Meet Nicolas

Helping African Children

I had the distinct pleasure to meet Nicolas on our first trip to Garissa, Kenya, in 2007.

Our children's charity wants to impact the lives of hurting children around the world and is currently active in helping African children in Garissa, Kenya.

Spending time with Nicolas and the other children each morning at the little village school in Garissa was truly one of my highlights of our first trip.

Time For You To Meet Nicolas

Nicola was one of the four Christian students in the little Muslim school that I volunteered at for 3 weeks of our stay.

He's an African friend who has a very special place in my heart.

Nicolas is a very gifted artist and was proud to share his drawings with me. He has a particular interest in soccer and had some great pictures of soccer stars in full uniform in the back of one of his school workbooks.

Like a little boy you might meet anywhere, he dreams of becoming a professional soccer player some day.

My Surprise

I was very honored to receive a parting gift of a large bristol board colored drawing from Nicolas during my last day at the school.

To receive gifts from those who struggle for daily survival is truly a humbling experience.

Jill receives a drawing from her friend Nicolas at the African school in Garissa Kenya.

Our Childrens Charity Helps

During our 2008 trip, through specifically designated donations, we were able to do something very special for Nicolas and his family.

With the help of our good friend Rukia, we managed to have Nicolas picked up by a taxi at his home in the outlying area of the village.

Earlier in the week, Nicolas had walked an hour and a half to be at the school to greet us when he heard we were returning to the village. We can only imagine how he must have felt when a taxi arrived just for him.

He came with Rukia to our hotel and we all enjoyed a lunch together. Nicolas carefully wrapped up some dessert to take home to share with his siblings.

We were able to present him with art materials, a stuffed animal that he was eager to give to his younger sister, an air pump and the best gift of all - his very own soccer ball.

I wish you could have seen the amazed look on his face when he pulled the soccer ball out of the package. A moment we won't soon forget.

A note with funds from a Canadian friend was given to him to take to his father before the taxi returned to take him back home.

The Smile

Nicolas smiled and waved from the front seat of the taxi repeatedly until they drove out of sight down the hotel driveway.

I can still see his smile as I write this. For a serious little boy, burdened with many cares of life beyond his years, that smile was very precious indeed.

At that moment, I was so glad that we had had the chance to both meet Nicolas and to find him again.

The Impact

His father sent word the next day with much gratitude and a special message for me. He said his son was my son.

I know he has the promise of a great future. He's a very bright student and obviously kind and thoughtful of others.

What an honor for The Julia Project to touch his life in a personal way. It's hard to say who was impacted more, Nicolas and his family, or Jim and I representing The Julia Project first hand.

Knowing that someone cares brings hope to the hopeless. Yes, we did meet Nicolas, but there are many more children in need.

Together we can make a difference!

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