This past year has been an enormous leap forward for the centre, with some big changes which, although good, have not always been easy.

Last year we mentioned that Esther had joined the team as the social worker concentrating on seeing children placed back into families. Watu remains a very happy place for children to rebuild their lives but institutional life is not really the best place for anyone long term. Ten of the older children have now successfully been reintegrated into life in the community with some fantastic results. Some now are holding down good jobs and no longer need financial assistance. Others are still at school where sponsorship is still required. Esther still travels to visit them in their new homes and many also come back to spend time with the younger children. It has not been easy emotionally for the team to see these children go, but it is the right thing to do.

George, the centre manager, has also moved on after seven years. This was very hard for the children who all loved him so much. He was such a wonderful father figure to them all. (More information on what George is doing can be found on the website http://grassroots.org.uk/kenya). It has not been easy to find someone to fill George’s shoes but, after a careful interview process, James joined the staff. He started work three months before George left to enable a clean change over. James, a quiet man with a gentle manor, has had a big task. Initially he was received with some suspicion but is now growing daily in his new role as centre manager. This Christmas will see the next wave of children become ready to leave the centre and make their home in the wider community. This is an expensive process which has put the funds of Watu wa Maana under great pressure but I hope you will agree that getting it right is a result worth paying for. In the Bible it says that God “puts the lonely in families” and it is a privilege to join with him in that task.

Sadly, there is a steady flow in of new children: vulnerable, scared, hurt, addicted, angry children. These children, mostly found living on the street, are looking for a safe place and needing help. Spaces at Watu never stay empty for long. The team need constant wisdom to do what is right in each situation.