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VBS Day 3 - A Visit from a Special Visitor, Grade 6 Outing 

& Hard Goodbyes

Each morning this week after we arrive as we wait for Matteo to come, the teachers will turn on some music and kids who want to, come up front and dance. It's delightful to see them enjoy the children's songs and bring them to life through dance.  Here's some snippets of the fun!

As with the previous VBS days, students participated in an activity, a craft, and a treat. The activity for the younger kids was a balloon stomp. This is where you blow up balloons and attach them to each students ankle. The rules were explained as follows. The object is to keep your own balloon safe while trying to pop others balloons. As soon as we said go ...... C H A O S! Fun chaos but chaos none the less. If a students balloon was popped, they went into revenge mode and stomped as many as balloons as they could. It was hysterical!

The snack for today was Rice Krispy treats, the crafts for the younger students was beading and the activity was tic-tac-toe. These 50 boards were sewn by Suzan Bellis. These will be kept by the school to play in down times. All the students thoroughly enjoyed beading bracelets and necklaces. They were excited to show off their creations. Even the pre-primary kids did well!

One of the main events for today was the car races. Joel worked with some local men to build a track to race the cars they had painted and created. This was the day to see who would be the overall winner. LET THE RACES BEGIN!

The highlight of the day was a special visit from Old Saint Nick (Joel). We picked up a Santa Suit at a local dollar store ($8) which wasn't the best but it was a big hit with all the kids.The night before the team worked hard to fill 155 red bags to give to the students as Christmas gifts. Thanks to all those who donated items, money, and beanie babies. Yes, we had someone donate 150 beanie babies to give to all the kids. We added apples, candies, plastic rings, chap stick, paper airplanes, socks, suckers, juice boxes, and balloons. Thank you to Caryn Rowland who found deals and purchased much of these items herself. See all the happy faces below!

The day that all grade 6 was looking forward to had arrived. After the epic morning at VBS, the grade 6 got to go to the amusement park to have their graduation surprise. Oh what fun they all had, laughing and sometimes crying in fear. Only a few were too afraid to ride all the rides. The teachers and team members were a lot less excited about the spinning machines and chose to watch instead of riding. The day ended with sausages, chips and Fanta for the students, who licked their plates clean. A day to remember!

It was here where we said our final goodbyes to the grade 6 students and teachers who accompanied them on this trip. Eyes blinked back tears, hugs were held longer than usual, and we all prayed that God would keep these kids in His care. Some have hopes of going to boarding schools where they can get a better education than the public schools that have 75+ students per class. We ask you to pray for them as well!

Thank you all for following along on the blog. We hope you caught a glimpse of what the team does when they visit Huruma HOPE School. God has truly blessed this team as they loved on the students and staff. If you would like to be a part of the next team please contact Suzan Bellis at 541-791-8061 or suzanbellis@gmail.com

VBS Day 2 - Miriam & Moses

Hippos, Alligators, and Paint ..... Oh My!

Today started off with music led by Teacher Mateo!  The kids absolutely love him!  Everyone was singing and dancing to all the moves.  With the humid Kenyan weather and all of us in one room, we were very hot and sweaty…but it was a blast!

After the singing, we broke up in to the rotation portion of VBS.  The “Ps” and the Grades 1-3 went upstairs to have a snack of bread, Nutella, bananas, and raisins.  All of the ingredients were made into a face and then devoured!

Grades 4-6 remained downstairs to finish painting their cars and putting the wheels on.  Then they had their snack.  These kids are so creative!

These past two days when we leave the school, around 2p.m., we head back to the lodge and get to work on planning for the next day. Putting bags together with the crafts, activities, and treats. Plus we must rehearse for the play then have dinner and end the evening with one of the team members giving the testimony/God story and sharing their favorite devotion from our team book, "Before You Go" by Jack Hempfling.  We have shared our most intimate/vulnerable life stories with one another. We have grown as a team these past two weeks and I must say, our eyes have leaked a little and we can honestly say we love one another and will be available for one another if needed. We are thankful to God for His grace and mercy and the strength He gives us each day.  

VBS Day 1 - David and Goliath

Oh what fun it is to slide .... to the school!

Our first day of VBS has arrived! The team, teachers and the kids were so excited to be back together after the long weekend. It was a busy but fulfilling day. 

We woke up to rain showers which meant we had to whip out the muck boots to be able to walk through the slum. Our local friend Peter bought them for us beforehand so we didn’t have to pack them in our bags. Our hero! The dirt here becomes very sticky and clay like when it gets wet. That doesn’t phase the kiddos though. 

Once we arrived, we started the day with some singing & dancing led by the incredible dance teacher, Matteo! It was such a blast seeing the kids faces light up and dancing along with them. 

We then split the kids up by age group and got to work on their activities, crafts, and snacks! 

Joel prepared an awesome activity for the 4th-6th grade kids. Over the course of each VBS day, the students will build and paint their own wooden race car. Throughout this activity, Joel taught and emphasized the importance of trade work and working with your hands. As a carpenter himself, leading the kids in this activity meant a lot to him. It was so wonderful seeing the kids excitement while building and personalizing their cars. Even the teachers joined in on the fun! Day 1’s task was painting them. 

Caryn led the crafts for the little kids (P1-2 and grades 1-3).  They painted bandanas and they were so excited they didn’t take them off all day! 

And Arlene led the activity for the little kids, which consisted of bingo for the first day! Each bingo winner got a sucker as their prize. 

Joy & Raelyn were in charge of the snacks. Joy made a giant batch of blue icing which we used to decorate cookies and make the ocean! The blue icing, with the goldfish and crushed cookie “sand” was a big hit. The icing was very sweet for them, they aren’t used to eating as much sugar as us. 

Sunday at Ridgeways Baptist Church - Lets Worship Kenyan Style

Sunday morning we walked half a mile to Ridgeways Baptist Church for the 10:00 a.m. service. Joy read the info on the website wrong and the first service was from 8:30-10:00 and the second service was from 11:00 -12:30. So, we all walked back to the lodge and waited for another 45 minutes and headed back out. Thanks Joy! At least we got our 2 mile walk in! 👣 👣

After church, we were invited to Peter Wanjiru's home for an early dinner. Peter has been a part of Huruma HOPE since it's inception as he was a teacher at the school when the very first team came to visit in 2005. He now supports our ministry by helping to transfer money from the Kenyan bank to our bank there. He also is the liaison for those scholarship students who we still support after graduating grade 6. We appreciate him and his love for Huruma HOPE School.

His wife, Dorcus, prepared a lovely meal for us of rice with beans, cabbage, stew, and chapati, which is a tortilla like staple in Kenya. We gobbled up it all up with delight, some had seconds. No judgement! 

Arlene had stopped by the store to pick up some cakes and ice cream for dessert. It was a great time and we hated to leave but the family had a busy day coming up on Monday as Dorcus has nursing school and the children were going up country to visit with family .

Day 4 - Oh What Fun ....... Christmas Carols Day!

As we enter the school, we can hear Christmas carols in the background and the chatter of little voices that are excited for the day.

This is always fun for the team as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. We are guided into the hall which is decorated beautifully in red and green with a Christmas tree and lights. The students are crammed into the “hall”, two classrooms that open up to make the hall. The team sits at the front behind tables with green and red checkered cloths.

Just a glimpse of a portion of what each class presented to us. We were smiling from ear to ear as we watched and listened to them. Don't you wish you were here with us.

More to come soon!

Day 3 - Graduation, Cuteness Overload, and the Realization of a Supporter's Dream

Sorry for the delay in blogging, our WiFi situation hasn't been great.  We have limited  internet access. Asante (Thank you in Kiswahili)

Today was the big day for Pre-Primary 2 and Grade 6 classes. It was graduation day! The teachers had decorated the school with blue and white balloons, blue and yellow banners, and ribbons galore. The schooke amazing and the students were buzzing with excitement.

The Grade 6 class wore flower leis and sashes that said HOPE. They wore them with pride, representing the driving force of their school ..... HOPE! They had received the best education, and now they were moving on to Junior School. The students recited an extremely impactful poem to begin the ceremony.

We were treated to traditional song and dance by multiple students. The boy on the left played his drum with the biggest smile on his face all the time. The students wore skirts, had cloth tied like shirts, and they were painted head to toe with white paint. This part of the presentation was very impressive, and it was our great pleasure to witness this part of their Kikuyu culture.

Just a glimpse of the sights and sounds of Kikuyu song and dance.

After the ceremony, we were able to mix and mingle with the parents and students. Everyone was so happy!

This is Joel and a former student of Huruma HOPE, Esther.  Joel and his wife, Heather, have supported her for many years. She came to the graduation today and we were all in awe of the beautiful young woman she has become. She is now attending college and is doing well. Joel brought her a gift of a phone which she is quite happy to receive. These are tears of joy as seen by her smile. Joel and Heather love her so much and Esther loves them. This all started because Joel and Heather answered the call to GO! This is the reason we go, to give hope and build relationships!

Would you like to GO?! Ask how you can be involved by contacting Suzan Bellis at 541-971-8061

Day 2 - WELCOME DAY! Today we got to visit the school!

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. 

Day 1 in Kenya - Climatizing, Unpacking, Regrouping!

We had asked Heart Lodge to hold off breakfast for us until 10:30, hoping we could sleep some since we didn't get in until about 3:45a.m.  and didn't get to bed until 4:30 or later. Even though we didn't sleep well, we were so thankful to God for beds and breakfast we were served was a feast.

After breakfast, we got to work unpacking 14 bags, all close to 50lbs, over 600lbs of items for the school. Thank you to everyone who gave items or sent cash for this trip. The kids will be overjoyed with all the things we brought.

We went to the Village Market to meet our friend Peter to get our phone and to exchange some money.  These are some of the pictures from there. Thanks for reading!

Tears, Taxes, and Taxi's

2023 TEAM BLOG

Team Blog - Last Day - Spinning, Laughter, Tears

This is the day all the Grade 6 students have been waiting for….a day at the Two Rivers Amusement Park.  This is their prize for graduating and working hard for 8 years.  Thank you to all the sponsors who paid for this special day.  Wish you could have been here with them and see them with unending smiles and laughter.  None had ever been to this amusement park or ever hoped to be able to come.

From the HOPE Huruma School they all walked up the road to an awaiting bus to take them to the park.  Anne kept it as a surprise up until yesterday so they were beside themselves with excitement.  They came in their sport uniforms so they could run and just have fun.  They were accompanied by Grade 6 Teacher Samson, Grade 5 Teacher Peter, Assistant Teacher Tomas and Anne.

Once inside the park we were all greeted by a guide who took them to the largest Ferris Wheel in Africa (at least that is what we are told).  Some of them including Arlene weren’t quite sure that was something they wanted to even try, but with the coaxing of the other students everyone took their chances.  I jumped on with 3 of the BIG boys who were the leaders and even decided to stand on the second time around.  I had to laugh though when we got off and one of those brave boys bowed his head and said “Thank God!”  I love those boys.

Then it was off to the Flying Dragon ride that spun them around and up and down and I just watched because there is no way my stomach can handle any spinning.  Then there was The Zipper  you could hear their screams across the park as they free fell from the top.  Once stopped I thought the ride was a little short only to find out one of our girls, Tabitha, was crying hysterically and they had to stop the ride.  She decided to skip the next ride that was called the Flying Spider and was another spinner and we were all glad because I was sure she was going to be traumatized for life.  Thankfully, the next ride was a nice slow ride on the Water log.  You knew things were going to get a little wet when they had everyone put on rain slickers.  Once you saw the first log roll down the slide you knew why they had the rain slickers as everyone inside and around them got wet.  They were a little disappointed they couldn’t go into the bouncy house so they let them ride all the other rides again.

We were so blessed because even though we did not encounter rain, the big black clouds were threatening us the whole time.  To end our time there everyone had lunch with the kids having 2 sausages, chips (that’s French fries to you Americans) and a Fanta soda.  The teachers and us got some very dry fried chicken, chips and soda.  We laughed because those threatening clouds broke loose into a tropical downpour while we were undercover having lunch.

As we stepped into the school compound we were surprised by a large hole in the middle of the cement and a tree sitting in the middle of the hole.  Anne and Chairman David had decided that the courtyard needed a tree for much needed shade for the hot months plus Nov. 12 was Holy Tree Planting Day.  Kenya is very aware of their environment and do all they can to encourage conservation of their resources.  The hope is that the tree will grow high enough in the next few years to shade the entire courtyard.  The tree is called an Umbrella tree, but it looks like a household Ficus tree.  We took a picture of the little PP1 students standing around the tree with hopes that by the time the they are in Grade 6 the tree has grown to totally shade the courtyard.  That picture will be fun to see.

Mateo was joined by another young man from Karura named Joel,  The singing and dancing was as intense as it has been for the last two days and we are actually getting to know the steps, but still can’t keep up with all the moves.

We dismissed each group to their classes and that’s when I realized perhaps we had been a bit over zealous in what we thought we could accomplish with our craft.  Giving them each a small cloth tote to paint was the easy part, but it dawned on us that to make 145 butter and jam sandwiches for each child was totally insane.  At first we thought the Grade 6 kids could help with making the sandwiches for the PP1 and PP2 class but that proved to be a slow process as most of those kids have never made a sandwich before.  So much for our “Happy Meal” idea.  Jadyn and Suzan went to work buttering bread and slapping on jam in assembly line and passing them off to Arlene to deliver to the classes.  While all that was going on we had Mateo and Joel running from class to class handing out juice boxes, Rice Krispie squares, lollipops and “Prize” for each “Happy Meal”.  Needless to say all the students ending up going to lunch an hour late.  I may never get the butter and jam out of my pants.

As we got ready to leave all the kids lined up by class in the courtyard to say goodbye.  That’s when the hugs and tears started. Those kids grab hold of you and hug you and tell you they love you and don’t want to let go.  And you don’t want to let go of them.  Arlene and I have watched the Grade 6 kids grow from Baby Class over the past 8 years.  You just can’t let go because they are a part of you.  Our prayer is that they will continue to grow not only in stature and education but in their relationship with God.  We may have planted a seed 8 years ago, but God has watered and nurtured them to this day and will continue in the years to come.  

Team Blog - VBS Day 2

These little ones just continue to blow us away.  Tomorrow I am going to record them all opening the program with reciting the Lord’s Prayer including the little Pre-Primary 1 class.  They memorize verses with ease and sing and dance with all their being. 

Our song leader Mateo has them on their feet singing and dancing for almost 20 minutes straight and they would continue if Mateo wasn’t totally exhausted with all the singing, clapping, jumping and dancing.

The kids absolutely love him.  He and another young man come every Friday to do Bible Stories and songs with the kids.

After being dismissed to their classes they were anxious to memorize their verse so they could earn their 2nd charm for their bracelets.  Their craft was to paint a picture on the back of a potholder that Suzan had made for each of them (150 in all).  Front side with bright fabric and back was white fabric for them to use paint pens.  All the rooms were quiet as they concentrated on their drawings.  We told them that the potholders were for their mothers, grandmothers or anyone in their family.  They were painting masterpieces and so happy that they were actually making something to give for Christmas.

The kids were just sitting on the edge of their seats as Jadyn gave the Bible Story today.  Her talk was based on I Thess. 5:17 & 18, “Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”.  She illustrated the need for prayer with a flashlight that needs batteries, a plant that needs water and sunshine to grow and a candle that needs oxygen to burn.

After lunch we left the school and were invited to visit the Regis Academy.  This is the private school that has invited our older kids to come and learn to swim.  Upon visiting we found out that the school now hopes to invite students in 2024 to come and take part in art, drama and music classes.  This is huge for our kids who would not have this opportunity without this invitation.  The campus was equal to any you would see in the States, but not attainable for our Huruma kids. We are thankful for the Head Teacher’s desire to open their doors for our kids to attend special classes.  Also, we found out that our Sally and Tabitha have been invited to join their girl’s soccer team for a special soccer tournament in December - Go Sally and Tabitha!

Jadyn’s observation on the people of Kenya - "The people are more willing to help and give with what they have.  They are so kind along with being very warm and welcoming and eager to know us."

Team Blog - VBS Day 1 

It started with a downpour and changing into boots to make it up the path to the school with all our supplies.  We had to get some of the older boys to help us carry our bags up the sloshy path to the school.  

The kids were already waiting for us even though we had arrived a half hour early to set-up.  It makes no difference, rain or shine they are going to be there.  Anne had them all in the 1st floor main meeting room that is actually the Grade 1 and 2 classrooms that has a large dividing door between them.  

A young man from Karura Community Chapel was there to help us with the opening singing because between Arlene, Jadyn and I there isn’t a song leader between us.  He was great and got the kids singing and dancing and by the time 20 minutes was up all of us had sweat pouring down our faces and searching for water.  You get a real workout singing in Kenya.  

Arlene was the story teller for today and she told the students about God’s greatest gift of Jesus and the love that He has for us that is overflowing and how He is always with us in every situation of our lives.  She demonstrated it by doing an object lesson of pouring vinegar into a jar that already had baking soda in it and it foamed up and bubbled over the side of the jar into a pan.  You could hear a pin drop as she did the demonstration.

We divided the kids into their classes and had Jadyn take the PP1 and PP2 students, Arlene took the Grade 1-3 kids and Suzan had the Grade 4-6 students with the teachers all assisting.  When they got to their classes their teacher taught them the day’s memory verse Romans 5:5.  These kids have no problem learning verses.  When we came into their classes they would each recite their verse and then pick out a bracelet and then add a charm to it.  They will get a different charm each day and then take their bracelets home on Wednesday.  After finishing up doing their memory verse we gave them each a wood ornament to glue on a picture of themselves and then draw a Christmas picture on the back with the Crayon pencils.  These kids are crazy about drawing and doing art and some of the ornaments had some amazing drawings.  They were so excited with the exception of two little PP1 kids that we somehow missed getting their pictures and they were not happy about it.  As always you have to be flexible and we figured we had taken pics of each of them last week and will print out the two pictures once we can find a printer.  We waited out another downpour before we left waking down the path that was now turning into a river.

We’re always exhausted at the end of our but the kids are always so appreciative of any little thing we do with them and we feel humbled by their constant hugs and yelling our names.

Team Blog - Day 5 - Christmas Carols in November

After all the classes finished their presentations came the much awaited Nativity skit.  It began with Mary being visited by an angel announcing she would be the mother of the Messiah.  The angel then visited Joseph to tell him he was to take Mary as his wife and go to Bethlehem.  We had to laugh as they disappeared behind a curtain as Mary cried out and then what was a baby crying.  The curtain opened and there was Mary holding the baby (doll).  You haven’t seen real Christmas sheep till you see three boys crawl in wrapped in rice sacks and baaing while the shepherds dressed in Kikoy cloths chase after them and then skip out shouting “the Messiah is born” leaving the sheep behind.  During all this commotion a boy tried to come in unnoticed so that he can pull a string and have the “Star” lead the 3 wiseman to see Jesus carrying baskets of lollipops.  I can honestly say that was the Best Christmas Skit Ever!!!  There was just one thing that had Arlene, Jadyn and I concerned that didn’t seem to concern anyone else.  It was when in the beginning two teachers moved the table with the manager forward and then put straw down on the floor and then LIT TWO CANDLES NEXT TO THE STRAW!  Through the whole skit I had my water bottle ready to throw on the flames when one of those sheep knocked over a candle and Arlene and Jadyn were ready with the tablecloth to run forward and smother the flames.  Thankfully, God takes care of these things and we made it through although the candle was knocked over but was grabbed up quickly.  

After the skit Peter Wakori presented awards to outstanding students from each grade for “Well Groomed”, “Good in Spoken English”, Most Punctual”, Most Disciplined”, Class Representatives and Student Leaders.  The award was one of the lollipops front he Wisemen’s baskets.  Would our kids be satisfied with a lollipop?  Or even think being punctual was a big deal?

One last activity was cutting the Christmas cake and celebrating the November and December Birthday kids.  Anne makes these huge cakes and everyone gets a piece.  Cutting the cake is a challenge in itself because you just can’t cut it fast enough for them.  All those balloons were taken down and each kid got a balloon to take home after lunch.  It was mass pandemonium in the courtyard with kids and balloons.

Finally we were able to meet with the Grade 7 students (last year’s Grade 6 kids) to have lunch with them and talk about how school has been going for them.  There are big concern that they are two Grade 7 classes with 77 and 78 students in each class.  We are in search of some alternative schools for them other than the local government school which is extremely overcrowded.  Pray that God can reveal some better affordable options for them.

Wishing you an early Merry Christmas and may your Christmas lights shine safely away from any straw.

Team Blog - Day 4 

"I'm Kinder, I'm Stronger, I'm on My Way!"

Team Blog - Day Three - Tour MOHI & Meet Teachers

Team Blog - Day Two - First Day at School

THE STORY

OF HURUMA HOPE

Since 2005 small teams have traveled yearly to serve the little HOPE Huruma School in the Mji wa Huruma slum. As each group arrived in Huruma they have been struck by the level of impoverishment the community suffers, especially the children who are constantly at risk due to lack of basic needs.

We began in 2006 with providing funds for the children to receive a balanced lunch each day knowing this would be the only nutritionally complete meal many of them would have that day. We also paid the salary for an Administrator, 5 teachers and 2 cooks. As we raised extra funds, we would provide classroom and student supplies along with a complete uniform for each child at the beginning of the year. We started to realize that some of the children needed help with ongoing health needs and found donors to help those children.

After a team of seven returned home in September 2014, they began the process of bringing HOPE International, Inc. to its current status as a 501(c)(3) entity. The commitment of Huruma HOPE is to increase aid and educational opportunities to children and break the generational cycle of sickness and poverty that has plagued this community for many years. It is our hope that others will follow in our decision to support this ministry and help children in Africa rise above their circumstances through education and faith in Jesus Christ.

Hippos, Alligators, and Paint ..... Oh My!