For our first full day with all team members having had a good night's sleep, we began our day visiting Hanzi. He is one of our kids with special needs. Having realized we had helped him as much as we could, we were able to place him in Sahajanand Special School in February. This was our first visit to Hanzi.
I thought we were going to have a short visit in what I assumed was a small school for special needs children. Upon arrival, I was very surprised to find a large facility with 800 special needs children and adults from ages 6 to 50. Our hearts were quickly won over by the children and the amazing care givers in this facility.
Because Hanzi is an adult, he is learning life skills and a trade. The students in his class are learning to make beaded jewelry. We had the opportunity to directly support Hanzi and his school by purchasing some of the items he and his classmates have made. Even though we were only there for a short time, our hearts were deeply blessed with a lasting impression of hope.
Next, we were off to tour Vallerye McMillion High School where 60 of our graduates from Bomani and Vipingo attend high school. They are thriving in this new environment and we are incredibly thankful that our partner, Manna Worldwide, is sponsoring our students.
Lunch was a stop in Mtwapa at Pizza Inn & Chicken Inn. Yum!
The afternoon was the introduction to the center in Vipingo. We were greeted by the whole school welcoming us with singing. Afterward we heard recitations and songs by our sweet children. We exchanged gifts with the staff and set off on a tour of the facilities: Crossroads Fellowship Church, Crossroads Academy, Bible Institute and Life Spring Rescue Center. The rescue center was the big hit with all those adorable little ones!
We had Human Hungry HIppo fun with the staff and had the opportunity to each spend some one on one time with a staff member where we heard about their role at the center and prayed for them. Before we knew it our time was over and we had to head out.
After supper together we had our first team meeting during which Pastor Brent challenged us to "Be Great. Serve." We closed our day with a short walk down the beach for some gelato. It was a good day and we were very blessed!
Tomorrow is the Big Day at Vipingo. We are looking forward to this community outreach and fun day! Thank you so much for your support and prayer!