Christmas came early to Kenya this year as Our Courageous Kids staff traveled to see your donations come to life! 
Here are some of the highlights:
We shared a Thanksgiving meal with the children and staff that we helped to cook—adding a few American favorites of ours to the menu—green bean casserole and apple pie. The children wanted French Fries, or as they call them chips (something they only eat on special occasions) so we included this too. It was a great day of celebration.
We also hosted a Christmas party with stockings and toys for 40 children.
Each child received a “sock” with their name on it filled with candy, a rare treat for kids who don’t always get individualized attention or sweets.
Groups kids also received gifts that they can enjoy together. For example the toddler house was so excited about playing on their new scooter.
And, a group of the young adults were so thrilled about being given a travel gym bag, a first for them– a gift that reminds them that they have places to go and a bright future.
Another highlight included taking a group of the older children, many of whom are high school students on a retreat.
Here’s the reason why this trip was so important: if you are in institutionalized care one of the challenges is that you often leave the physical location of where you are. Though the children’s home is a place of refuge and family, it can often feel like a place you’re “stuck” if you never leave. Opportunities to travel outside the center mean everything for how hope can be infused back into daily life.
Over the weekend, we introduced the students to the American tradition of campfires and s’mores (a big hit!) and also enjoyed songs, games and storytelling. 
Our Courageous Kids loved these three days of being together, laughing together and getting to hear more of these students’ dreams for the future.
We want to be ready to support their higher education plans when the time comes.
Additionally, as many of you know, Our Courageous Kids is so happy that 2018 is the year we sent our first student to college, Rahab with the assurance that we’d be supporting her tuition.
Though, Rahab was abandoned at birth and has spent her entire life at a children’s home in Kenya, she’s now living and studying in London enrolled in Brunel University. Through many challenges, she has persisted in life with much success in her Children, Youth and International Development Master’s Program.
On our way home from Kenya, we were able to stop over in London, visit Rahab and tour her campus. One thing that impressed us the most about the time spent with her was her maturity.
She’s so thankful for this gift of education and she’s taking advantage of every chance to meet new friends, learn from her professors and apply for internships which will help her get her first paying job.
She’s even taking advantage of a free Spanish class on campus and loving it!
The coat she’s wearing in this photo is her first winter coat she’s ever owned (bought for her by a supporter in London, thank you) and Rahab is looking forward to her first experience of snow.
We couldn’t be prouder of her accomplishments and all of our kids this holiday season!
And so thankful for all the support that friends like you are offering our children. Blessings to you.
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