2 boys…
This picture was taken in March of 2017. Dan and Dan
2 boys...2 lost boys. Both named Dan. Danny Chapia and Dan Kamau. They ran from their home because basic needs were not being met, there wasn't any money for their school fees and there was abuse. Living on the streets sounded better to their young minds than enduring the painful life they lived. They'd seen other boys living on the street and it didn't look so bad compared to what they were living. But they didn't know just how harsh the streets would be to them or how long they would stay there. Being a streetboy seems to be an endless cycle. Often times if the child tries to return home they are rejected or the same old struggles are there so they return to the streets again and again. Most streetboys desire to go to school, yet they are addicted to glue and can't just stop on their own, so school isn't an option without a home to live in. In Kenya streetboys are viewed as trash so not many are willing to open their home or hearts to these boys.
When we met them and I learned some of their story my heart broke. Every child deserves to have a family. I couldn't imagine a child hating their home life so much that they'd rather live on the streets. But, I was new to Kenya and didn't yet realize the harsh side of Kenya. While I'll never fully understand it, I have a better picture of it now. If there is love, food and safety missing from your home you start to question things and see no real reason to stay. Lots of times alcohol abuse is involved and often it is a family issue, so they don't have the option to just go and stay with an aunt or grandma.
This picture was taken in June of 2019 💙💙💙. Danny Chapia and Dan Kamau
2 years has gone by and both of these boys still live at Mercy Home. Many of you will likely say they are blessed to be here, but we are the ones who are blessed. We get to help raise these children in a good way. We get to share the Gospel with them on a regular basis. We get to be the one to meet needs that have previously gone unmet. We get to watch the growth, the emotional and physical growth. We are beyond blessed to get to live life with these boys (and every other child living at Mercy Home). We absolutely have hard days, we have had heartbreaking days, but it is worth it. They are worth every tear that is shed and every pain our hearts feel. They are worth every FB post where I feel like I'm begging for money and they are worth every late night we spend talking and planning for their future.
Please keep these boys in your prayers. They have a lot of potential and can do anything they want to do after high school thanks to a support system like you! Pray that they will lean on Him and live their life for Him because we know that He is where true life is found.
If you'd like to learn more about sponsoring any of our beautiful children here at Mercy Home you can go to the link below. 💜