Like the rest of the world, Kenya is under the shadow of the Coronavirus and is learning to adapt to the new norm of social isolation. The children’s primary school (elementary school) was closed a few weeks ago, as well as the boarding schools, so everyone is home now. Most of our kids are disappointed as they love school and their teachers. But others (ahem-Brian and Arnold) are delighted to have been given this unexpected gift of freedom to be outside and run and play to their hearts’ content. We have a significant stockpile of food for the next few weeks and are very thankful for that. We buy the essentials like rice, maize flour and beans in 50 kg bags typically. That is what is sustaining us now. These don’t last as long as you’d think though, now that our bottomless pits (aka high school kids) are home. The markets are all closed for the time being so we are reaching out to our community to find smaller bags of these essentials to buy over the next month or so. We are very thankful for our shamba (garden) that produces most of the greens and veggies we need.
Just like everywhere else, life does not stop here for the Coronavirus. The bright spot in these uncertain times has been the arrival of new members to the Jemo House family. Our new house mom, Caroline, along with her children, officially moved in at the end of March. Her oldest, Maxwell, is still staying in Kisumu with an uncle. He was able to find some work and wants to gain the experience. The remaining 5 were all smiles on move in day :) Please welcome Elizabeth (18 yrs), Easton (17 yrs), Lameck (12 yrs), Elvis (9 yrs) and Colian (7 yrs)!!! Colian and Selah will be in the same class at school and have already become fast friends. Elizabeth was recently re-enrolled in secondary school (high school) to get her diploma. She is currently dreaming of becoming a nurse! Lameck, Elvis and Colian will be transferring over to Agulu Primary once schools reopen and Easton will be continuing at his boarding school. We are so happy to welcome these wonderful children into our home!