How Did it Begin?

Dreaming: The first meeting to discuss the possibility of an orphanage was held November 19th and 20th of 2003 in California. A seed was planted that weekend from the dreams that had been living in the hearts of our Kenyan directors and American partners for a long time. We had no idea of the journey that lay ahead but we knew that God was in it.

Scouting: In December 2003, four Americans made a trip overseas to meet with ELI Kenya directors David Tarus and Samuel and Rhoda Teimuge and other staff. The team visited several orphanages in Kenya and Uganda with the goal of studying different models of staffing, buildings, funding, and organizing that already existed. From those examples, they chose the best aspects to be included in a new orphanage.

Building: Construction began in April 2004 as Hillside Community Church from Upland, California spent two weeks working with local contractors surveying the land and building the first hut. This was the beginning of eight months of construction. By November 2004, Phase One was complete, with the ability to house 96 children and 4 sets of parents in 12 huts, along with a kitchen, storage facility, and director’s home.

Planning: In June 2004, a planning team was formed and began discussing all of the logistical and organizational issues to be faced. They tackled a myriad of questions such as: How does the Kenyan orphan care system work? How will we select the children? How many staff do we need? What will our operational budget be? What do we hope to instill in the children? And the list went on and on.

Opening: On September 10th, 2004, we welcomed the first children to their new home. Brother and sister, Hillary and Sharon, smiled from ear to ear as they were introduced to their new parents. This is the day that made all of the praying, planning, and building worth it.

A week later was the dedication day when visitors came to celebrate the realization of a dream. Government officials, pastors, neighbors, partners from America, and other friends joined us to give thanks to God and dedicate the orphanage to His service.

Growing: From September 2004 to December 2004 we steadily grew, adding several children a week. They arrived with nothing more than the clothes on their backs, some without shoes. Most were malnourished or sick and longing for someone to care for them. The prayers of little hearts were answered. They had a new mom and dad who loved them. They had their own bed with warm blankets. They had their own clothes and shoes. They had three meals everyday.

Though many of the children were understandably hesitant and sullen when they arrived, we have witnessed their transformation before our eyes. God has taken weak bodies and made them strong. He has taken broken spirits and restored them. Where there were once blank stares, smiles and giggles now appear. God has truly redeemed these little ones and is growing them to be mighty warriors for His kingdom!