Update on Boaz

Boaz Osiebe is the 5 year old Tenderfeet student who has permanently crossed eyes (Strabismus).

Now an operation has been made possible through the fundraising efforts of Kathy Switzer in Canada as well as big help from Cornerstone UMC Vacation Bible School kids in Houston, Texas.

The eye muscle surgery was originally supposed to take place in August, but was delayed due to schedule conflicts on the part of the doctor.

At long last, Boaz was admitted to the Eye Unit of Kikuyu Hospital today. His operation is scheduled for tomorrow. As I'm sure you can understand, he's a little bit nervous and a little bit excited at the same time.

Please keep Boaz in your prayers.

Meet Two Kibera Boys

I'd like to share the stories of two Tenderfeet kids, one a current student and the other a former student who has moved on to the next stage of his education.

Phelix Ondiek (see picture right) is a four year old boy that attends Tenderfeet in Kibera. His family fled and relocated to Riruta after the riots in January, but his mother could not make enough to support the family in the new location. After a few months, they returned to Kibera even though it is not as safe for the family. Phelix's father passed away in 2004 from HIV/AIDS. The mother is HIV positive. Phelix is frequently sick and possibly HIV positive as well, but has not yet been tested. The mother is the sole bread winner in the household from her vegetable vendor business in Kibera.

Phelix has two brothers and two sisters. He is known for cracking jokes and loves singing. He receives assistance through the sponsorship of the Brown Family and the Urban Outreach organization.


Wickliff Wesonga (photo left) was admitted in Tenderfeet in 2001. After completing several years of school at Tendefeet, he was ready for the next level, joining Ayany Primary. He is now twelve years old in class six.

Mama Margaret wishes she could continue the education of children like Wickliff because it's a struggle at Ayany. Classes are overcrowded and school fees are extremely difficult for his family to pay (although Ayany is officially "free", in fact there are many hidden fees). Unfortunately, Tenderfeet doesn't have the staff or facilities to educate older children like Wickliff.

Wickliff is an AIDS orphan, and was born HIV positive, but -- thank heaven -- is able to obtain life saving ARV drugs. He lives with his uncle who is also HIV positive, and has three brothers and two sisters. He loves playing soccer and reading storybooks. Wickliff depends on good samaritans to help with life expenses, and recently has received assistance from the Tenderfeet Orphans Fund.

These two boys have already faced more challenges than many of us see in a lifetime. Thankfully, they are now getting some help which gives them hope for the future.