"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.

"Carolyne," 16

by Carolyne, 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

 

                         MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

"One On One," Margaret (14?)

by MARGARET  K, (14?)

 

 I'M  Margaret  I live in  Tumaini  I  I'm  in  form  two ,I  like going to school  and  I   enjoy  my studies so much . What I want to tell you is about   our country Kenya. Many Kenyans    are farmers     and they grow as many crops as they can   the most crops that we grow here for export is coffee and tea.       We also grow maize, beans, potatoes and other many crops.

 

The most liked dish here is (githeri)    it is cooked with maize and beans   .  But that is not  my best dish mine is  Chips, fried  Chicken and Chapatti   .I just wanted to tell you  which is our  food here in Kenya .Also here in  Kenya  we keep   animals such as cows, goats ,donkeys, sheep  ,Carmel's and many other animals. We also have big rivers here in Kenya  such as    river Tana    ,ewasonyiro     and      others .                                             

"About Turkana Religion" By Julius, 9

 

My name is Julius Loguake.

My name is Julius Logwake.

 

At our religion I Like to Eat meat and milk.

When it is not boild that time

We were not at schools and we could be seek bacteria.

 

 

 

Gatiti, 20, A Round Up of Comments and Questions

Hi, all of you,                                        14^th May2007.

 

            Let me first of all apologize for not putting my entry on our blog on the time I wrote it. The power blackout is the problem and sometimes we don't come to the computer room. I've been out to apply for university and that's why I've not been around. Otherwise, some of us have found colleges & universities, and have left. In fact, I had gone to escort one of them to Methodist University as I have said above there. I'm still waiting to go also to a university here, but I don't know when.

            I just wanted to update my entry so that when you receive the blog for 1^st may, you'll not get confused on why I've stayed for so long without mailing it. I wish you all God's blessings.

 

Gititi. Email: jamesgititi@yahoo.com

 

To all of you, Hi,

 

            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, 1^st may, 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. Just to inform you that some of the leavers will be going on 7^th of May 2007 to Kenya Methodist University, and others to Kimathi Institute of Technology on 15^th of May 2007.Personally I haven't known when I'm leaving yet.

 

God bless you.

Gititi

"Self Story" by Sadra (13)

 

I am Sadra. Am in standard eight in Riams Primary. I am thirteen years old. I come form Tumaini But my real home is at Nairobi in KXXXX. I have got a sister called Tabitha. She’s in standard four. We was brought here in Tumaini for a purpose. It was not our will but a good Samaritan met us somewhere and brought us here. Now I live in Tumaini. I have got no problems here because we are provided everything. My late parents were Mr. and Mrs. David. Mum got sick and died. My dad also had an accident and also died. I was left as an urphan. But I thanked God becuase somebody came and helped me. My hobby is dancing and playing netball. and I also run Marathon race. This month I have just ran for four weeks. I like also reading Story books even Novels. I thank those who cares for us. And may God bless them. Here I am studying hard. Coz I know at last in future I will be an important person. I will never gave up I always struggle for it. I also give thanks unto God to bless me as I do my summary at school. I would like to say that everything in Tumaini is good. I love those who cares for me. I always pray for them when I go to bed. May God bless his people. I don’t have much to say. Thank you.

 

"My Life in Tumaini" by Rosemary (14?)

Though I am new in Tumaini Children’s Home, I have a lot to express it. When I came to this home, I could not believe that it was a home of destitute children. The reason for saying this is because it is a mansion built home. In addition to that I understood that one was to be given clothes, food, education and in addition to good health. On the other hand, the Tumaini children are good and are well-disciplined. This is because all the days that I have lived with them they have never harassed me. In this home also, I understand the children are well reared and are brought up as Christians and are God fearing children. This is a good idea since the children will be in a position of living a Christian life in their future lives. I have even become more impressed because I have learned that the USA Christians does not only help us in food, shelter, education and many other good things but they are also interested with our health. Two months back they sent three people who have come to help us in Sports. They always tell us that running which is their main sport and that it is good to our health. What I do because I have nothing that I can reward them with. Otherwise life in Tumaini is the one that I have never lived since I was born . It is the best life than the outside life. May the almight God bless all those who stretches their hands to help and raise and educate destitute Children like us.

 

"Me," by Magdalene, (12)

by Magdalene, age 12

 

One day as I come to tumaini I thinked Somethings that I would like to be when I grow up. When I would be an adult. One day it is to be a pilot. I said. I will read with all my minds and In my soul even thinked about our family and I fill to cry. When I thinked about it and I was filling for my [crossed out names here] and I was very pity for her and when I grow up I will help my mother. With something like build a house for her and her to buy for her some smart cloth. And so she will be happy for what I would do for her. She will Give me Good Luck for my days that I would live in the earth but my mother was really happy because of the thing that I have done unto her.

To Our Readers: THANK YOU!!!

 

Thank you to everyone who has been reading the blog, and particularly to those posting comments on it. The kids have LOVED seeing that people all over the world are learning about Kenya and their home here, and are so excited to see what new comments come in each day.

 

Obviously, internet capabilities here are limited, and only a few kids can get on the computers at a time. The kids are eager to respond to their comments, and will be writing direct responses to your comments in their future posts. Please check back if you have written any kid a question, as this process may take a few days!

 

We also have seen that a lot of the people checking this blog are teachers or parents. If you are interested in exploring some kind of e-pen-pal exchange or any other project between your students and these kids we would love to talk to you about your ideas. Please email us at claireandlara@trippingonwords.com.

 

Thank you so much for your encouragement and involvement! It means so much to the kids and to us!

 

"My Day" by Rhoda W., 9

Today is Monday. I woke up and bathed.

 

I lean mathematies English and Kiswahili

 

Today we played hide and seek with the other children. We ate rice and kales. Today I WOULD like to sleep at 9.00 ocklok.

 

From Rhoda.

To Claire. I Love You.

 

"Tumaini" by Magdalene, 12

One day as I come to tumaini I thinked Somethings that I would like to be when I grow up. When I would be an adult. One day it is to be a pilot. I said. I will read with all my minds and In my soul even thinked about our family and I fill to cry. When I thinked about it and I was filling for my [crossed out names here] and I was very pity for her and when I grow up I will help my mother. With something like build a house for her and her to buy for her some smart cloth. And so she will be happy for what I would do for her. She will Give me Good Luck for my days that I would live in the earth but my mother was really happy because of the thing that I have done unto her.

 

"Why Hyena and Hare are Enemy," told by Charles M. (8) to James K. (20)

Once upon a time there was Hare, and Hyena. They decided to stole fruit to the near by farm. While they were in farm they told each other to close their eye to test the accuracy of picking ripe fruit. But the hare opened he eyes picked the ripe fruit while Hyena picked unripe. The hyena was very angry and decided to eat the hare but the Hare ran away since that day Hyena always such [search] for Hare to eat him. That end of story.

 

**This story Charles M.  told me it was narrated to him by his grandmother but in kikuyu and he asked me to translate it in English for Lita [Lara] to be able to understand.

 

"A letter about my self," Maureen (12)

 

By Maureen, age 12

 

My name is Maureen I am twelve years old. I am in std five in academy. I live in tumaini childrens home. In school I am doing well. I like to play football my best subject is science maths and CRE.

 

I live to eat githeri and rice.

 

I have a prayer partiner called kareen and hans. I love them very much together with their sister marthar. My best teacher is called miss maini my pet is a cat that I love most. My best school is called academy my best home is tumaini.

 

I love my self and otheres my best friend is Karen. I love my teachers, pupils and everyone. Good bye.

 

 

"What Would you Like to Be," by Caroline W. (11)

My name is Caroline W. when I grow up I would like to be a pilot. I will fly aneroplane in the air. I would take people to far countries like London, Amelica [America]. Australia, Ethiopia. Sudan, Uganda and other countries. I would help them getting quickly farway places. I would be taking white people to America. I would by a helicopter. I will be happy as prophet Elijah in his way to heaven. I will be landing in where there’s a wind sock. If tonday I was a grow up person, I would have take Jonathan to America. I would have making castles in the air. I could not drive it very speed like could make a snail a champion. When I see an accident of aneroplane my heart always beat like a tom tom. I would be carrying even president even minister when they going somewhere. I will carry you crayer [Claire] and lora [Lara]. When I bought large aeroplane my bubles of joy bursted within me.

 

I would like to be a pilot

If God wishes.

 

"When I Grow Up", by Margaret (age 10)

by Margaret, age 10

 

I am Margaret or maggi! I work hard so that when I grow up I will help my parents.

 

I pray that God help me to get my Education so that I help many childrens in street or they don't hava food. When I grow up I will help my family because even here in Tumaini I am helped. I will be a Doctor when I grow. May God Wishings.

 

I will treat people in hospital so that those childrens that are in needy so that their feature [future] will be save. See the street chidlrens how they live. Bad lives their in street.

"Me" by Margaret (age 9)

By Margaret, age 9

 

My name is Margaret. I was born in in chania in 1997. I have eleven years old. I have one parent her name is esther. My siste'rs name is monicah and my brother's name is james.

 

My favourite subject is mathmatics and my mathematics teacher is mrs rugo and I like her very much. I would like to be a doctor when I grow up. My best teacher in school is murs. Rugo.

 

I enjoy staying in tumaini because of playing with other children and learning..

"My Day," by Jimmy Jimmy James! (8)

My day was fine. I was happy when I get all of them in Mathmatics! We go for break. The bell lings for enter we done English. English I did not get all of them. When we finished we go for lunch we eat and drink tea. I crend [cleaned] my clothes. I was happy today. Think you God!

 

Hope Runs Video!