RUNNING!

The kids have been training steadily at Tumaini despite exams, and lots of frustrations like teacher strikes and bad weather. Those of us hoping to keep them going have also been frustrated by some difficulties with race scheduling and struggles to find exciting end goals to work toward. However, the kids are powering through, and their attitude is amazing. Below are a few quotations for inspiration from some of our older runners. I cannot attribute their names to the quotes, as they were given as part of an anonymous survey we conducted to see how the running program was doing, but I can say all of these children are part of the committed running team between the ages of 15 and 20. As a runner, I can say these children are an inspiration:

“Beside education, I come to realize that running is part of improving my life since it is health to my body. I also enjoy when running.”


“Running has made me active in other games, even at school like football. I can be able to play for 90 minutes without getting tired. Running have also made my body very flexible.”

“The best time to me is when running in the morning. Since there is no sun and I am always energetic.”

“The best parts of the running program are the hardest runs that we usually run with the coach eg when there are small hills on flat areas or also many kilometers. “

“It like running because it is stimulative—you feel well and are in good mood. Even in school, I used to be very slow when working but now I am sick. I was dull but on running day I am always bright.”

New Video on RunnersWorld.com!

Our new video at Runner's World Magazine...

Cuteness

National Geographic Magazines, Ephantus

by Ephantus, 12

My name is Ephantus. I like reading National Geographic magazine because they talk about Africa.

I goes to school at R. I live in Tumaini Children's Home.

I am in grade seve and I like learning English, Kiswahili, and S/S (Social Studies).

Crazy Mwai...

Rhoda, 17

by Rhoda, 17

I enjoyed playing valleyball and football, cracking jokes with my friends here in Tumaini. I also enjoyed my Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths lessons. After classes i enjoyed my nice made lunch.

Eric, 9

My name is Eric in Tumaini. This is a good home for the people who want to learn.

Grace, 11

ABOUT TUMAINI COMPOSITION. Tumaini is good big house to me. Beds are clean in TUMAINI. Goodbye . Grace

"My Birthday" By Beatrice, 20

Back in 1988 on the fourteenth of April, when the sun could not stop spreading its rays from the Eastern Horizon, at God's Own Time, a child was born. "It's a baby girl!" The nurses and everybody else could not stop shouting.

Without teeth or even the ability to stand or do anything by myself, mum took great care of me. Thanks to Mum and God. Many were born on the same day, month, or the same year but their parents dumped them while others passed away on that day. Not forgetting to mention that some did not even mature up to be born since their mothers aborted them. That definitely makes me love my mum. God bless her in abundance. Just as I was, she accepted me, in her laps I sat on not forgetting the good milk from her breast that has made me strong and energetic fit to survive.

Now I can walk and even crush bones with my teeth. As I turn the nineteenth calendar, I hope to turn as many till I be a toothless old lady with as many grandchildren as possible.

Thanks to you all who have come to see me turn another calender. I love you all amnd much more hope to treasure you in my mind as great friends. You really made me feel humbled when I rememebr am 19 years old, and I will always remember you even though you will be as far not to be reached. I promise to reach out to you with prayers since where my arms can not reach to give you a handshake, prayers can always reach. And as well, since prayers are the only true giftest you can always give to friends far away from you.

"My" by Grace, age 11

My name is Grace. I am eleven year old. I have two sister and three brothers. My mother is called Jane. My father is Charles. My parent were teachers but God take them. Then God give me a place where I live with Joy. I stay like a child who have parent but matron are my parent. I live in Tumaini.

I am in Std. Five. I works hand in class. I also respect my teachers. I like Mathmatics and praying and football. I love my friend and enemies. My peti s a dog it called a tigeter. My friend is a called Ketleen. She wet to Riamukurwe Pry School. I like telling storys. I go to chuch every sunday when I go to church I very clean my clothes are clean when I went to school and church.

Goodbye. God Bless You.

I Love My Self.

Dorcas

by Dorcas, age 11

My name is Dorcas. I live in Tumaini Children's Home. I am 11 years old. I am happy when I am in Tumaini. I go to school at Riamukurwe primary school. I use to be happy when I am in school and when I'm learning and when ou r teacher teaches us. I am happy when I am in Tumaini. I enjoy playing with my friends and learning. We stay in peace hear in Tumaini. We love one another and enjoying the life of tumaini. I pray every day when I am going to bed. I like to run everyday and I live to learn. My favourite subject is math, English, social studies and CRE. I like to study every time. May God bless our home Tumaini. May God bless hands so that I can be able to work hard.

Dorcas

by Dorcas, age 11

My name is Dorcas. I live in Tumaini Children's Home. I am 11 years old. I am happy when I am in Tumaini. I go to school at Riamukurwe primary school. I use to be happy when I am in school and when I'm learning and when ou r teacher teaches us. I am happy when I am in Tumaini. I enjoy playing with my friends and learning. We stay in peace hear in Tumaini. We love one another and enjoying the life of tumaini. I pray every day when I am going to bed. I like to run everyday and I live to learn. My favourite subject is math, English, social studies and CRE. I like to study every time. May God bless our home Tumaini. May God bless hands so that I can be able to work hard.

"Kikuyu" by Hannah G. (9)

My name is Hannah. I live in Tumaini. I am in std three. I am nine years old. I love Tumaini because I eat. We are family one day I will come there in America when God wants. I will write read and work hard. I will be a doctor when I come big. I like Science better in my class. We have 55 pupils, 4 are in Tumaini. Tomorrow I will woke up and then I go to school. My teacher is called Mrs. Mutui. Please I would like to tell you some kikuyu

Book—mbuku
Pencil—kalamu
Ball—mphira
Girl-muritu
Boy—kahii
Table—metha
Dog—ngui
Cat-nyau

Please teach them that kikuyu may god bless you so much.

Writing from Hannah.

"Story" Charles M. (9)

This is story of Mwai which he said he was narrated it by his grandfather (Rev. Muindi)

Once upon a time there lived two children who lived in certain village. His teacher decided to test their God undersandnig. He gave each child an egg and told them to go where God could not see them and crush the egg. One child ran very fast up to a cage he had seen while looking after his father’s cattle where he could not be seen. After he made sure no eye he could see he crushed the egg.

The second boy suched all the day long without a success. This is because her Sunday school teacher hand told him that God is everywhere.
When teacher had news from each boy he finally corrected the boy who crush an egg.

That is end of a story!

From Charles Mwai, as narrated to James Karicho.

A Staring Contest

Saitoti, 8, wins a staring contest:

Taking Books to School Video

Here, many of the primary students take donated books to the secondary school:

Jane Learns About Hitler

Jane, 9, learns about Hitler from Hope Runs volunteer, Jonathan.

Audio Interview

At one point, we thought about how fun it would be to do a Tumaini podcast. In this vein, we're starting to post audio and video the kids have done! Here we have a piece where Sammy, 13, our resident radio show voice, interviews Faith, 7, about her plans in life:

Faith in a Cardboard Box Video

Faith, 7, hangs out in a cardboard box for the afternoon:

"My Day" by Stellah G. (12)

It was one bright morning. The birds were singing with their best melodies ready to welcome the new born day. I went in the frogs kingdom and had a shower. I dressed in my bright read dress.

 

When I was going back into the table room I could smell the sweet aroma from the kitchen. It was my bright morning to travel to Narobi.

 

Thanks!

 

"Day" By Gladys, age 16

I woke up very early due to ringing of bell for several times, hoping it was breakfast time but finding it was breakfast spiritually and being counseled with a sermon. The day seemed to be cold with fog all over, drizzling and shrilling. I just felt to go on with my sleep, but I thought it was better to be fed in both cases. After going to the dining hall to take my breakfast, I waited for some minutes and the devotion started whereby, I started with the opening prayer where I took time to thank our heavenly dad for giving us a new day. Then, we proceeded and the service got finished, we all walked out blessed.

 

After the devotion, I took my studying equipment and went to the studyroom where I, as usual, takes studies. As time passed by and by, lunch came nearer and after revising for some hours the bell was again ran. I did as our Guka has instructed us by obeying the bell. Due to morning blessings I lead with a word of prayer and everybody was happy so, we took our lunch and went out where I got in our dormitory and we started cracking jokes with my classmates, we did it to our level best without hurting each other. Then, the Tea bell was rung where instead of going to take it I hurriedly changed my clothes and wore the one which I used to wear when running. I ran for five kilometers and after which I return and did some activities which included jogging, press up and stretches. Then I came to our hall, took my tea, and as I took the supper bell rang. I waited for some people after which I seated our table, we enjoyed the meal, no sooner thad we taken our meal than the News time reached. So we listened and watched the news after which I ran skelta helta to the computer room only finding all computer were occupied. Ooh…how nice day was it?

 

TO ANY PERSON WHO IS CONCERNED

My name are Christopher am 17 years of age and am now in grade three .my hobby is that , I like making friends,traveling ,playing ,and also running .my aim of writing this letter is to inform you that when you read this letter, I would like you to be my prayer partner I will be praying for you hoping you will also do the same to me .I will be sending you some letters of encouragement.Please when you read this letter please send it back I would like to here from you thank and may God bless you .Have a worderful lifetime.

From Brother in Christ
Chris

WELCOME TO OUR WEB TODAY!

by Mercylynne, 16

Thanks for your comments the previous day I wrote. It is a pleasure that you have interest on what we all write in our web. It has been fun to read them all though Istill a wait to hear from my prayer partner Emily and Sarah. Please pass my love to them.

Today am going to write about my favorite Teacher.

My favorite teachers are Miss Nderitu and Miss Kairu.
Miss Nderitu teaches me Chemistry. Am only good in it just when the teacher is in class. She always motivates me and encourages performing better in the subject. We share talks with her in private at times in the laboratory and other times in the staffroom. She is not that tall and not that short. She loves her students so much under all conditions. She really collides with students not unless she is on duty. I love her being on duty. I also love her daughter who often writes to me.

Miss Kairu is also a fun. She teaches me Agriculture. I do perform relatively well in her subject. She is short and brown. She loves me so much I love her too. Some students make fun of me because the moment she enters class to teach and has already said hi to the rest she comes by where I sit and asks me of how I have been. One day i assumed that she wasn’t talking to me but just responded haphazardly and she told me to see her at the end of the lesson. From the she has been my confidant. She is my closest friend. She knows most of my recondite issues and about my background more than any other person. Most of the secrets my sister does not even know she knows them but she is so good that she keeps everything in dark. During Valentines Day we do send her cards and share our love happily together. She is my role model. She is not social and does not talk much especially in public whereas am so talkative. I therefore talk to her so much so that she can also reciprocate. When she is leaving for home, she at times comes and calls me to escort her. I enjoy it so much.

May God bless you all as I wait for you reply and ask questions about my favorite teacher.


P

FW: to post

by James, 20

 

EVE, A DOCTOR AND A MISSIONARY WITHOUT BOARDER.

 

What we love about Eve

Is that she takes a leave

Her home, her family and country to leave.

Just to know how we live

In Kenya –A country with peace.

 

Her sermon in the pulpit nice

Her work to redeem us from this miserable cave.

Of diseases poverty and ignorance.

To make us healthy rich and wise

And plant on other people faces a smile.

 

We thank God, who gave her good ears.

To carefully listen to us her brothers and sisters.

The God, who gave her a wonderful and

Excellent mind, to think beautifully and

Help us solve our numerous problems.

 

We thank God, who gave her good eyes,

To see what can be done and do it.

The God, who gave her that tongue

To give comfort and peace to us

Who really seek it.

 

Don’t mistake her for Adam’s wife,

Who brought us this misery and confusion.

Dr Eve Tolley is an American, whose

Heart can only be found in one place

-RIAMUKURWE.

 

She is a true servant of God.

A real missionary of the word of God.

When opening the hospital she has

Built for us, she said,

“Let not anyone be sent away

Because they cannot pay.”

 

She never sends anyone away

When they need clothing, shelter, food and school fees.

 

The lord will send rain to shower

The seeds she has sown.

By helping one to help another,

Until her dreams are achieved.

 

By helping change a person,

One changes a society and a nation.

For the tree starts from the roots.

 

 

"How My Day Was" by Rhoda W. (17)

I woke up very early in the morning, I took a birth, I took my breakfast brushed my teeth and went to school.

 

On the way, I forgot that where I had placed my tie and I went back running, got it, and went back to school.

 

On arriving to school I settled down and continued reading until seven when the bell was rang for assembly.

 

On parade time, the teacher on duty encouraged us and another teacher gave us a Bible verse which she further interpreted more. Unluckily when we got back to our classes, students in  form or grade ten did not have a teacher for two subjects (physics) we felt so bad because we were waiting for our Physics teacher, Mr. Ngunju.

 

After that we had a double lesson for Biology then a break for twenty minutes. We continued with the other lessons then went out for lunch for forty minutes. Those on duty cleaned the dining hall. After all the lessons were over we went for CU and CA, the Christian Union and Catholic association.

 

The preacher who was Mr. James Rubue give us a very strong message from the 2 Samuel Chapter five-verse ten down words. After the preacher was over the Master of Ceremony gave permission for presenting and I presented an English song which I dedicated mostly to the Form Fours to encourage and strengthen their faith.

 

Being in school for so long we went home at 5:00 PM and on the reach I did nothing more less than changing and going for a run to exercise my body when it was all I took my dinner and went to do other extraordinary things in the dormitory.

 

"My Worst Day" by Rhoda W. (17)

My worst day in school is Monday. I don’t know why I find Monday a very bad day in my life. Sometimes I tend to think is because I don’t know whether the teacher will come to class or not I even hate the lessons on Monday bcoz they aredouble except English, Kiswahili and Math. I feel so tired while waking up in the morning on Monday ready to go to school. Sometimes I don’t even feel like speaking to anybody.

 

 

"The Story I will never forgot" by Jane (9)

Once upon a time there were two girls who were are told by their mother to go to fetch fire  wood and when they reached on the forest they saw two lions coming toward them and they were fearing becase they head never seen. Lean again and the fist girl was called monicah and the second was called agnes. When they were fetching fire wood they told each other to climb a tree which wsa with many mangoes and when they climbed one tree tehey told each other we close our eyes we see who will harvest the ripe and monicah did not close her eyes so she was the one who harvested the ripe.

 

That story I will never forget.

"My Home Tumaini" by George (12)

My home is Tumaini. Tumaini is good home for boys and pupils we help each other. for people who can come to visit it is a masha [mansion] at your left hand and you an see a big house which has for doors. We love see people who comes outside our country.

 

Tumaini is nest to PCA Riamukerwe parish. Tumaini is a good home where someone plays ny kind of ball. We plays football e.t.c. Tumaini is the best home for children who wants to help. They are many kinds of people but we plays without sigt with figt with others and work with other people. We have a good leader who help us to do eny thing. The good leader shows us a good example to follow God helps us with many ways. We plays with others very well other people ask what we doing because we don’t fights.

 

We have a good glandfather who loves at Rever. Muindi.

 

TO ANY PERSON WHO IS CONCERNED

by Chris, age 17 

 

My name are Christopher i am 17 years of age and am now in grade three .my hobby is that , I like making friends,traveling ,playing ,and also running .my aim of writing this letter is to inform you that when you read this letter, I would like you to be my prayer partner I will be praying for you hoping you will also do the same to me .I will be sending you some letters of encouragement.Please when you read this letter please send it back I would like to here from you thank and may God bless you .Have a worderful lifetime.   

 

Ever Beautiful She Was

 

by Caesar and Gititi, 18 and 20

 

EVER BEAUTIFUL SHE WAS

 

Ever beautiful she was

The young and optimistic teenager

From the villages to the cities

Everyone had his or her eye on her

The old and the young

Praised her beauty.

 

Both the old and the young

Whoever felt thirsty in this journey of life

Asked for some water whose source was her

The old and the young

Praised her beauty.

 

And there she was

Ready to quench anyone with her water

Be it the old and the young

The old and the young

Praised her beauty.

 

This sudden chilly morning

Disillusionment filled the village

For there lay her skinny corpse

With the spirit already gone

The old and the young claimed

She was once beautiful.

 

A fortnight was not over

Cries of the affected filled the air

From morning to evening, day after the other

Funeral ceremonies conducted

All weak and dying said

She was once beautiful.

 

Why this suffering and afflictions?

Was the cry of the few left

The cry of the lucky survivors

And innocent children.

 

Just a minute's warmth, changed

A family and a village to a pool

Of orphans, widows and widowers.

A signal of the foreseeable poverty

As all weak and dying said

She was once beautiful.

 

Weak and dying cursed the once beautiful

But where was she?

Far beyond the beautiful white clouds

Only to be followed by

The ignorant and the innocent.

 

By Caesar & Gititi.

"I am Mugendi," by Mugendi (16)

by Mugendi, age 16

 

Iam   mugendi  . I live in   Africa   and  the climate here is   good .

I would  like  to know   how  the   climate  is  in   America . I am a boy in  FORM  2. am pleased  to write   this   letter  .I  usuallypray to

You and    iwould   like  to  here  from  you  please.Iam going to celebrate my birth on 14^th .may .2007 . I am hoping  to here  from  you.Good-

 

 

                                                                                    

"Letter," by James (20)

by James, age 20

 

            I'm very happy for all your comments so far. I hear you like our home. Indeed I'm surrounded with fantastic friends as you say Gabrielle. We love you all.

            Today, some of us spent the day planting maize until afternoon and then we left for games in the field at 4:00p.m,but for me I went for 5.25km running, then proceeded to the field. We are doing a lot of practice on soccer since we play with so many and tough teams from our area. For instance, we have played two teams and won, and one rematch where the previous team that we had beaten, beat us two nil yesterday on 31^st.

            For those who are wishing me good luck, thank you. Others who are going for studies and part time working like Nadia, I also wish you an affluent life there. School is the best place to be on earth, and especially where one meets with old and new friends. I'm very happy that I'm joining university. It's difficult to get in to a university here as you ask Gabrielle but, we trust in God in everything we do.

             My favorite subjects are maths, physics & chemistry and I was always among the best three. So you are not wrong Miz S.Iam also wishing your daughters the very best in there life at school and out there as well. For Johanna, what are you still pursuing at that campus and you have already been at Stanford? Sorry.

            Katie & Brian, it's been a long time since we chatted. Our exams came out on 28^th march as usual. I'll post mine on the email address as I had promised you. Thank you for commenting. Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Parker. I still remember you and the telescope; Mr. Parker. I'll be joyful if you will be here when we'll be leaving.

God bless you.

Gititi

"The Forgotten Labourer," by James (20)

by James, age 20

 

THE FORGOTTEN LABOURER

 

The wind blows to the south

Then round to the north.

The exhausted labourer

Eagerly waits for nightfall.

To settle down and relax,

After a hard day's work.

 

Early next morning,

The scolding voice can be heard.

The harsh misanthropic woman

Scolding stuttles him.

"Wake up you sluggard!

More sleep no food."

 

Out from the shack

Moves the weary labourer.

Wearing tattered shirt

And old shabby shorts.

Covering his shivering body

From the chilly drizzly morning.

 

With a cupped hand,

He scoops the dew

Above the green grass.

And wipes the remains

Of last night's supper.

Stepping with an embedded foot

Which is swollen with jiggers.

 

He moves closer to the dilapidated hut

Where, everybody holds a calabash

Full of white thin porridge

And waits to be served.

Dejectedly, he takes the porridge

And hurriedly finishes.

Ready to start the day's work.

 

He stands still

Legs apart, raising his thin arms up

And cries out for help.

As if to catch manna from heaven.

Wondering may-be one day

Something will fall miraculously.

 

"About Me," by Robina (11)

by Robina, age 11

 

My name is Robina. Ia m brown in color. I like running with Clare & Lara because they are kind to me. I am in std. 6. when I grow up I would like to be a doctor. My class teachers name is mrs. Kibirithia and I love English and Social Studies. They are my fevourite subjects. In this exam that we did last term I mean first team I was number eight. I learn in Riamukurwe Primary School in this term we have running competations and I am going to run.

"My Home Tumaini" by George M.

My home is Tumaini. Tumaini is a good home for pupils. We help each other. For people who can come to visit it is at misha at your left hand and you can see a big house which has four dorms. We love to see people who comes our side country.

 

Tumaini is next  P.C.E.A. Riamukurwe parish. Tumaini is a good home where somebody plays any kind of ball ,we play football e.t.c. Tumaini is the best home for children who want’s to help They are many kinds of  people  but we play without hurting others and work with other people. We have good leader who helps us to do anything. The good leader shows us a good example to follow. God helps in many ways. We play with others very well ,other people asks us what do because we don’t fight.

 

We have a good grandfather who loves us REV. Muindi

 

Tumaini Composition," by Grace (11)

 by Grace, age 11 

 

Tumaini is good big house to me.

Beds are clean in TUMAINI.

Goodbye.

 

Grace  

"Run," by Carolyne (16)

by Carolyne, age 16

 

I am Carolyne from Tumaini Children centre at Nyeri in Kenya. I really enjoy running and playing football. I do run with our friends Lara and Claire who joined us almost two and a half months ago. We run four times per week but different kilometers for each time. 

         

There is one day I realized that I can really make it if I only practice often. It was on Sunday 6 of May 2007 when I ran for 26km, I bare witness with the proverb that says practice makes perfect. I practice for marathon and I believe that I will be one of those who take part in marathon if only I continue with that pace. I really do not know where my talent lies but may be it is athletics.

                    

I do well in academic and I enjoy some of the subjects that I usually perform well. These subjects include: Mathematics, Physics, Business and English. I had a good mark when I did my K.C.P.E. I usually attend my studies at Riamukurwe secondary school of which I joined last year 

 

                       GOODBYE

 

                         

"My Self.A Story" by Editah W. (11)

 

I am Editah W. I live in Tumaini. I am 11 years old. I am Stardard 5 I am doing work very good. I have done exam and I come number 17 I had been given a prize by a teacher. I am a good girl in school and Another Places. I want to read story books to pray netball football handball and hide and sike. In school when the teacher had given the work I am doing very faster find the teacher marked my work sometime the teacher marked my work and I got all of them or not. I am going to school called Riamukurwe Primary School God bless this story I have been written.

 

Love Your Self.

 

"Ever Beautiful She Was," James and Caesar

by James and Caesar

 

  EVER BEAUTIFUL SHE WAS

 

Ever beautiful she was

The young and optimistic teenager

From the villages to the cities

Everyone had his or her eye on her

The old and the young

Praised her beauty.

 

Both the old and the young

Whoever felt thirsty in this journey of life

Asked for some water whose source was her

The old and the young

Praised her beauty.

 

And there she was

Ready to quench anyone with her water

Be it the old and the young

The old and the young

Praised her beauty.

 

This sudden chilly morning

Disillusionment filled the village

For there lay her skinny corpse

With the spirit already gone

The old and the young claimed

She was once beautiful.

 

A fortnight was not over

Cries of the affected filled the air

From morning to evening, day after the other

Funeral ceremonies conducted

All weak and dying said

She was once beautiful.

 

Why this suffering and afflictions?

Was the cry of the few left

The cry of the lucky survivors

And innocent children.

 

Just a minute's warmth, changed

A family and a village to a pool

Of orphans, widows and widowers.

A signal of the foreseeable poverty

As all weak and dying said

She was once beautiful.

 

Weak and dying cursed the once beautiful

But where was she?

Far beyond the beautiful white clouds

Only to be followed by

The ignorant and the innocent.

 

By Caesar & Gititi.

"Hero Book", by Maureen (11)

by Maureen, 11

Today I learnt about a hero book. I knew it was very good even when I can get of the gate. If somebody can ask me what is a my hero I can say my hero is to pray to God and to become a doctor.

 

Today I drew cucu [the grandmother of Tumaini Children's Home] and guka [the reverend and founder of the Tumaini Children's Home; guka means grandfather] when they are my heros.

 

I would like to be a good hero. When I grow up. Goodbye.