After walking around Hope & Home on my first day, it was evident how little these kids have. Their mattresses are an inch tall with holes in them, blankets are covered in mud and dust, clothes are barely recognizable and their personal possessions fit into a little tin box. I'd been contemplating climbing Mt Kenya while I was in Nanyuki and the three day hike was going to cost $650NZD. As I thought about Hope & Home and why I had come to Kenya, I realised I had missed the point and decided I'd like to buy some things for Hope & Home and save a bit of money for the rest of my trip. I set up a Givealittle page knowing some people from home would be keen to donate and though if I could get $500-$750NZD, we'd be able to buy some new mattresses for the kids. Never ever did I think we'd raise $2000!!! With this money I was able to buy 30 x quality mattresses that will last the kids years, 30 x blankets, boys underwear, sanitary items, school books, pens & pencils, soap, toothpaste & toothbrushes, laundry buckets, flour, rice, beans, oil and fresh veges! We had two truckloads of items and it was so so special delivering them on my last day in Nanyuki. One of the senior students Yvonne made a small speech and then I explained where all the money had come from and how thankful I was that I'd been able to come to Hope & Home and how welcomed they'd made me feel. It was so emotional!! Jacinta, myself and two other volunteers cleaned the rooms and made the beds up for everyone, it looked so awesome once finished and I know they'll all be sleeping well for months to come! I said my goodbyes, some students begging me not to leave, offering their bed to me so I could stay and asking if they could come with me. One memorable moment was when one boy Nahashon (15years, Class 6) came and gave me a hug goodbye. He'd been abandoned by his mother when he was young, having no idea where she went so he turned to the streets before finding Hope & Home. When I first met him, I could see the pain he'd experienced, he was guarded, reserved but very respectful and polite. I never expected him to come and say goodbye but he did and in that moment, I knew I'd given a little love to a kid that needed it. I waved goodbye to everyone, promised them I'd be back to see them when they're in high school and left Hope & Home for the last time, leaving a little bit of my heart there but knowing I've got this huge Kenyan family whenever I return.Read more