When a small step turned desolation into trust

By Sherri Rapp

I have had the privilege of working with Lydia Asuluda for many years.  In these past two years I have heard her dreams, passion and plans for starting Ageno Special Learning Center.  It was such a joy to actually get the opportunity to go with her to help establish this new school.

On our first day of training, during our mission trip in June 2013, the families and potential teachers were identified and assembled. As we got out of the van we could hear a room full of singing, rejoicing families. A memory that brings tears of joy to my eyes still. Several days later, we heard one mom tell of the frustrations she and many in her community had endured for years.  She said that numerous organizations had showed up at their door, taken biography information, taken pictures and made promises of help for her son.  But none of these promises for help ever came true.  She was doubtful when Ageno showed up.  Again, biography information and pictures were taken and then promises for help made.  As the months passed, she and many of the other mothers were beginning to believe Ageno was like all the other organizations.  They couldn’t believe it when Ageno came back to tell them the plans for the training and the start of the school.  She said that Ageno is the miracle that many have waited on for so long.

One message we tried hard to convey to this community is that these children are God’s gift to them.  Many in the African culture still believe that children with special needs bring shame and even a curse on their families.  As often as we could, we were pointing out the blessings and the positives we saw in their children.  During the children’s evaluations (and because of Robin’s expertise, hard work and heart) we were able to identify the brain pathways that were working well.  We were also able to point out many ways Ageno can work to build and support them even more.  These bright children will be able to progress and learn to do many new and wonderful skills.

One student, Kennedy, really grabbed my heart before we even arrived in Kenya.  The team had suspected that he was living in an abusive situation.  We all made our assumptions but when we arrived, we found out that the abuse was happening without the father’s knowledge.  We were able to get Kennedy the needed nutrition for a few days and his father was inspired to take action to help his son.  This father has been empowered to value his son, make changes in his own family and is now reaching out.  He has helped formed a support group for Ageno.  This group will take any issues and needs to the leaders in their community.  The support for Ageno and the value of these special students is spreading!

Thanks to Lydia, Dorothy, Roda, John and Helen for the many hours of work and preparation that happened before any of us even boarded the plane. Their preparation and prayers were necessary and obvious.  Their hours of dedicated work will make the difference in so many lives for the Ageno families and for their whole community!  May God richly bless all you did and will continue to do!

PS – This American did feel “spoiled”!  Evidently, this is a requirement for all guests in a Kenyan’s home.  Thanks for the nice accommodations, the fabulous food, and the experience of a lifetime!