From the GLO first opened Kevin & myself have actively encouraged the children to try to remain in contact with some of their extended family (when we can locate them). After Abdualla’s request while we were washing the dishes after lunch one day in Maguire House, “Mama Mary can I ask for something for Christmas” – not an XBox, nor a mobile phone, but to see his two sisters who are in Malasi Children’s Home for Girls in Kilifi and bring them a little gift.
Mercy set off to meet Papa Kevin this morning with Abdualla, Hamisi, Salim & Sauma in tow, Kevin was amazed as soon as they stepped inside the home, Rukia aged 13 and Halim aged 12 came running over laughing and asking who Abdulla was, they could not believe how much he had grown since their last visit and that he now wears glasses. After an emotional reunion and present giving, they were settling off for the trip to the village where they came from some 50km away.
Mercy and Dorothy have worked endlessly to find out the Case Histories of the children at the GLO and lo & behold, siblings of Brenda, Rama, Hassan and Juluis’ all live at Malasi Children’s Home.
Why siblings are separated after the parents death is something we cannot comprehend but they are all very healthy and well looked after. It was then decided that if it is OK with the authorities these six girls along with Rukia and Halim will stay at the GLO Tower during Christmas week so they can all celebrate the Birth Of Jesus with their siblings.
After a long drive with Papa Kevin & Madam Mercy the family then arrived at the village, much excitement as their auntie was overjoyed to see her nephews and nieces, they walked over to the site of their mother and baby sister’s grave where we picked them up from just over three years ago. Its easy to forget just how poor and malnourished these children were.
Rukia remembered making porridge for her mother after she gave birth but when she went back in her mother was dead. Also they can remember being very hungry and eating mangoes and trying to steal cassava from a nearby farmer who chased them away. Although the villagers are very poor they made everyone welcome and invited them to stay for lunch.
On the way back they got come children & sodas, both Kevin & Mercy said it was so heartwarming to see the family reunited and thankfully due to the generosity of our supporters and our very hard working staff at the GLO these children will now have a Christmas all together with their siblings, it makes them all feel as if they belong and this security is priceless and what Christmas is really all about.
What a very humbling story Mary. These children are so lucky to have you and Kevin looking our for them xx
Thanks Amanda but support from people like you make all this possible, all the Christmas Presents are wrapped and each child has a “new” outfit from all the clothes donated xx
How lucky all the children at GL are to have compassionate people like you and Kevin. I will be thinking of them all on Christmas day. God bless you all xx
What a wonderful Christmas present you have given Abdallah and his family and how lovely to find other extended family of children at GLO. It is so important for children to know who they are and where they come from. xx
Unreal story, brings our life and troubles back into perspective. Well done Kevin and Mary you both are an insperation to us all. Keep up the good work and lets us know if you need anything. Paddy & Lisa
This is the true meaning of Christmas and these children will have a wonderful time celebrating the Lord’s birth all together. Well done Mary and God bless you all
17th December 2011 The news about Abdallah is fantastic – he is a young lad who is special in my heart and to know that he has had his christmas wish granted, is really so great. Better than anything wrapped up and labelled!!! As always, thank you so much for your kindness, caring and compassion Mary, Kevin and Mercy.