Immanuel Afrika

It's really strange how things happen...

In January this year 2 Aussie friends who I became close with returned to Australia. I was very sad about this as I am really missing people who understand my bogan jokes and who share a love of tim tams, vegemite and all other things Aus. It was about that time that I received an email from an Aussie friend, Anna, who I knew, who used to live in Nairobi with her husband for many years! She wanted to introduce me to an organisation which she was a big part of during her time in Kenya. God knew what I needed at that point!

To cut a long story short, I decided to go and see the boys home that she was involved with! It is called Immanuel Afrika. http://www.immanuelafrika.org/  It is about 1 hour 15 minutes drive away from my current house.

This centre is a home and rehabilitation centre for former street boys in Nairobi. It is clean, tidy, well kept and smelt amazing (VERY rare for places which have children!!). I met the Kenyan director Opi, who showed me around the centre and told me many, many tales of the boys struggles and lives. He also started to tell me all about the home and it's connections with Australia! Amazing, connections! To other people I also know! hehe. He also has many Australian friends in Kenya! YEAH! :)

The boys seemed shy and quiet...that was until they decided to perform! And my, my. It was amazing! We then went and sat on the field and dug holes and played soccer. It was wonderful.

I have since been back to the centre several times. Each time I go, the boys have been more and more willing to chat and play with me. It is a beautiful place.

Opi asked me to join the board of the home, to which I agreed. It is very interesting to now be a part of this organisation and to watch as it grows and to be of some small help.

It is amazing to see how the lives of these boys are being transformed in this place. Please pray for Opi and the boys and for Immanuel Afrika.

Blessings,
Me.