Graduation Day

Graduation Day

This Saturday morning just passed on the 12^th of November, we had some very excited children here at Mercy Rescue Trust. Nine of our children who attend Greenfields School were graduating frompre-unit to class 1, yes indeed this was a very special day. They had been looking forward to it all week. The girls even went to the salon that week to have their hair done, looking more than lovely! Even the boys went to see the barber!

In Kenya, it is a very special occasion when children reach the time when they are about to start class 1, it shows they are growing up. Bill and I were really looking forward to sharing this day with them and also some of the girls (the staff) were able to come too. As we reached Greenfields School, I was so excited to see them in their gowns and hats (Bill had taken them early in the morning to prepare with their teacher). As we were walking to the assembly hall, the children peaked out of a classroom as they were also excited to see us. They looked amazing all dressed up with tinsel around their neck, they were beaming! We were shown to our seats where we waited anxiously for the parade to start. We somehow had an idea of what to expect because we attended Filda's last year. When we heard the music starting we could not wait to see them come in. Eunice was in front leading the way as they did their special march around the assembly hall. They swayed their hand s from side to side in rhythm to the music; you could see they loved every minute of it. They and their other classmates made us and all the parents so extremely proud of them. We were cheering and there were never ending snaps and flashes coming from cameras all over the place. I was so happy and pleased for them, we have seen them grow and grow since they started attending Greenfields School and I’m so great full that they have been given this opportunity.

There were lots of different things going on during the graduation ceremony. We had sketches from other classes, also musicals, poems, dancing, it was very creative! Our children and their class mates had their own seating arrangement where they were treated first class with sodas and biscuits!! They watched and giggled at some of the acts they were seeing on stage. I just wanted to keep taking pictures of them (they probably were thinking go away mama, give us some space) but I couldn't keep my eyes off them.

After the guest of honour did her part of saying some few words (wished it was just a few words but this is Kenya), she asked the children, “Are you ready to graduate”? Where they all shouted back, “YES”! Then the children did some more marching around the assembly where of course Mama had to take more pictures (I almost wanted to join in the line and dance with them but I contained myself). They were called to the stage not long after so they could take their certificates of graduation. They were very happy and looked extremely proud of themselves with what they had accomplished. Bill, I and the staff all went up there to stand with them as they were given their certificates and also some presents that we and other parents had bought them to say congratulations. It was special, not just 1 or 2 of them but we had 9 and it was quite overwhelming for all of us.

We also had a special surprise visit from Eunice’s brother, Kemboi who wanted to be there as his sister graduated. He wrote her a special card which was signed your brother, Kemboi, it was really touching. Eunice was so happy and proud to see her brother there.

As the graduation ceremony came to an end, we all looked forward to getting home and continuing with some more celebrating. We also invited Kemboi to join us, he was so happy. We had left other staff members preparing some yummy chicken dishes for us to feast on when we got back. The children by this time were very much ready for their late lunch! I had also the day before made 4 big cakes that the children couldn't wait to get their hands on! We sang most the way home and by the time we reached the house, everyone there was anxious to see them too all dressed up, they even gave them a bit of the dancing they had missed! We all sat together, ate and talked about how great the ceremony was. The children opened their presents, played games and were so happy. When it came to cake time, all of the graduates had to take turns in cutting the cake. We all ate until we were going to burst but everyone was in good spirits. It was a wonderful day. We had somebody video the graduation so if anyone would be interested in seeing it, please let me know. We want to say big congratulations to Bill, Eunice, Blinton, Mercy, Brian, Dorcus, Hope, Ras, and Faith. We are so proud of you and we love you.

By Naomi Koech

Clare's trip in January 2011

Sometimes in life you can feel swamped with endless 'to dos'. January this year was no exception for me and it was with a small feeling of 'Is this wise with all that's going on at home and work?' that I boarded the plane to Kenya. How wrong I was!
So much had happened and some of the children looked so grown up and proud in their new school uniforms. All home front worries were put in perspective or evaporated as I enjoyed seeing the Naomi , Bill, the staff and children again.
My arrival followed in the wake of Tamara and Nainesh who had driven with a huge truck full of goodies that they'd raised funds for. Most obvious were all the plastic tables and chairs which meant that all the children had somewhere to sit for breakfast and the older children had a place to do their homework when they came home from school. The guest bedroom was positively bulging with Tamara and Nainesh bounty that was being carefully eked out.
I was impressed at how the older children's English was coming along; Bill and Filda particularly enjoyed translating on behalf of the younger ones!
I was accompanied to Kenya by a guest-his name is Frantic ( alias Stephen Elliot), a musician I had met at Kea Church jazz concert. He has written a song about Naomi and the children called 'Mercy Mercy' and wanted to incorporate the staff and children in a video to go with the song to help promote the charity....watch this space. Frantic's larger than life personality and enthusiasm for the project took over and before long the whole compound was resounding to the reggae beat of 'Mercy Mercy'.
It was good to see the farm producing wonderful fresh food for the children but plans are afoot to make it more efficient. Jimmy the farm manager bought some chickens while I was there (layers). The eggs would provide at least two breakfasts a week of scrambled eggs for the children an important additional source of protein.
The staff have had no pay rise in the last three years and with money shortages we had last year, many had their hours cut too. With this and inflation escalating hugely in Kenya, it was with great relief that M.R.T was in January able to offer a few more hours and increased pay to our very loyal staff who work hard and are very deserving.
As always the week went too quickly and we sadly had to wend our way home. However not before a stop at the Masai market in Nairobi where I stocked up on many leather and bead work goodies to bring home for our coffee morning on March 26th. On that note I would like to say a big 'Thank you!' to everyone who attended, bought goods or donated cakes and raffle prizes. We raised an amazing £720 on what was a beautiful and enjoyable morning at Tremethick.

Clare Jenkins.

Hello everyone from everyone here at Mercy Rescue Trust. Since the last news letter we have enjoyed a wonderful Christmas thanks to the Ta Nash Project, probably the best yet!! The children were able to enjoy Christmas stockings and presents for the first time and they were very happy. We had chicken, chapattis, rice etc cooking throughout the day until people were almost bursting from eating so much. We also had a Christmas tree which Bill and Jimmy managed to put up and decorate, not without some of the little ones trying to pull it down from time to time though. We had so much food to go around that we were able to invite a few of the street kids from town to come and enjoy some food at our place for Christmas and they really enjoyed. Bill had some clothes that he no longer needed and gave them some new clothes to wear as theirs were very worn and dirty. It was good that not only we were able to give the children here a lovely Christmas but also bless other children who usually have nothing to look forward to. The day was full of fun and smiles and the children even now still talk about wanting another Christmas soon!

The children are now back at school after their long Easter break and they are all doing very well. Moses has now finished his second term of new school thanks to a new sponsor who is now supporting his education. We have eleven children now going to school. He was very excited as he tried on his school uniform for the first time the night before the first day. He is adjusting and says he enjoys school very much. Moses has a lot of energy and I’m sure play time, PE and lunch are his favourite parts of the school day so far. The other children are coming home with homework every day and our preschool teacher here goes through it with them before she goes home in the evening. They are adding and subtracting now and I’m always so surprised with how much they are learning. Filda graduated from 3^rd term of kindergarten to standard 1 1^st term before breaking for Christmas which was a very proud moment for her and us. The Graduation ceremony was great and we were able to get it recorded by someone on DVD and the children love to watch it sometimes before going to bed. I’m always so great full for the education sponsorship which Kelly was able to raise. Without it, most of these children would not be experiencing school and making new friends outside of the centre.

We had a wonderful visit from Clare and Mr. Frantic in January and were able to spend some good quality time plus get lots of things done. Frantic was able to use his gift of music to put together some video clips while he was here and the children thought it was absolutely fabulous. They are still singing Mercy Mercy Some of you may know that Sara, one of our members of staff here was taken quite sick last year and had to have immediate surgery which made us all worry. The surgery went well and they are still waiting for some test results. She had been off work for quite some time in recovery but I’m happy to say now she is back with us since the beginning of Jan and boy had we missed her!! The children were delighted to see her face back in the centre and she had missed them so much.

Before Christmas we met a dear couple from Nairobi that wished to foster, eventually adopt a young baby girl. They instantly fell in love with little Emma Mercy who was just a few months old and wished to take her right there that minute. We referred them to the Children Department so they could move in the direction of fostering her and it all went smoothly. Within a couple of weeks we were able to hand little Emma Mercy over to her new parents. We have heard from them and they tell us she is doing great and growing every day. We look forward to their visit so we can see how she is doing. Also soon after Christmas we were able to finally hand over little Angie to her new foster parents, Martin and Catherine. It had been a long wait but when the day finally arrived all were happy and we will keep close and let you know how she is doing as we live fairly close to them. Before Christmas also we had to say our goodbyes to Eugene who has been with us for a few years now. His Mother was now able to take him and support him which we had always wanted for him but we didn’t realize it would take so long. We have obviously grown very close to Eugene over the years so it was quite a lot harder releasing him. He has taken a while to adjust and misses us very much but he has improved. We have had to give it some time before Mama Eugene coming with him for a visit as it might confuse him but we do really look forward to seeing him soon.

In January we had a little boy come to us and his name is David and he is roughly 2 years old. The children’s Department brought him to us through another home which was unable to keep him there. He originally had been abandoned at the District Hospital by the mother. He is a very active little boy with much to say. He keeps making us laugh! The first thing he said to me was “Habari Mzungu,” which means how are you white person? It had everybody in hysterics! Now mostly he calls me Madam which is what he is probably used to. He is also very loving and I’m already very fond of him. We hope he settles in with us well but we think he is already feeling comfortable now.

We are happy to have Lillian who is back from maternity for the last few months. She and her beautiful baby girl are doing very well. We are now awaiting the arrival of Eva’s baby!

Sally and I were able to go and visit Bella Bella (who is now Genesis) at her new home with her new Mama and Baba. Bella Bella was fostered out while Sally and Mick were here in October and because I hadn’t met them as I was in England, I wanted to go and pay a visit to see how they were all doing. I was really happy to see their home and to see how much they adored this little girl. Although she had been sick with malaria, it was apparent how happy she was with the Mother and Father. She did not want Sally and me to hold her and kept always looking for the parents. She is almost walking and has grown big. I enjoyed my time there and we are going to keep close in touch with the family. The Mama also gave us one of their chickens for the babies to eat which they will enjoy on Saturday!

Our little ones here are doing very well. Teacher Anne does some work and activities with the young preschoolers and keeps them very active throughout the day. We have babies walking now which is fun especially as you spend most of your time running after them....they are into everything!! We have the three trouble makers....David Nandwas, Joy and Jacob Abraham....very naughty but extremely lovely! They spend all their time together finding what kind of mischief they can get into. Their usual favourite is getting into the soil and rubbing it all over each other....fun!! But most of all they are happy and secure which is the main thing. Little Grace has started trying to crawl and little Prince William is not far behind her. Little Paul is doing well but the Doctor would like for me to go with Sally tomorrow as he has a few concerns in regards to his development but I will know more tomorrow. Please pray for him.

Some of you may know that we were hoping to reunite Maggie with her father few months back but unfortunately he has disappeared and we do not know how to find him. We are not sure why this is but we still wish for this to happen as his story really touched us.

The people I would like to say thank you to from Kitale are...

Kitale Printers for giving us a kind donation of things before Christmas like biscuits, porridge flour, juice etc and some lovely clothes for the children

Bill and Patricia for donating lots and lots of formula milk for the babies, it has taken us very far!

Merry Christmas Tree Fund for the donation of food for the children.

From all of us here at Mercy Rescue Trust, we say we love you, we appreciate you and we thank God for you! Thank you for everything.

Naomi and Bill

Tremethick coffee morning

The morning was such a success. Thank you so much for coming to support us and contributing to the event. We managed to raise in excess of £600!

TaNash

In December 2010, Tamara and Nainesh travelled up to Kitale to deliver a wonderful truck full of goodies from their TaNash appeal. It really was as Tamara described, "Christmas has come early for the for children!" As you see from all their faces, it made them all very happy. Apart from toys for the children, TaNash also supplied food and many very useful utility items that will help us for some time.

We cannot thank Tamara and Nainesh enough and hope that they will visit us again soon.

Christmas photos

Naomi and Bill have just sent me these photographs from the celebrations of their Christmas day. They all had a lovely day, sharing chicken rice and chapatis for their Christmas meal and also opening their stockings that had been provided by Tamara and Nainesh.