Beautiful Boy

On Thursday, I met Eugene for the first time. He is the second of my two sponsored children, and I could not be more elated that God chose me to be his sponsor.

I was the last of my van to be dropped off. The anticipation built up in me the whole way there. I was nervous and I was excited. I had no idea what was in store or how the visit would go. Would it be awkward? Would I know what do to? What about the language barrier? I was thankful for Joyce, the Compassion Kenya staff member who is part of our project ad came along to translate for me. I need to get pictures! Ken, our Compassion US guide/trip escort, came along on my visit and offered to be my photographer. He worked my camera and my phone and captured so many sweet moments.

We pulled up outside of the wall. It had a small blue gate in its middle with a small door that would lead me to where he lives. There they were, Eugene with his mother and brothers (Austine and Hillary). He's grown since the last picture was taken. He was absolutely breathtaking. They led the way, through the small blue gate's door, to the place they call home.

As we walked inside, Joyce and I sat on small stools (there were 4). His mother sat about 4 feet across from us on their bed, he and his brothers on the floor next to her. Silence.

I came bearing gifts. Household and hygiene items for the family, "sweets" and stickers and toys for his brothers, and a special bag for Eugene. It was how I decided to break the ice. I told his mother, with Joyce's help, what was in the family gift and showed him and his brothers what I'd brought for the little ones. And then came Eugene's gift. He came over and sat on the stool next to me, and together we opened his bag. A football and pump, his best game, "football" he said; an outfit that he'll have to grow into; a drawing pad and colored pencils, he loves to draw; and a few other things. He helped me pump up his football and thanked me. He doesn't speak much English, but understands it well. "Welcome" "thank you" "yes" those were the words that made it out. His mother explained that he gets very quiet when he is excited.

What now? The gifts are opened. They have said "thank you" and "God bless you" so many times. We are sitting in a dark, probably 8x8 home; my phone as a flashlight, electricity is too expensive. And so I did what I know to do with kids, I suggested that we go outside and play.

We spent the rest of the morning playing in the sunlight. We played with the jumping frog game from the family bag first. I sat on the ground and demonstrated how it is played. Instant hit! We must have played for 30 minutes, trying so hard to get our frogs into the bucket. We started out just Eugene, his brothers, and me, but soon several of their neighbor children joined us. I've never seen anything like it. There were 6 frogs and 8 kids plus me. Not a single fight over a toy, no screaming "hey that's mine!" or whining. They just shared and were happy to have a turn when they did. And then I suggested the football. A simple nod from Eugene sealed the deal. We kicked it and rolled it and tossed it the rest of the morning. We had a blast! I could have stayed and played all day.

When the time to leave drew near, I asked for prayer requests. Work for his father, who is in Nairobi searching for it now; a home to call their own, they rent the dark corner space now; protection from sickness and blessings for the family. I gathered the boys around me next to their mom, wrapped my arm around Eugene and Austine, and, fighting back tears as best I could, I prayed. I prayed, I asked, I interceded. I am so thankful to have had that opportunity.

Before leaving, I presented the food basket that Compassion sent as a gift from me. Again by phone flashlight, I showed the family what was for them. Staples in their diet. Sustenance for them. Fuel for growing boys. A treat for the children, a box of biscuits (cookies). They thanked me again and said
"God bless you so much". I returned the blessings and they escorted me out. I was sad to go, but full of joy at getting the time that I did and spending it bonding with Eugene.

Throughout the day, part of the chorus of John Lennon's "Beautiful Boy" played in my head. Eugene is exactly that. A beautiful boy.