Emmanual Johnson

We had a nice surprise today. A former administrator of Angel House, Emmanual Johnson, visited Gamasara. We were very proud to show off our facility, and the kids were delighted to see him.

Emmanual is now an education director. When I arrived, Angel House sent students to 6 different schools in Tarime. School attendance was determined by a government lottery, and I think Angel House lost! Keeping track of attendance and school schedules, not to mention grades and attendance was next to impossible. Emmanual Johnson worked with Angel House to assure attendance at one primary school and one secondary school in 2010. This will greatly simplify life at Gamasara!

After Emmanual had toured the building, I introduced him to our two guards who were on duty. Then I gave Mwita, our day guard, the pleasure of showing Emmanual the shamba. The kids went along because they are as excited about the garden as Mwita. After all, each of them is responsible for a section, and they take pride in their weed-free plots.

Emmanual was really proud of the shamba and glad to see his kids again. He called us all together for a talk. Before he began, he said, "I don't have a lot to give the kids, but I'd like to give them hope.". I told him I thought hope was a priceless gift. I watched the kids' faces as Emmanual spoke to them. They listen to him talk about the importance of working hard in school and following the rules. Then he told them he and his wife loved them very much and encouraged them to share any problems or questions they might have with him.

As I watched the handsome young faces during Emmanual's talk, I thought how appropriately he was named. Like Christ, he made a special trip to give hope and express his love. His visit was a wonderful way to start the Angel House Christmas celebration!


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