HAPPY & RAPHAEL - by Kip Myers
October 16, 2008
I was lucky enough to be buddies with two of the boys during our time in Malawi. At first, I was worried about being able to spend enough time with both boys equally. However, I soon found out that they balance each other. They fill each other's voids. When I couldn't quite hear or understand what Raphael was saying, Happy would repeat it to me with enthusiasm and clarity. When Happy was down or in an appearant funk, I would catch Raphael whispering in his ear to cheer him up.
Both of these boys are full of charisma, determination, drive and an overall joy for doing what is right. It was such an honor to be part of their daily activities during this time. Here is brief summary of what I learned about them and an update on their lives:
 Happy is always smiling. He looks forward to mentoring Raphael. |
 Raphael just hours before finding out he would be attending Wukani. |
He has a very serious face, but once he starts talking — the smiles, the laughter and the jokes come bubbling out. He has taken Raphael under his wing and is mentoring him as he adjusts to his new school and home in Mzuzu.
RAPHAEL — He has been number one in his class at the village for the past year. The boys call him "a genius". After careful deliberation, Rosemary and Moffat decided that this September was the right time to enroll him at Wukani. He is a very shy boy, but once you ask him a question and look him in the eye, he answers with sincerity and confidence. He is still searching for his voice and his identity. The Wukani School will be the catalyst to motivate and mature these characteristics.
Comments
Kip, you ROCK!!! You look so happy and those boys are AWESOME!!!!! We're so proud of you. Maybe in a few years when our kids are big enough we can come donate our time to your cause.Keep us posted and keep being the superhero you always were.
Posted by: Shannon Rody | October 22, 2008 10:47 AM