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The Motivation
The Motivation
The building of a children's home in Kenya is an idea Ayden thought of during his last trip. He spent time ministering in a children's home in Nairobi. After spending time with the kids there, he began asking questions about the logistics in building a home to minister to those who Jesus referred to as "the least of these" in Matthew 25:40. Ayden was a planner by nature, so once an idea was planted in his head and heart, he was going to do everything he could to make sure he came up with a successful plan. He had planned to use the wildlife photos he took on the Maasai Mara to design a calendar to begin raising funds to support his travels to the nations. He was also trying to figure out the steps he would need to take in order to have a children's home built in Kenya by the time he was 20.
Keeton planned to make his first trip to Kenya during the summer of 2024. Based on the planning of the team Ayden traveled with, Keeton would probably be ministering in the same children's home. Because of Keeton's personality and his desire to be a friend to everyone, I have no doubt that he would have joined Ayden's endeavors to see that the children of Kenya had all their needs met: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Because this is a plan the boys didn't get to see fulfilled themselves, we've taken up the task to see one of their hopes brought to fruition. With the help and support of pastors, churches, Vacation Bible Schools, and others from around the world, we will reach our goal.
Keep reading to learn about the first dormitory.
Osiligi Farm
Osiligi Farm
Beginning construction on the first dormitory was so bittersweet. That is the best way I know how to describe it. Actually, just being in Kenya felt that way. I knew my job as Ayden and Keeton's mama was to ensure they walked in their callings. I knew for a season, I would help get them to the nations, but I always though that there would be a day that we ministered as a team. Being there without them was heartbreaking, but it was so precious to see their dreams becoming a reality. Each morning I walked out on the porch and looked at this dormitory as it was being constructed and thought about what the boys would say. I wondered if Ayden would be pleased with the building and whether this looked like his vision. And as I looked over the whole farm, I thought, "This is what hope in the morning looks like."
And then the boys on the farm would start emerging from their rooms to get ready for the day and they would yell, "Good morning Christy!"
And every night, I would look at the dormitory to see what had been accomplished and pray that God would allow the boys and mama a glimpse of what we were doing. And I would think, "This is what hope in the evening looks like."
And then the boys would start preparing to turn in for the night and they would yell, "Good Night Christy!" (Now, this was a statement I had to explain to them the second day. The boys came to me the second morning and asked, "What does good night mean?" After explaining what it means, they all made a point to wish the entire team "good night" every night.)
Below you will find pictures of the team as they not only worked on the building, but ministered to the young men living at Osiligi Farm. There are also pictures from the churches where Pastor Mike, Pastor Tom, and Christian ministered.
I have so many moments that just touched my heart, but celebrating Christmas with these boys was an incredible blessing. A part of me smiled that has not smiled since July 9, 2023. To see these boys excited about the tree, the twinkling lights, handmade ornaments, and gifts, touched my mama heart in such a beautiful way. We purposefully waited until the end of the week to share our story with the boys because we wanted them to see the hope, light, love, and joy that we have even in the midst of tragedy. The young men were our focus, Ayden and Keeton's dreams were the avenue that got us there. And to have these boys trust us enough to share their own stories of tragedy was so humbling. They have face situations that no child should ever have to face. I will share some of their stories with a some point, but their safety is a priority. Just pray for these young men as they travel a path of redemption and restoration. Choosing to go to Osiligi is a step in the right direction, but we all know how difficult it is to resist the pull of the world.
We spent the week building more than just a physical building. We built hope, love, light, joy, confidence, and relationships. We are helping build the kingdom!
Past Updates
Past Updates
We are very excited to announce that we will be building not one, but two Ayden and Keeton's Hope Centers in Kenya. We will begin the construction of the first one in November 2024. We will begin the second one in March 2025. I can't think of a better way to honor the boys than by beginning the constructions in their birthday months. If you are interested in going to help us build these two dormitories, please let us know.
God never surprises me, but He always amazes me. With the help of so many, what Ayden thought would take 7 years, we have done in 9 months. We have all the funds to begin building the Ayden and Keeton's Hope Children's Home in Kenya!
On January 11, 2024, Ayden and Keeton's Pappy and Mema (Pastor Mike and Miss Bonnie) began their journey to Kenya. They were scheduled to meet with three ministries who want to partner with Ayden and Keeton's Hope. These three ministries have different visions, but all three focus on ministering to children and ensuring their daily needs are being meant. They were also scheduled to meet with the builder to tour several buildings and discuss the cost of the buildings to make sure we have an accurate goal amount. On their connecting flight from Philadelphia to Doha, Qatar, Mema suffered a stroke. She was so excited about the trip and being able to complete Mema tasks for her boys. She had a list of questions she wanted to ask while there. She departed earth and entered the gates of heaven on January 14, 2024, at 12:20am Qatar time. Even though they did not make it to Kenya in January, we are still moving forward with the children's home. The trip and meetings will be rescheduled for the spring. Mema wanted to see Ayden and Keeton's dream come into fruition, so we will not give up. We are not stopping.
It’s time for an update on where we are in regards to the children’s home. Once again, thank you for continuing to partner with us. This is the goodness of God.
Each week, we are getting closer to our goal. I miss the boys more than I can explain, but I am thankful for those who continue to pray for us and support the dream of building a children’s home. Even though it has been difficult to maintain an attitude of gratitude this season, I am constantly thankful for those who are helping us continue the boys’ legacy. I am so excited to post this week’s update on the children’s home.
As of November 10, 2023, $52,879.49 has been donated to the Ayden and Keeton's Hope Children's Home.
Thank you for continuing to partner with us on this journey.
I am never surprised at what God does, but I am ALWAYS amazed. Thank you for your support as we continue the legacy Ayden and Keeton left.
Since July 9th, I have spent quite a bit of time reading scripture related to heaven and grief. I’ve found several promises that I am claiming. One of those is Psalm 30:11: “you turned my mourning into dancing.” I don’t know when or how, but my mourning will be turned to dancing. Every time I get to post one of these updates, I am reminded that my joy will return.
In the midst of this grief, I am holding on to the promise found in Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
When people ask what good could come from so much pain, I just look at the people who are standing with us, sowing into a children’s home built in Ayden and Keeton’s memory. This is the good. Thank you for partnering with us and continuing to pray for us.
2 Corinthians 9:6 reminds us that “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
Thank you for sowing generously into Ayden and Keeton’s Hope. Together, we are going to build a children’s home and share the love of Jesus.
I had to confirm the numbers before I could officially update, but here it is.
On October 7, 2023, we hosted a banquet to formally announce Ayden and Keeton’s Hope, a part of Closer Walk Ministries dedicated to sharing the gospel and continuing the boys’ legacy. We shared a meal with family, friends, and members of the body of Christ. We also spent time with some of the first responders who gave their very best to our boys on July 9.
By the end of the evening, so many at the banquet partnered with us or pledged to partner with us as we continue telling Ayden and Keeton’s stories. Yes, we are building a children’s home, but it’s more than a building. We are sharing the love of Jesus as we meet the physical needs of children. By the end of the evening, we added $17,620 in donations and pledges. That brings our total amount raised to $39,239.12. Make sure you follow us on Facebook or check the website for future updates and opportunities to partner with us.
It’s time for a quick update. I will be posting several updates next week because I have some exciting news to share, but wanted to update you now about what God is doing. As of October 1, 2023, $21,619.12 has been donated to the Ayden and Keeton’s Hope Children’s Home. We are so thankful for everyone who has partnered with us to help make a dream a reality. Thank you for being obedient and giving according to what God has laid on your heart to give.
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