothing but the best.
It is going to be nearly impossible to leave these kids behind in 3 weeks. I dont want them to just be a memory. Sponsoring a child is one thing, but I want to be able to hear from them and know how they are doing. It will be difficult, but there has to be a way.
Well I better get going. I think the internet cafe is about to close. I saw another cesarean section today. It seems like they are quite popular. I did not scrub in completely, since I showed up late, but I will soon.
I am glad I could share his letter with all of you. I hope it has touched you as much as it has touched me.
Dear Kevin, Grandma and I were touched by Peter's letter to you. It's difficult to comprehend such thinking coming from a 10 year old. You obviously have truely touched the lives of the children and you will never be forgotten
ReplyDeleteCountries around the world, especially third world countries such as Kenya have gems like Peter waiting to be mined. Like any jewel, the stone needs to be polished to bring out its hidden beauty.
When you come home we want to talk to you at length for as much time as you can afford before returning to Univ. of IL.
Love,
Grandma and Grandpa P
Wow. I am truly amazed at how well Peter's letter was written. He is only 10 years old, living in a country that does not have the education system like the states, and is writing in a secondary language. That is Amazing!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Scott. Truely amazing! I wish that Dad and I could sponsor every child over there! Each one touches your heart in so many ways. I don't know how you will be able to leave in 3 weeks.
ReplyDeleteLove, Mom
What a beautiful letter. Anxious to see a picture of Peter. You will certainly be sad to leave them all but your heart will carry them with you always, as they will carry you in theirs.Footprints in your heart are NEVER erased.
ReplyDeleteOver the fence Mary
Kevin,Peter's letter to you was written so nicely,(unbelievable)
ReplyDeleteI am sure it brought tears to your eye's when you first reat it. I know it did to me.
Yes, we would love to see a picture of Peter.
All the children must love you very much. I am sure they were happy to see you this past weekend.
Stay safe,
Love, Grandma & Grandpa
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ReplyDelete“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~ Maya Angelou
ReplyDeleteContinued prayers from us. The Short Family
That quote is wonderful. Thank you for that!
ReplyDeleteSorry I am not posting today, I planned on it, but then some last minute plans came up. Today I was in theater for an ectopic pregnancy, where the fetus was only 7 weeks, and a hemroid repair. The details will not be explained, given that they were not very pleasant. Oh well, it was still something new to see.
Hopefully I can get some new pictures. Sorry it has been so long. I need to figure out what to take a picture of at the hospital.
I went tot eh cinema last night...made me feel like I was at home again. It is completely out of place here.
Kevin, take a picture of the outside of the hospital and a hallway inside the hospital. No pictures of patients, please. Also post some more pictures of the children and Peter. That always makes us smile!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sparing us the details of the operations.
Love you, Mom