I don’t know where to begin explaining the events that went on today. So I’ll start with something…
Breakfast - 7am, Poolside (doesn’t feel like poverty yet)
Allison - still in shock and freaking out from the Eagle that swooped down, inches from her face to steal something off of our plates. I can honestly say that’s never happened at breakfast before.
Compassion staff meeting - 8am | Several people from Compassion International meet with us to give us a better picture of what they actually do. We had an opportunity to ask lots of questions and this was when I really started to dislike the program itself. This meeting began breaking down a wall.
You see, I’m a picker. I like to pick things apart and find out their flaws and quickly pass them off as being something my heart doesn’t need inside of it. Sure, we sponsor two children through Compassion ourselves and it’s been a great experience, but I still didn’t realize the magnitude of what this ministry is doing in the world. A few questions answered:
* 500+ people give their lives to Christ each day through Compassion ministries worldwide.
* Hindu and Muslim children are sponsored all over the world and there is no requirement to be a Christian whatsoever…they are given an opportunity to hear the word of God. What they do with that is up to them. Sponsorship doesn’t require Christianity…which means it can be real to people.
* 71,000 Children are currently enrolled in Compassion’s 287 project areas in Kenya. 3,000 of those children are currently waiting for someone to sponsor them.
* Each project area is centered around a church, which goes into all parts of Kenya (and the rest of the world) to identify the poorest of the poor in that particular area. Money comes in for sponsored children and then gets turned over to the church hub to determine the current needs…Food? Education?
* A “culture of independence” is a large part of Compassion’s vision and mission. They will not be an organization of handouts, rather, a ministry that educates and helps people to reach their full potential.
Lots and lots and lots of other information passed through my brain, but the part that really messed me up was the realization that I can’t do things the way I’ve been doing them. I began to really get uncomfortable with Compassion International when I KNEW that I need to sponsor another child myself and that I will forever be an advocate to this organization. Not only that, but coming to an understanding of just how important it is to communicate through letters to these sponsored children. Children who are communicated with, even if just a couple of times a year, do much better in their everyday lives. I have got to step up my game and invest myself into these kids. They’re so worth it. This is what I saw today:
30 minutes from our snazzy hotel and the scenery changes quite a bit.
As we traveled through a large slum in Nairobi, we began to hear cheering and singing as we turned a corner into a Compassion project area. Tears welled in the eyes of many as we realized the dancing was for us and our arrival. {video below}
People danced, and clapped, and sang for us. The only people who seemed to not understand why they were doing this…well…was us. After all, we’re a big group of dweebs. Bloggers. Same difference.
It finally hit home when Irene, who is on staff with Compassion Kenya, explained that she had already told this group of women and children that a group of people were coming to help them get the word out about the program they are involved in. She said, “…and they are going to write about it on the internet…” and everyone cheered and clapped. Apparently, these people believe we’re going to help more people become a part of their amazing program. I sure hope so.
A young woman shared her story with us and it was filled with hope and accomplishment. She explained how the Child Survival Program had changed the lives of everyone in her family. At the risk of sounding like a pamphlet…more info can be found here: http://blog.compassion.com/child-survival-101/ and here: http://rescuebabiesnow.org/
Heading over to the Child Survival Program’s “stimulation” area…
A safe place to play…
Here is one of the church buildings that Compassion is partnered with…600 Kenyans go here.
Best Hair Award of the day…
Hey buddy, where’d you get that meat?
Oh, I see…
Our team split up and walked a block or two up the road from the church project. We made home visits to mothers who wanted to share with us the work they had been doing since becoming a part of the Child Survival Program. This is Jackline with her daughter Flavian. This family couldn’t wait to invite 6 of us into their tiny, 8′ x 8′ home.
After talking and praying with Jackline for a while, she wanted to show us the business that she had started. She began by making her own charcoal briquettes out of coal dust, soil, and water.
Jackline buys an ear of corn for 5 shillings, grills the corn over the fire she’s made, and then can sell the corn for 15 shillings. She sells an average of 8 ears of corn a day, yielding her a profit of 80 shillings per day. She is doing this to pay rent which is about $20USD per month. 75 shillings is equal to one US dollar. She’s making around 1 dollar a day in profit and she couldn’t be happier…because she’s making something. She’s proud of herself. I was proud of her.
The sights and smells of Kenya were overpowering at times. So much poverty and yet so many smiles in an area of neglect.
Let’s just say that deodorant isn’t nearly as common as heaping mounds of dead fish.
Next, we entered the home of Caroline, who was nothing short of amazing. I’ll show you a few photos of her in action, but you’ve got to read Brad Ruggles account of meeting her for the full effect.
Her husband was so proud of her…
My favorite thing that Caroline’s husband said was, “This is our home for now.” He had hope in his voice and it was like he knew they were going to make it out of there. He knew his family’s circumstances were temporary. This was all hitting me as the rubber hit the road and I realized…we are sponsoring children and their parents lives are being changed. We can restore families by doing this.
There was so much to see in one day. So many photographs and so many not taken.
Some people on our trip got to meet their sponsored children. Talk about a lump in the throat.
I feel like Ron Popeil trying to sell people a Showtime Rotisserie on late night TV, but I just can’t help it. I’ve seen some things firsthand that we can help with. I’ve already been getting emails, Facebook messages, and text messages from people letting me know that they’ve made a decision to sponsor a child. All I can say is thank you, and you have no idea how worth it this really is.
Please consider Sponsoring a child through Compassion International.
If you do, leave a comment letting us know. It would mean a great deal to us and we would love to pray for you and you’re newly sponsored child.
Also, don’t forget to follow this journey with everyone else by going to the Compassion Kenya featured blog posts (scroll down).
38 Comments
those photos are amazing…but i was wondering why you dislike the program?
“Several people from Compassion International meet with us to give us a better picture of what they actually do. We had an opportunity to ask lots of questions and this was when I really started to dislike the program itself.”
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Ryan says:
March 4th, 2010 at 3:01 pm
@Tara Hope, I “dislike” it because it’s pulling me in. Kicking and screaming, it’s got a hold of me. (I really love it)
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I have read of this organization from so many bloggers, and I hurt for these people, however, these pictures, these fabulous, fabulous, pictures, and your words, that I trust, because you and Allison have always been real with us Ryan, have sold me 1 heck of a Rotisserie. Does Allison know how amazing it is to be that close to an Eagle? I saw the one dog, are they many Ryan?
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Amazing account. My husband and I went to Kenya (Busia) in December with Buckner International. It will continue to change your life when you get home. I have been in a lot of prayer to go or not to go back this coming August. $8k for the two of us seems so daunting to raise–but your post warms my heart. And I know through HIM all is possible. Praying for safe travels home. (Hint–I was sick for 3.5 weeks coming home. When in doubt, see a doctor sooner rather than later!!) Oh, and make sure you try the ugali!
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Beautiful place you are staying. I can’t even begin to wrap my head around the scope of the poverty in Kenya, in Africa (alone)! Praying that you and your family stay safe and that Allie has recovered from that scary moment - yikes!
God Bless you for the work and all that you do, Ryan — and thank you!
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It is so interesting and conflicting to me that you all are staying in such a nice hotel while they people you are helping are not. I cannot wrap my head around that.
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Thank you so much for sharing Ryan. I have tears in my eyes (which is awkward when you’re sitting in a cubicle at work…)
I had an opportunity to visit Ethiopia with an organization called Mocha Club this past summer, and we worked with children sponsored through Compassion. It’s incredible to experience firsthand the hope these people have because of sponsorship. There’s nothing like being with those kids. And there’s nothing like seeing people in what seems like an entirely different world praising the same God that we praise.
I hope the rest of your time in Kenya is challenging and eye-opening and heart-enlarging, as I’m sure it will be.
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My wife and I just began sponsoring Caroh Mumbe Kali. She is in the AIC Syunduani Child Development Center. If you were to she her, please give her a hug for us and tell her we are sending pictures soon and that we are praying for her. God Bless you all and give you strength and wisdom in your work. Jerry and Bonnie Miller.
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My husband and I started sponsoring a child together 8 years ago, when we were still dating. It’s been an amazing journey to watch our little boy grow up into such a great man of God.
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Thanks for sharing this with us!
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I love the vision of the center, especially the part where they want the children to be “part-takers” of the Kingdom - not the passive “partakers,” just taking what’s given out, but _PART_ takers - taking part in the Kingdom work!
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Thank you for sharing your story with us! I have been reading everyone’s blogs today and just can’t tear myself away! Tonight we, as a family, will sit down and choose our child to sponsor. (or maybe 2)!! God has laid this on my heart today and for a reason.
Again, Thank you all for allowing us to follow you on this wonderful mission!
Friends in Christ,
Lynn
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I’m glad that work is about over because this brings me close to tears. (and you know it doesn’t much for me). Such beautiful people, important people.
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Praying for all of you and the sponsored and unsponsored children. You are giving us Compassion advocates back home some more powerful examples to use and confirmation that this it totally the thing to do! It is not charity but social justice changing the world! Not just the sponsored children and their families changing but the sponsors too.
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Wow, that was a very moving post! It really amazed me how nice and plush your hotel accomodations are compared to the places the families live. I think that would eat at me, I could not enjoy dining so well, and staying in such a nice place and then visiting such poor areas. Its almost like Compassion spends too much money on hosting bloggers where that money could be better spent on those poor families. Also, why did you and the others bring their spouses along for an extra $1500?! That kind of money could have gone a long way to support more children rather than someone who didnt really need to be on the trip. I just dont get it. Your wife as well as the other spouses could have stayed home and cared for the children left behind without a parent to care for them. And, it seems your wife even left an infant behind.. ::shaking head::
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Tracy says:
March 4th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
@Ashley Romano, I am sure that Ryan will respond but I can’t help but say something. It is my understanding that the bloggers, who are basically advertising for Compassion, have to be somewhere that they can have internet access. This is not an easy find, hence staying at a hotel that is nicer than the slums. Certainly, Compassion Interntional could spend a million dollars on advertisement but they have chosen to reach people with real people (bloggers) that they trust. Obviously, this format of “advertising” works, as this is not the first trip with bloggers for Compassion. Ok, almost done….the bible says “how will they believe if they do not know and how will they know if no one tells them?” How will people know about Compassion and the great things they are doing if no one tells them? This is what the trip is all about.
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TheDan says:
March 5th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
@Ashley Romano,
I think you have a misunderstanding about what marriage is. I would have questioned Ryan if he choose not to bring Allison.
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KCJones says:
March 5th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
@TheDan,
Sorry, but I don’t think the marriage is in question here. Why would you question him if he went alone? Do you think his wife should not trust him going somewhere alone? Geesh. This couple has two small children, one of which is only a tiny infant! Parenthood means responsibility. Both parents do not need to fly to another country to blog about the trip. One parent could have stayed home to be parent their two small children. The money spent on the wife’s plane ticket ($1500) would have gone a long way to feed many families there instead of just having a couple vacation. Really makes me question the Compassion organization for such waste of monies when those people are suffering so much.
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Jackie says:
March 5th, 2010 at 11:19 pm
@KCJones, My husband and I went to Kenya in December with Buckner International. For the two of us, it was over $8k and for the group of 18 people, it was $72k. We had another couple with four kids under 8 and she was 5 months pregnant making their second journey to see “our” kids that we (our church) have sponsored. We received a lot of criticism. Obviously, that kind of money could make a huge difference in Busia, the town that we were in. And some argued that the pregnant woman shouldn’t have gone. My response is this: Until you hold these orphans in your own arms, and tell them that you came all the way from America to tell them that Jesus loves them and has great plans for your life, you can’t say that someone should or should not go. I was also criticized by multiple people as “that money could have helped local Americans.” My selfish answer is “until you donate $4k to your local community outright, then don’t critize me for taking my money to help those who have nothing.” I applaud Ryan and his wife for going. You are showing your children, through your actions, that we have a responsbility to help those who cannot help themselves.
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Tracy says:
March 5th, 2010 at 11:42 pm
@Jackie, Just so everyone knows, Allison and Ryan’s children are in more than capable hands. They are being cared for and loved and pampered by a very thankful set of grandparents…..one of those being me. I am excited that my daughter had the opportunity to have this experience with Compassion and after reading Allison’s blog post, I could not be more proud. I can see that God is using her to change lives. So, you see, that baby and his big sister were not abandoned. In fact, they are having a little getaway at Camp Grandma’s and, if anything, they are being spoiled. And, just an aside, it is never a waste of money to reach people for Christ. People that love Allison and Ryan who wanted them to go on this trip donated the money needed because they know that Allison and Ryan TOGETHER can do more good for these kids than seperately.
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Abigail W says:
March 6th, 2010 at 7:22 am
@Jackie,
“My husband and I went to Kenya in December with Buckner International. For the two of us, it was over $8k and for the group of 18 people, it was $72k. We had another couple with four kids under 8 and she was 5 months pregnant making their second journey to see “our” kids that we (our church) have sponsored. We received a lot of criticism. Obviously, that kind of money could make a huge difference in Busia, the town that we were in. And some argued that the pregnant woman shouldn’t have gone. Until you hold these orphans in your own arms, and tell them that you came all the way from America to tell them that Jesus loves them and has great plans for your life, you can’t say that someone should or should not go.”
sorry jackie, but 72k is A LOT of money to spend just for YOU to say you hugged them and told them about Jesus. They want FOOD, SHELTER, CLOTHING,and MEDICAL CARE not for you to spend 72k in order to fly somewhere to fulfill YOUR needs to hug them and tell them about Jesus! Get a grip! You are NOT helping these people by thinking only of yourselves. Why not ask THEM if they think that was money well spent instead of just asking yourselves? WOW!
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Jackie says:
March 6th, 2010 at 9:23 am
@Abigail W, We were helping them. The reason we were there is that we raised the money necessary to put in a solar water system for the community of Funyula, outside of Busia. Our church had gone the year before and saw the need for fresh water, come home, and raised the money necessary for clean water. Now 3,000 people in the community of Funyula have fresh water. The money wasn’t for ourselves. I just don’t think you can judge someone for spending their own time and money for something like this. And when Moses, a 15-year old HIV+ orphan asks me point blank, “why did you come over all the way from America for ME?” You can answer, “because you are worth it.” Before you judge, you can read more at: http://www.rushcreekinafrica.com or you can see pictures here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmyoB-PIHVE
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TheDan says:
March 6th, 2010 at 2:00 am
@KCJones,
Ok KCJones, let’s play a game. The average internet bill is somewhere around $35 a month. That’s $420 a year. The average Kenyan earns $360 a year. You spend more on your internet than a Kenyan earns in a year. My question to you is simple. Is your having the internet a selfish decision?
ps. I was not inferring that Allison would not trust Ryan in Africa without her. They are close friends and that is laughable. And of course the kids are being very well taken care of. To imply anything else is absurd. What I am saying is that married people live life together, as one.
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Abigail W says:
March 6th, 2010 at 7:27 am
@TheDan,
“The average internet bill is somewhere around $35 a month. That’s $420 a year. The average Kenyan earns $360 a year. You spend more on your internet than a Kenyan earns in a year”
Thank you for showing that they DID in fact squander that extra $1500 on the wife’s airfare, which could have supported OVER THREE families for a YEAR rather than fulfill the wife’s selfish need to make this mission trip into a vacation with her husband. Just disgraceful! How do they live with themselves??? Those poor families are suffering and could use that money badly!
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TheDan says:
March 6th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
@Abigail W,
I’m pretty used to self righteousness but wow, even I’m not comfortable with this amount. That being said, I’m done. The anonymity of the internet brings out the worst in people. You should refrain from making personal attacks against people that you don’t even know. I do know them and your comments are way out of line. I now regret ever trying to have a conversation about this. I understand that you are speaking out of ignorance but that is not an excuse.
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nice shots brother. So glad you are there. Can’t wait for what is to come.
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Thanks for your amazing accounts Ryan. It’s fascinating to see their reaction to Americans compared with how citizens of other countries/areas of the world view us. It’s very heartwarming. They want and need our help and are very deserving of it. The story and photos of the woman working so hard for her 15 shillings per ear of corn really hit home. I’m happy you are getting so much out of this experience and that you are generously sharing it with those of us back here State-side who have no idea what true adversity and struggle is. It puts things into perspective….
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Our family has sponsored a little girl! Thank you so much for pushing us over the edge!
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awesome! i was wondering if you would have the opportunity to post anything while abroad.
as a social worker, im also super super critical of organizations and it sounds like compassion international is one with a really great mission and philosophy.
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Great pictures Ryan and I understood why you dislike it…you just want to hug those kids. And well their parents too. You and Allison have a much bigger heart than most people. Didja do the Grinch thing?
Think one of your commenters woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I’d think they would rather see all the kind people than just receive money. Human touch?
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Praying for all of you there!
And we are sponsoring a little boy from El Salvador & a little girl from Kenya.
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TheBookworm says:
March 4th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
I forgot to say thanks for sharing your thoughts & the photos!
@ThBookworm,
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I’m crying reading this. My husband, Michael, and I are praying about sponsoring a child. I’m praying for all of you! I’ll let you know when we’ve decided. Please, God, show us how we can!
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Oh my gosh, seeing your pictures makes my heart ache. My husband and I almost sponsored a child a long time ago, and this is going to sound so pitiful, I’m almost ashamed to say this, but I just couldn’t think of what to say when writing to the child! I’ve never known poverty on the level that they live every single day and everything I wrote just seemed wrong. It’s hard to explain but I just could never get the words out. What do you say to these children when you write them, besides first telling them about yourself and your family? I’m sorry if it seems like a stupid or silly thing to ask…I am 45 years old and it just makes me feel silly to ask, but it’s the one thing holding me back, so there it is….I would love to sponsor if I just had an idea of what to say! Dorky, right?
Thanks so much….these faces of these babies and their families are so beautiful….
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Allison says:
March 4th, 2010 at 10:42 pm
@andrea, all they really need and want to hear is that you are praying for them and that you believe that they can be something.
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I forgot to say thank you and your wife for going on this trip and being a voice for these children and families. It’s been years since we’d thought about sponsoring a child, but because of your post today, the pictures, your words, it’s back on the front burner. Love you guys.
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My pastor just came back from a trip to Ethiopia as part of Compassion’s Church to Church program. Some of the similarities are immense. I will be sponsoring and Ethiopian child through Compassion and I am adopting two children from Ethiopia. Thanks for getting the word on child sponsorship out there and making it more real. Praying for safe travels for all of you.
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What a great blessing you all are bringing to the people. And I love seeing the photos!
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Not sure why Compassion would encourage someone to spend $1500 for a spouse to travel along,instead of using those monies to enhance the lives of those poor deserving families. Seems like a huge contradiction.
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OK, one more from me and then I’ll hush. I did some research and came across this: http://blog.compassion.com/letter-writing-ideas/
So then I knew I had to do it! Sponsored a little girl and can’t wait to get more info about her.
Thank you Ryan!
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Praying for all of you on your trip and praying Compassion’s message is spread far and wide through your words!! I even got to talk to my doctor today about the trip y’all are on and gave her the link to read y’all’s posts and she was fascinated. When we went to Ethiopia to pick up our daughter last spring, it was at times overwhelming just the difference there in the basics of life, I had a hard time sometimes trying to figure out what I thought at any given moment!! But, we got to meet our sponsored child-Compassion drove him EIGHT HOURS just to meet us, yeah so they are awesome-they do what they say, they walk the walk, they are Jesus’ hands and feet. And YOU are also His messenger to the world through what you write this week-keep up the good work!! And know people you don’t even know are praying for ALL of you!!
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Awesome blog entry! I am so inspired by Compassion International that I signed up to sponsor a child (more like young man) in Kenya since I saw your team was going to visit. I did it on Sunday. And I’ve also decided to become an Advocate. This is THE best ministry for kids in poverty!
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How I would love to be there with you! These pictures let me do just that. Beautiful, yet heartwrenching. And an inspiration from those who can sing in spite of their circumstances. Hoping to catch a glimpse of my own child. She’s in Limuru!
Praying!
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I was secretly excited for you and Allison to go on this trip. I knew that I’d get a very honest, first-hand account of the organization and its effectiveness. You know how I squeeze the most out of every dollar, and my hope is that the charities I donate to are able to do the same. I live and breathe by charitynavigator.com when I am deciding on charities to donate to. I’m thrilled that their excellent score on CN correlates to what is actually going on.
I’m going to have a conversation with Josh to see what we can do. We’d have to squeeze it into our budget, but if it means giving up a little of something we don’t absolutely need to sponsor a child, I’d say it’s worth it.
Keep the posts a comin’. Can’t wait to hear more!
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Kelly says:
March 5th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
@Jen, I totally agree about the first-hand honest account of the organization!! I am so excited for you guys and can’t wait to hear and see more. Enjoy the rest of your trip!!
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Following all you bloggers closely on this journey. Thank you so much for giving so deeply of yourselves so that we can peek into this part of the world.
Signed up to sponsor an LDP Kenya student last month, named Phanice, from Kakamega. But you’ve also inspired us to add another child from Kenya: Hannah Mbugua, at the KAG Rwamburi CDC. She is 12, and we are honored to be part of her life.
Every one of these kids around the world is worthy of our attention and commitment. Thank you, deeply, for your honest and insightful sharing of this journey.
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I’ve heard about Compassion for so so so long, yet never sponsored a child. I don’t know why, just didn’t. Then I sat here and had tears in my eyes reading this post. I guess it was just God working on my heart.
I signed up to sponsor Lilian, she’s 6 and we have the same birthday!
Thanks for sharing Ryan, my prayers are with you and the group that are there as well as those left behind.
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Okay, I have been trying not to say this, but why in hecks name would anyone want to bring more children into such a sad situation? There it’s said. I have a heart, I actually sponsored a child LONG ago, it was in 1970 and the situation has not changed over there at all. Thanks for what your doing, and I know your just trying to spread the word. Be safe. Mary
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A friend of mine told me about this program about a year ago and it has been at the back of my mind. Reading your blog convinced me that now is the time to participate. I signed up to sponsor a little girl my daughters age named Malin. There was just something about her, I wasn’t interested in looking at any other pictures or bio’s.
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Wishing you both continue to have a safe and fulfilling trip. I am disappointed to read of people questioning your wife going. It seems it would mean the world to these families to see and meet the people that bring them hope. You are getting this need out to so many people and bringing the Word of God the people. People will come to sponsor children and change lives because you and you wife chose to do this. God Bless you both.
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Ryan, I am so glad that you and Allison BOTH went. What a great experience for both of you! I certainly don’t understand the people that are questioning this decision and it seems as though they think Compassion paid the $1500. This experience is something you will be able to share with each other for the rest of your life together. Don’t worry, they didn’t understand when Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet, and they probably will never understand this either.
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Ryan just sponsored a 10 year old boy.I let my 10 year old make the decision.I felt it is a great lesson for my son and a way to teach compassion. Thank you Ryan
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