In 2014 I was introduced to Kelly by Sister Carolyne. This 8 year old boy was among 100 others living at the Divine Providence Orphanage in Kakamega Kenya. Run by the Benedictine Sisters of Divine Providence, their head office is in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. They have many orphanages in various third world countries. Sister Carolyne is from Kakamega originally, and is a wonderful women who really cares for and loves each one of the children. As Sister Carolyne says, “God’s Divine Providence” is how we manage to survive day-to-day.
"I was in heaven, and fell in love with a few of the children. One in particular was a little girl called “Joy.” I was there when the police brought her to the orphanage; her mother had had some mental health issues, and covered Joy with branches and tried to burn her alive. The Sisters took her in, gave her the name Joy, and began to love and care for her. She fell ill while I was there, and I went to the hospital and stayed with her for one whole day. I felt that I was really blessed to spend time with this two-year old child."
Kelly is ten years old, and has polio. He has lived at Divine Providence all his life and has had 10 surgeries, uses very old crutches to get around, but is a happy child. I recall holding this boy and praying that he would grow up to be strong and bright. His disability should not be an inability. My heart was stirred as I realized that at his age I too had polio. I know what lies ahead for him - it will not be easy.
I saw Kelly again in July 2016. Sister Pamela was now in charge. With new crutches, he is growing stronger and his smile means he is learning that even though he cannot run with the rest, he can still connect and enjoy life at the Divine Providence Orphanage. That's his world...so far. For Kelly and Joy and all the rest, may the good Lord provide them with that little extra support they need to succeed in Kenyan society.
Providence
Beautiful ones, your smile touches us
Two precious lives, your joy reaches us
Orphaned and unaware of what lies ahead
How was it you had no place to lay your head
Orphaned now normal, with no other seeing
Love that brings your beauty into being
It transforms a life once cast aside
To a picture of hope where once you cried
May you grow strong in heart and mind
Find courage to live in the difficult time
May you never say never and persevere
To find a way through the shadows of fear
The home you know as Divine Providence
Surrounds you with love and guarded defence
The sting of abandonment has lost its bite
For Divinity surrounds in darkness and light
