We asked MITS sponsor, Jody, why she and her family have chosen to support the life and education of Paul, a MITS student. Here's what she said:

"My daughter, Hillary, and I have sponsored Paul Njorge since 2012. We meet Paul on a two-week trip to MITS with the University Church Youth Group. Paul was the first student I met when we arrived in Nairobi. He decided to sit by me on the bus as we traveled from the airport to Kamulu. All I wanted to do was rest after the long flight, but Paul had other ideas. We talked the entire bus ride and that was all it took for me to fall in love with this young man. At the end of the second week, I was honored to baptize Paul. We stayed in touch during the following year through letters. The following year Hillary returned for another two-week trip. During that trip she got to spend a lot of time with Paul, and he even joined her for a day in the city for her 16th birthday. The two share a very special bond and truly consider each other as family. After seeing how such a small financial contribution can change a life, I can't imagine not sponsoring."

It's been brought to my attention by the people who know me best that they know nothing about my daily life at Made in the Streets in Kamulu. I can't really say that's an accident-- describing experiences while they're happening has always been difficult for me. It's also especially hard to sum up the people here in just a few descriptors, so everyone from home has been getting the, "It's been great, the kids are incredible, and you should probably just come visit yourself!"

I know, I should really work on that. But for now, I'm going to attempt to sum up what a typical day here might be like!

7:45 AM: Roll out of bed. Please envision below a sunrise picture that I have never taken because I have yet to wake up to watch the sunrise. 

Say good morning to the littlest neighbors who shout from a distance in their littlest voices, "HOW ARE YOU!!!" Little people, big love. It's about a 5-10 minute walk from where I live at the Intern House, so that gives you an idea for how great I look in the morning. 

8 AM: Morning chapel. Well, more realistically, 8:07 for me because we're working on Kenyan time! 

8:30 AM: Staff meeting. Discussions to help me feel like a grown up with responsibilities.

9 AM: Breakfast by ELIZA!!!! She cooks for us and is just about the best. Breakfast usually consists of chai (so much chai on the daily) and mandazi, which is kind of like donuts, so I'm a happy cookie. We're actually also supposed to eat at 7 AM, but, you know, sleep.

9:30 AM - 1 PM: Working in either the Learning Centre if the wifi is working or hanging out with the older kids in the Skills Centre. Take pictures of them while they monkey around between class. Did I mention there's a monkey in Kamulu? Well, I think I found it. 

1 PM: Lunch. The Culinary kids often cook at the Skills Centre, but I'm usually closer to the Learning Centre so I'll either eat at M House with other American visitors or at the Learning Centre. Chapati is my favorite. I've also developed a slight Coke addiction while here. The soda. Either way, I can always count on Moses to save me "leftovers" from Skills. I've been informed by Maina that those "leftovers" are actually the best of the best, so I feel pretty special. 

If there's any more computer work to be done, I finish that before the Learning Centre closes. Otherwise, I'm free to take photos and play! It isn't the worst that those are some major job responsibilities. 

5:15 PM: Evening Chai with the kids. Obviously not going to miss out on that.

5:30 PM: I usually head over to the boy's compound or the soccer field to take pictures of the kids playing and semi-participate (with my eyes). Watch Jacob further endanger his crippled self. On the way, without fail, these two boys will run up greeting me (often rolling wheels) screaming, "TAKE A PICTURE!!!!." I oblige. Every time. And sometimes we walk to the shops to get 40 cent movies! Oh, Kenya.

6:30- 7 PM: Watch the sunset. Soak it all in. 

This is also about the time I usually give Moses "lessons" in using my camera. If we're being honest, that usually means handing it over and making him figure it out. I'll have to do another post on all these people I keep mentioning too, and why they're the best people to have here.

7 PM: Dinner! Followed by some combination of movies, telling stories, reading, hanging out with Nancy (honorary mother) and Victor (honorary little brother), getting bitten by bugs, Instagramming, making the kids/interns hang out with my because my house is eerily quiet at night, and BED so early. And of course, catching the last of the light.

Every day is DIFFERENT and I hope I can relate the highlights as the days go on. But there you have it! A day in the life, sweet, abundant life.

Just like one of the kids said, "My prayer is to come out of Kamulu better than I came in." This is still just the beginning.

To follow more of Safeena's adventures in Kamulu, visit www.safeenapadder.com.

We asked MITS sponsor, Leigh Anne, why she and her family have chosen to support the life and education of Zera, a MITS student. Here's what she said:

"My family has sponsored Zera Atieno since Summer 2014. I met Zera when I was teaching at MITS during the 2014 summer break. She was in my middle level math and library classes and I fell in love with her immediately. My family has always loved helping people, but sponsoring Zera is more personal than just helping someone-we get to be a part of her life. We have the opportunity to help MITS provide her with a future. We feel so blessed to be able to watch her grow and learn, especially in her relationship with Christ. The pride we feel in Zera and her accomplishments is indescribable."

If you're interested in learning how you can sponsor a student, visit our Sponsorship page.

The Handmade Tour is currently in Edmond, Oklahoma, and will be in the Oklahoma/Texas area for the next two weeks. If you're interested in scheduling an event with them, contact Shannon Jack.