Cyrus - a Sunshine Success!

Hi, my name is Cyrus Waweru one of the boy in Sunshine Home. First and foremost is to thank The almighty God for giving me this opportunity to write to you and inform of my progress which is my joyous moment and I am very grateful to God and our mum and dad Martin and Mary Print who took us from the street, gave us food, clothes and shelter so that we could no longer wear those tattered clothes, eat from garbage or sleep outside in the streets any more. May God bless you abundantly and anyone who has provided his time, money or anything for our progress - something that gave me second chance in life and most of all hope despite not having my parents who are already passed away. Now I have Martin and Mary who are my parents.

Since I was taken in Sunshine Home in the year 2004, I had an opportunity to go to school where I started in class five in primary school where I did very well and managed to join high school. In high school I worked very hard an managed to score a grade which gave me an opportunity to be enrolled in Mount Kenya university that was last year on September where I first did a bridging course in mathematics of which I did very well where now I am continuing with my studies as I pursue a degree in course in Bachelors in Business and information technology.

I am very grateful and happy being in school where apart from school work I involve myself in co-curriculum activities such as swimming and playing rugby and also I'm having opportunity to associate with other people which was very difficult while I was in the streets without a purpose in life. I'm very grateful to Sunshine Home which is my home now a place where encouragement comes from and gives me the strength to work very hard so that one day I will be able to help those who are unfortunate like to have an opportunity like the one I have and make proud everyone who have contributed and dedicated themselves for my progress and success in the future.

Right now I am in my second semester in the university and is my prayer that God will continue to those who are providing my school fees so that I will be able to finish my four years term in the university.

May God bless anyone who is giving anything to support sunshine home so that me and my fellow brothers can have a bright future which we had never thought of while we were in the streets

God bless you all.

Regards to all.     

Cyrus

 

It's MARAFUN time

Do you need to get fit after over-indulging at Christmas?

Do you want to raise funds for a good cause – maybe a church extension or your favourite charity?

Then the MARAFUN is what you are looking for. 
It’s on Saturday 11^th May, 2013 at King’s Church, St Paul’s Cray, and it’s a great day of FUN, FITNESS FUND-RAISING with events for every age and ability. 
·         2km and 4km events especially for children and young families 
·         10K for novice runners 
·         Half-marathon and a full 26.2 mile marathon for more experienced runners 
·         Half-marathon walk – for anyone who likes a challenge!

For more information and registration, visit www.marafun.co.uk  – or call 01689 828166 if you would like to take part.
Now in its 9^th year, the Marafun is organised by Footsteps International with huge support from local Rotary Clubs and King’s Church, St Paul’s Cray.

Over the past 6 years participants have over £75,000 for good causes such as providing homes and education for Kenyan orphans and street kids. But, you can take part to raise funds for any good cause of your choice!

What participants said about MARAFUN 2012:

“A great day - the Marafun remains one of my favourites.”

“Everyone made the day a pleasure to be a part of.”

“Excellent event, I was so impressed with the organisation, all the volunteers and the race.”

We put the ‘fun’ back into marafuns!

Kili summit conquered (again!)

The silence has been deafening. With bated breath, they have been asking, “Did he make it to the top?” O ye of little faith!

At 10.10 am on Wednesday 5^th September, I and my wonderful travelling companions stood at Africa’s highest point (19,340 feet or 5,895 metres) – the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro – having started the final ascent at midnight (I am the one in the orange jacket looking very tired!).

It was cold, it was hard, but we got there. Your support and encouragement inspired me to press on when my legs, lungs and brain were shouting at me to give up!

And most importantly you have helped raise funds to support the street kids and orphans we care for in Kenya!

It's not too late to sponsor me if you haven't already done so. To those that have, you have my undying appreciation and the assurance that your generosity keeps loads of street kids and orphans where they belong  - in a safe home with the chance to go to school!

Martin

http://www.justgiving.com/MartinsNeverAgainKiliClimb

Martin heads for Kilimanjaro summit (again!)

Footsteps Trustee Martin Print is heading off to climb Mt Kilimanjaro - again!! He aims to be on the summit of Africa's highest mountain (19,340 ft) on the morning of Wednesday 5th September.

"Last time I climbed Kili I said 'Never again'" said Martin. What caused him to change his mind? "The needs of the street kids and orphans we care for don't go away," he says. "Also, I like a challenge!"
Please sponsor Martin if you can. All donations go to help the kids in Kenya (Martin is paying the costs of the climb himself).

Fire badly damages school dormitory

On Saturday night (3 February), fire broke out in the dormitory of Bishop Wambari School in Naivasha Kenya. We thank God no-one was injured (the girls were studying in another building), but, as you can see from the photo, the building was extensively damaged, and beds and clothing were destroyed.

Simon Kinyanjui, Director of the project, wants the school up and running again within 2 weeks so that the girls’ education isn’t badly disrupted.

We have been able to make an immediate donation of £8,000 to help refurbish the roof, walls and floor, but we will need more to replace beds and equipment. £10 would help replace bedding, £30 would repair a bed, £100 would re-plaster a wall.

If you feel that you can help by making a donation – small or large – please either:

·         Make an electronic  payment direct to Footsteps International (sort code 20-14-33, account number 50420026

·         Make a donation via JustGiving at http://www.justgiving.com/wambari-fire-appeal

·         Send a cheque payable to Footsteps International to 79, Lynwood Grove, Orpington, BR6 0BQ

Please circulate this to any other friends who might help.

Thank you for your support!

Martin and Mary Print