We drive deep into the immerse green vegetation growing side by side. The county is called Soy and the area Mautuma. In Kenya, January is usually hot and dry, but this year was different. It was chilly and rainy and sometimes windy. The Matthews loved the weather, they said it was warm and therefore wore t-shirts like it was summer! The mood was ecstatic! The car was also filled with infectious laughter, warm smiles and beaming faces exhibiting unbridled happiness!
The road was steep, rocky, muddy and slippery! This didn’t stop us, we kept going hopeful that it wouldn’t rain otherwise the road would have been impassable! One would only imagine the excitement bubbling inside the Matthews, who were getting ready to meet Sharntella whom they only knew through a picture and a series of letters she had written to them. It felt like an adventure ready to unfold, full of surprises and a whole bunch of emotions.
We arrived into the homestead. A Subtle, quite serene and peaceful environment. The crisp breeze greeted our senses, infusing our lungs with revitalizing oxygen that went through our veins. There stood two semi-permanent houses, one was mud walled with a grass thatched rooftop, while the other was a black painted wooden house. Entering into Sharntella’s home felt like stepping into a haven of warmth and joy. As we alighted from the van, smiling faces greeted us with open arms, enveloping us in a comforting embrace. It was such a great sight to behold!
Sharntella is the last born of the family of seven. She is warm, charming and always with a warm smile. She loves dogs and owns one called Tiger. She loves reading and playing football which she does daily when she gets off school. Her mother says she had skillfully crafted a paper ball using local material collected around the homestead. She ditched the paper ball since the Matthews had brought her an awesome soccer ball that has now heighted her affinity to play every day! She describes her as a proactive child especially around the house and in the farm, she is obedient and always willing to learn how to do chores.
In the middle of the living room, there is a chicken coop with chicks to keep them warm since outside was pretty cold. We were escorted to a tent by the friends and family who had gathered for the big day. We did catch up and introductions to get to know each other. Jake and Bennet, Matthew’s sons got to really interact with Sharntella, laughter and smiles filled the air! As the conversations were going on, we are served a feast! The had made a buffet, from the famous ‘ugali’ and ‘chapati’, there was a lot more local traditional food that had been prepared. Food sharing in Kenya is a crucial ceremony that brings people together creating a long-lasting bond.
The Matthews came bearing gifts from Canada, which filled Sharntella with immense joy and gratitude. Meeting her sponsors felt like encountering superheroes; she was astounded that individuals from a distant land could be so generous, offering something so precious, valuable, and potentially life-changing. Her smile stretched from ear to ear, and her cheeks ached from grinning uncontrollably. It was a day she would never forget.
It was time to say good bye but no one wanted to leave. We took pictures and videos wishing we’d pause that moment right there. As of the African custom, Sharntella’s parents gave the Matthews gifts too! As the day grows old, Sharntella and the Matthews carry with them memories that will last a life time. It’s a day they will never forget, filled with excitement, joy and the magic of making dreams and aspirations come true!
We pray that their story will inspire people to do something amazing to a vulnerable child! Proverbs 19:17 says, ‘He that has pity upon the needy lendeth to the Lord and that which he has given will he pay him again’
Sharntella with her New Bag pack!
Sharntella,Bennet and Jake!Sharntella smiles!Sharntella and MatGifts from KenyaShantella’s Mom and the Matthews Family-Gift session
