When we visited an orphanage for former street boys called Tumaini (Swahili for Hope) in Kitale the previous year, we found out about the dire need for shoes. Generally, shoes are worn until they literally fall apart. Younger boys “inherit” the shoes of the older ones, who have outgrown them. Some boys had no shoes whatsoever and so were not allowed to attend school.

So, this time we set out to see if we could provide them all with shoes. And as the good Lord saw fit, we received 60 pairs of brand new sneakers to take with us to this orphanage. The boys were all smiles, from ear to ear, when they saw the shoes and tried them on. For many this was the very first new pair that they ever had.

The sight brought tears to our eyes to see how the shoes uplifted their spirits and their stature seemed to rise and posture straighten up when they took their first steps in new shoes. We also provided much needed mosquito nets to protect the boys from malaria.