Supporting Children and Families in Kenya
Wells of love is a nonprofit organization registered in the state of Minnesota and operating out of Arlington, Virginia.
Goal
I can begin to accomplish my mission by helping to build St. Monica's School, by funding orphan high school and college education, by helping the baby and young orphans in the Meru Children's Home with clothing, books, diapers and soon-- the electricity to run washing machines. Eventually, I would like to purchase a well digger machine to drill wells so that the women can take the loads of water off their backs. Little by little they increase in strength and vitality, and the greatness that lies in their hearts shines through for the whole world to see.
Founding
I first met Fr. David Murungi when he was assigned to St. Agnes parish in Arlington, Virginia while obtaining his PhD from The John Paul II Institute in Washington DC. A priest in residence with limited responsibilities, he was always trying to help in every circumstance, whether it was his responsibility or not. He was cheerful and kind-- a great help at all times. A fellow parishioner kept in touch with him after his return to Kenya and visited him a year or so later. She, Maria Hurley--a board member--encouraged me to visit Fr. Murungi.
My desire to work with the Kenyan people started as the result of my first trip to Kenya in 2008 to visit Fr. David Murungi and Sister Anselmina Karimi. Both are employed by the Diocese of Meru. Fr. Murungi a parish priest and Sister Karimi, the Director, of the Meru Children's Home. They are good friends and colleagues who respect each other's gifts and talents. The trip was a life-changing experience. I fell in love with the Kenyan people and the children who brought me so much joy. Wells of Love started out of desire to permanently help the people of Kenya in their goals to help their families and the children orphaned for many reasons.
Meru Children's Home
The children in The Meru Children's Home are the regular orphans that do not have HIV problems. Sister Karimi is a natural-born mother who knows all the children's problems and handles them efficiently and kindly. All the children know that they can approach Sr. Karimi, and she will listen to their problems and treat them appropriately. They are not ruled by fear but by disciplined love.
St. Monica's Prayer House
St. Monica's Prayer House and school is associated with the local perish St. Theresa, and is more than 5 miles away-- too far to walk to-- so St. Monica's prayer house started as a grassroots meeting place for locals to gather for mass and community celebrations. Then they purchased land to build the prayer house, and expanded to include a school. In the past few years, I have tried to help St. Monica's Prayer House (or sub-parish) build a classroom a year in their desire to have a local school that their children can attend--one that is within walking distance of their homes. The parish has a great group of people working on the Parish council, and is number 5 in the academic ranking of the Meru District.
When I visited in 2010 I was taken aback. The classrooms they built had no concrete floors, only dirt floors. So I dug deeper, to give them the money to add the concrete to the classrooms, so the children would not work in dampness. To date, they do not have electricity or proper plumbing. They try so hard for their children. They are kind and cheerful in the face of their hardships. It will be a number of years before the school has "enough."
The Board
Ruth Foster, President/Co-Founder, began her journey with Wells of Love in 2008, when she took a life-changing trip to Kenya. During her visit, Ruth and Sister Karimi were greeted by a group of orphans who urgently asked for funding to support their education. This encounter deeply moved Ruth and marked the beginning of her commitment to helping children in need.
As more and more children came to Ruth year after year, each seeking support for their education and future, she recognized a growing need that could not be ignored. Motivated by her desire to make a lasting impact, in 2012 Ruth took it upon herself to establish a non-profit organization, Wells of Love to provide sustainable support and opportunities for these children.
Alice Paxton, joined Ruth Foster on a transformative trip to Kenya in 2023, an experience that inspired her to become deeply involved with Meru Children's Home and Wells of Love. Witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by the children and the growing need for support, Alice decided to dedicate herself to the cause.
Since then, she has taken on a key role in fundraising, spreading awareness about the organization’s mission, and ensuring that resources reach those in need.
Together, Ruth and Alice also take an active role in overseeing the well-being of the children and supporting a self-sustaining environment for the community.
Richard Zimmermann, an adopted Ugandan, has been an inspiring member of the board since 2024. As a high school senior, Richard is focused on pursuing a future in medicine, with the aspiration of becoming a neurosurgeon. His unique background and personal journey have fueled his passion for giving back to the community and supporting initiatives that help those in need, in Kenya and Uganda.