Imagine being born into a world consumed by poverty, poor health, HIV/AIDS and massive unemployment. Now imagine being unable to care for your own children as a result of these factors. In Kenya, as in many other African nations, this is the reality people live with on a daily basis. Upon visiting Huruma Children’s Home in Ngong Hills, Kenya, I was able to experience firsthand the sadness that these situations cause and also the overwhelming hope that Huruma has once again instilled. Children of Huruma, infants to 18 years of age, are given a second chance. Their lives are saved in more ways than one. They each tell a story. Stories of watching their parents die from AIDS. Stories of wondering why they were beaten and r***d and then abandoned. Some came to Huruma as babies, some at older ages. They all have an inspiring capacity to love despite their horrific pasts. In loving these children, I learned a valuable lesson. Hope is not one sided. Hope can come full circle. Upon returning, my Committee and I set out to make certain these children continued to have a reason to hope, to know they have a future, to know they are loved. We formed the Hope for Huruma Foundation, a nonprofit that spreads awareness and fundraises to send all of its proceeds back to the children of Huruma. Today, we hope you join us in this endeavor. You too will discover that helping others who can only repay you in love always comes full circle.
