It is so good making new friends! - Thanks so much for coming!!
It is so good making new friends! - Thanks so much for coming!!
From the moment I heard Karibu Nyumbani was even a possibility I knew that this was my dreams, to come and visit Fiona in her new world.
Since arriving two weeks ago, every dream has come true. I have so enjoyed seeing how this place has grown from nothing to what it is today. Seeing Gods provision and hearing so many stories of the right people being here at the right time during every step has touched my heart. Through faith, prayer and hard work Karibu Nyumbai is going to change the lives of so many children, and it's exciting to see the plans God has in store for the future.
I have another 6 weeks here, and judging by how amazing each day has been so far, I am going to have a life changing trip and I suspect this will not be my only one. Ester, Ludmila and Fiona make the most amazing Mama's, the Aunties, Uncles and Volunteers have such a genuine heart for the vision of Karibu Nyumbani and a love for the Children that words cannot describe.
I am learning not to be limited to my own expectations of what is possible in life. Being in Arica with Fiona, tells me anything is possible through God. So for now, I will finish with.. watch this space!!
Lara and I have come from Germany and our new home for 10 months is in Kyela-South of Tanzania. Our kindergarten is closed at the moment so we are at Karibu Nyumbani for a month. In Kyela we have enjoyed working in a kindergarten and also in the house, cooking, washing and cleaning. Water is in a problem there and we had to walk 800 meters taking usually 1 ½ hrs each day after our working day! In the beginning it was hard but we laugh every day and love the fact that the children are learning something from us. They are so funny, jokey and they are becoming like family. I have missed being so far away from my family but have loved getting to know the new culture and to really see how privileged we are in Germany. I has made me see that often what we think we need is not so necessary. The language was the hardest thing in the beginning for us both as it was a barrier not being able to understand or be understood, Language is so key to communication and creating a family.
It's been so nice coming to Karibu Nyumbani, the kids have so much choice as to what they can do in their free time. Having their own classroom is so good for extra learning and it's very nice that the children can speak two languages- English and Swahili. We have really enjoyed meeting up with two volunteers also from Germany and being able to eat the produce from karibu own garden has been wonderful.
We love the way the children are really at home here. The facilities are stunning and luxurious in comparison to Kyela and we have felt like we are holiday. It's a wonderful place.
DAVID says -“I have learnt many skills here including fixing doors plumbing. It’s been a challenge but I am enjoying it. I work in the garden, watering plants, and sometimes looking after the animals. Most of all I enjoy playing with the kids!”
JULIAN – “I have really enjoyed spending time with the kids too. They are very different to kids I have known whilst working in a kindergarten in Germany, from the very beginning they were so open and loving towards us. I have been working with Lucekela doing garden work - planting, harvesting. I help with the animals and ALSO I drive to the school bus to pick up the kids from school.”
In August & September 2016, I was fortunate to visit my birth country Tanzania. Where can I start to tell you about my visit this summer? I guess I should start by first telling you how my heart is filled with admiration for Karibu Nyumbani ophans as well as its co-founders. Who I saw as good examples of God’s many miracles. I do regret that my visit to them was brief. However, after spending time at the orphanage, it was obvious that I will be returning there. The orphanage first impression, has left a warm, tagging and lasting memories in me that I will forever be drawn back there to see and support them. The warm welcome that even Sarah, my 6 yrs old daughter felt from the children left her with lasting memories and lessons no mother or school could have ever enforced better! The orphanage made all of us feel so welcome and at home. The happiness and acceptance from the children left me feeling loved unconditionally. I keep praying for continuous revelation from God on what he wants me to do to support his wonderful work there. As the visit made it clear that without the support and generous contributions the project receives– whether through volunteer’s time, financial donations, fundraising or emotional support and prayers it won’t be possible to sustain it.
Since my return I have done nothing but think about my visit. I feel like a piece of me remained at the orphanage. After weeks of prayers and personal reflection, it’s clear that my task is to get my local community, friends, family and university to join forces with Karibu Nyumbani and make a huge difference in the lives of the children living there even if it’s just helping them spread the word of the work they do or the support they need.
It’s not a secret the orphanage has already given a small group of Tanzanian highly vulnerable children the chance to a bright new life. A life based on care and Gods love, healthy bodies, and minds crammed with knowledge and excitement. I truly do hope I can find purpose in my own life by helping children in desperate need for support. The co-founders- Fiona Hendy, Mama Easter and the other ladies working at the orphanage have given up their lives selflessly to help the children daily needs. However, they can’t do this job alone! They need volunteers to go there and help with the children, they also need financial donations and fundraising support to keep the project developing to help more children. It’s evident that work already done at Karibu Nyumbani is impressive! The fantastic facilities that the children sleep in, live, eat and play are clean and safe. The future need is now a decent school for them.
From the many generosities extended to them combined by hard work invested by Fiona and Ester - A new plot has been purchased and they are looking for support building a small school for the children. the new school that will not only educate orphans but hopefully open its doors to children at the nearby village. I believe this is a fantastic vision. One that needs prayer support and fundraising. Please I urge you if you have never considered supporting a worthily cause. I urge you to consider Karibu Nyumbani orphans to be the benefactor of your kind charity….
We will be teaching our own children there and also children from the village. It will be a small school from Nursery up to Primary each year group just one class. The children are excitedly praying each day with us!
Please join us in prayer!
She has wonderful story! ( Which I will ask her to write herself!) Until then - In short - Her Grand father was an orphan who was cared for by a couple from Scotland. She searched the website for a project that she as President of the Students Unions for the Universities of Liverpool may like to support. She and her daughter Sarah, only six years, and the Vise President of the Student Union Alicia only came for a few hours with Lea, Bupe's sister who lives here in Tanzania. Sarah was so happy to be with the children that she was really upset to go, but I don't think it was the last time they will be here. Bupe, we look forward to hearing from you yourself!
Thank you for your heart for Tanzania and the children of Tanzania.
and we look forward to next April !
She sends a birthday present for every child. We have now started to just give Mama Hilary's gift on their "actual" Birthday and then we plan to to Celebrate at least 5 birthdays together where they will get their second gift from us:)
Mama Hilary Tunakupenda sana, asante kwa upendo wako!
Sian and Molly, thank you so much for all you brought to our Home!
Tabea, threw herself into anything she could see that needed doing. Mostly with the children. Daily in the class room being teacher, and also a close friend to the Aunties helping in the kitchen, washing etc. She was truly a friend to all!
We miss them very much and are looking forward to the next 2 “Caritas Volunteers” 2 boys!!
Also Angela White and her family whose parish has been extremely generous to us in the last few years. God bless you all.
It was a big shock for everyone especially Ludmila who mothered him for 6 weeks. The children continue to pray with us for his healing.