Day 2 - WELCOME DAY!

Today we got to visit the school!

Upon arrival, the team met with Anne to go over the program, our team's involvement with the event, and how the cake was to be cut and handed out. From left to right: Caryn, Joy, Joel, Arlene, Julie, Raelyn, and Nick's knee (sorry Nick 😃) As you can see from our faces, and the knee, we were thrilled to be able to attend this graduation! The students had worked so hard to this point in their education.

The entire school welcome us with cheers, confetti and of course a cultural dance. We felt so loved and welcomed as we got to see the kids again. Many of them remembered some of our returning team members names. It is such a blessing to be able to be a part this organization that builds long lasting community and relationships within Huruma. 

After our welcome, the team was asked to go to each class and visit with the students. So we split up and each went to a room and as soon as we would go into the classroom the students would stand and say, "Welcome to Grade ??" It was special to be greeted this way and some of us just "had" to give hugs and kisses to them all. 

The kids adore taking photos. They also loved seeing old photos of themselves taken from precious trips. The long term relationships that our teams cultivate with these kids make a tremendous impact on their lives and futures. 

Some of you have been wanting to go but just haven't made the leap, how can you not want to come and visit these future leaders of Kenya!

After everyone had visited the classrooms, a couple of the team members unpacked two of the suitcases that were brought that were filled with crayons, pencils, construction paper, scissors, books, coloring books, etc. It felt good to fill their cabinet with all the things that were brought. This will make a great start to their next school year! Thank you supporters!

The Grade 6 students enjoying a photoshoot. 

Here is our teammate Raelyn loving on the kids and enjoying some special time with the Grade 6. We are looking forward to spending some quality time with them next week as we take them to the amusement park for one of  their graduation gifts. We are so sad they will be leaving us. Please be praying for them as they go to Junior school next year. 

Here Julie is helping clean the dishes with the cook Rose. The food they prepared for our lunch was amazing and always so willing to help in any way they can. 

One thing you might not know about Julie is, she remembers the students and parents names. She walked up to several students and when she said their names their mouths went open and they beamed. This is a gift from God and Julie  demonstrates a commitment to personal connections. Not all of us are gifted in this way.

Continue to pray for us as we go to the school and participate in the graduation and Christmas carol performances over the next few days.

Day 2 was more than we thought it would be. Seeing the little ones so shy and wide-eyed made your heart melt. Don't you want to be a part of an upcoming team? Talk with Suzan.