MESSAGE FROM DR STEPHEN GITHUMBI, DIRECTOR

The stoppage of schools for nearly seven months has been a learning experience about how fragile life can suddenly become without any warning. The announcement of the cessation of movement meant we had all our forty-two girls right here with us every day. Like other parents, we used to see them off to school where they were in the hands of professionals. Now our sitting rooms bedrooms and kitchens literary became the home school and our home staff are their teachers. Having them at close quarters has given us the opportunity to know our kids better and to bond with them. They have been amazing kids as we made schedules together and chose what to do each day. We have all grown in many ways but particularly in four areas.                                                       

One is to depend entirely on the provision and protection by Almighty God. Second is the faithfulness of God's people. We never lacked food or clothing during the sometimes very cold months. Third we learned to be patient with the kids and each other. It has been stressful having our girls in our face morning to evening without having a place to go for swimming and very little in the form outings. But we thank God for the privilege of getting to know each other better and to appreciate what makes each child so unique and special. Fourthly we have learned to have home church since we could not congregate with our regular church. We have had worship services entirely organized and led by our kids. We have found a new way to worship God that maintains the interest of the little ones without their usual Sunday School teachers. We organized ourselves as Christ the Divine Christian Chapel and even had communion at home with permission from our parish minister. It has been quite an adventure walking with God. 

Without school fees our entire staff would have gone without pay. But by the grace of God the PCH Board and our donors gave enough for keeping the lights on and 50% pay for our staff since April. We are most grateful to our donors who have enabled our staff to put food on their family’s tables. Our working girls too fell into hard times due to loss of jobs. The Board set aside some emergency funds that gave much needed help during their time of great need. They too continue to be family.

The government has recently announced the phased reopening of schools. It was such a joy to see the first brave students who showed up yesterday, October 12th. Many more will be coming in the next few days. Our prayer is that the preventive measures we have taken against the spread of the virus will keep our children and staff safe. We thank God for the return of some normalcy. Thank you partners in the US for standing with us during these testing times.