Hi, I’m Benson, the oldest of four brothers. Life changed for us in 2015 when we lost our mom and baby sister to AIDS.

They didn’t have to die, but my mom’s mental illness kept her from asking for help.

After they passed, it was up to me to look after my brothers.

For six months, we stuck together, attending school and doing whatever we could to find food. Our grandpa’s brother tried to help, but he was too old to provide what we needed. It was hard, but at least we had each other.

In 2016, Ken and Kelvin left to live at Abba’s Heart.

Titus and I stayed behind. Life became even lonelier and harder. Even with fewer of us, finding enough food felt impossible, and the hour-long walk to school seemed endless without Ken and Kelvin’s jokes to cheer us up.

The only good thing was seeing them at school—and the lunches they shared with us so we could eat at least once a day.

Eleven months later, a van came to our hut. It was full of people we had never met before—and Ken and Kelvin’s new dad.

They talked to me, noticing my torn shirt. I tried to hide it, but when I looked up, I saw tears in their eyes. They left that day, but the next morning, they came back for us.

That was the day my family became whole again. Now, we’re all together at Abba’s Heart.

We have parents who love us, food to eat, and a place to belong. We get to help the other kids who join our family. I have a choice in how I want to live my life and every opportunity to succeed.

I’m no longer just surviving—I’m living.

Hi, I’m Titus, the second oldest in our family of four brothers.

Losing our mom and baby sister in 2015 was the hardest thing I’ve ever faced.

After they passed, it felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders, but Benson and I tried our best to hold our family together.

When Ken and Kelvin went to live at Abba’s Heart in 2016, everything felt emptier. The food we barely managed to scrape together for the four of us wasn’t enough for two. Walking to school without Ken and Kelvin’s laughter felt like walking through silence. The only bright spot was seeing them at school and knowing they cared enough to share their lunches with us.

I’ll never forget the day a van came to our hut. The people in it were kind, but I didn’t know what to expect. I watched them talk to Benson and noticed how they looked at us—like they could see how hard life was for us.

They left that evening, but the next day, they came back—for us.

Living at Abba’s Heart, I’m no longer scared about where my next meal will come from or if my family will stay together. We have parents, siblings, and a home we can call our own.

I have a future that goes beyond just surviving. I can choose who I want to be moving forward. Life is exciting!

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Hi, I’m Ken, one of the youngest brothers.

In 2016, my life changed when a man came to our hut and told us about Abba’s Heart. He asked if we wanted to live there. I wasn’t sure if we should go, but Benson and Titus told us it would be better there and that we should try. We agreed, and he took me and Kelvin to Abba’s Heart.

I didn’t know what to expect, and I was scared to leave Benson and Titus behind, but I knew I would see them at school.

At first, I missed them so much. I worried about how they were managing without us. We couldn’t find enough food when we were together, so how could they manage with just the two of them?

Kelvin and I made sure to save some of our school lunches to share with them, just so we knew they’d have something to eat each day.

Eleven months later, everything changed again. Our new mom and dad found out we weren’t eating all of our lunch every day because we were giving it to Benson and Titus. That’s when they learned we still had two brothers living on their own.

Our new mom and dad couldn’t rest knowing Benson and Titus were alone. Soon, a van went to our hut.

The van was full of people who cared about us—even though they didn’t know Benson and Titus yet—including our new dad.

That day, they didn’t just come to visit—they came to bring Benson and Titus home. I can’t tell you how happy I was to see my brothers again.

Our life now is so different.

At Abba’s Heart, we are all together, with parents and siblings who love us.

For the first time, I don’t have to worry about food, safety, or being apart from my family. We get to go to school together and love playing soccer (football) and volleyball together!

I’m excited about my future and the wide-open options I now have available to me.

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Hi, I’m Kelvin, but most people call me Kelvo.

In 2016, my brother Ken and I came to Abba’s Heart. I didn’t understand why we had to leave Benson and Titus behind, and it made me sad.

Even though life was better at Abba’s—there was food, safety, and so many people who cared for us—I couldn’t stop thinking about my brothers.

I missed them every day. Ken and I tried to help by giving them our school lunches so they wouldn’t go hungry. We didn’t tell our new mom and dad about Benson and Titus because we didn’t realize they would want to help them, just like they helped us.

One day, after our new mom and dad discovered that Ken and I weren’t eating our lunches at school but were giving them to our brothers, they sent a van to visit the hut (our home) where Benson and Titus were staying.

I couldn’t believe it when they came back the next day with our brothers to bring them home to Abba’s!

Finally, we were all together again.

Now, life feels complete.

We’re all at Abba’s Heart, where we have everything we need and more.

I have my brothers, even more siblings, a mom and dad who love us all, and the chance to dream about a future I never thought I’d have.

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Hi, I’m Zackayo. I don’t remember much about life before Abba’s, but I know it was unstable and awful.

I arrived when I was about five or six, confused and scared. I spent those early days running at full speed and screaming—my only way of coping with the unknown.

I didn’t know how to handle care or authority because I’d never experienced them before. My grandmother, who was supposed to care for me, didn’t. Instead, she gave me alcohol and left me alone most of the time.

My days were filled with loneliness, survival, and passing out drunk. When I came to Abba’s, I didn’t understand structure, rules, or belonging. I didn’t know what it felt like to have someone truly care for me. But Abba’s didn’t give up on me. They patiently helped me heal, freeing my body from the grip of alcohol and teaching me what it meant to feel safe and loved.

Now, I’ve grown into a responsible older brother to the younger kids here. They look up to me, and I take that role seriously.

I’ve also discovered a passion for football (or soccer, as some call it). I love it. I’m one of the fastest runners in school and have worked hard to become one of the best players. I’ll always be grateful to Abba’s for giving me a chance and a future when no one else did—for teaching me what it means to belong and for being the family I never had.

Hi my name is Jemmilah.

When I was about five years old (or so we think), I found my forever home at Abba’s Heart. I was the first girl to come live here.

Life before Abba’s Heart is something I don’t like to think about often. When I was just three, my biological mother left me on the busy streets of Eldoret. I didn’t know what was happening—I only knew I was alone.

A week later, some aunties and uncles came looking for me. My auntie said she’d take care of me, and for a moment, I felt safe. But when we got to her house, she wouldn’t give me food.

Hungry and desperate, I started eating anything that seemed like food. I didn’t know better, and it made me sick. Painful sores covered my body, a constant reminder of how much I was struggling.

One day, everything changed. A kind man came to get me and my friend Boniface. He told us he would be our new daddy. I didn’t know what that meant at the time, but I’ll never forget what happened next.

He took us on an airplane—my first ever!—and brought us to Abba’s Heart. Here, I found something I never thought I’d have: a family. There’s food every day, a mom and dad who love me, and people who care about me.

I’m no longer unwanted or just another girl on the streets.

Now, I’m a sister and a daughter. I matter. My family loves me, cares for me, and values me.

This is my new beginning—a life filled with hope and love.

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Hi. I'm Jackie. I was seven when Abba’s rescued me. Life before living at Abba’s was awful. When I was three, my mom died in a car accident, right in front of my eyes.

My uncle decided to care for me, as best he could, when I had no one. I stayed at my uncle's home with his wife and my cousins, but he was rarely there—work kept him away. What he didn’t know was, though, heartbreaking.

While his family ate together at the table, I was forced to stand by and watch. If I was lucky enough to eat, it was only scraps, and even then, I wasn’t allowed to eat inside.

I guess I was considered a burden—another mouth to feed, more money going to unnecessary things. For two years, I endured this.

Finally, I saw a light at the end of the tunnel. My uncle was informed of what was happening, and I was finally being rescued. What I didn't expect was my aunt going to extreme measures to keep me—the child she didn't want. I was hidden away for three months by my aunt. I was rescued after 90 torturous days.

Abba’s Heart became my home. Brothers and sisters surrounded me. A mom was there for me for the first time in as long as I could remember. Eating became a daily routine. In the beginning, sitting together at the table seemed foreign. A routine was eventually formed. Weeks passed before the open sores on my body began to heal. I constantly drifted into sleep, no matter where I was, which caused my mom and dad to worry about me. Malnutrition had taken its toll on my body.

For the first time, everything felt okay. No one chased me away from the dinner table anymore; instead, I was invited to sit, eat, and fill my plate as much as I needed. I wasn’t left to fend for myself—I had someone who truly cared for my well-being and who made sure I was healthy and whole. I finally had someone—I have my family!

Jackie is very sweet and loves to be held and loved on. She is in the top 3 of her class of 28! If you listen carefully, you can hear Jackie sing when no one else is around.

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My name is Ednah, and I’m the oldest of two at Abba’s Heart.

Back home, life was tough. My brother Samuel and I lived with our grandparents, but they couldn’t provide enough for us. We often went hungry, showed up at church with dirty clothes, and walked two hours to school—sometimes without food for days.

Hunger drained our energy and made everything harder.

When I arrived at Abba’s Heart, I was in very poor health, weak from malnutrition. I received the medical care I desperately needed, both physically and emotionally.

I’ve improved by at least 80%, and through all the intentional love and care I’m receiving, I’m improving every day. My body and mind are stronger, and I can now attend school regularly without worrying about where my next meal will come from.

I still value my space, but I’m growing in new ways. I’m learning to be an accomplished seamstress, and I am excited about the future this opportunity can create for me

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My name is Samuel, and I’m Ednah’s younger brother.

Life before we came to Abba’s wasn’t easy.

Ednah and I often went hungry and had to walk at least two hours one way to school. We went when we could, but many times we were too hungry to even make the trip. Other times, we were needed at home to help our grandparents.

When we came to Abba’s Heart, everything changed. It took a lot of mental adjusting for us, but we learned what it’s like to be cared for, and we no longer have to worry about where our next meal is coming from.

I found not only the care and love I desperately needed, but I also found something else—fun with my new brothers and sisters.

I love football and making sure there’s always a game to play. Whether I’m kicking the ball or getting everyone to join in, I bring the energy to keep things exciting. My rambunctious spirit means you’ll most likely always hear where I am!

I’ve fit in so well here and love my Abba’s family.

Now, I’m not just surviving—I’m thriving. I’m learning, laughing, and dreaming of a brighter future!

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My name is Dalphin, and I’m the oldest of my siblings.

I was five when we arrived at Abba’s in August 2017, though it now feels like a lifetime ago. My twin siblings who came with me , Lilly and Bernard, were only two.

We came here because our mom passed away the year before, and Grandma couldn’t manage to raise us along with her own kids.

The day we left Grandma’s house was scary. At five, I didn’t have the words to ask the questions running in my mind: *What’s Going On?*

At Abba’s, It took some time for me to understand that it’s safe here. Although I still watch out for my brother and sister I’m not the only one caring for them.

We don’t worry about food or if the people around us will hurt me or them .

There are warm meals, new clothes that fit, and shoes that don’t pinch my toes. I get to go to school and have friends at church.

My parents love me and they take care of my brother and sister. For the first time, I’m learning to play instead of worrying about keeping Lilly and Bernard safe.

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We’re Lilly and Bernard—the twins. We were two years old when Abba’s became home for us. During that time, our lives had already changed more than most people’s do in a lifetime.

When Mom died last year, we were scared and didn’t understand why she wasn’t coming back. We only had Dalphin, our older sister, who was just 5 years old then, and our Grandma. We had to move in with Grandma. She tried so hard to take care of us, but she already had children of her own. She didn’t have enough money or time to give us everything we needed. She often had to leave us alone so she could work. She knew life like that wouldn’t be fair to us. She loved us enough to ask Abba’s to take us in and give us a stable home. Now, we have a mom, dad, and a lot of brothers and sisters. We aren’t left alone anymore, and best of all, we got to stay with our big sister Dalphin. We aren’t scared or confused anymore. We are home.

My name is Alex, and I’m the oldest of five siblings.

Life was never easy for us. Growing up, our single mom worked tirelessly. I remember when she took a job on a farm—Shamba, we called it—caring for an elderly lady and tending the land. While my younger siblings went to school, I stayed behind to help with chores and care for the lady. Even as a child, I had to grow up fast. I learned to cook, not just because I loved it, but because my siblings needed me. I became their protector, helper, and sometimes even their teacher. When Mom passed away, our world fell apart. The elderly lady couldn’t care for us, and we couldn’t stay at the shamba. We didn’t know where we’d go, but I knew I had to stay strong for my siblings.

The night we arrived at Abba’s Heart Ministries International, it was too dark to see anything. I didn’t know what to expect. I barely slept, my mind racing: Is this place safe? Can I trust anyone? Will my siblings be okay? Everything changed the next morning. When I stepped outside, the light revealed a warm, welcoming place. I took a deep breath and told my siblings, “This is a nice place. We’ll be okay.” And I was right. For the first time, I didn’t have to carry the weight alone. Here, we had food, clothes, and a safe place to sleep. I could go to school and dream again. I still cook—not out of necessity, but because I love it. I still care for my siblings, but now I know I don’t have to do it alone. Abba’s isn’t just a place. It’s a new chapter in our story—one filled with hope, love, and the promise of a brighter future. For that, I am deeply grateful.

My name is Dennis, and I’m the second-born of five siblings.

Life hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve learned to make the most of it. Growing up, our mom worked hard to care for us, taking a job at a farm—Shamba, we called it. While Alex stayed behind to help her with chores, I was lucky enough to go to school most days. Still, there were times I had to miss classes to help out at home.

I’m not the loudest person in the room, and I don’t mind that. People often think I’m quiet, but once I’m comfortable, I love telling stories—ones that make my siblings laugh or keep them on the edge of their seats. Soccer is my favorite escape. Kicking the ball around gave me a sense of freedom when life felt heavy.

When Mom passed away, it felt like the ground beneath us disappeared. We couldn’t stay at the shamba, and I wasn’t sure what would happen to us. The night we arrived at Abba’s Heart Ministries International was a blur. It was dark, and everything felt uncertain. But the next morning, Alex stepped outside, looked around, and told us, “This is a nice place. We’ll be okay.” Hearing that from him made me believe it, too.

At Abba’s, life started to feel steady for the first time. I didn’t have to worry about where our next meal would come from or if we’d have a safe place to sleep. There was time for school, soccer, and just being a kid again. I still help out with chores—it’s something I’ve always taken pride in. Knowing I can be depended on makes me feel like I’m doing my part. And even though I’m quieter than some, I’ve found my voice here. Whether it’s sharing a story that makes someone laugh or playing soccer with the others, I feel like I belong. Abba’s isn’t just a shelter; it’s a home. It’s where we’re safe, supported, and loved. For that, I’m grateful every single day.

Hi, I’m Mutuii, the third-born of five siblings. I’m not one to blend into the background—I love to talk (okay, maybe a lot), and I’m hard to miss in a crowd! Growing up on the shamba (farm) wasn’t easy. Our mom worked tirelessly, and Alex and Dennis pitched in, but food was still scarce. Despite that, I always found ways to bring some fun to the day.

When our mom passed, everything changed.

Moving to Abba’s was a big adjustment, but it wasn’t as hard as I expected. I missed my mom a lot, but the people here made us feel welcome, and we stuck together as a family. Now, it feels like home.

Sports have always been a big part of my life. Soccer was my passion—I even made it to the county level (like the state level in the U.S.). Basketball quickly became another passion, and now I’m learning volleyball, too. At Abba’s, I’ve found space to be myself. Whether I’m chatting with friends, helping in the garden, or playing sports, I feel free. Every day is a new learning experience, and I’m excited about the future. Life here isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. I’m so thankful for that. My family and I didn’t just find shelter at Abba’s; we found a place to grow, laugh, and belong.

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I’m Yvonne, the fourth-born of five siblings. When my brothers, sister, and I first arrived at Abba’s, I was shy and very quiet. We had just lost our mom, and everything felt strange, overwhelming, and confusing. I missed her so much and didn’t know what to think about all the upheaval in my life.

At that time, I felt lost and unsure of how to fit in with the other children, or even with my new mom and dad. The only thing that brought me comfort was knowing my brothers and sister were with me.

With time and hard work, things have changed. Through a lot of patience, I’ve started to grow more confident in my new home.

Coming out of my shell wasn’t easy, but with all the love and encouragement from my new family, I’ve learned how to laugh and play with the other kids.

I’m still learning how to interact with everyone, but I’m proud of the progress I’ve made.

Abba’s has given me a safe place to grow, to learn, and to find my confidence. It’s a place where I can truly be myself, surrounded by my siblings and the love of my new family. For that, I’m deeply thankful.

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I’m Felisters, the youngest of five. When we arrived at Abba’s, I only spoke Kamba, my tribal language. This made me feel isolated and unheard since not everyone at my new home could speak it. It definitely helped that my brothers and sister were with me—I didn’t feel so alone, even though I missed my mom so much it hurt. I couldn’t communicate with the lady who became my new mom, and I even refused to hug her or sit with her. My new home seemed nice, and the people were kind, but everything was so different. We had nice beds and plenty of good food, but it was all so strange and exhausting.

I had to go to a new school right away. Even though everything felt overwhelming, I was already behind in my studies and couldn’t waste any more time.

Over time, not only I but also my sister Yvonne learned Swahili and English, and that changed everything. We could finally talk clearly to the others at our new home and feel understood.

Singing has always been something I’ve loved, and at my new school, we even made it to the county level in a competition (similar to the state level in the USA), which was incredible.

Now, I’m not the sullen, silent girl I once was. I can just be a kid, and my new mom and dad, along with my siblings, are here to help me. I’m learning that it’s safe to be happy. I get to sing.

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My name is Evans, and I’m the 4th of six siblings. Only my younger brother, sister, and I live at Abba’s. I believe I’m 13 or maybe 14, but I’m not sure—a birth certificate was never issued for me.

Life hasn’t been easy for us. We lost both of our parents within two years, and everything changed. My older brothers did their best to take care of us, and our aunt stepped in to help. But she had her own family to care for and couldn’t afford to provide for all of us.

When my aunt brought me and my younger siblings to Abba’s Heart Ministries, I was so scared. I thought they wouldn’t take me in because I was older than my sister and brother. I tried really hard to make them like me because I was terrified of what would happen if I had to stay behind with my family. I didn’t want to end up like my older siblings, who had to drop out of school.

But Abba’s welcomed us with open arms. For the first time in a long time, I felt safe. I didn’t have to worry about food or a place to sleep. Now, I get to go to school and dream about a future I never thought was possible.

I love playing soccer and volleyball with my new brothers and sisters here. It feels so good to laugh and have fun again. Abba’s has given me more than just a home—it’s given me hope and a second chance at life.

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My name is Patience, and I’m the 5th of six siblings. I’m also the only girl in my family, which sometimes makes me feel a little special.

When I first came to Abba’s, I was so anxious and scared about what life would look like. The stress of losing both my parents within two years left me feeling helpless, with no way to fix it. It even made me physically sick.

In those first few days, I didn’t want to eat with my new family. I spent most of my time lying down in silence, feeling overwhelmed and sad. At night, after everyone had fallen asleep, my new mom would quietly help me eat a little bit.

It took three days for me to finally sit up, join the family, and start to feel like myself again. The day I finally sat up and smiled was when Mom, Dad, and my auntie knew I was going to be okay.

I am now a completely different person. Thanks to my new family’s patience, I’ve had the time I needed to adjust. Now, I love playing games with my brothers, especially a game called stones that’s a little like mancala. I laugh, run around, and find joy in the little things. Life at Abba’s has given me the safety and love I needed to start healing and being myself again.

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My name is Gift, and I’m the youngest of six siblings.

I have four brothers and sisters, but only two live with me now.

Our parents died a few years ago. Both of them passed away within two years, and my whole world changed.

My older brothers and one of our aunts tried their best to take care of us, but it was really hard.

They had their own families to take care of. They didn’t have enough food, room, or money to take care of us.

They brought us to Abba’s.

At first, it wasn’t easy. On my second day here, I got really sick and had to go to the clinic. I tried to be brave and told everyone, “I’m OK,” but I could see the worry in their eyes. I was afraid that if I admitted to being sick, I might not make it, just like my mom and dad.

But with a lot of care and patience, I started to feel better, and now I’m much stronger. It took some time, but I know now this is a safe place for me to be!

One of the best things about being at Abba’s is that I found my new best friend, Bernard. We spend hours playing together, creating some mischief, and just being kids.

Playing soccer and spending time with my new brothers and sisters is another highlight of my new home.

Life at Abba’s has given me something I didn’t have before—safety, love, and the chance to be a kid again. I don’t feel scared anymore, and for the first time, I can dream about the future without worrying about what might happen.

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