A New Year Visit from Papa Christophe and Mama Benita

In January 2023, Christophe and his wife Benita surprised the children by coming for a visit. There were a lot of hugs, beautiful singing, dancing and playing games, and time spent getting caught up with each child.

The children are healthy, doing well in school, enjoying each other (and doing some bickering like siblings will do) laughing, learning and growing! More food is being ordered each month, as we have very active pre-teen and teenage boys and girls who can eat A LOT of beans and rice! We are working with house dad, Espoir, and house mom, Deborah, to put together a farming plan for the children to learn to grow vegetables and raise pigs on their land. Pigs are easier to raise than chickens in Kalehe due to diseases that are carried by the birds to one another and to the children. Christophe grew up learning to farm here, raising pigs, and went on to university to become a lawyer. Our hope is that the children will learn life skills, like sewing, cooking, farming, and basic home repair/care skills, as well as continue their quest to further their education and follow their dreams.

The videos below are from Christophe and Benita’s trip. This first one is a song they learned in school. They are all in the meeting area of their new home, which is used as the dining room and also a study room. Today it was used as a celebration room welcoming Christophe, Benita, and the quilts they brought from the Trinity Lutheran Church quilting group in Grand Rapids, MI.

Below are a few photos showing the new security walls that completely surround the housing area. This allows for 24/7 protection for the children and their few belongings. Since the wall has been completed, nothing has been stolen from the children. We are talking with the King of Kalehe and business leaders in the nearby city of Bukavu to find ways to improve the economy of Kalehe so there will be jobs and better living conditions for everyone.

The children said they like having the walls up because they sleep better at night knowing they are safe.

The children gathered by the main gate that allows access to their home.

Below is a fun video of the children playing tug of war…. it’s girls vs. boys. I think the girls won this round, but you can make your own call on this one. Everyone is happy and jumping around at the end!

How about some song and dance? We have Clovis on the drum and the girls in one circle, the boys in another. The song is another version of the name song… one child goes in the center, then sings and picks a child from the circle to come in and replace him/her. The rhythm and their excitement makes you want to jump up and join in!!

The video below is a compilation of several clips taken the last day Benita and Christophe were in Kalehe. The first part shows everyone praying for God’s protection whether they are traveling or staying in Kalehe. Then there is the big family group hug….and finally the singing of a song they learned in church. This song is in Swahili and they are singing about God’s blessings, being thankful, and asking for protection for Benita and Christophe on their trip back to the U.S. I’ve played this video over and over…listen for the harmonies that our talented kids are adding to their songs.

As you watch, please remember, these children were living on the streets, without family, without shoes and clean clothing, without food, education, healthcare, without hope for their future just two years ago. And now the songs, the laughter, the smiles… look what God has done through you!

So amazing, so beautiful, so grateful. Thank you. Asante. Merci.