The three Cross sisters finally experienced a dream come true.  They visited the Daraja campus and met the amazing and talented girls they have grown to love.

Several years ago, Molly Venable heard about Daraja from a fellow teacher of Jason Doherty’s.  Molly and her two sisters, Cathie Dalstrom and Jennifer Cross, knew they wanted to take action and combined their contributions to create a giving circle to benefit Daraja.   The sisters met Jenni Doherty, were drawn to her magnetic personality, and committed to 6 months of giving.

As supporters, the sisters contribute funds, raise money, stay informed about the needs of the school and advocate for Daraja.  They are also sponsors of a Form 4 Daraja student Lilian and remain involved in her progress and success.

As sponsors, the sisters knew that they wanted to make the trip to meet Lilian before she graduated.  The sisters were so moved by the meeting that they want to continue to support Lilian through university.

After being in Kenya for more than a week, Jennifer says, “It puts a lot in perspective.  Being around people who have so little, but have so much heart, is life changing.  It makes you feel like you want to be better.”

Molly adds, “It is humbling.  It makes me excited to continue to support Lilian and Daraja.”  Cathie says, “The people are so warm.  It has helped us to feel connected and I cannot help but to admire all of the girls.  Jenni and Jason are wonderful and are a beacon of hope.”

What do the sisters have to share about sponsorship?  In short, “Do it!  It is so worth it!  It will change your life and you will get more out of it than you can imagine.  There is a lasting connection and it will never leave us.  I get more satisfaction from this than anything else I have ever contributed to.”

A recent quote from Lilian says it all.  “I would like to thank the Cross family and everybody who has sponsored Daraja family for they have made it possible for us to be in school. I am humbled to say that, you have changed my life to the better. You have created channels of trust in me making me realize that life holds so much for me and that I am not alone for I have wonderful people who think of me in a positive way, who care for me and who will do everything to see success in me. I find myself happier than before and am thankful for your love, your care, and most importantly for your support. My life will never be the same again, for I am enlightened and have been shown the right path to follow. I am happy for I am a part of Daraja family. ‘You can work miracles by having faith in others. By choosing to think and believe the best about people, you are able to bring out the best in them.’ -Bob Moawad”

Learn more about giving circles or sponsoring a girl.