Attempt To Get The Girls Back

January 5th 2009

Today was a fantastic day!

Kate, Rhoda and I went into Nairobi today to meet up with Deborah and Anne (the two girls still out of Shelter). We went to see if they would come back to Shelter to participate in Karama House. We all decided to go to my good friends Otieno and Janet’s house to talk about everything. I was so happy to see Anne again. I think it has been well over a year since I had seen her. She looked good so I was happy. It was great to see Deborah again as well, even though I saw her a few days earlier.

I had missed them so much!

 When I first got there, we all talked for a while, then it was time to talk to the two girls in private about coming back to Shelter for Karama House. Janet, Otieno’s wife was there and talked to the girls first, then I came to answer some questions that they had for me.

 At first I thought they were going to say no about coming back, but Janet helped me explain why this would be a good thing for them. So finally after talking for about an hour, they agreed to come! I told them that I wasn’t’ trying to make them come because it is their decision but it would be a very good thing for them. I know that Janet wasn’t going to let them leave without saying yes haha. She is so great and is like a second mother to me out here.

 So now, all I have to do is go back into town on Sunday to stay the night with Anne so I can explain to her guardian the program and why she is coming back. Then, on Monday, I will go and stay at Deb’s house and do the same there. On Tuesday morning, the three of us will come back to Shelter together and finally start the program! I would have liked to start earlier but I don’t want to start without everyone here. Plus, I know that it must be hard for those girls to have to pick up and move their lives again. I want to give them some time to think about this and let it sink in so they are prepared to come back and work towards a better life.

I’m glad we met at their house because I got to see Otieno, Janet, their kids, and Janet’s brothers and sister. They are all so great!

Until I can bring the girls back on Tuesday, I’ll be here in my room working on the contracts and curriculum for the program. I have been doing some video and vlogs as well. I’m doing my best to keep everyone updated even though I don’t have the internet yet. I will have it soon!