Blessed Generation Children's Center - Kenya

Blessed Generation Children’s Center gives orphans a home and education in Malindi, Nyamira & Ruiru, Kenya.

Thanks to the orphanages and the outreach program of Blessed Generation, 500 orphans in Kenya have a chance, and almost 800 children receive an education.

Thank you so much for considering getting involved with this charity. It is very dear to my heart and I know, without a doubt, that every cent goes to helping these kids. Your donation will provide a child with a fantastic opportunity and an education that few are given in Kenya.

Your donations will be used for food, clothing, education and sporting equipment.

Blessed Generation has three orphanages in Kenya; Nyamira, Malindi and Ruiru.

www.blessedgeneration.nl

You can also follow: ww.facebook.com/BlessedGenerationCC

Here's a little insight about the orphanage & first time we visited Kenya June 2012.

Today Kai & I went to the local orphanage in Malindi, Kenya. There are no words to describe the feelings invoked. I will share a few words to try and enlighten you on the truly magical and humbling day Kai and I experienced.

After a dusty drive down a bumpy red clay road, we pulled up at the old metal gates announcing our arrival at “Blessed Generation Orphanage.” Taped to those gates were balloons & many drawings saying, “Welcome Kai & Louisa….We Love You…Thank you for visiting us”. My eyes started welling up, and I had to take a minute to compose myself before I could get out of the car. I still had no idea about the journey I was about to embark on, but I felt like I had reached my destination.

Upon our arrival, we were greeted by Ria, the head ‘Mum’ & wonderful dedicated director of the orphanage. She then took us to meet the Malindi orphans age 3 – 18 years. They all gathered under a hot tin roof in their worn but clean & tidy school uniforms. Each one of them greeted us with smiles and intrigue. Their headmaster introduced Kai & I and then asked the children to greet us. Those exceptional sweet children started singing to us….I have never heard anything so beautiful. Each of those darling children was beaming at us, heads held high and singing from their hearts. Not only did they sing one song, but they also went on to another….their voices lifting with their hearts. My heart instantly melted in ways I didn’t know existed. Right then, I knew my life would never be the same; I knew the impact of their voices, their pride and their hope was life-altering and that I could only endeavor to be so humble. Tears rolled down my cheeks at the beauty of their unison.

After Kai & I introduced ourselves and thanked them profusely for their warm welcome. We explained that we lived in America and that we were so pleased to be there and meet them all.

Two young boys, Ben & Felix stepped forward (ages 15 & 16 yrs) with beaming smiles and introduced themselves and informed us that they wanted to show us around the orphanage. We were also followed by six to seven gorgeous three and four year olds who immediately placed their little hands into mine and Kai’s. I was touched and in love with every one of them. The entourage of big eyes and smiling faces was mesmerizing. Each one of them was curious about my camera, and even more intrigued when I showed them themselves on the playback led screen. Laughing, grinning and asking for me to take more photos.

We saw their boy's & girls' dormitories; simple block structures, no air conditioning, tin roofs, filled with many bunk beds, with just a simple mosquito net to protect them from the extremities. No closets, no toys, just a shelf for each child with some clothes and shoes, and a teddy bear on each bed for comfort. Their shower rooms…just the basics…a few sinks…tiled holes in the ground for toilets and three showers per dorm.

The kitchen was hot & busy with volunteers, two young girls from Holland and a local Kenyan, preparing the children’s meals over a wood fire. Their meals are very basic…Maize, beans, chicken and bread seemed to be the main fill.

As I looked around, Kai went off to play football (soccer) on a dusty clay field with two goals…no nets…no lines…no grass…not that it made any difference. The love of the game holds no barriers and truly is an international passion. They all discussed the ongoing European cup and their favorite teams & players.

After the game, the children stopped for a break…tea & bread. The children sat, drank and shared bread with Kai discussing music and sports that inspired and delighted them.

I went on to look at the educational center where the children as young adults are taught a trade…from tailoring to agriculture. These children& young adults have hopes and dreams; they work hard at their studies. They genuinely desire to better themselves. We asked our modest guides, Ben and Felix, what they aspired to be. Felix would like to be a pilot & Ben endeavors to become an engineer.

We saw their allotments for growing kale, peppers, tomatoes, and other produce.

A local Dutchman, Leo, helps educate the children on raising chickens. They raise chickens to sell for slaughter and also for eggs. They hope to acquire a pig soon.

The young girls are taught how to string beads…they make fabulous purses and bags.

The inspiration the children have to endeavor in life is profound. Not once did I see a frown or hear a complaint. Felix’s parents were killed in the post-election civil unrest & riots. Felix’s attitude was that he was lucky to be alive and there at the orphanage. He is one of the top students in his class and sees his education as an advantage & privilege. As I said before, I am truly humbled. The orphanage pledges to encourage every child to reach their full potential. Some of the children have gone on to university. For example, one child became a world authority on bees, aka Apitherapy.

The orphanage relies solely on donations & volunteers. Somehow…they manage to get by week to week….a bag of Maize costs only $30 and can last a week. Today, the orphanage is struggling to feed the children through the end of the month.

I want to leave you with this…after the children finished singing, they raised their hands and waved them high…they said send well wishes and blessings to America and thanked Kai & me for coming…wiggling and touching their fingers to the sky…they sent their blessings across the sea.

I hope that each one of you that reads this feels and receives their good wishes & blessings….and somehow touches your hearts the way those darling sweet children touched mine & Kai’s.

Dan and I returned to Malindi in 2018 and had planned to return at the end of December 2022. Due to health issues, I will be postponing that trip and we hope to return to Kenya in the near future.