We’re pleased to report that the Harun’s have settled into their new home and community quite nicely over the past half-month. Fortunately, KRM was able to provide them with a used washer and dryer set, which puts a nice finishing touch on their home and is also quite a luxury for this family of seven. They’ve negotiated a lengthy intake orientation at KRM, school registrations for the four older children, medical appointments, grocery shopping, and many more things new to each of them.

Ahmed (age 16) and Salma (14) will begin classes at Seneca High School on October 7; while Abdulhadi (10) and Salima (7) will enter Goldsmith Elementary that same day. Abubakar, who speaks Masalit, Arabic, Swahili, and some English, and Asha will begin English Language Training at KRM, also in the coming week, while childcare will be provided for Slahadin (2) at KRM’s Family Center. Your generous monetary donations have allowed some basic clothing purchases, such as shoes, undergarments, winter coats, etc. And, the kids were quite excited when two bikes from Pedal Power showed up!

Many of you have expressed an interest in providing new or gently-used clothing, as we work to furnish their closets. So, a chart of sizes is available below. Any such donations can be delivered to the room across from the Beargrass office, and we’ll be sure they get delivered. Toys for the younger children, and books for pleasure reading for the older ones are additional gift options. And, should you wish to personally deliver gifts in order to meet the family, just let Wayne Mayes or me know and we’ll coordinate your visit.

In spite of their 14 years in the Kenyan refugee camp at Kakuma, God’s hope and grace are evident in these warm souls upon every encounter. Their expressions of appreciation, both verbal and non-verbal, are continual. Thank you, Beargrass, for the countless expressions of God’s love which you have offered them.

By Mike Puckett