 |
| Joshua |
Joshua is 4 years old. He was the only one in his family to witness and survive a series of murders. His 35 year old father stabbed his 28 year old mother to death. She was just two weeks shy of delivering their 4th child. He then killed Joshua’s siblings ages 1 and 7. Joshua’s father then hung himself above the very table that Joshua had been hiding under; and he remained hidden there until local residents found him the next day. At NV one day, he let out an ear-piercing scream in the playroom. When asked what he was doing, he responded, “My mommy taught me to scream like this. I learned it when my daddy was killing her.” Despite the horrific things he has experienced, Joshua is full of joy.
 |
| Millicent |
Millicent is a beautiful 7 yr. old girl with a smile that lights up any room. Her younger sister, Tekla (also known as Stella), is also a part of the Naomi’s Village family. She is of the Turkana tribe, who remain a very traditional tribe in Kenya. Millicent’s mother died of AIDS and her father died in a road traffic accident, leaving her and her sister orphaned. Millicent lived with her aging grandmother and 10 other people in a tiny house in the middle of a desolate plain not too far from Naomi’s Village. The poverty was extreme and made it difficult for the grandmother to provide the basic necessities for the many children.
 |
| Tekla (Stella) |
Stella is a charming 5 yr. old little girl. She is of the Turkana tribe, who still practice many traditional tribal rituals. Stella’s mother died of AIDS, and her father died in a road traffic accident, leaving Stella orphaned. Stella lived with her aging grandmother and 10 other people in a tiny house in the middle of a desolate plain not far from Naomi’s Village. It is difficult to find water, grow crops, and live in the area where Stella’s grandmother is located. Because of her age, Stella’s grandmother cannot work, making the situation dire. Stella’s older sister, Millicent, is also living at Naomi’s Village.
 |
| Paul |
Paul is 9 years old and brother to Dennis and John. Paul served as a caregiver for his two younger brothers while his alcoholic mother left them alone to go drinking. He shopped and cooked for his siblings as he sought to provide for them from the meager provisions he could find. Paul lived in extreme poverty. His home was one 8×8 room that was shared with at least 8 other people. There was one thin mattress on the floor for them all to share. Paul had never been to school and lived in a desperate situation. When he and his brothers arrived at NV, they stood in front if the showers in awe that they would get to have running water. After Paul finished his shower, the house mom handed him his soft towel to wrap up in. Paul collapsed on the floor, wrapped in his towel, weeping. His brothers rushed to him concerned. He said to them, “This is our home now! We get to live here!”
 |
| Dennis |
Dennis is a sensitive 6 yr. old little boy. He comes from Maai Mahiu town and now lives at Naomi’s Village with his 2 brothers, Paul and John. Dennis’ father suffered an accident that severed his spinal cord and led to his death. Dennis’ mother is an alcoholic who has neglected Dennis and his siblings, leaving them in dangerous situations. Dennis lived in extreme poverty, had never been to school, and used to spend his days wandering the streets of Maai Mahiu.
 |
| John |
John is a fun-loving 3 yr. old little boy. He is the youngest of the 3 brothers (Paul & Dennis) who came to Naomi’s Village after suffering severe neglect from their alcoholic mother. John’s young age has protected him from some of the suffering the older brothers have endured. However, he also lived in extreme poverty. His home was one 8×8 room that was shared with at least 8 other people. There was one thin mattress on the floor for them all to share. John’s father died after suffering a tragic accident that severed his spinal cord.
 |
| Evelyne |
Evelyne is a quiet, gentle 9 yr. old girl. Both of Evelyne’s parents died of AIDS, leaving her orphaned at a young age. Evelyne spent some time living in Nyahururu in a dangerous situation. When Evelyne’s grandmother became aware of the situation, she sent for her to join her in Muniu. The grandmother is at least 80 yrs. old and cares for 9 other children in her small mud home. Evelyne lived in exceptionally impoverished conditions. It was common for Evelyne to stay home from school to assist her grandmother with the household responsibilities.
 |
| Mary Muthoni |
Mary is an outgoing and beautiful 9 yr. old girl. Her brother, Zakayo, is also a member of the Naomi’s Village family. Before coming to Naomi’s Village Mary lived in the Jikaze IDP (Internally Displaced People) camp, which is just a few kilometers away from NV. Mary’s parents both died of AIDS, leaving her and her brother to be cared for by their elderly grandmother. Mary shared the very small mud house in the Jikaze IDP camp with her grandmother and 7 other children. Most nights Mary slept on the hard, cold floor as there were no beds in the house. The living situations in the IDP camps are quite difficult as the people struggle to make a new life after being forced to flee from their homes 3 years ago due to election violence.
 |
| Mary Wangui |
Mary is an energetic 5 yr. old with a smile that will melt your heart. Her mother died of AIDS and Mary has never known her father. Her 80 yr. old grandmother, who lives in Muniu, took her in after her mother’s death. Mary shared a small mud house with her grandmother and 9 other children before coming to Naomi’s Village. The grandmother was the only adult providing care for the many children in her home. Given the elderly age of the grandmother it was difficult for her to provide for the children. Mary’s situation was dire as the poverty was stifling. Mary’s younger brother, Kevin, is also a part of Naomi’s Village.
 |
| Kevin |
Kevin is a tenderhearted 4 yr. old little boy. His sister Mary is also a part of the Naomi’s Village family. Kevin’s mother died of AIDS and Kevin has never known his father. After the death of his mother, Kevin’s grandmother took in both him and his sister Mary. A total of 10 people shared a small mud house in the village of Muniu with the grandmother being the only adult. The grandmother had to sell her 2 goats to try and provide food for the children. She is quite old and struggled to provide even the basic necessities for all the children. The home-life was one of abject poverty. When Kevin came to NV, he told the cook Doreen, “I pray for you every day because you cook for me every day!”
 |
| Zakayo |
Zakayo is a shy, but very friendly 8 yr. old boy. Before coming to Naomi’s Village he lived in the Jikaze IDP (Internally Displaced People) camp, which is just a few kilometers away from NV. Both of Zakayo’s parents died of AIDS, leaving him to be cared for by an elderly grandmother. Zakayo shared the very small mud house in the Jikaze IDP camp with his grandmother and 7 other children. There were no beds in the house, leaving Zakayo to sleep on the cold, hard ground night after night. Living in an IDP camp is full of struggles and difficulties as the people adjust to the new life that was forced upon them due to the election violence of Dec. 2007. This is compounded for Zakayo, as his primary caregiver is quite elderly. Zakayo’s sister, Mary, has also moved to Naomi’s Village.
 |
| Ann |
Ann is 7 years old. Her dad died of HIV/AIDS; her mom who was very sick, abandoned the children 3 years ago and has since also died of HIV/AIDS. Ann lived in one of the most dire situations the Mendonsas had ever seen - remote existence, extreme poverty, etc. On a good day, she got 1 cup of porridge; on a bad day, she got a cup of water. She is sister to Mercy.
 |
| Mercy |
Mercy is a 3-1/2 yr. old little girl who had never seen white people when the Mendonsas first met her. She was quite afraid of them as they were so different from what existed in the world she knew. Mercy is sister to Ann and stayed very close to her side. Mercy’s parents both died of HIV/AIDS, leaving her to live with her elderly grandmother. Mercy’s situation is one of the most impoverished and desperate the Mendonsas had ever come across. At least 11 people lived in a very small mud house in the middle of the African bush. The grandmother spent all day retrieving water for that day’s survival. They have no chickens, no garden, and no sustainable source of income. On a good day, the children had a cup of porridge to eat; on a bad day, they had a cup of hot water. When Mercy came to live at Naomi’s Village she stayed very close to Ann. After only a short time there, she became a very “normal” 3-1/2 year old. She loves to play with the other girls, enjoys being silly, and is full of giggles.
 |
| Eliza |
Eliza is a 5 yr. old precious little girl who was ready for rescue. Eliza’s mother, who is a prostitute, is currently serving a very long jail term in Kenya. Thus, Eliza lived with her grandmother, cousin Kibet, and several others in a very small mud house. Eliza’s grandmother had been arrested for severely abusing Eliza’s brother and was given an 8 yr. sentence. However, the grandmother pleaded to the judge citing her poverty and need to care for other children as a cause for her pardon. The judge relented and instead of placing this abusive woman in jail, allowed her to return home to the other children under her care. The Mendonsas are just beginning to discover the abuses Eliza suffered while living with this woman. But God has protected this precious one’s heart as she is eager and ready to receive love from others. She loves to be held and hugged and has a tender smile. It was a 4 hour drive deep into the bush to find Eliza and her cousin Kibet and remove them from their dangerous living situation.
 |
| Kibet (Daniel) |
Kibet is a small 3 year old boy who suffered much abuse in his short life. Kibet’s mother is a prostitute and abandoned him to be under the care of his grandmother. Kibet lived in a very small mud hut with his grandmother, cousin Eliza, and several others. Kibet’s grandmother had been arrested for severely abusing his cousin and was given an 8 yr. sentence for intentionally burning the boy’s hand in a fire. However, the grandmother pleaded to the judge citing her poverty and need to care for other children as a cause for her pardon. The judge relented and instead of placing this abusive woman in jail, allowed her to return home to the other children under her care. The Mendonsas are just beginning to discover the abuses Kibet suffered while living with this woman. It was a 4 hour drive deep into the bush to find Kibet and his cousin Eliza and remove them from their dangerous living situation. On the drive back to Naomi’s Village, Kibet threw up in the car as though he was expelling all the suffering and pain of his previous life. He has adjusted well into life at Naomi’s Village and is learning to feel safe.
 |
| Evans |
Evans is the cutest 4-month old baby boy! Evans’ father is non-existent and unknown. Evans’ mother died unexpectedly in May 2011 from an unknown disease. While his mother was still alive they lived with his grandmother in a very rural poor area. Naomi’s Village was made aware of Evans’ situation about 2 weeks after his mother died. The grandmother, who is quite old and frail, lives with another daughter and her many children. She was overwhelmed with the thought of trying to provide now for a baby and was grateful that he will grow up with love and opportunity for a better life at Naomi’s Village.
 |
| Catherine |
Catherine is a beautiful, outgoing, energetic 7 yr. old girl. Catherine’s mother died unexpectedly in Dec. 2010 from pneumonia. But Catherine’s father was a good man, and he loved Catherine. She lived with her father in a little mud home not too far from her grandmother. Catherine’s father was a casual laborer and was able to provide enough for both him and Catherine. Tragically, Catherine’s father was murdered in March 2011, less than 3 months after her mother died. He was killed when trying to break up a fight between two other people. Catherine is loved by her grandmother, but as she is aged and poor, she is unable to provide for Catherine’s basic needs. She has big dreams and loves to learn. It had been Catherine’s dream to attend the private school where the Mendonsas send their school children. She actually squealed with joy when told she would be a part of the 1st grade class at this school.
 |
| Emily |
Emily is a shy 9 yr. old girl who lived in a 10 ft. x 10 ft. tin room as her home. This small space was shared with a total of 11 people. Emily’s main caregiver was her very elderly great-grandmother. Both of Emily’s parents died when she was quite young. As a baby Emily was exposed to second-hand smoke from drug use that went on in the same house where she lived. As a toddler Emily was “rescued” from this situation by a cousin who made a very toxic illegal alcoholic brew that is taken often in Kenya. Unfortunately, Emily was given this illegal brew in doses large enough to cause her to pass-out for long periods of time. The great-grandmother took in Emily when she realized what was happening. Emily’s situation was one of abject poverty. She is quite thin as a result of often going without food. Her future was bleak as she needs one-on-one tutoring to help her learn. Emily has done quite well with her learning in the short time she has been at Naomi’s Village, and the Mendonsas expect that one day she will be ready to attend the local private school where they send their school children.
 |
| Chehesh |
Chehesh is 3 years old. His mother is serving a 10 year prison term. There is no father that is known. He most recently lived with his grandmother, who is abusive.
 |
| Joseph |
Joseph is 7 years old, and there is not much known about him.
 |
| Esther |
Esther is ten years old. She has only been to school for one term.
 |
| Ibrahim |
Ibrahim is 3-1/2 years old.
 |
| Joseph |
 |
| Hannah |
 |
| Willy |
 |
| Mary |
 |
| Quincy |
 |
Teresiah Gikuna - Social Worker. “I am a single mother of 3 children, Kelvin, Mary, & Charles, and the sole bread winner in my family. Sometimes it is hard for me to cater to all the basic needs for the kids, especially in their education. I am trying to save money to build up my own home so that I can bond my family together and provide friendly environment for raising up my kids. I still desire to upgrade my skills in attending to children, especially orphans from advanced diploma level to a degree grade level. Through combined effort in prayers & trust in God, I will once meet the desires of my heart because, “A man’s mind plans in his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”
 |
Ruth Gikonyo - House Mother. “I know what it feels like to grow up without a mom or dad. I want to be there for the children.”
 |
Evaline Ouko - House Mother. “With the love of Christ I have in my heart, I know I can love these children, and they’ll know I’m there for them.”
 |
Stephen and Naomi Mbugua - Housekeeping/Kitchen Manager and Housekeeper
Stephen: “I’m so happy to work at Naomi’s Village, and I want to cook many things for the children.”
Naomi: “I’m very glad to have a place at Naomi’s Village.”
Naomi’s Prayer Requests:
• Wants to know English
• Because of tribal violence did not finish school
• Would like to own their own land
• If does get enough money to get land, she wants to build a house
• Three kids’ education
• Parents: would like to help them get a better job to help with needs to
sustain family
sustain family
• Daughter is in 8th grade and wants her to pass tests
 |
When Doreen gets paid, family and friends begin to ask her for money. That is a difficult thing for her, because she cannot take care of everyone along with her family. Doreen’s husband passed away after the post-election violence. He had diabetes and was not able to find insulin, which tragically led to his death. Doreen and her two sons now live in the IDP camp and are well respected in that community. Before coming to NV, Doreen ran the preschool in the IDP camp.
 |
David Mwangi - Groundskeeper/Cook
“Thank you to God for giving me this chance. I want to be the dad to these children that I never had.”
 |
Esther Karanja - Administrative Assistant (serving as a volunteer)
” God has called me to be a mom for the mom-less.”
I hope you'll join us in praying for them, specifically by name.
No comments:
Post a Comment