This update marks the completion of one of the most important and transformative projects at Joyful Hearts Home and Care — the construction of new, safe, and hygienic bio-digester toilets for the children.

For years, the orphanage relied on makeshift pit latrines that were not only unsanitary but also dangerous for small children. The new toilets, now completed, are a remarkable improvement — clean, enclosed, and built to last. The bio-digester design uses a modern system that safely processes waste and requires far less space, making it ideal for the limited property where the orphanage sits.

Pastor Chris Barasa shared his gratitude and joy at the project’s completion:

“The toilets are complete, and the children are so grateful for the new toilet. We utilized the support you sent to build good toilets. They are not risky like the ones we used to have before — we used to dig holes, which were dangerous.”

Alongside this milestone, other improvements were also being made. Mosquito nets had recently been installed in the dormitories after a tragic malaria outbreak, and the children were enjoying renewed health and energy. The compound was becoming a safer, cleaner, and more hopeful place each month.

Pastor Chris continued to share updates during this season of steady progress, expressing how the children’s joy and confidence were growing:

“They are always excited because of having enough food and clothing, and the toilets are very useful at the moment. You have been a great blessing to these kids by putting a smile on their faces — that pleases God.”

The completion of these new facilities marks a turning point for Joyful Hearts Home — one more step toward dignity, safety, and sustainability for every child living there.

If you’d like to help continue improving the lives of the children at Joyful Hearts Home and Care — through safe facilities, food, education, and medical support — please consider making a donation today through our secure PayPal link:
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This update marks one of the most difficult seasons in the story of Joyful Hearts Home and Care. During this time, the orphanage suffered the heartbreaking loss of one of their young girls to malaria. Despite the doctors’ efforts, the disease progressed too quickly.

Pastor Chris Barasa wrote soon after to share the devastating news and to describe the urgent steps being taken to protect the other children:

“It wasn’t easy to lose a young girl because of malaria. We have a lot of mosquitoes. The doctors tried to treat her, but the malaria parasites were strong in her body and she died. We are planning to buy some nets soon.”

Within days, funds were sent to purchase mosquito nets for the dormitories, to help safeguard the children while they sleep. Pastor Chris later sent a photo of the receipt and shared that all the children were now protected each night.

While the season began in grief, it also marked a turning point of renewed care and vigilance. The new mosquito nets, combined with better nutrition and improved facilities, have helped the children grow stronger and healthier.

This moment serves as a reminder of the real challenges faced daily at Joyful Hearts Home — and of the incredible difference compassion can make, even in the face of sorrow.

If you would like to help us continue providing essentials like food, clean water, and medical care for the children, please donate https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=M4NQ4M46UKYWN

In this stage of growth at Joyful Hearts Home and Care, one of the most important projects underway was the construction of new bio-digester toilets — a major step forward in improving both safety and sanitation for the children.

The new system is economical, space-efficient, and safe, especially for the younger children. The older pit-style toilets had become increasingly dangerous, as they were built over large open holes and surrounded by temporary walls. By contrast, the new bio-digester design uses a compact setup that processes waste safely and hygienically, while taking up far less space — an important advantage on the limited land where the orphanage is located.

Pastor Chris Barasa shared photos of the progress and wrote:

“I have attached some pictures of a bio-digester toilet that we are building. It’s economical and easy to use for small children. The other toilets are dangerous because they are just holes. Another advantage is that it takes a small space, which is good because of the small land we have.”

This project represents another meaningful improvement in the daily lives of the children — not only providing safety and hygiene, but also giving them the dignity of clean and modern facilities designed for their needs.

Earlier this year marked an important step forward for Joyful Hearts Home and Care. Several much-needed improvements were underway — signs of steady growth and God’s continued provision.

At that time, new mattresses and blankets were purchased for the children. Previously, many had been sleeping on worn bedding or sharing what few mattresses were available. Having clean, comfortable beds of their own brought them a deep sense of joy and dignity.

Construction also began on a new bathroom facility for the girls. The old latrine had been unsafe, a temporary structure built over a large pit. The new building, now well underway, will provide a clean, sturdy, and private restroom — a long-awaited improvement for the children’s safety and health.

A new water tank and tower were also installed on the property, finally resolving a long-standing problem with water access. Before this, the children had to fetch water from a distance for cooking and bathing. The new system ensures there is enough water available each day for every essential need.

Pastor Chris Barasa shared that during this same season, the children were excelling in remarkable ways — not only in academics, but also in sports and music. They went on to be named the top school in their county, winning first place in both music and football.

Pastor Chris wrote. “The good news is that our orphanage children were number one out of 800 schools — the best in music and football. It’s joy and shocking!”

These moments reflect both the progress being made on-site and the growing hope among the children — a visible reminder of how God continues to bless and strengthen this work.

If you would like to help continue this progress — building better facilities, expanding food and education programs, and supporting the health and well-being of each child — please consider making a donation today through JoyfulHeartsHome.com

A few months ago, some of our very first donations to Joyful Hearts Home and Care were used to provide school books, food, and other basic necessities for the children.

Our dear friend and ministry partner, Pastor Chris Barasa, wrote to share how much these gifts meant to the children. With those early funds, they were able to buy books for school, a few mattresses, nutritious food, medicine, and even a soccer ball — bringing smiles and laughter to the children’s faces.

For many of these children, simple things like a new notebook, a mattress to sleep on, or the chance to play are extraordinary blessings. Some of the children at Joyful Hearts face serious medical challenges, including several who are battling cancer or living with HIV. Providing them with medicine and a proper diet is an ongoing need, and we’re thankful that these early gifts helped care for them in a crucial moment.

Chris shared that when the children learned someone far away cared for them — that people they’d never met were praying for them and sending help — they wept tears of joy. Their gratitude is a reminder of how even the smallest act of generosity can make a lasting difference.

Through your support, these children received not only school supplies and food for the month, but also hope and encouragement.

Thank you to everyone who has joined us in supporting Joyful Hearts Home and Care. Because of you, children in Eldoret, Kenya, are being fed, educated, and loved.