Valary Jepkirui is a girl with big goals and an even bigger heart! Ever since she was little, Valary dreamed of playing on a soccer team, graduating college, pursuing her passion for science, and helping other children to feel loved and cared for. However, before arriving at our Ilula Children’s Home in 2018, Valary faced many challenges that made these goals seem unachievable . . . but God was at work in mighty ways and had a perfect plan for Valary’s life!

Born to a single mother in Kenya, Valary grew up with two older sisters and had a relatively normal life until she was four years old. This is when the trajectory of Valary’s life changed dramatically when her mother became ill and tragically passed away. With no extended family able to adequately care for her, Valary began to feel the weight of living a life without parents.

This is when ELI stepped in—answering the family’s call for help by welcoming Valary into our Children’s Home when she was just 7 years old. As Valary was met by her loving house parents, she sensed her future was about to change. The dreams she had previously laid aside began to be restored by a loving forever family, a quality education, and a growing relationship and identity with Jesus. From day one, Valary began serving, worshiping, and thanking God for His goodness in her life—praising Him often along with her siblings. She even made the life-changing decision to be baptized along with 22 other children from the home!

Now a thriving 14-year-old, Valary’s faith and confidence are still growing daily. She enjoys her days playing soccer, studying science, spending time with family, and dreaming of a future as a pediatric nurse! Her desire to love and care for others is inspiring, and we can’t wait to see where God leads her next.

“There is an enormous difference between my rural home and my home here in Ilula. It is a privilege to be sponsored through ELI! I get to have all my school fees paid for, I have access to medical care whenever I need it, and I have a new set of parents who care for me and love me so much. My prayer is that God will continue aligning my path, and I will follow wherever he calls me! Thank you for standing with me and supporting me.”

Valary is now well on her way to achieving her goals, and we want to thank YOU for being a part of the reason why. Through God’s faithfulness, our ELI family, and faithful support from partners like you, many children just like Valary are now making their dreams a reality.