Ernest, the Good Neighbor!

Here is our neighbor, Ernest and his family... Mama Ellie, Upendo and Ellie! Ernest is One of the most humble and hardest young men, I know! I met him 3 1/2 years ago, when we bought the land next to him,  to start the 'New Karim Orphanage'. He has worked for me since day one, has kept me safe every visit and he has become such a good friend, I consider him family! His smile is truly infectious!

 Ernest's home before ~ metal sheets and cow dung hut! Ernest would save the money that I paid him and the money my friends and family would give him when they visited. He would then, slowly buy bricks and bags of cement, as he could afford it, so that one day he could start to build a home for his family. 

Ernest's house after!  When we found this out, all my friends and family wanted to help Ernest complete his home. Everyone was donating to help buy bricks, cement, windows and doors. By Christmas he had most of it done and moved in. Ernest has worked mainly by himself to get this done, as he can not afford to pay anyone labor.

A few more dollars from friends, bought a few more bricks and a few more friends came to help out ~ looking good! 

On our last day, our son, Tom and his wife Jen and Mr Greg and I gave Ernest the last few dollars to complete his Home! Can't wait to see it!

Thank you, to all of you who donated, and made this possible for Ernest, the good neighbor, and his family! He is truly deserving and truly grateful!