We had a wonderful Christmas in Kenya. It was our first time that we could celebrate Christmas with our children in the orphanage. We had lovely visitors from England bringing lots of presents, beautiful clothes and toys. We had some visitors bringing a big suitcase with presents for each child, staff members and ourselves. We have put these presents under the tree and unpacked them at first Christmas evening. The children were very excited. I made some ' oliebollen' a typical Dutch tradional snack for New Years but since I was not going to be there with New Year I made them for Christmas. It taste and look like donuts but then with raisins. The children and staff liked them a lot. We also had turkey for dinner and that was also a first timer for children and staff. They enjoyed it a lot. This was possible because of the donations we got for Christmas. Thanks to all the sponsors! After dinner we gave out the presents and the children were so happy with their presents which you could notice were selected per child and staff member. Christmas was wonderful as we listened to Christmas songs and had fun together.

We followed the elections from 27th onwards 30th the day we left to Holland. That is when we heard that Kinaki won the elections. A surprise to all of us since Odinga was ahead with a million votes. Lucky for us we had left already when hell broke out in Kenya. With a deep sadness we watched in horror how people got killed and a church with children and women inside was burned down.. Many people completely lost their minds, killing innocent people, anger changed into a hate towards the kikuyus the tribe of the president. We could not celebrate New Year, our thoughts were in Kenya with the children and all what was happening. We stayed in touch every day and after the riots broke out the home suffered food shortage since shops were closed or looted. School started one week later. The shops have reopened, fuel is available again and life goes on with temptation and fear.

Today, 17th January we could read that yesterday, again people were killed or injured by the police who stopped supporters of the opposition to demonstrate. Tourists are all gone and our travel agency specialized in Kenya and Tanzania safaris doesn't receive any inquiry or booking. Volunteers have left the home and others to come have cancelled. Our home is mainly runned by fees paid by volunteers and our income of the agency. We are now fully depended from donations. The school fees are paid cause we have sponsors in England who are sponsoring most of the children. Edna has sent us the school fees and we are very grateful for that and want to thank al the sponsors of our children! However we now do an appeal for donations to pay the rent, the food and medical expenses. Please help us to keep our home and help our children!

Send your donation to: Postbank

Contact is Edna Elliott ednaelliott@btinternet.com
Edna Elliott is the treasurer of our center and lives in England. She visits us twice a year and she is a big support for our center.

We will stay in the Netherlands till it is safe in Kenya. We cant return to Kenya now due to the situation and due to the fact that we dont have work at this moment. It is easier for us to work in the Netherlands and return when tourism picks up again. Please if you have any questions email me at ireneokech@yahoo.com thank you for your attention and your support. Greetings from all the children of the Lioness Cubs Home and staff.

Pray for the children in Kenya, for the people who have lost their beloved ones, their jobs and now suffering of hunger. Pray for the country that it will not be divided in tribes. Pray for Kibaki and Odinga that at least one of them will step down or step back for the sake of the country and its people. Kenya is such a beautiful country it is to sad for words. Don't they know that not only Kenyans cry at this moment? But we all cry? Pray for us that we can return soon to our children in the children's home.. Thank you

Irene and William Okech