Orphanage Visit with Eric Walters

A few weeks ago we had an author visit from Canadian author Eric Walters. He spoke to our elementary school and had them giggling, smiling, and on the edges of their seats. While most of his books are written for young adults, a handful are about Kenyan students at an orphanage that he supports.

talking to 2nd and 3rd graders at Rosslyn

with author Eric Walters

Intrigued and since he invited us, a few of us accepted his offer to see the place and students that inspired his picture books.

We drove a few hours out of our neighborhood to roads that curved and views of hills that went on far in the distance.

Once we arrived at the orphanage, we were welcomed with songs and a handshake from each child. The kids wore their uniforms, but after the welcome ceremony (we had to introduce ourselves) they ran off to change into their everyday clothes and we all ate lunch.

After lunch came a tour of the facilities, then more introductions and speeches from the kids. Many of them come from the area, and are true orphans. They live at the orphanage and walk to school each day.

Finally, after touring and speeches, there was some more singing and dancing. We were able to chat with the boys and girls and get to know them. I mostly spoke with the girls who dream of being teachers, engineers, doctors, and pilots.

We also got to meet some of the kids who are characters in Mr. Walter's books. What an opportunity!

Eric Walters & Baraka 

with Baraka, the inspiration for My Name is Blessing

So grateful for the experience to meet with Mr. Walters, see the orphanage, and talk with some persevering students.

Right now, Kenyan schools are closed because the government isn't funding the teachers' pay as the court has decided. The teachers have been on strike, and it's a tense situation with exams coming up and students are left without someone to teach them. Pray for the Kenyan government to find a solution to this problem and for the students who are the ones most hurt by this situation.