A few words from two American volunteers:
"Happy Life Children's Home is a place like no other I have ever encountered. Though I have traveled to Africa and worked with abandoned children before, never have I seen a place so saturated with love. The moms here take care of these children as if they were their own and I can clearly see the love in their eyes as they interact with each different age group.
Most of my 29 days here so far, I have been working with the infants. Because of their eating schedule, they require A LOT of attention. I have particularly fallen in love with one of them. My first day here, Cathy and I bonded immediately. Though she at first seemed sullen, the minute I picked her up she began to laugh and snuggle. She is absolutely precious and I would take her home in a heartbeat if I could. The other babies have also wiggled their way into my heart as I've gotten to know their individual personalities. I know that leaving them in just a few weeks will be difficult.
Aside from working with the babies, the most unique thing about Happy Life is how the children love and teach each other. The older children constantly are playing with the younger ones... and teasing them occasionally... and you can see the love that they share is indeed that of siblings. It is as if they are all growing up with 60+ brothers and sisters. What a blessing!
For potential parents that may be reading this, I assure you: Happy Life is full of wonderful little ones in search of a home that could complete your family. Personally, I know that the time I have spent here will forever be remembered as a learning
experience about Kenya and a wonderful opportunity to love on these
beautiful children." -Madeline
"So by now you've read Madie's post and know a few things; we work with babies, we've been here 29 days, and we love these kids. All of these things are true, but the last one is the one I'm going to focus on. I worked with children back home through churches, various jobs, and volunteer work and I've come to learn that kids, whether here or there, bring happiness into the world. Kids are the joy of my day. They are examples of unconditional love and they do not care whether I look like I haven't brushed my hair in days, which is honestly, probably the case. They laugh, smile, and bring more happiness to me than I could ever bring to them. That being said, I can't help but wonder about the future of these kids that are so happy now? Being young myself (22 years), I'm blessed to have the support system I do found in my family and friends. What will these children have to lean on when they're 22? 20?18? Those ages seem far away, now, yes. Especially when they are so safe, and loved here. Happy Life Children's Home is, indeed, a happy place to live. Joy lives here. My hope when you're reading this is to get the impression that these children are happy, well-cared for, and loved at Happy Life. Because that impression is 100% true. My concern comes from wanting to know this remains the case throughout the entirety of their lives. And because of the age I'm at now, I'm prone to wonder about them when they turn these crucial transitioning ages that I find myself in.
My hope is that whoever is reading this understands that adopting a child is not a one time event, but one that you will live out every day for the rest of your life. It is an event that they, your child, will live out every day as well. Adoption means the chance for a child to always feel loved. To always feel secure. It is the chance to thrive.
Leaving these kids behind will be hard, being unsure of their futures. I'm praying that these little lights keep on shining beyond their time here. I'm incredibly thankful for children, worldwide, that continue to love us, and laugh with us and I cannot wait to pursue that journey with a child of my own."
