This is the second message about what it’s like to visit the Brydges Centre. If you missed the first one, you can read it here.

Last time we said we wouldn’t share all the details of a Brydges Centre welcome so future visitors can enjoy the surprise and wonder of it. That said, we are going to brag a bit about the Brydges Centre Brass Band’s welcome!

Much anticipation was felt by the van full of team members as we pulled up to the Centre’s gate. Tunes were already playing and the booming bass drum could be easily heard. Upon arriving, the team was greeted with a host of tunes including “When The Saints Come Marching In.”

Here’s a little background: two years ago there was no brass marching band and limited musical instruments at the Brydges Centre. Rosemary and her staff had a vision to hire a teacher, secure instruments, and have the Brydges Centre Skills Institute students make formal uniforms for the players.

Starting from ground zero, the program took shape and began performing within a few short months. The community surrounding the Centre has embraced the band and they have marched their way through a number of important parades and events.

This is yet another example of innovation that showcases the important role the Centre plays in its community.

The team was blown away by the precision of the marching and the quality of the music. We were most impressed by the looks of pride in the eyes of the children who were a part of the band and it was not uncommon to see the uniform caps being worn outside of formal performances! What a sense of belonging and achievement the members have.

The Team’s Gift Of Music


The cost of renting instruments in Kenya is very high and that’s where friends of the Centre come in! Before the trip, two trumpets, a trombone, and a saxophone were donated by four different families. Dan and Lu from the team represented two families that dusted off those dormant high school instruments and packed them up for the Brass Band!

Touring The Grounds For The First Time

Following an incredible welcome, the team got to see everything the Brydges Centre has to offer the children who call it home.

Here are a few highlights…

Children’s hearts and minds deserve a BEAUTIFUL place to call home where they can heal and grow. Gardens, fountains, and flowers also teach the children the value of their home and the need to care for it.


Geese, turkeys, rabbits, and even a cow: the team hears about how the Centre’s kids get a chance to learn about animals and their care.


The new science lab is finished and fully equipped for students thanks to a generous couple from Rockpoint Church in Minnesota and the Rockpoint Church Missions Team.


The Brydges Centre School is a place for learning AND fun!


Sports fields host soccer games, track events, and hang-out time after school.


The Centre has multiple gardens and greenhouses that produce an abundance of cabbage, tomatoes, carrots, kale, and fruits. These provide nourishment for the Brydges Centre Family and for sale to the community.

Stay tuned for the next message about the team’s tours of the places the Brydges Centre children come from. The contrast to the pictures above is striking.

With Love,
Nancy, Bob, Rosemary Wafula, The Staff and the Children