I went to Kenya for a short visit. After we left Kenya in October 2008 I had not been back again. I needed time to calm down after all the happenings in Kenya which affected my inspiration and courage.

First of all I went to the Masai Mara with some ' friends'. I had organized a wedding in the Mara which turned out well. We stayed in Governors camp, a wonderful place to be. Excellent services and friendly staff reminded me my first time in Kenya. It has been 15 years ago when I visited Masai Mara for the first time and also in Governors... To visit Mara and especially Governors renewed my love again for Kenya.

Once back in Nairobi I decided for some reasons to cancel the second part of my safari. I left my ' friends' I was on safari with, to fly direct to Mombasa.The desire to see them was bigger then the desire to ' enjoy' the safari. So after arrival in Mombasa I went straight to the home. The children were surprised.. didn't expect me to come. Lucy was just only wondering. Faith, Lucy and Beatrice don't understand how Mama Simba can stay away for such a long time. How do they understand even if you try to explain that you go home so far away that the plane has to bring me back?

Before leaving Nairobi I went to the streets next to Simmers a local restaurant and found the boys Calvin, Msuyoka, and Charles. These are the boys I started the project with in 2002. The boys however could not deal with a life within a home and prefered the freedom of the streets. We have tried for many years but had to give up because of unexpected circumstances. Msuyoka told me that ' his wife' was about to give birth. Charles made a cd with his song ' surviror' about the life at the streets. I have been giving the boys some cash and will see what we can do for these boys if there willing to give up street life now that they have become adults.

The following day Edna and Brian arrived from England and we went to the home the day after. We visited the home several times together and had meetings with the staff. Mama Jane, Margaret, Frances and Pande. Kids are all doing well. Some of them have been growing quite fast in such a short time. Johnson is growing very tall! They are all in school except from Selina and Faith. Faith is still 3 years and we believe that she is to young now. Once starting school she has a long way to go so let her enjoy another year at home.

Judy joined the staff recently as assistance housekeeping and cook. She is a qualified cook and that will definetly benefit the home. Judy has been visiting and assisting the home before several times as a volunteer. With three ladies for the housekeeping, children care and cooking we expect the house to be clean and organized!

Food prices have been increased with 50 % or more! The usually daily food products like maiz, rice, vegetables, milk everything is very expensive now. We had no choice to change the menu as we use to eat quite luxury especially for a childrens home. Now we must get real and eat ugali more and choose more local products like beans, tomatoes etc. We do a serious appeal to our visitors and sponsors not to bring the usual pencils and pens, toys etc but to spend the money indeed to bring the children food and fruits. Edna can sent you a perfect shopping list to choose from! Email us for her contact please!

We do welcome volunteers again. Last year has been extremely quiet with volunteers now the inquiries are increasing again and we are very happy with that. We also have some English volunteers! Volunteers do assist the staff with the house but mostly are taking care of the children and share time with them, playing and learning.

We have decided to use our beautiful plot as planned before for a new home and some beach cottages to host tourists and volunteers to earn an income in the future for the upkeep of the home. There are some funds raising events going on to benefit the building of the new home. We pray and hope that we can start with building within 2009. The plot is not far from the orphanage on the third row from the beach.