Hope Community Center

Another one of those incredible days. We leave by bus from the compound at which we are staying by @ 8:30 We make a stop along the way to get a spectacular view of the Rift Valley. Although there is some fog we get an idea of the vastness of this natural phenomena that is what Africa is famous for. After some very bumpy roads we arrive @ Hope community centre. Although this centre in itself is amazing it is it's founder and Directorthat captures our attention. Lucy started taking in orphan children app. 14 years ago. Today she is mother to approx 100 boys and 70 girls, aging from new borns to high school age. We listen with fascination as she tells her life story, explains her philosophy behind how she runs her home and allows us to interact with her family. Her absolute dependence on God is central to her story and the key to her existence. As we tour the facilities we realize some of the logistics of running a home of this size - it now is on a site that includes 18 acres of land and many buildings,some of them still under construction. What also becomes very apparent is that she has been able to transfer her vision to others - some obviously with deep pockets. A chapel service that includes hearty clapping and singing, a number of prayers, and brief speeches are the conclusion to a very emotional and encouraging tour. We are about to leave but first we enjoy watching the kids line up for chocolate popcorn that Martha Ratzlaff and Marianne have prepared and brought along for all the kids. We leave with mixed emotions, happy for the kids, sad that so many children have to grow up not knowing who their parents are. Back in Nairobi by 4:30 for afternoon tea @ the guest house. By Bob