Very good news to report!!!
Finally we signed the contract for a new home for the orphanage.They have outgrown the current home with only three bedrooms for the 25 children. We found a really nice home with two parts, one for the girls and one for the boys. It is better then what I could have imagined for the children. Six bedrooms, that is amazing! There is even a extra room for a second "housemother" which is very much needed as well a "good size African kitchen" and a room for the children to do their homework. God has provided abundantly! We had enough funds to pay the rent for the year and money for some additional beds, shoe racks, tables and the moving expenses. The kids and of course Mama Margret are very excited to move this coming weekend. God has shown Himself as faithful Father who provides. I wish you could have been here to see the happy faces of the children. Just amazing. See the attached pictures of the home.

Jambo
Today I am going back to Nairobi. The time here in Diani Beach was very rich. On Saturday there was another workshop which I enjoyed so much. Yesterday the church fellowship was filled with many mixed emotions. Saying good bye to my friends here was hard.

In the morning I went for a early walk on the beach to see the sun rise and in the evening the moon. You can get a glimpse how beautiful Kenya is.

Jambo
Almost every day Anjela and BJ, the children of Dennis and Allison, are haging out with me to listen to the song of the Lion King movie, "Hakuna Matata". We know all the words and moves of it now and have a great time acting them out. BJ tells me that my name is" Maria Allewelt Omondi!"

Jambo

Today we had the woman's seminar. How sweet it is to connect with "old" friends and make new friends. The seminar was well attended, interacting with the women was great fun.

I hope I can find out how to upload a video from the singing, listen and enjoy it. During the seminar I forgot to have someone taking pictures, so here are some snap shots from hanging out after the seminar. It is good to be back in Diani Beach!

 

Jambo from hot and humid Kenya. The rain that fell last night and early this morning made the day sweltering. If possible at all you stay near a fan, at least you try it!

My days are filled with visiting friends. It is so good to connect and catch up with them. To hear how God has worked in their lives Today I went to see three friends and heard some incredible stories of how good and faithful our Father in heaven is. Here are some  picture of Cathrine, one of my friends I visited. It will give you a glimpse into her life.

Jambo Friends!

I made my way to Diani Beach, the place where Gil and I lived. The plan was rather small, even I couldn't stand up in it!

Here I visit many friends. Our Pastor Dennis and his family are graciously hosting me. To connect with many friends at church was a great joy for me today. To worship with my Kenyan friends gives me a little taste of heaven.
On Saturday the church hosts a Women's Seminar were I will speak about the "Father's love".

Jacintha is one of my best friends here in Kenya. I am looking forward to connecting with her and James her husband this week to spend some time with them.


After church the Omondi's and I went out for lunch. As Allison and I were finishing up our coffee a monkey jumped on the table and stole the sugar bowl form us. Africa holds surprises in the most mundane things in life.

 

I "graduated" from Mama Maria to"Grandma",  BJ calls me that affectionately!

BIG Day today for 10 children of the Makimei Orphanage! Their first day in school!!! Its impossible to describe the beaming faces when they heard that they are allowed to go to school! Filled with pride and joy they showed me the new school uniform. Josef,, snuggled up to me and whispered “thank you and bless you for it”. He is 11 years old and never went a day to school. He was overjoyed. The excitement in the house yesterday reminded me on Christmas Eve. Amazing! The generous gift of several friends and neighbors made it possible to send all eligible children for one year to school. The school principle extends her thanks to all the donors who made it possible, not only do you make a difference in the lives of 10 children but also of all the other children in the school.

 I went to school early in the morning to be part of the first day of the children classes and to take some pictures. Now everybody refers to me as “Mama Maria” and all the children are “unofficially”mine! It was a wonderful day, with much reason to praise God for His kind provision. Thank you all who gave so generously! Maria

 Josef is to my left, Abraham right in front of me and Martin on the right.

Signing the enrollment paper and school agreement for the next school year.