Tumaini Kids!

RUNNING!

2009-04-06T01:56:00.002+03:00

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!

2008-05-02T12:02:00.001+03:00

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

Cuteness

2008-04-20T12:01:00.000+03:00

National Geographic Magazines, Ephantus

2008-03-28T06:54:00.000+03:00

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).

2008-03-23T02:24:00.000+03:00

Crazy Mwai...

Rhoda, 17

2007-12-18T21:56:00.000+03:00

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

2007-12-09T21:53:00.000+03:00

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

Grace, 11

2007-11-29T21:54:00.000+03:00

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

"My Birthday" By Beatrice, 20

2007-11-22T23:21:00.000+03:00

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

2007-11-22T23:18:00.000+03:00

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

2007-11-13T23:30:00.003+03:00

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

2007-11-13T23:30:00.001+03:00

"Kikuyu" by Hannah G. (9)

2007-11-03T22:48:00.001+03:00

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)

2007-11-03T22:42:00.000+03:00

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

2007-11-03T09:47:00.001+03:00

Saitoti, 8, wins a staring contest:

Taking Books to School Video

2007-10-25T09:48:00.000+03:00

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

Jane Learns About Hitler

2007-10-13T20:11:00.000+03:00

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

Audio Interview

2007-10-10T20:00:00.000+03:00

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

2007-10-01T20:09:00.000+03:00

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

"My Day" by Stellah G. (12)

2007-09-04T16:14:00.001+03:00

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

2007-08-31T05:20:00.001+03:00

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

2007-08-27T06:30:00.000+03:00

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!

2007-08-17T09:32:00.000+03:00

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

2007-07-26T01:42:00.000+03:00

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)

2007-07-12T09:23:00.002+03:00

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)

2007-07-12T09:23:00.001+03:00

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)

2007-07-04T01:09:00.000+03:00

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)

2007-07-03T08:39:00.000+03:00

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

2007-06-28T21:21:00.001+03:00

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

2007-06-28T21:19:00.000+03:00

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)

2007-06-15T16:36:00.000+03:00

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)

2007-06-15T16:32:00.001+03:00

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.

God bless you.

Gititi

"The Forgotten Labourer," by James (20)

2007-06-08T12:38:00.001+03:00

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)

2007-06-05T16:23:00.000+03:00

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.

2007-05-31T00:59:00.000+03:00

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)

2007-05-30T23:48:00.000+03:00

by Grace, age 11

Tumaini is good big house to me.

Beds are clean in TUMAINI.

Goodbye.

Grace

"Run," by Carolyne (16)

2007-05-28T08:52:00.000+03:00

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)

2007-05-27T22:50:00.000+03:00

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

2007-05-22T23:25:00.001+03:00

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)

2007-05-21T21:56:00.001+03:00

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

2007-05-21T10:24:00.001+03:00

by Carolyne, 16

GOODBYE

MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

"One On One," Margaret (14?)

2007-05-18T10:19:00.001+03:00

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

2007-05-18T00:23:00.001+03:00

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

2007-05-16T21:53:00.000+03:00

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.

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)

2007-05-15T09:45:00.000+03:00

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?)

2007-05-14T00:14:00.000+03:00

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)

2007-05-12T01:14:00.001+03:00

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!!!

2007-05-09T20:16:00.001+03:00

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

2007-05-09T00:16:00.001+03:00

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

2007-05-08T16:57:00.000+03:00

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

2007-05-07T00:34:00.000+03:00

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)

2007-05-05T01:19:00.000+03:00

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)

2007-05-04T03:54:00.001+03:00

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)

2007-05-03T00:54:00.001+03:00

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)

2007-05-03T00:49:00.001+03:00

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)

2007-05-02T01:24:00.000+03:00

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!

2007-05-01T08:45:00.000+03:00

April 30, "My Day"

2007-04-30T20:13:00.001+03:00

by Caroline, age 11

My name is caroline. I am in stand six and my day was very fine. I was as happy as a kind in the morning I drink some porrigne and launch time I act some good and four o'clock I drink tea and supper I eat good.

Before going for supper I first go to the field but the field was not intresting so I go bakck and I started playing the basket ball I was a happy as prophet elijah in his way to heaven. He cause the day was very fine and the basket ball very good

in the morning I used to tution to read Our teacher name is teacher wamgui. And go track at seven oclock and come for launch we use bell for telling us how that bell means is it means supper we are all go.

The bell rang and then we go for supper. I finished the food I go out and brush my teeth and we didn't watch the news. Then I go to read in study room to read because what brought me here is education.

So I am very happy because of that I alway perfome well in the exams.

My was very fine.

That was my day.

I am writing to caryer lora and jonathan. I thank you very much.

April 28, "A Our Body My Self"

2007-04-28T02:58:00.001+03:00

by Lucy N. (9)

My name is Lucy N.

I have a nine year old. I am in Standard 3. I am a church of PCEA. I want to eat githeri. I am a subject kiswahili. I am going to church of PCEA Githenya Church I am reading school of Riamumurwe primary school and my sister is Reading of secondary Riamukurwe.

April 27, "My Self"

2007-04-27T02:49:00.000+03:00

by Maureen, 12

My name is Maureen. I am a girl. I like in Tumaini Children’s Centre. My school is Riamukurwe Pri Sch. I am in grade eight. I have two sisters who are Carol and Cynthia. Carol is 9 years old, Cynthia 6 years old. While I am now 1&half years older. My mum is 32 years old, while my dad is 34 yrs old. Although my dad passed away in 2004 by a road accident.

My hobby is reading storybooks. Writing notes and also running marathon. In this week I have run for 3 [5.5 km circuits] several times. I like Partisipating in such games I have Knoki [no] problem because here in Tumaini we are provided everything we need.

April 27, "My Life"

2007-04-27T02:31:00.000+03:00

April 25, "The Story of My Self"

2007-04-25T23:14:00.001+03:00

by Grace, 10

My name is Grace Nyamura. I live in Tumaini Children’s Home. I am ten years old. Tumaini is a good home is where children are helped. I am in Std. Five, and I am doing well in school. I like to pray football my best subject is mathematic. I have a prayer partner in USA. She is called Linda S. I love the people of USA and I love my prayer partner. My pet animal is dog and it is eat meet and its drinking milk. I went to school at Riamukurwe Primary School and I was position two.

April 25, "My Self"

2007-04-25T00:44:00.000+03:00

by Monicah, age 12

My name is Monicah-I like to talk about my self, but I don’t have any time to do it. Oh time has come to write about my self. I like reading books such as story book. I am in class six. I like playing football so much. I like reading bible. Every day I must barth and sometimes you would find me pray another game called hide & sick, because this make me fill happy. At school my favrint subject is Maths, Englis, and Science. Every-time I like to been happy. And so to be nice to every body. I don’t know my tilent. but I like to be nice to every body in world. My first school to attendant it was called hill farm primary school, and the secend was kigongo primo school the third one is here I am. In a home called Tumaini Children’s Home. The school is called Riamukurwe—Primary school. My hobby is painting. I am 12 years old. My self is clean as a new pin. I don’t like eating more food. My self like pretending. Sometimes you would find me pretending like a bird. I likes pretending as a doctor. More to that I would like to be a doctor. When come out to the school I like’s cooking chapati. I have a pretty face I am brown in coulour so I am very beautiful. I like making fan or joking with people. I don’t like waering hipster. I am very takertive. More to that I am saved. My self is not lazzy. I like to be good and some-body who work hard. I laugh laughing. I enjoned my self.

Glossary of Terms

2007-04-25T00:38:00.000+03:00

We hope some of the following notes may help you in understanding all of the Tumaini Kids’ posts! As always, you can email us with any other questions that come up when reading the kids’ posts.

Best,
Claire and Lara!

A note on spelling:

Kenyan pronunciation makes Ls and Rs very hard to distinguish, thus many children (and adults) get them confused in writing. The children regularly write “pray” when they mean “play,” and have horrible problems writing the names “Lara” and “Claire.” Additionally,
“Read” and “Learn” are the same word in Swahili. For this reason, you see in many posts children saying they ‘read’ at their school, when they mean study.

Some Common Terms:

CRE: is Christian Religious Education, which is a required course at the public schools the children attend. Kenya is supposed to provide education in the religion of the child, but more often local religious predominance limits the number of religions offered.
Fellowship: A student led worship service of wild dancing and singing (“presentations”) that the children run every week at Tumaini.
Form: Secondary school, or high school, is made up of four forms: Form 1, Form 2, Form 3, and Form 4.
Githeri: A traditional dish – a mix of maize and beans – that the children at Tumaini eat for 70% of all their meals.
Leaver: A leaver is an individual who has already graduated from secondary school.
Manager: The head of Tumaini.
Matron: There are two matrons at Tumaini. Along with the Manager, they make up the only full time staff.
Reverend Muindi: Reverend Muindi is the recently retired champion of Tumaini and one of the most revered ministers in East Africa, respected not least for his social activism.
“Tution” (Tuition): is an extracurricular academic course the children are required to take during vacation times.
Standard: Primary school goes from standard 1-8, encompassing both US elementary and middle schools.
Ugali: A bland maize polenta which, for unknown reasons, is the favorite dish of most Tumaini kids!

April 24, "My Day"

2007-04-24T23:34:00.001+03:00

by Margaret, age 10

When I go to school today I read many books one is one in Christ. I done maths I get all of them I was so happy. Then our teacher told us to go for break.

We come out and play with Edita in play ground in filled. We play and play hide and sick. it was so good in that play. We come home and went for Lunch. We eat then after eating. We wash our clothes in behind the house. I cleaned my shoe in after tea. My day was so good. I am happy.

April 24, "Ephantus Myself"

2007-04-24T11:31:00.001+03:00

by Ephantus, age 10

My name is Ephantus Thank you very much. the first thing that I would tell you is to great you and you great those people whom you work with in your job. Today is Monday. I was playing football and we run today after tea 20 km with Loral, crayor, and Jonathan and other people others were playing ball in the field and I like enjoying my life everyday thank you.

April 23, "Myself"

2007-04-23T23:37:00.001+03:00

by Editah, age 11

I am Editah am very good, am nice. This week am fine we are eating enough food. We are wearing clean clothes, shoes...am faithfulness and God is my person savior for me today am very fine and nice and good I go in tution [tuition] today we are staying in Tumaini Children’s Home.

We are washing clothes everyday we are bathing the body and I was clean. the Lord will keep me in good home and in my heart we are going to school very.

I am pround like a peacock and I am very very clean. I comb my hair and I came smart. I love my self very much and God bless this story.

April 23, "Poem"

2007-04-23T23:33:00.001+03:00

by Chris, age 17

MY SON,
STOP GAZING AT ME

AND WALK STRAIGHT AHEAD
I KNOW THERE IS NO ROAD AHEAD
BUT, OPEN YOUR EYES
AND WALK THROUGH THAT FOG OF REALITY

KEEP RUNNING MY SON
KEEP RUNNING FOR INTO THE UKNOWN
YOU MAY STALMBLE UPON YOUR FORTUNE OF HAPPINESS

IGNORE THE MOTURATED BODIES
MY SON
IGNORE THE EASY PRESSURES
THAT APPEAR AND DISAPPER

OPEN YOUR EARS WIDE
AND HEAR THE MESSAGE
OF THE WHISPERING VOICES
OPEN YOUR EYES AND AVOID THE DITCHES SON,
BEING ALIVE IS NO EASY TASK

BY CHRIS. M.

FAQ about TumainiKids

2007-04-23T23:31:00.000+03:00

We are so pleased that Blogger has chosen Tumaini Kids as a Blog of Note! The kids are thrilled - and so are we (Lara and Claire; contact us at HopeRuns@HopeRuns.org)! We have received many questions about the children here and we would like to take a moment and answer them.

"What does Tumaini mean?"

In Swahili, Tumaini means Hope!

"What brings a child to Tumaini?"

There are four main reasons that the 170+ children have ended up at Tumaini, and why there are so many more hoping to enter.

1. Either one or both of a child's parents died of AIDS. A common misconception is that the term "AIDS Orphans" means that the children themselves are sick. This may not be the case. The term actually refers to their parents' cause of death, and can be used on a larger level to refer to the "Silent Crisis" behind this lost generation.

2. The child is orphaned for another reason.

3. The poverty level is such that a child's parents cannot support him or her.

4. The parents are mentally unfit to care for their children.

"What languages do the children speak?"

For most children, their first language is Kikuyu, their second language is Kiswahili (the National language of Kenya), and their third language is English. School is taught mostly in English.

"Do you go running with children who are sick or malnourished?"

No. We only run with those children who are healthy, and who have been at Tumaini long enough to become so. We also are not only running with the children, as the Hope Runs program's primary focus is on establishing the first structured after-school athletics program.

"Who runs this blog?"

Claire and Lara, who started Hope Runs: Partnering with Children to Outpace Poverty (www.HopeRuns.org) at the end of their 8 month trip around the world. You can read all the entries from that trip, as well as their daily current posts on their award-winning blog: www.TrippingOnWords.com.

However, we are currently in the process of training the children with the internet and typing skills to continue this work after we leave Tumaini in August.

"Who funds this blog?"

You do. Currently Hope Runs and one generous donor have given the equipment and part of the funds to make this initiative possible. But this is not a long term solution. The children have some computers in the computer room at Tumaini, but there is only internet when there is money to run it. All internet is done through a dial-up modem through a donated Celtel cellular phone.

Hope Runs is exploring technology grants so that the Tumaini Kids can continue to have internet after we leave. Internet access here will run close to one hundred US dollars per month. Tumaini also opens the computer room to the greater community when the children are in school, providing the only internet within an hour walking radius. They charge a small fee for these services.

"Are there any other projects besides the blog?"

--Hope Runs: Partnering with Children to Outpace Poverty is a new non-profit we have started. Hope Runs works to empower children in impoverished communities with an understanding of personal health, social entrepreneurship and technology through running. On-site service learning coaches lead daily running programs, while also organizing an internationally-attended race that calls global attention to the community and its unique challenges.We are using Tumaini Children's Center as our pilot site, and hoping to export this model to future children's centers next year. See HopeRuns.org for more information.

--Books: we are working to bring over the 500+ books we have collected to the orphanage. We are also looking for ways to gather more.

--Art: we are introducing some structured art programs that are not provided in school. We have begun an art therapy project (Hero Booking) for the primary school, and a drama project of student-written plays for the secondary students. We are also hoping to record a CD of the Tumaini Children's Choir that visiting churches have expressed interest in purchasing.

--Website: we are setting up a website where Tumaini can sell the handmade crafts created in the sewing rooms. These sewing rooms provide income for local women, who work to provide the children with school uniforms and to teach the kids practical crafts skills.

"How can I help?"

There are so many ways! Any ideas you have on how you would like to get involved would be so very welcome!

These are some of our current needs:

--Videography and Production! All elements of video creation from production to editing. You can see the great need for this, as well our past videos on YouTube through TrippingOnWords.com.

--Airline Connections to Help Ship running shoes and supplies.

--Sponsorships or Endorsements through Companies interested in helping the kids here, the running cause, or any of our upcoming races!

--Running and athletic related equipment and supplies

--Technology Support, including the money to pay for monthly internet here at Tumaini (see above)

--Marketing and Public Relations

--Writers and bloggers interested in the cause to create a grassroots awareness network

--Donations through PayPal

--Connections to running clubs, marathon tour groups, or marathon tourists interested in helping us with our inaugural 10K out here at Tumaini!

--Other children's centers and orphanages interested in any of these activities

--Volunteers! We are grateful to have a number of volunteers coming this summer, and would love to host more.

"How can I contact the kids, Hope Runs, or Claire and Lara?"

To contact a child directly, you can leave a comment on the blog! If you would like to email a comment to a child, or get in touch with Hope Runs or Claire and Lara, please use HopeRuns@HopeRuns.org!

Thank you for reading, and have a great day!

Lara and Claire
hoperuns@hoperuns.org

April 23, "My Run"

2007-04-23T21:21:00.000+03:00

by Kelvin, age 16

My name is Kelvin and I am 16. I live in Tumaini. I started running 2004 in standard seven. Since then I stopped because I had no one to support me. In the year some new friend came to Tumaini Claire, roola, and jonathan Came and started support those who had talent of running. I thank God because I was so happy when I am running. I am looking forward to be Kenyan Marathon and I Hope with God all things are possible.

From Kelvin

April 23, "Dear Thomas"

2007-04-23T21:20:00.001+03:00

by Hannah, age 9

Dear Thomas:

We love and miss you too we are happy that you will have a baby on October you are a wonderful lady we pray for you and we ask God to help you to do your best we know He is giving you hope and that He has great plans for you and we are glad that you like to do things on the computer read the fruits of the holy spirit

The fruit of the holy spirit
Love
Joy
Peace
Patient
Kidnes
Goodness

Thank you very much God bless you

Gathoni

April 23, "One on One"

2007-04-23T21:12:00.001+03:00

by Margaret, age 17

I live in Tumaini I'm aged 17 I go to at Rimukurwe Secondary School I'm in form two .

This is what we always do here , During school days we wake up very early in the morning at 5.00 a m we take a shower we after all preparations we go for preps at 5.30amto6.15 am .

From there we go to take our breakfast we then go to school some minutes to 7.00am because we should be at school before 7.00am .

chemistry, physics, English, Geography

We study Biology,chemistry,physics,English, Geography, History and others. We live school at 5.00pm in the evening and we get home at 5.20pm we take tea we then go to wash our clothes and by 6.00pm we are thrugh with our work and by 6. 30 pm we take our supper.

April 23, "Losike"

2007-04-23T21:09:00.000+03:00

by Losike, age 20

I am form four leaver. I am planning to join a college soon. I am Turkana from
the northern part of Republic of Kenya. I am a fun of soccer, athletic.

I am a good runner in the long races. It is my hope that in future I will be an international athlete. I have a puppy and a kitten I like them.

To Brian & Katie.

How are you? It makes me sad to remember the way we were close and you Left us in Tumaini. I usually pray for you & it is my wish that one day we shall Meet once again.

Both of you can never be forgotten ever in my life.

My the almighty God BLESS YOU.

Katie remember you taught me piano & Brian taught me about the computer

Thank you for that.

April 23, "Run"

2007-04-23T20:59:00.001+03:00

by Hannah, age 9

Today we woke up go to tea. We go to Tichon we come to lunch.

Lara tell us we go and help her we go. We tell them they ran. Karicho was number one. we give a water and biscuit. We give the and then they ran 20 kilometres and the smallest pupuls ran 3 kirometres.

We come back we stretch we go to eat we come to write letters.

April 22, "Rhoda"

2007-04-22T18:11:00.001+03:00

by Rhoda

My name is Rhoda. I am 18 years old. Today 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.

P.S.

To Brian and Katie. Congraturation to the good news you shared with us today. May the new member of the family going to be born grow to be a God fearing child. May God bless you all and please Brian remembers to say high to your dad and mum.

Good bye Brian and Katie although i miss your computer lessons.

High erik Roggers am still praying for you that God may fullfill your future dreams and make you whatever you want in life Amen.

May you have a nice time.

Bye Bye.

April 22, "About Chris"

2007-04-22T02:04:00.000+03:00

by Chris

My name is Chris I am 17 years old.

This you Elaine Wilson goes to how is you my friend hoping you are fine. I want to take this chance to inform you I ussually proceeds with our Aids club I also joined the club of peer counsling where we ussually advice students .on the other hand here in Tumaini we have friends from u.s and I am happy to be with them they are Crala,Lara,Jonathan they are good friend to be associated with.now I like making friend ,running ,singing love songs and also dancing please send me back. Good-bye.

From your tumaini friend

Christopher

A Note From Hope Runs

2007-04-21T23:59:00.001+03:00

Thanks to everyone who has been commenting thus far on our new TumainiKids blog! Everyone at Tumaini is so excited, and we cannot tell you how much your readership means to all of us.

Since Tumaini has limited funds for internet usage, and lacks the money for children to send letters overseas, some children's posts will occasionally include personal addresses to the friends they have met from around the world.

This week, for instance, the children learned from the comment section of the TumainiKids blog that Brian and Katie, two Alaskans who lived with them for a year, are expecting their first child! The Tumaini kids are wild with excitement, and want to let Katie know that they think she'll have a boy!

Thanks,
HopeRuns.Org (Lara and Claire)

April 19, "Wednesday"

2007-04-19T20:23:00.000+03:00

by Edwin M.

I am Edwin M. and I am 8 years.

This was a day of happiness whereby I woke up bathed from which I proceeded to my tuition as usual. After I had learn enough for that day, I went and changed to my cloth, and wore the PE Cits I went into the field and played a lot. I never knew how time went….The bell of supper was rang and I obeyed it.

April 19, "Hannah Banana"

2007-04-19T20:21:00.000+03:00

My name is Hannah Gathoni. I am 9 years old.

I live in Tumaini. Their lots of peoples and school there is. I love here in Tumaini because we have anything. Please come and see us. And we play games and run. And I have 2 sister and 4 brothers. I love God so much. I am in standard three. Here in Tumaini we obey all the rules.

Thank you. Hannah Banana.

April 18, "Behind Karicho"

2007-04-18T21:28:00.000+03:00

by Karicho

This is Karicho from Tumaini children in Nyeri Kenya and I am 20 .I was given this name by my mother immediately I was born this was true because my mother told me so and every baby in my place always they are given names just like I was given mine. My mother is a Kikuyu just like I am .Though I don't stay with her I know wherever she is she think about me. Here in this home I am usually happy person because of care am given in this home. This is by people like our revered and our cucu (our grandmother) and others. I also like the friend I have in this place from within and from abroad. This home called Tumaini (hope) just like name suggest it give me hope of once being aeronautical engineer.

April 18, "One On One"

2007-04-18T21:24:00.001+03:00

by Margaret K.

My name is Margaret I am 17 years.
It was on Sunday when we woke up very early in the morning with my friend whom we live with.We did our duties and after we had finished our work we went to have our breakfast at around 7.30 am and by 7.50 we had had all taken our breakfast, that’s when our maytron told us we are free to go to church by 8.00 am I was in the church.
I was very anxious to hear what the preacher was going to preach. After five minutes the preacher came in we all stood up and said the lords’ prayer and after the Lord’s Prayer we sang one song and by that time the preacher was standing at the alter ready to preach. The first reading was from the book of proverbs 24.1; 5, he preached for half an hour and the offertory was collected.
We prayed for the offertory and we ended with the benediction and the service was over .We went home and on a ourway home everybody talked about the preacher.

April 18, "Wedding Day"

2007-04-18T21:00:00.000+03:00

by Carolyne N.

My name is Carolyne from Tumaini Home in NYERI. I am 16.

15April 07

It was on Saturday morning when I woke up at dawn to prepare myself for a wedding ceremony that took place in our church When I woke up I first had a cold shower and within no time I went for my breakfast that had already been prepared .When it was almost at 10.A.M., I really walked very hurriedly to at the church because the ceremony had started.
I was very anxious to see that wedding because the bride groom was my Head teacher in primary school. It was attended by many people from the nearest village because it was along time since there was a wedding ceremony in our church. It was very interesting and also enjoying. When the service was over we went outside where we had the bride and bridegroom being rewarded some presents by the relatives and also their friends. In a couple of a minute we had our lunch that was a very delicious meal. Finally the ceremony was ended with a word of prayer and that marked the end of the day.
It was really a very enjoying day.

April 18, "Poa"

2007-04-18T20:46:00.000+03:00

by Samuel I.

My name is Samuel I am 15 yrs old .

15 April 07
Saturday There was a wedding in my church, so I used Lara’s camera to take videos .I was as happy as a king because I was a videomaker in conjunction with other videomakers . I am looking forward to be a videomaker. So I had to wake up so early in the morning. Do my usual chores as usual. Take breakfast & I was

16 April 07 Sunday
I woke up very early to wash the apartment that I live in. After that I went to have a shower. I took my breakfast after all I was ready for church. I was frightened to see an old woman preaching to us. I think my prayer partner is listening to me that is DJ. ORR.

17 April 07 Monday
Iwoke up very early to wash the apartment that I live in then after that I went to have a shower. I took my breakfast that is porrige after all I was ready for devotion. After the devotion I went for tution classes. Immediatelly at one o’clok I ate githeri[ a mixture of maize & beans].

April 18, "My Day Today"

2007-04-18T20:35:00.000+03:00

by James G.

At age 20, I have done my "O" levels & I'm waiting to go to pursue my course at an institute of higher learning. I spend most of the time doing the many chores in our home.
I retire in the evening at around 5:00 p.m. Basically it's enjoyable to be here with friends and people who care about you, like some of our buddies i.e Claire, Lara,& Jonathan, Paul & Stephanie. I play soccer,& also in the evening we play basketball. Today i woke up at 8:00 a.m & took a shower. I prepared myself coz i was going somewhere to say goodbye to one of my friends who's joining Kampala Int. University in neighbouring Uganda to study medicine. Twas a wonderful day.

April 18, "Shama"

2007-04-18T20:21:00.000+03:00

by Mercylynn W.

I who will take you through am Mercylynn W. and I am 17. Am born again and I love Christ as my saviour. I love reading the Bible as our mum does. I come from a single family of four. I have one sister, Colynn, whom I love with a passion and two brothers. Am the youngest. I feel so proud to be in this position since I obtained a lot of favors from mum.

I joined this home, Tumaini, in the year 2004. It was on 20th May. That day was my first day to be in the place and also hear of that name. I had also never thought of myself being in a children’s home because I had an uncle who used to encourage me to work hard in school so that I can support our family. He showed me a lot of love and besides all the adversities I passed through, his warmth was enough for me. At times I used to stay with my grandmother, whom with a lot of compassion brought me up learning more about God. She used to read for us the Bible so often and encourages us to go to church to join up with other kinds.

The day I joined the home, I felt so much uneasy especially to cope up with the other kinds and later I got used to. Since east west home is best, I just wished to be next to my grandma. I currently enjoy living with our new large family. What I find so fun most is our mum who is Mrs. Eunice. She is a retired teacher. She teaches us music as in songs, which we do present on Sunday services and sometime we go for music competitions. We love her so much.

Here in our home, we are usually allocated duties of cleaning the pavements and utensils. We also clean the church compound on Saturdays. We help in the kitchen in cooking especially when cooking chapattis. We also help in carrying firewood.

During the holiday we do attend remedial tuitions where we obtain a lot of academic help. We also attend computer and tailoring classes. We find it fun especially when we are with the Americans who live with us in here in the orphanage.

Usually, we do have prayer partners. My prayer partner is Emily. She writes to me and sends me her photos. She writes that she wish to be in Kenya. In reply I do tell her of how much fun it is to be in Kenya. I would like her to pay a visit. It would be a pleasure it meet her face to face.

I love to pass my regards to our sponsors inclusively our guardian Rev Bernard Muindi, the Parkers, Dr. Eve, Mr & Mrs Thomas, Sarah, all our prayer partners, well wishers and the long list go on.

May god bless you all.

We will be writing in this weekly please comment.

We're Online!

2007-04-18T20:00:00.000+03:00

Hello! And welcome to blog of the Tumaini Children's Center in Nyeri, Kenya. At this children's home, over 170 children, aged 7-21, live and attend school.

Here, you can read about the experiences of those who live at this children's home from their personal stories, pictures, and writing. This is the first time that these children's voice has been published on the internet, so we strongly encourage any comments! Thank you for reading!

Coming Soon!

2007-03-31T11:49:00.000+03:00

A blog written by the children at the Tumaini Children's Center in Nyeri, Kenya--a home for children ages 6-21. Check back soon!