www.hearthtohearth.org
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www.spotlightonorphans.org
Vol. 6, No. 3
“…ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:40
March 2007
Impressions from Out of the Whirlwind
By Vicki Kritzell
After a long and exciting flight, we finally landed in Nairobi
sans our most important luggage—those containing our material
for the meetings and many gifts for the children, as well as letters
from sponsors. Much to our relief, it surfaced two days later but,
combined with repairs on our vehicle, we started our journey to
Glory Center one day late.
My first impression of Nairobi is that it is a sea of humanity.
There are literally thousands of people everywhere, honking
horns, music and conversation constant. I could never get tired of
looking at the diversity and beauty of the people. However, I was
always in danger of being run over either by another human being
or a vehicle. There is no order to the movement of either, and it is
one’s personal responsibility to move out of the way of both.
On our second day, I saw a side of Nairobi many do not wit-
ness, as Pastor Moses Nyamora drove us into the slums of the city.
I have never seen such poverty. The streets are lined with tiny shel-
ters, the residents trying to earn a few shillings to put something in
the pot for dinner for their families. Small children are everywhere,
a sunny contrast to the misery around them. When they spot us,
they shout, “Musungu (white person), how are you?” When we
shout back, “Fine,” they squeal with pleasure. The best way to
gather them close is to take a photo. Soon dozens of children join,
all wanting to be photographed. Thankfully, with my digital cam-
era I was able to satisfy them, as well as to show them the picture. I
have a notebook with the names of mothers who begged me to send
them a print—likely the only one they will ever have of their child.
I thought the misery could not get worse but I soon found oth-
erwise. Pastor Moses drove us to a refugee camp that he has been
working with for several years. Congolese, Rwandese, and Suda-
nese are gathered into an area of several thousands of people.
When we arrived, a small group had been waiting for us for hours,
foregoing lunch until our evening arrival. Their modest church, lit-
tle more than a shed with a few pews, belied a joy and love of life I
could hardly comprehend, given their living conditions. As I lis-
tened to the songs of praise they sang, I could not help but think
that this handful of beautiful people raised their voices to God in a
way I had never imagined. I have been in churches with hundreds
that could not compare to the emotion these few evoked.
After a meal of juice and bread, we walked into the commu-
nity and visited some of their homes. They were so happy to have
us just step in and have a prayer with them. Most lived, with
several children, in a space about 12 x 12. I could not wrap my
mind around their happiness, thinking of their struggle: a people
without a country. I am left to wonder why in America where we
have so much, we lack their peace and loving hearts.
After a several-hours-long journey on Thursday, we finally
arrived at Glory Children’s Center. The children had been waiting
for us since the day before, and when we pulled up at the gates, we
were greeted with shouts of joy. We filed into the play yard where
the orphans entertained us with a program they had prepared. I
could not keep from crying as I watched their faces. They were
overjoyed just by our presence. I considered how they had suffered
watching parents die, starving, being beaten, but just our being
there thrilled them beyond measure. I did not feel worthy.
The next few days went by in a blur of children. They always
wanted to sit on our laps, touch our skin, rub our hair, and receive
kisses. Some even crawled under the benches to touch our legs. I
was very surprised by how much smaller they are than I imagined.
They are very smart and have so much love to give. We spent a day
interviewing and photographing them for their sponsors, which
gave us an opportunity to have private time with each. At the end of
the session, each was given some small toys donated by various
sponsors and groups.
Our last day was spent with the secondary students who are
currently staying in Prisca’s house next door to our new property.
This land is beautiful. The foundation has already been dug for the
girls’ dormitory and several crops are already planted. We inter-
viewed the students and found them to be so bright, with great
dreams for the future: doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers are in the
future of some with the right opportunity. I wondered how differ-
ent their lives would be if they had been born in America.
On an entertaining note, I soon discovered the dangers of la-
trines. While trying to accomplish the proper position, my glasses
fell off my face directly into the hole. All I could do was laugh, and
I swore Esther to silence as I was sure Moses and/or Prisca would
try to retrieve them! Fortunately, I am due for an eye exam upon
my return home anyway.
After promising to return next year, we bade a tearful good-bye
andcontinuedontoHopeforChildrenCenter.Nothingcouldhave
prepared me for the welcome at this orphanage. We arrived late at
night after a marvelous journey through Masai country. I was thrilled
by the splashes of red as the tall, elegant tribesmen dotted the hillsides
Hearth to Hearth Ministries’
