Kind Hearts March 2011

Kind Hearts March 2011!
by Joey Austin on Monday, March 21, 2011

It still amazes me that just one year ago our group left the Kind Hearts School with a promise to them--that we would NOT forget them...that we WOULD advocate for them...and that YES, we would work to raise money for a clean water well. “You promise? You promise?”, they said to us as we left...we kept on nodding and saying “Yes.” How it would happen-we didn’t know. But we did know that we have an amazing God on our side that loves his children...and relied solely on his provision and guidance for this project. That is the only way to explain why one year later we again were standing on the dry fields of the Kind Hearts School with a granite plaque that will commemorate the Kind Hearts School/St. Joseph Christian School Clean Water Well.

(Mrs. Zuidema--I can’t wait for you to be here to see this project that you so lovingly have nurtured. It’s SO worth it!!)



We arrived at Kind Hearts with sunglasses, sunscreen and water in our backpacks ready to tackle the day ahead. Most of our group have seen pictures of the kids at Kind Hearts...but when our van pulled up to the gate and they heard the children screaming and giggling with excitement, I knew nothing would prepare them for the real deal. Hugs, kisses, hand holding, and laughter greeted us as our group got out of the vans. Everyone was enveloped in children everywhere you looked. Our group dove right in and sang songs, played games and sat with the children as they softly patted our hands and scooted closer.



This is what was different than last year-I am amazed at how healthy the children look. Many of them have hair now, where once malnourishment took the form of a bald head. Their cheeks were rounder. They were taller...and RAN instead of walked. Their bodies have become used to daily nourishment thanks to the sponsorship program through Children’s Hope Chest.



Kelly started a mural in the first classroom which immediately made the room more colorful and cheerful. Big brown eyes peered around the corner as OOH’s and AAH’s were said. Soon quite a crowd of children gathered to see what wonderful mural was forming in front of their eyes. Kelly (and company--including Stephen, Taylor, Grace Chester and Hermela) painted for most of the day, and chose an animal theme with Genesis 1:21 as the verse. “...and it was good!”



Tammy, whose main project for this trip was developing the first ever library at Kind Hearts, purchased shelves in the morning to hold the books. As soon as the shelves were installed, books like “Goodnight Moon”, “Big Brown Bear” and many other classics dotted the shelves. Our group took the books and began reading to the children. To say that they loved having the books--and the OPPORTUNITY to read them-is an understatement. The first visit we noticed that not one book was in the school. Can you imagine? Think of how many books you have around your home-how many nights you have read to your children-how many times you so casually went to a library and checked one out. These board books will teach the children lessons we can only imagine...tomorrow more books will be purchased through Ethiopia Reads. The teachers asked if we would be able to purchase Academy Books for them (curriculum)-and thanks to MANY generous donors, we will do that tomorrow morning!! They were overjoyed!!



Next we handed out goodie bags--a gallon ziploc bag full of granola bars, composition notebook, pencil, small ball, cross necklace, lollipop and more were handed out to each child. They were then allowed to open the bags and play with the items, which looked something like Christmas morning with wrappers flying, papers on the floor and excited screams from all corners!



We were also able to hand our more than 50 sponsor letters from people all over the United States who sponsor a child at Kind Hearts. One by one the sponsored kids lined up to receive their special letter and photo, along with a goodie or two. Each letter was read to the children and their picture taken with the care package. They are so loved by people all over America, and the children are truly grateful and thankful for the love and support.



The rest of the afternoon was spent playing games with the kids; Matt & Taylor playing guitar and singing songs (that included the Barney theme song!!) and taking a walk down to the river that poisons the land around the school. The river is still black and smells foul. But soon, VERY soon--they will not have to rely on the river for WATER! Our translator told us that villagers and parents, even grandparents, will come and ask how the progress on the well is going. He said--”Your team is amazing. They know the well is coming. Solid job...solid job.” To God be the glory in ALL that we do!!



The children gathered around with us in the back as we took a full group picture with the Clean Water Well plaque in front. Somehow I think this is just the beginning of a very long and amazing relationship between St. Joseph Christian School and Kind Hearts.



Back to Kind Hearts Tuesday!