So many photos, how do you decide?
2012 has been a very busy year again at The Good Life Orphanage, we have been blessed with fantastic hardworking staff and volunteers, and also with another twelve children arriving its very difficult to choose only ten of our favourite photos. Here are some of our favourites although we could have easily had a Top 100 Photos.
1. In February 2012 the Ireland Cricket Team were visiting Mombasa for the World Qualifiers, imagine the surprise on our faces when John Mooney, Alex Cusack & Trent Johnston paid us a visit along with Philip from Camara. As you can see from the photo, Papa Kevin & Mama Mary are very happy welcoming our V.I.P. Guests and they have kept in touch ever since.
2. Here is Mama Alice from O’Malley House. Mama Alice is a wonderful lady who is very caring, compassionate and always puts the child’s needs first & foremost. O’Malley House is always so tidy and well organised with a very happy family atmosphere. She epitomises our ideal House Mama and we are truly grateful to have Mama Alice as one of our GLO Staff.
3. This photo of Pat & Paulo is a gem, Paulo was afraid to walk past the cows on his way up from school for lunch. Pat was busy building at the shamba but stopped and brought Paulo back up to Flynn House. Many would have continued to work but Pat showed his compassion by this kind gesture.
4. Looking outside the walls of The GLO we see people living in abject poverty, many people wake in the morning without any idea of how they are going to provide food for their families that day, but amid all of this we came across these two boys looking so proud after finishing making their matatu. There live in a mud hut, have no running water, no electricity and more than likely very little food but that is their life and we try to help wherever we can.
5. It is easy to see why we picked this photo, such happiness from Andrew, Kari and the GLO children. Andrew & Kari were our two long term volunteers this year and much like Monika & Dan in 2011 really made a difference at The GLO and St Bernadette Mary School. They were so hard working and dedicated, they never refused any task they were given and for that we say a massive Asante Sana from everyone!
6. Baby Tumaini/Ruth may have only been with us for a short time but as you can see from this photo she captured our hearts. Found abandoned and brought to The GLO but unbeknown to us her father and grandmother were frantically searching for the baby & her mother who suffered from severe mental health problems. Thankfully they were reunited and we hope & pray all goes well now for the family.
7. Well anyone who stayed in Kilroe House will know these two little rascals very well, Evelyn & Melissa having the ultimate “Bad Hair Day” in this photo. What characters Evelyn & Melissa are, its often easy to forget the terrible abuse they suffered before arriving at The GLO. Kilroe House is a very happy house indeed with Mama Tuta & Auntie Mapenzi at the helm but boy oh boy they have their hands full with these two.
8. We have included this photo of Charles our physiotherapist working with Michelle. Charles comes every Saturday for five hours and works with Michelle & Lawrence. He is very caring and experienced in his field. Volunteers working within the NHS in UK were amazed with his dedication and proficiency. We are very lucky to have Charles as part of our team at the orphanage.
9. Language is not a barrier where children are concerned, here is Niamh having a brilliant time with Paolo, Janie & Naomi. Niamh speaks no Swahili and Paolo, Janie & Naomi only speak a little English but it did not stop them becoming best buddies during Niamh’s visit in October to the orphanage.
10. We all know that Papa Kevin has a very special place in his heart for Moses, Caleb & Joshua since the day they were rescued from a very badly run orphanage that was forced to close down. In this photo he is having a deep conversation with Moses whilst Gracie looks on.
In the words of Mother Teresa “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love” and to us that is The GLO!!
Beautiful pictures 🙂 xxx
Once more the tears flow, mostly of happiness at seeing these children who we have grown to love so much. Also tears of appreciation at some fantastic volunteers, gratitude to mama Mary and Papa Kevin for allowing us to share their family at GLO. So many happy memories. Love you all. GLO the orphanage of excellence. X
A very moving blog,Mary& Kevin you have made this wonderful safe haven for all these little ones. We are humbled at the determination & courage that you have shown from day one .Love & Godbless xxxx
What you guys are doing is grrrrrrrrrrreat,may God bless ya for helping those chiildren,be blessed and thank you once again for the kind heart.
Mary it is lovely reading your blogs.Great memories come flooding back.It is very a very special place that you and Kevin have created . God Bless everyone and a happy Christmas.
Beautiful photos! Love to you all xx
What fantastic pictures – they truly reflect the life at GLO. It’s impossible to pick a favourite out of the lovely selection of pics but I think the one that made us smile the most has to be No. 7 – Evelyn & Melissa having the ultimate “Bad Hair Dayâ€.
Keep up the great work everyone – and here’s looking forward to the next blog!
Jill xx
Yes, Lawrence is making such an improvement. Even after being away from GLO for 4 months i noticed a huge difference in Lawrence. He is now crawling around at any opportunity he can get and he’s speaking also. Lucy truly believes he will walk! Im hopeful also. Also, sorry about the bad hair day girls!
It is so lovely to see what is being achieved to give all the children love, continuity of care , good values and education to build a sound future for themselves. Mama Mary and Papa Kevin have achieved so much. Well done to everyone
Jana and Annie
Well how can these photos not put a smile on anyone’s face or a tear in their eye. I think you have picked the photos that really sum up the work of the GLO. Happy Days!! I know how hard you and Kevin work and their is always “another mountain” to climb but it does not bare thinking about where these children would be without you and Kevin .
Have a very Happy Christmas in Kenya!
Much love to all
Mama JaneXX
Wonderful pics xxxx merry Christmas all at glo
Miss you nanny xx