Last Day – Last Words!

January 2nd, 2010 by Meagan Volmari

Well – it came round so quickly – I hate goodbyes. I got picked up by a Taxi – and had to peel to small boys off me as i got in. I’ve never seen so many tears, both from the children and me. My heart broke – when one of the older boys asked if i was leaving forever, and if we would ever meet again. He continued on to say everyone leaves, and when was he going too. I do wonder if how soon i can be able to come back. Cheryls has touched me unlike any other place. Its so hard to explain how much – but the children are so beautiful, greatful, selfless, patient – and they have had to go through so much.

One of the boys – James (20) is one of my closest friends. I’m not sure if its because he plays Rugby and loves Australia, or because we are the same age. But we hit it off instantly, and its a friendship i hope to contiue over the distance. I asked him if i could post his story – and he agreed. So here is just a snapshot at one life at Cheryls. He calls this story his escape – and to him and his sister (15) it is. At the age of 10 he made the decision to take his youngest sister and get out. He didn’t know where they were going to go.. but they walked more than 4 days to the Capital of Kenya – Niarobi. What they left behind was an alcoholic father who beat their mother to death in front of them. The police arrested him – but he was allowed out until trial. For his whole life, there was abuse – but he was the one to stand up for his two sisters. He was the one to find food – which sometimes only happened every few days. He tells me how hunger pains disapear after 2 days, and that thirst was not something they experienced until they came to Cheryls and had unlimited water. Sam (director) was the one that picked them up off the streets, and took them into his care. Sam explains how much anger James had – and it has taken over 7 years for him to feel safe and loved. Recently they had to go back to their home town – as we needed documents for his sisters passport. When they discovered we needed to see their father, ive never heard such silence. We sat in the car as he approached, and James looked ready to cry both in pain and anger. Something i never want to experience again. You have to wonder what was going through their fathers head – if their was regret or any love. James and Mumbi have only just got over their visit – and i hope that their life will go back to normal. James is now the oldest at Cheryls and has just finished form 4 (grade 12) – he is wanting to study Law, and i believe he will be ok. He is now a well adjusted adult and the rest of the children respect him and look up to him for advice and help. He is going to be my most missed.

There are many stories – each child with their own. Its suprising how much they let you in. And its such a privliage to be able to be let in. I’ve listened to many of their stories – some worse but all unimaginable. Its hard to sit their as they show you photos or tell you vivid pictures without crying – so most of the time we just lay and sob. Its good for them, and good for me – I never knew what to expect – and everyday at Cheryls is a beauty all of its own. I love each of the children that I have had contact with. And i’m never going to forget their faces. Cheryls is a place that lets hope and love fill the lives of the most innocent and pained children. And i am so grateful to be able to be apart of something so magical and beautiful. This is a place where i could continue to come back too. And I will.

This will be my last blog before i arrive home on the 14th. I looks foward to showing everyone the pictures and videos that the children have taken. Please if you ever want to sponser a child let me know – as i know 100 beautiful children that would be forever greatful for your love and support.

Happy New Year! I’ll see you soon.