Philadelphia Orphanage

The other day we were driving down the road and there were some street children playing in a big pile of trash and one of the other interns here, Dustin, asked, "How many orphanages do you think are in Nakuru?" I responded, "Not enough." It seems everywhere we go there are kids all over that are right on the edge of not making it to the next day.

After seeing these kids I realized that as sad as it seems I'm kind of becoming numb to this scene. Traveling down the roads, whether in the rural or urban areas, you see this every single day. To think you can get used to seeing people in extreme poverty is rough, but to think you can get used to seeing children in poverty is truly heartbreaking.

Three months ago I never would have believed that you could grow accustomed to seeing blood shot eyes and swollen bellies and sewage streaming by in the streets and ruined buildings and just an overwhelming feeling of despair. This isn't the worst place in the world. Many places probably have it worse, but I just wish it wasn't so. There are places and people that are doing something about it and making a difference.

One place is the Philadelphia Orphanage here in Nakuru. They take in street children that have no other options. Some are housed there and others just come for the day. They all get at least one meal and the beginning of an education. The orphanage is not without its issues, but it is a start. For some of these kids it is the best opportunity they have at a half decent chance of a better life.

I've found that Kenya is full of these stories. Orphanages and schools that are trying to make a difference no matter how small or subtle, and I think that this is the first step, although a large one, in trying to break the cycle of poverty that is constantly looming over the lower class here. Kenya is an amazing country with so many possibilities and so much promise. Hopefully it can move forward and there won't be a need for so many of these orphanages, and travelers to this country, like myself, won't grow accustomed to the street children because they will be such a rare sight.

Jordan