Morning Stars

January 20th, 2008

Most of you reading this blog know of Philip Githaiga, and how some years ago he began Stars for Jesus, a home and rehabilitation centre for street children . The “Stars” now number about 50 boys and Philip is the chief cook and bottle washer along with 2 or 3 staff. It really is his one man ministry, although he has a board of Directors and is a registered charity in Kenya. There are about 30 “Stars” who go to Stema School which is why we decided to volunteer there. The boys call Philip their "father".

Many of you also know that about 6 months ago, Philip was called to help 50 children, boys and girls ranging in age from 2 years to their mid teens. They had been living in a room with the older children providing for their daily needs. One day their slum landlord threw them out. To that time, Philip had been hoping to slow down. Stars was managing well day to day, and he wanted to find a wife and settle down to a more ordinary existence. But he couldn’t ignore the need of these little ones, and so he took them in and started to establish a home for them.

We visited the new home, called “Morning Stars”, with Philip, a little over a week ago. The memory brings a lump to my throat even as a write this. As our car drove into the entrance of the property we were met by about 30 of the children. They were singing to us – a song of welcome. We got out of the car and were swarmed. 2 and 3 children each grabbed a finger of each of my hands (and Judy's) or a pant leg and wouldn’t let go. We were taken on a tour by the 2 "mommas", walked through gates and through the small acreage with its garden and fruit trees, then through the house where the dorm rooms are, looking at all their crowded (but neat and clean) bunks. They were so proud. And throughout this time the kids still held on to our fingers and stroked the hair on our arms or touched our skin or heads. They liked my ponytail!We clambered through doorways 3 kids first, followed by 3 more kids, all hanging on. You feel pretty special when people will not let you go. Too bad we don’t act like this in our adult relationships!


Finally we were taken to their little office where we were given tea, and then 2 or 3 of the older children asked us to take off our shoes so they could wash and oil our feet. I declined this time (I did take a rain check), but Judy’s were washed and rubbed with a salve. After tea I played lawn games with about 30 of the smaller kids while Judy talked with a group of teen girls. I doubt we will ever forget our visit.

Both Stars for Jesus and Morning Stars are worthy projects. These kids live so simply but are so happy and doing so well physically and mentally. Morning Stars are hoping to have chickens, rabbits and a cow or two for the meat, eggs and milk, to eat and to sell. About 30 were to start public school this week. To do this they needed school uniforms ($20.00 each), a desk ($20.00 each) and school supplies. They hadn't the funds to buy the uniforms but were allowed to begin. We have some money from friends and some of our own, but have felt obliged to see first if the school we are at has a need. There are needs all around us and we have been waiting and watching. If nothing seems right in the next month or so we would help the "Stars" and "Morning "Stars. Maybe you would like to help them as well. Let us know.