Upendo Orphanage (Jessi, Kaylee, Mason, Caitlyn)

            We were immediately greeted by the sisters as we entered the orphanage on our first day at Upendo Orphanage. Sister Yacinta gave us a tour of the grounds. During the tour we were accompanied by four toddlers: Johnson, Nelson, Augustino and Neema. We saw their farm land, preschool and living space. We were impressed with how nice everything was and then we finally got to meet the kids and play with them. Over the course of the week a few of us have made a deep connections with one or another child. Johnson and Nelson have become little flirts and have made their way into all the girl’s hearts.

            When we arrive each day the children are just starting to wake up and so we watch television with them as they lay in our laps. About an hour later, it is milk time. The baby’s get put into highchairs and the older children line up against the wall to say their prayers. One child is chosen to lead prayer each day. After milk time, we play with the children outside in the play area. There favorite activities are the merry-go-round, hula-hoops and balls. Jessi and Kaylee have enjoyed walking over to the preschool and playing with the older kids. Then, before the kids get too tired from all the playing, we feed them lunch. Their meal usually consists of rice and some sort of vegetable. When they are finished with their meals we bring them to their rooms. We have them go to the bathroom and then lie tem down in their cribs for naptime. All in all, this orphanage will always have a special place in our hearts.

Kaylee- “Jessi and I distributed the gifts for Johnson, Regina and Moses today. Regina and Moses were at school so the sister will give it to them later. She was very appreciative and all three kids are doing well.”