01/18/2013--Magena -The Sky is the Limit

Today we are off to Magena (elevation 4304 feet) to see John's home and visit with the boys.  

Entering Magena

John has expanded his home to include 8 boys in addition to his two children, Caroline and Hannah.  He started his ministry in 2004 helping the widows and orphans in Mai Maihu and giving the boys relegated to the streets of Mai Maihu an opportunity at an education.  He is building a new home on the property in hope of providing housing for visitors in the future. 




     New home under construction

 Fresh water from new well    

                                     

View from second floor of new house--John's current house on left and boy's house to the right. 

Hannah

Caroline

Hannah  

The Shamba--

    John, Anthony, Joseph, Elijah, Stephen, Rufus, Little John, Tiny John

Stephen, recently completed secondary school and is awaiting the results of the Kenyan national exam which will determine where he can go to college.  He is taking computer courses in the interim.  



Anthony is 19 years old with limited primary school opportunities prior to meeting John.  He chose to resume his education in grade 5 at 15 years of age.  He illustrates the importance of education in Kenya...willing to be the odd man out in a sea of children while he makes up for what he has missed.  He is a sophomore now in secondary school and has aspirations of being a preacher or a carpenter.  He is not immune to the sophomore slump and we hope expectantly for his graduation.

Elijah, is new to the group this last year, he is in Form 2 with Anthony.  He scored well on his primary school exit exam 271 points out of a possible 500.  This typically would accord him access to a better secondary school but John could not afford a boarding secondary school.  Elijah will continue with Anthony for this year and then look to transfer next year.  

Joseph, we first met three years ago.  We hiked Mt Longonot together and he flew down the hill faster than a cheetah.  He has continued to expand on his athleticism and academics.  He is an excellent front linesman in soccer and scored a 272 on the end of year exam.  With encouragement from John and a promised goal of enrollment in a boarding secondary school, Joseph did not disappoint!  He has hopes of becoming a doctor.  He was visiting his grandmother during our visit and there is no doubt she loves him but she is very aware she cannot afford to provide these educational opportunities. 

Joseph with Beth's sunglasses 2010

Little John was also on the hike up Mt. Longonot in 2010.  He is in 7th grade, the last of the boys in grade school.  Although still little he has thrived for the last three years and looks healthier and happier than ever.

                                              

Little John and Anthony

Tiny John is a new addition over the last three months.  John and the other boys heard a noise one night in the new house under construction.  Thinking it was an animal they ignored it the first night.  But the sound returned the next night and they went to investigate.  And found tiny John huddled under the recess of the staircase sleeping.  After much discussion John instructed the benign intruder to head home.  Two  nights later the boys heard noises again and found tiny John hiding again under the stairs.  Like a scene from Oliver Twist he begged to stay, "Please sir".  A disruptive family life caused this tiny little man to seek refuge with John, who finally relented and tiny John has joined the group.  He was dressed in sports coat and collared shirt two sizes to big when we met.  A very proper handshake, a very tiny young man...couldn't weight more than 50 pounds.  Very bright.  He just finished 8th grade also and felt he had done well in exams but his score returned under 200.  John has found him a good secondary school with plans to transfer in one year based on his scores.  Tiny John is a much treasured new brother.  

Rufus and big Joseph complete the ensemble.  Neither one had the opportunity to attend secondary school and both remind the other boys daily about the importance of their education.  They serve as surrogates for John in his absence insuring that the Shamba is cared for, the chores are done on time and the work is shared between all.  John hopes to enroll Rufus and Joseph in a technical trade school to help anchor their futures.  

It continues to amaze us how these boys from different families have forged their own family here with John.  They are brothers.  Their motto: "The Sky is the Limit!"