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Caroline Gakii – A Story of HOPE

It is with great joy and happiness that I write this to you. I am 16 years old but will be turning 17 come November 27. My parents are farmers. they work on other people’s farms in order for us to at least get something to eat.

We don’t have a house of our own but we have rented and we usually pay seven hundred per month. Sometimes when we don’t pay in good time, we are always chased out of the house and accommodated by our neighbors until we get money to pay back. That is when we are allowed to get into the house.

Before I went into a boarding school, I always helped my mother in the farm so that she could get double what she usually gets when she works alone. Sometimes, especially in August, we spend most of our time without eating because there are not enough rains and therefore there is inadequate food.

Before I got a sponsor, Michelle bought me some of the school supplies I required because my parents could not manage.

Before I got a sponsor, Michelle bought me some of the school supplies I required because my parents could not manage.

My parents managed to take me to a boarding school when I was in class five. I will always recall when that day for me to go into a boarding school finally reached. I woke up earlier than usual, prepared the breakfast and went to have a shower. (We use a small basin with river water). Within a twinkle of an eye, we had all finished dressing and taking our breakfast. My parents took the metal box filled with my supplies and we headed to the bus station. As we were traveling, questions started flowing in my mind like a wind. How will life be in boarding school? How will I live without seeing my parents and siblings? Will my parents be getting enough money to pay for my school fees? We reached school by 2:00 pm. I was admitted and my box was carried by other students into the dorm. I could not eat that day because of the happiness that I felt.

I stayed in school for two weeks and I was chased back home because I had not paid all of the school fees. I was happy because I had really missed my parents and siblings. When I reached home, I met my mother sitting outside of the house. When she saw me, she was astonished. She asked “What have you come to do and the schools are not yet closed?” I told her happily “Mum, I have been chased to collect the fees.” Before I had finished the word fees, tears started rolling down her cheeks. I felt pain in my heart and I started crying like a little toddler. What she told me made me wish that the earth would open and swallow me alive. “My daughter, I have nothing right now. You have to stay with me here at home and help me so that you can get money to go back to school.”

I was always being chased from school due to lack of fees.

I was always being chased from school due to lack of fees.

I entered the house, knelt down and started crying to God to deliver us from living a life of poverty. After one week, the money was enough for me to go back to school. Life continued like that. One day I am in school and another day, I am being sent home to collect more fees. It became a monotony. Whenever the director would come to read who is being sent home for fees, I was always the first name to be read because I had always remained with a large amount of money owed. Sometimes, I would be the only person who would be sent home from the whole school! I would cry until my head would start aching. People at home know that I always go home after two or three weeks. Some even manage to ask me where I usually work because I always appear to be home.

My parents could not keep me in boarding school any longer. They decided to take me back into the small rural day school I attended before. It was 2009, in the third term, when my father and I went to clear what we could from the huge balance at school. We were told that they could not give us clearance and we had to wait for the director. When he came, he told us to go. Although Matanya’s Hope was helping some of the needy students at our school, there was not yet a sponsor for me.

This is me, Caroline Gakii, and my father during our interview with Michelle.  This day changed my life.

This is me, Caroline Gakii, and my father during our interview with Michelle. This day changed my life.

I had no option but to take my box and leave the school. I followed behind my father. Michelle had just arrived as we were leaving. She saw us and called us to come back from the long path. Michelle and my father entered a room; I was left outside. I did not know what they were talking about but Michelle soon explained that she would pray hard to find me a sponsor. Tears of joy were rolling down my cheeks. I took my box back into the dorm and went back to class.

When I was in class 8, all of the pupils were asked to pay six thousand shillings for a trip to Mombasa. My parents could not manage to pay for me and no one notified Michelle, so all those who had not paid were chased home for the money. I was one of those who were chased.

My parents said that they could not manage to pay. My mother took me back to school the following day. Director was harsh and would not allow me to go into the classroom without paying for the trip. I was asked to take my box and leave the school. But as I was waiting for my mother to come out of the office, Michelle appeared again. I don’t know how it is that every time I am told to leave with my box, somehow she is there! Michelle saw me with the box beside me and I was crying. She came and asked me what the problem was and I told her that I was not able to pay six thousand for the trip. She went and told the director that Matanya’s Hope will pay those fees. I was allowed to go to class.

I wish you could tell me how your life was when you were in school.

Today I am in high school. Matanya’s Hope has catered for my needs and life has been smooth. I have a wonderful sponsor who has made me to feel like life really will be ok after all!

God bless all of you who help someone in need. I don’t know where I could be without Matanya’s Hope.

Caroline Gakii

DONATE NOW
www.journeytohelpafrica.com
www.matanyashope.org
or send check to:
Matanya’s Hope PO Box 562 Homewood, IL 60430

All donations are tax deductible.

There are only two ways to live your life. One, is as though nothing is a miracle. The other, is as though EVERYTHING is a miracle. Albert Einstein

There are only two ways to live your life.
One, is as though nothing is a miracle.
The other, is as though EVERYTHING is a miracle.
Albert Einstein

What do we say when a child comes to us with his dreams?

Do we tell him, “you are not my child?”

Or do we listen. Help. Hope.

Who? Ibrahim.
What? My mother promised to take me to school.
Where? Rural Kenya.

The Story: Last year Ibrahim contacted Matanya’s Hope, pleading his case for sponsorship. We did not have a sponsor.

The story below is told by Ibrahim.

“Although I was first admitted to East African University, I had to walk away from the chance. Then I thought all hope was gone and I was admitted to Zetech University near Nairobi, in Ruiru. My mother had to borrow funds from my elderly grandmother to send me to school. She has no more to borrow.
I don’t know who she will find help from next semester which will begin in September.
I don’t know what to do. I feel the weight of my dreams trying to press me down but I don’t want to give up.”

I am the only hope of my family. My mother is a house help. She earns very little. Even food is a challenge.”

Each of Ibrahim’s siblings dropped out of school at the primary level due to abject poverty. “Please, I don’t want to drop out of school like my brothers. I watch them despair because they can not always find work. They are a burden on my mum when she has to supply food and basic needs.”

This is me, Ibrahim Waihenya.

This is me, Ibrahim Waihenya.

I was admitted to Zetech University do a diploma in accounting and finance which will end November next year. My fees last term were 27,500 ksh (approximately $275.00). This term my fees in total are: 53,000 (approximately $530.) Here are my fees broken down:
Fees: 20,000 (approximately $200)
Rent: 16,000 (4,000 per month; approximately $160)
Food: 12,000 (3000 per month; approximately $120)
Transport: 1,000 (approximately $10)
Printing: 4,000 (1000 per month; approximately $40)

Each semester is 4 months. I was not able to pay last month’s rent of 4,000 (approximately $40). Also because I do not have a laptop, I must use the cyber to print my assignments, notes and papers. The cost is around 1,000 per month (approximately $10).

I have a dream for the future: to bring help to everyone in my family who needs my help.

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I am an ambitions, cheerful, kind, loving and honest 21 year old student who just wants a chance to bring hope to my family. I manage a mean grade of B-. I am the role model to my younger cousins since I am the second learned person in my entire family after my aunt who went to school. I am determined. I want to help my family since my brothers are illiterate and are forced look for casual jobs. I have 3 semesters remaining. 3 semesters stand between me and the answer to my prayers. I want so much to be able to go to school and to help my mom.

I have been struggling for school fees since my mom lost her job immediately after I finished my last year of high school.

Ibrahim Waihenya
Nanyuki

A photo of some of the shoes and other personal items our children in Kenya wear due to the extreme poverty their families face

Making A Difference HSE High School World Connections Club

Hamilton Southeastern High School’s World Connections Club
Making a Difference in the World

Hamilton Southeastern High School, (located in Fishers, Indiana) should be very proud of their World Connections Club. This club consists of members of the student body and teacher volunteers. They study world cultures and learn to appreciate the beauty and diversity this world has to offer.

World Connections Club students from Hamilton Southeastern High School in Fishers, Indiana and their mentor Vickie Lazaga go the extra mile to support Matanya's Hope.

World Connections Club students from Hamilton Southeastern High School in Fishers, Indiana and their mentor Vickie Lazaga go the extra mile to support Matanya’s Hope.

Over the last few years this student club, led by their mentor teacher, Vickie Lazaga, has been supporting Matanya’s Hope with shoe, backpack and clothing drives. This year’s mission marks the fourth year HSE World Connections Club has donated to Matanya’s Hope and it is the most successful yet! They have raised funds from their International Night which were donated to help Matanya’s Hope ship supplies to students, much like themselves. In addition, they collected 2 cartloads of shoes, backpacks, jackets and school supplies to take on mission to disburse to their age mates in need.

A photo of some of the shoes and other personal items our children in Kenya wear due to the extreme poverty their families face

A photo of some of the shoes and other personal items our children in Kenya wear due to the extreme poverty their families face

We met with the HSE World Connections Club this year and showed them a video of an impoverished school girl from rural Kenya, highlighting what her life was like. It starts with her rising at 4:30 in the morning and traveling several miles to fetch water from a bacteria infested stream for the family to drink, bathe and do laundry with. She then gathers fire wood and chops it into kindling with a large ax before setting out to walk 5 miles barefoot to school. The student’s response to these images was overwhelming. They are so passionate about world issues and use their growing awareness to come up with ways to help.

The Hamilton Southeastern High School World Connections Club take in every detail of an orphaned girl's life in rural Kenya

The Hamilton Southeastern High School World Connections Club take in every detail of an orphaned girl’s life in rural Kenya

Michelle Stark and I have visited the club for the past several years. Each year we are so impressed by these students. They learn about various cultures through food, dance and cultural customs. They learn and discuss world issues and truly have global awareness in a way seldom seen at the high school level. These HSE World Connections Club students are also learning to take on leadership roles by directing and organizing their own events.

World Connections Club President Vickie Lazaga and MH Vice President Ann Thomson present Matanya's Hope to the HSE World Connections Club

World Connections Club President Vickie Lazaga and MH Vice President Ann Thomson present Matanya’s Hope to the HSE World Connections Club

It is with deep gratitude that Michelle and I salute these caring students and their inspiring leader, Vickie Lazaga.

Ann Thomson, V.P. Matanya’s Hope

Masai baby child AFRICA

GIFT OF HOPE

Today, young Sintoyei is a carefree school girl. She treks through the beautiful plains in the Masai Mara with a handful of other school children. Late afternoon, she returns to her village to join her family. She collects firewood and water and on days when food is available, they share dinner. when it is not, she studies, though hungry, until dark.

As the sun sets in the Masai Mara, children sleep.  There is no electricity to provide light for studies.

As the sun sets in the Masai Mara, children sleep. There is no electricity to provide light for studies.

But life for Sintoyei will soon change. She will not be making the trek to school again. Since Sintoyei recently entered puberty, she will follow the Masai initiation into womanhood. This means that it is time to be genitally cut. In order for her to be seen as a clean, worthy and acceptable woman in the eyes of her community, she must undergo a ritual cutting ceremony also known as FGM (female genital mutilation).

According to culture, by the time a Masai girl reaches puberty, she will undergo FGM and will drop out of school.  Matanya's Hope offers hope through sponsorships for continued education.

According to culture, by the time a Masai girl reaches puberty, she will undergo FGM and will drop out of school. Matanya’s Hope offers hope through sponsorships for continued education.

Sintoyei may not be alone in this experience. As is often the case, other girls will be cut alongside her. More often than not, the instruments used to cut will not be sterilized. Sometimes, one instrument is repeatedly used until each of the girls are circumcised. Sintoyei will not be given anesthesia nor will the area be blocked from pain. After a short period of healing, Sintoyei will be sold into marriage. She may be the first, second… or even the 10th wife and her husband… and he may be upwards of 40 years old! He will pay a dowry for her which translates to him giving her family an agreed upon number of cows and goats. Sintoyei may not have a choice in who her parents choose as her husband. In fact, an older man with many wives is often seen as more experienced and he is valued as a superior choice in marriage.

The village will welcome Sintoyei as a woman now. She will be welcomed to share her voice with others in the adult community. This is all she knows. Sintoyei looks forward to the ceremony with fear and joy.

Though just a child yesterday, now, Sintoyei will be expected to perform wifely duties. Soon, she will carry a child of her own. She may never know education beyond 6th grade.

A Masai girl marries soon after she heals from FGM.  She will be expected to perform all wifely duties including child bearing and building her family's  home.

A Masai girl marries soon after she heals from FGM. She will be expected to perform all wifely duties including child bearing and building her family’s home.

Sintoyei’s story is very real, however her name has been changed to protect her identity. There are thousands of Sintoyei’s in the Masai tribe.

Matanya’s Hope has sponsored many Masai children. Many are now spokespersons, teaching the women of their tribe, showing them that they do not need to be cut in order to have a good life. They celebrate the beautiful aspects of their tribal heritage and urge others in their tribe to protect and honor their wives and daughters by sparing them from this dangerous procedure.

Your sponsorships and support are bringing hope to the Masai children of Kenya and beyond.

As we prepare to embark upon our 2016 mission, we thank you and pray for your continued support.

Asante Sana!
Michelle Stark

To donate, click on the button on top of this page or go to:
www.journeytohelpafrica.com and select DONATE

Matanya’s Hope needs to raise $14,000 by July 1 in order to support our work in Kenya.
If you ever wanted to make a difference…
please donate today and let your dollars work for those in need.

A Matanya’s Hope Student Shares A Plea For Others

I don't know how my story will end but it will never read....I gave up

Matanya’s Hope has sponsored me since I was young. You have given me the chance to go to school. Now I am in University, studying agribusiness management, a very good field for our farming country. I am not writing to you today about me.

I have had something in my heart, a burden, that is two years old now. I felt I should mention it to you.

I have a classmate who opened up to me about his life. He has faced hard times since he can remember and he is thinking of dropping out of school because he can’t see himself finishing the line with all of the struggles. We are taking the same course. Since my first year, I have been encouraging him.

He would sometimes come to school without a single items of shopping (soap, toothpaste, pens, pencils, notebooks, socks…), no fees to pay the tuition, not even clothes or shoes. He mostly attends classes with slippers. I would assist him with pens and share my copies of handout notes we get from lecturers which I printed with the money you provide.

The young man goes without food and when he gets it, it is really a miracle. Since the second year, second semester, he has never gone home during school breaks. He can’t because fees for transport are really a problem for him. I remember him telling me last year, “Lisper, if you see that I am doing this exam, God is great”. He said this because he had a fee balance that the parents could not afford. the father struggled and managed to send half of it. Then he approached the Dean of Students with a written letter to request to do the exams. He promised to pay the balance after the exam.

I asked him if he managed to pay it and he said that his father sold some trees and sent the fees after. Now we are in a new semester. the student got permission (a kibarua) to distribute mandazi (Kenyan donuts) from a small food kiosk which other kiosk owners use for a quick bite. He hoped that he would at least get food for supper. He did this with our without classes and he would rush quickly to class for every lecture.

This  is me, Lisper Muthoni.  Thank you Matanya's Hope for making it possible for me to go to school.  I can not imagine the harshness of life without education.

This is me, Lisper Muthoni. Thank you Matanya’s Hope for making it possible for me to go to school. I can not imagine the harshness of life without education.

The amazing thing is that no one is bright like him in class.

One day, the lecturer wanted to hear everyone shout what he or she would want to be in the future. I heard him saying “a researcher”. the lecturer talked about it. What pained me is that the guy was struggling to get food through getting permission to sell mandazi when I was doing my end of semester exams. I heard others saying that he can’t do the exam. the reason is because of the same fees he owes for this term. The parents have nothing more to sell. They can not manage to get food money for him and at the same time money to pay fees.

Since it has been a routine for him to have almost impossible balances due, the Dean refused to admit him to school this term. He told him “you either drop out of school or pay the fees.” The student was so stressed during exam time and after the exams I called him. I wanted to know what happened but he was in tears. He told me that he has been praying to get the fees but now he sees that he can’t make life through education but only away from education.

I encouraged him. I know you don’t know this person. You have never seen him either.

I wanted to open up this issue to you last year, but it was hard to do it. You know I am a quiet girl. I did not know how you would take it. But let me tell you, I don’t know why I feel bad about this. Every time I pray, I tell God to help that friend. We have given nothing to God yet we are getting our fees paid. It is God who provides.

This student is seeing that his dreams will be shattered by all means. I went home and I left him in school saying he can’t go home because he has no fare. And if he goes home, he will be frustrated to return without money for the old and new fees. He remains in the empty hostels with no shopping and no food. Fare to come back is still a problem. Still, he can study for the semester, but he can not do exams without clearing his fees. I really feel like God is calling me to see and feel deeply for what this guy is passing through.

I humbly approach you for your help. Everything is God who give. We are helping kids. This thing is serious. I have observed it for long. I have taken time to ask questions and want to know more. I at times wish I would have money to lend a hand. He comes from a very poor village called Kuria, bordering Tanzania.

The story of this student touched my heart. His name is Meremo Samwel Nyangi. He is in his 3rd year like me, taking Bsc (agribusiness management). the terms left are only 3 plus the one we finished on Friday though he has not paid for it and he has not done the exams for it.

Since my first year I have been encouraging him.  He would sometimes come to school without shopping, no fees, even clothes and shoes.

Since my first year I have been encouraging him. He would sometimes come to school without shopping, no fees, even clothes and shoes.

His fees for this new term are 14,350 ($145.00).
He also needs food for 5,000 a month times 4 months ($50 x 4 = $200)
and transport: 5,000 ($50)

I am a student who has been helped.
Now I pray you hear my request for this boy Samwel.

Thank you.
Lisper Muthoni

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Mission of Hope 2016

Children wait in line for distribution of porridge, school supplies and shoes.

Children wait in line for distribution of porridge, school supplies and shoes.

Today, children in Nairobi Kenya are facing the aftermath of one of the worst floods in the history of Kenya. Buildings have collapsed and many are injured and dead. Streets have become like rivers. People’s homes and belongings have been washed away.


Matanya’s Hope needs to raise $30,000 to carry on our much needed mission work. So far, we’ve already raised $14,531.00

This year we have more than 4,500 pounds of donated items to pass out, including: shoes, blankets, clothing, school supplies, medical supplies, hygiene supplies and so much more. We will spend our time loving and inspiring these children, assessing our past years work and delivering to help those in need during this crisis. Each trip costs $30,000. So far, we’ve already raised $14,561.00.

I am very proud of our progress, but I believe we can reach our goal of $30,000 in this next month.

To make that happen, we need your help.

This is a great opportunity for you to make a difference in the lives of these children and the communities in need. Please don’t let another day slip away; share your passion for life.

Your donation today is an easy way to make a difference in a child’s life. That simple.
You donate.
A child receives help, love and hope.
It is an investment in the future.

It’s a total win-win.

We have an amazing opportunity today for you to make a tax deductible donation that will help Matanya’s Hope address the crisis hitting Kenya today. Your donation will help children in need.

If you believe like us:
___every child deserves an education.
___every child deserves a chance to succeed in life.
___every child deserves to feel loved.
___every child deserves to be protected from harms way.

Give the gift of education and you are giving the gift of hope.

Give the gift of education and you are giving the gift of hope.

Matanya’s Hope works with thousands of orphaned and impoverished children in some of the most impoverished, remote regions of Kenya. Without our help, some of these children have gone without:
___food
___shoes
___school supplies
___education
___blankets
___safe drinking water (or any water at all)
___hygiene supplies (soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste)
___hope

Many children go days without food.  The Matanya's Hope porridge program helps to eradicate hunger.

Many children go days without food. The Matanya’s Hope porridge program helps to eradicate hunger.

To great days ahead,

Michelle Stark
Founder, Matanya’s Hope

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GIFT FOR YOUR SPONSORED CHILD

LAST CALL
There is nothing more gratifying than the smile of a sponsored child receiving a gift, a letter with pictures, or other personal item from their sponsors.

The children love receiving a letter and photo from their sponsors.  They are eager to write back.

The children love receiving a letter and photo from their sponsors. They are eager to write back.

Your student wants to know you and about your life. They absolutely light up when they realize you have sent something personal to them. Our main shipment of donations is already on the way to Kenya. If you have missed this deadline, you still have a few weeks to get something to Michelle that can be given to your child. The final deadline for items Michelle will be carrying with her on the plane is June 1. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. A letter with pictures and easy questions they can answer back for you.
2. Shirts, backpacks, grooming supplies, socks, sweatshirts, underwear, pencils and notebooks.
3. A hand crank or solar flashlight. (small)
4. Bibles or books of inspiration and success.

Rose Muthoni receives stationary, notebooks and markers from her sponsors during the 2015 mission.

Rose Muthoni receives stationary, notebooks and markers from her sponsors during the 2015 mission.

Please know that anything received now will not be with our main shipments and will become extra baggage (at a much higher cost). A donation of $20 towards that cost is gratefully appreciated.

We are seeking help to continue this amazing work. Please DONATE NOW TO Matanya’s Hope. (link on the top of this page) Your donation will directly impact our mission outreach for these children.

Thank you.
Asante Sana

Photographer, Unknown.  Subject REAL.  Let's join hands and become the messengers of  hope.

MISSION 2016 Send Hope to Kenya

Matanya’s Hope Mission Drive

Send HOPE to Kenya.
Since 2005, Matanya’s Hope has delivered HOPE to some of the neediest children and communities in rural Kenya. Every year, we distribute shoes, school supplies, clothing, hygiene supplies, medical supplies, blankets, porridge and so much more. Most of all we deliver love and hope for a brighter future.

Matanya's Hope founder Michelle Stark serves a child from Kagaani Primary school with porridge.  For many of these students, this porridge is the only meal they will receive in a day.

Matanya’s Hope founder Michelle Stark serves a child from Kagaani Primary school with porridge. For many of these students, this porridge is the only meal they will receive in a day.

Thanks to you, our supporters and followers, we have collected and packed over 4,000 pounds of donations ready to distribute. We have more this year than ever before!

Children from impoverished backgrounds receive inner wears, something almost impossible for their families to provide.

Children from impoverished backgrounds receive inner wears, something almost impossible for their families to provide.

We need help with our last big task.

We need now only to raise our Mission $$$$. We have the same goal to raise as last year, $30,000. We reached our goal last year and with your help, we will reach it again this year. Starting now and through mid-June we will be counting down on our blog page. www.journeytohelpafrica.com
Many of you have given so much already and may not be able to assist again, but share our post with friends and family. Every person who reads and learns about Matanya’s Hope is amazed at the work that is being done. Sharing our message is a huge help. The craziest stories on the internet get thousands of shares. (I know you know of some) Surely stories of good works and deeds can get the same attention.
We currently have 230 students in boarding schools and universities. Our first students from 2006 are graduating and becoming gainfully employed. We help thousands through our porridge program, rainwater tank program and with other life changing donations.

Please consider donating now and/or sharing our story. We are making a difference for these children and communities.

Children from an orphanage receive the gift of clothing from Matanya's Hope donors.

Children from an orphanage receive the gift of clothing from Matanya’s Hope donors.

Thomas

This is me in 2005, the day Michelle found me.  My lips were parched.  I was grimacing from hunger.  Little did I know that I was about to be blessed and transformed by the love of God through Matanya's Hope.

This is me in 2005, the day Michelle found me. My lips were parched. I was grimacing from hunger. Little did I know that I was about to be blessed and transformed by the love of God through Matanya’s Hope.

My name is Thomas Muriithi.

I am now 21 years old. I spent my childhood years living life as an orphan, in a very poor background. I thank God for my grandmother. She used to really struggle to provide even the most basic needs of life. I had been left by my beloved parents when I was very, very young. My lifestyle was not that simple though I had little to call my own. Most of the time, l slept hungry. There was nothing to eat. To make matters worse, we would lay sacks on the cold or wet ground and sleep. We had no blankets. No pillows. No covers at all. We had none. Every Sunday morning, my grandmother would shave my head so that I would not use more soap when bathing. Once the school week began, I would go to school very early but hungry. My lips were always parched from thirst and hunger pains were all I knew.

I was barefooted, though I had to trek a ways to go to and from school.  We could not afford a single pair of shoes.

I was barefooted, though I had to trek a ways to go to and from school. We could not afford a single pair of shoes.

One day God sent me an angel. Her name was Michelle. I did not know it then, but she noticed that I had on a very large, baggy sweater which was not even the colour of our school uniform. One side was hanging from my shoulder while the other side was somewhere lost down my arm. That day, and for many days after, she asked a lot of questions of our teachers and our principle to learn more about me. They told her that I am an orphan and that I slept on a dirt floor, always hungry and huddled together with my cousins for warmth. Michelle later told me that those stories pained her heart; she could not bear to think of any child living hungry, thirsty and cold.

Within days, I was called from our small rural home. I could not believe my eyes. There before me were gifts of a mattress, blankets, bed sheets and bed covers! It was at that moment that I consciously began to know the meaning of love. I called Michelle an angel. I still do. I promised myself, from that moment on, I would never miss a day of school and I would spend my days serving those in need. I went to school early every day to clean the compound. It made me feel happy to give back.

This is the classroom where Michelle met me in 2005.   Although everyone of us came from a very humble background, I was one of very few who did not have a uniform.

This is the classroom where Michelle met me in 2005. Although everyone of us came from a very humble background, I was one of very few who did not have a uniform.

After the mission that year, Michelle returned to the USA and worked tirelessly to find me a sponsor. That is when another miracle graced my life. Matanya’s Hope sent me to boarding school! I would no longer have to forage for food, sleep hungry or lack water, shoes, clothes, soap, toothbrush or school supplies. Though challenges still occur here and there, my life since those moments has been a journey of hope to live again. Surely I am where l am because of Matanya’s Hope.

Me in my very torn sweater in 2005

Me in my very torn sweater in 2005

Matanya’s Hope brought me and very many others from nothing to something, useless to useful, hopeless to hopeful. I really appreciate all of the donors of Matanya’s Hope. Especially
Michelle for the tremendous support she has been offering to us orphans. May our Almighty Lord bless you all.

[caption id="attachment_1238" align="alignleft" width="3264"]This is me receiving gifts from my sponsors.  You have brightened my days and given me so much hope!  This is me receiving gifts from my sponsors. You have brightened my days and given me so much hope!

I share a very special appreciation to my sponsors, Richard and Karen, who have shown me love like a son. To you, Mom and Dad and Michelle, you work day and night to ensure that l have all what I need while in school and at home. You continue to make me a true testimony. Matanya’s Hope has taken a small orphaned boy, hungry, scared and alone and given me the confidence and love to equip me for life. You encouraged me throughout. Once I had no destiny. Today, I aspire to be a prominent person – someone who can help others as you’ve helped me. Actually, my life has changed for the better because of Matanya’s Hope. Thank you.

Keep sponsoring.
You never know the potential of a small orphaned boy until you give him a chance. Look at me.

God bless you.

Thomas Muriithi

a persons most useful asset is love

Thank You – from Patrick – a Matanya’s Hope Student

Dear sponsors, donors and friends of Matanya`s Hope,

My name is Patrick. I know this might not be the first blog entry some of you are reading from me – I have written several, but this one is distinctive in that it reveals insights I could only gather after spending time serving with Matanya’s Hope. It is SPECIAL to me and I invite you to read and share with a friend. This would mean a lot to me.

Two years ago, Michelle Stark visited me at school – I was still in High school. She asked me to describe MH in three words and I said, `MH is Hope’. Honestly, I meant it…….and I still do! But if someone asked me the question again today, I would have a totally different answer. To me today, MH is ‘DOING LIFE TOGETHER’. It is being a blessing to other peoples` lives – making the world a better place to live in, not just for ourselves, but for others. It is being sensitive enough and courageous enough to raise awareness so that we can become blessings to those same others that so many in this world close their eyes to – turn their backs on – ignore – and let rot in their own hunger, homelessness and hopelessness. Matanya’s Hope is different and I am different because of Matanya’s Hope.

This photo of me was taken a few years ago.  I was a high school student sponsored by Matanya's Hope.  Without this support, I can not imagine where my life might be today.

This photo of me was taken a few years ago. I was a high school student sponsored by Matanya’s Hope. Without this support, I can not imagine where my life might be today.

I spent my December holiday (I am now a first year economics student at TUK – Technical University of Nairobi) delivering donations….food stuffs, chickens, blankets, clothes and mattresses to needy families in Kenya. It was tiring. That I won’t lie, but as days went by, I got to like the idea of giving people a reason to smile. It was amazing to see a person’s eyes sparkle for one of the few times in their lives they may have felt relief, loved or valued by others. I can’t even describe how amazing it was to watch the recipients of MH gifts receive something even more than the gift itself; love. Its awesome. I want to do this over and over again – as far as God wants me to.

Cucu (Grandmother to Matanay's Hope student Jackline Gachohie) takes care of her 8 orphaned grandchildren. When Matanya's Hope donated 2 mattresses to her several years ago, she gave them to her grandchildren while she continued to sleep on the floor.  Your donations helped us bring the blessing of a new mattress to cucu this Christmas.

Cucu (Grandmother to Matanay’s Hope student Jackline Gachohie) takes care of her 8 orphaned grandchildren. When Matanya’s Hope donated 2 mattresses to her several years ago, she gave them to her grandchildren while she continued to sleep on the floor. Your donations helped us bring the blessing of a new mattress to cucu this Christmas.

There are so many scriptural references to God instructing us to love one another. Isaiah 58:7 is a perfect example. He instructs us to feed the hungry, house the homeless, clothe the naked…to help those in need. At times, we feel like we don’t have a lot to give out. This is when we think of life in terms of material possessions. But material possessions do not define life. There is more to the human experience than just material possessions………. Someone somewhere is dying for love….all they need is someone who can smile, laugh, hug or even pray with them. Be that person. Be that blessing. Be that miracle. If someone is hungry, share what you have. That’s what I have learned. One day it could be me – or my mother – or my child. I can’t even imagine the hurt I would feel if I watched people turn their backs on my own family. But each time we turn our own backs, we are shunning someone’s child, someone’s parent, someones sister or brother…and in some ways, even ourselves. And each time we help, we are helping to heal the world.

I want to thank all of those who donated toward the Matanya’s Hope Christmas outreach. To those who donated to the chicken project, the mattress project, the blanket project and the food project, thank you for standing with us! I can`t mention all of you by name – you are so many………Michelle Stark – MY ANGEL, The entire MH family, The accounting firm: CJBS LLC, Kelly and Dave Golding, Kaitlin and Bill Bell……gosh, I want to mention every one. Thank you so much for being a blessing – a miracle.

8 orphaned children live with their one widowed grandmother.  Food has been a constant issue in their lives, but today, Matanya's Hope donors make more than a Christmas meal possible!  Thank you to Kelly and Dave Golding who made this food possible as a Christmas gift honoring their daughter Jackline!

8 orphaned children live with their one widowed grandmother. Food has been a constant issue in their lives, but today, Matanya’s Hope donors make more than a Christmas meal possible! Thank you to Kelly and Dave Golding who made this food possible as a Christmas gift honoring their daughter Jackline!

Thank you for making love happen.

Patrick Muriuki Wambui
Matanya’s Hope