The story below began a decade ago when a few Fox River ladies were walking through the village and came across a boy with Down’s Syndrome. We took him into our school and loved him until we knew we needed to find a better situation for him. That place is Shahajanand, a school for special needs children. Hanzi has been so well cared for that we now have two special needs kids in the school. We visit them each year to check on them. JoAnn shares her story:
Hanzi
In more ways than I can count, I have seen God at work over the course of the last week during our time here in Kenya. However, the events I share here were years in the making and I see how He was writing an incredible story in ways that only He could do!
When I traveled to Kenya a year ago, I knew we would be visiting a special needs school that is home to over 600 special needs children. As an occupational therapist, God put it on my heart to find a way to use my skills and knowledge to bless the children there. Coworkers, friends and family encouraged this desire by giving toward supplies the therapy room might need. I had anticipated they were working with limited equipment but was startled by the meager options available.
The original intent was to purchase items in Kenya, but eventually we determined that the best option would be for the supplies to travel with me when I returned this year. By the grace of God, six suitcases full of supplies safely traveled with us and were delivered to the school on Thursday.
We received a very enthusiastic welcome by Gilbert, the Kenya occupational therapist, and many of the staff who work tirelessly to love on and care for children who would not survive in their villages given their challenges.
Denise and head teacher, Muzungu
As we opened each suitcase, Gilbert was overwhelmed and overjoyed. The children were included in the giving of the gifts as they with be the ones who directly benefit from the generosity of so many.
Gilbert and a few of the children
Some Fox River team members & Shahajanand staff
Exploring the contents of the suitcases
Today I was able to spend time in the clinic with Gilbert working directly with the various children and seeing the huge impact the supplies are going to have on his ability to care for the children, or as he refers to them, his angels.
Gilbert testing his balance
Ready to begin!
As I consider the path that had me out of therapy for 10 years, the doors that God opened to have me return to work as an OT in my dream job and now the ability to collaborate with another therapist around the world using shared skills to truly improve the quality of life for these children, I stand in awe of Him and His ways. I am also humbled to be able to hand deliver these blessings with full knowledge of all who choose to partner with me in this endeavor and this was not something I accomplished on my own.
Three beautiful angels blessed by this generosity
God is so good and I am amazed at the ripple effect it can have when we chose to say YES to Him. Fox River’s love and support of two schools in Kenya has spilled over to a far reaching impact in Kenya that cannot be overstated. Individual lives are being changed for now and eternity!
Our heart is people
Our message is Jesus