Kisumu -Bukura (Salvation Army) School

Last Thursday, June 25th, we left home at 5:30 am to catch a flight to Kisumu where we have been providing lunches for over 700 kids 6 times a week for the last several years.  We didn't realize the staff and kids were on holiday the day we arrived!  Even so, 500-600  kids came to school to meet with us- some walking 2 hours each way to get there!  All but two of the staff were also there.  The two missing were at required educational meetings.  Amazing!  I can't imagine this happening in the States...but they kept saying over and over what having food at their school meant to everybody- parents, teachers, as well as kids! They had a sweet program singing songs, reciting poems and dancing!  All of this celebrating the goodness of God who provides everything they need!  Sadly they are the only school in the district that has food for their children...   Several staff leaders, Rolfe, Enos and myself spoke about school, all the people investing in their future and God's purpose for their lives to really blossom and count for something significant for God and their families. Enos himself went to this school and they can see if they trust God and work hard that nothing is impossible! 

 It was exciting to see the kids serving each other class by class, starting with the littlest ones!  They received Two cups of rice (another Christmas rarity) and mixed beans with their pop! As big as the servings were that day even the littlest ones ate every bite!   I liked this too, none of the teachers ate until all the kids were served, beautiful!  We had a great time afterward eating lunch with the teachers and then playing games with the kids!  And, Enos brought lollipops for all the kids as a finishing treat!   When I spoke earlier to the kids I was a bit emotional- seeing very hungry kids eating good meals that filled their stomachs, thinking about all of the saints who give, even sacrificially, to make this happen, but will never have the privilege of seeing what I get to see!  And kids  not just surviving but dreaming about a life that could really be meaningful and change everything for their families and maybe even impact the World!! 

And finally - first time ever! A pop with lunch...many have only watched others have a drink- this day, each one had their own bottle! Someone said we are having a Christmas!