Baby Benaih - "God builds"

Its hard to beleive that a mother would do this to her own son but it has happened!!!  Benaih was born on Wednesday 11th in the morning.  Instead of his mother appreciating this great gift, she tried to strangle and kill him but God watched over this angel.  She then put him in the garbage plastic bag,  put some garbage on top and put it outside the flat where she resides since it was a garbage collection day!! But GOD had a bigger, better plan.  One of the garbage collectors as he threw the garbage in the lorry heard the baby crying in one of the bags and dropped it in fear.  He called his colleagues and they gathered courage and removed the child from the littered bag. 

 The nurse cleaning Beniah's wounds. His mother attempted to kill him.

At this point, people started gathering to see what was happening.  This happened a few blocks from Happylife home and  a group of people ran towards Happylife asking for help.  It was early in the morning and the night shift caregivers were feeding the babies but they had to rush and rescue this precious boy.  To their amazement, the boy was still joint with the placenta and the cord was not yet tied.  A certain woman came with a string, tied the cord but did not cut the Placenta. They then rushed the boy to the hospital where the cord was cut and he was checked and given some antibiotics.  The question still ringers in my mind, why did she( the mother )do it?  The mother was later arrested and I happened to meet her at the police station and all I wanted to know was, why would she do such a beastly act?  but she said nothing!!!! Argggrrr!! However, Benaih is safe HL and we are all praying that he will be well soon.

He could afford some peaceful sleep now

The name Beniah means - God builds.  God protected him and He will watch over him to fulfill His purposes through him.  He is responding very well.

Rosemary

Onesmus, Elisha and Gift joins the HL Family

6 months old Onesmus

One month old Elisha

 

2 days old Gift

These three boys were admitted in the same week.  Onesmus was abandoned by the mother, leaving him with a woman pretending to attend the call of nature.  She then ran away leaving him in the care of the Good Samaritan.  Elisha was left by his mother in a house on 28/8/2013 in a certain family but they knew the mother quite well.  Since then, she has not gone back and her whereabouts are not known.  Gift was left at the hospital immediately after birth.

Rosemary

A Volunteer's Perspective

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."

Happylife Christian School

 The new block of classrooms has started.  At the moment, will be using the small class plus the multipurpose hall.  However, the need to have these classes ready is great, plus the need to start building the third house since we have 13 other children who should be joining school in January! God has continually provided!! He gave this big vision.  We did not think this number of the children would rise so fast.  Thanks to all the friends and partners of HL who have continued to support this great vision! "

 The classrooms block in progress

Getting ready to occupy the second house at Juja farm House!!

We have about 17 children who will be getting into the new house at Juja farm coming Monday and join school immediately!! Huh!! Exciting and tasking as well!, a total of  35 children at Juja farm; all attending school.  What a week it has been!!, getting everything into place, buying stuff, and the for the exodus of the next 17 children to Juja is set.  These children cant wait!!

   Happylife van loaded up with stuff for the new Juja farm house,  ready to take off.  Mattresses, clothes, cooker, fridge etc. 


 Rosemary

Happy Life Juja farm Center

The eighteen children at Juja farm have been using this class to learn.  We are so excited for this progress.  I have seen a remarkable change! 

 Leon doing his studies

 

  Juja farm home- children enjoy playing

 Vivian visiting HL Juja farm and playing with the children

 These children are not just very happy in their new home at Juja farm, but they can now learn and play in a larger field.  They love it!!

Rosemary Kamau