A story about a determined little boy who wants to succeed in life. Unbeknownst to him, there is a family in America who plans to adopt him--the family who so happens to be his sponsors.
Juka Makai Ole Ntanta is only five years old, but this little boy has had to overcome much in his brief life.
Living in an orphanage on the outskirts of Nairobi, in Kenya, Africa, little Juka has lived there at the orphanage since he was only a few days old. He was found to have learning and physical delays; and at the age of two, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. He can now walk, but he walks on crutches and leg braces.
Juka's early life is unknown, other than the fact that he had been born with significant delays and that he had been abandoned at only a few days old. It is unknown as to whether he had any brothers or sisters, or if his parents even think about him as they go about their lives.
Juka is a handsome little fellow: tall, thin, with black eyes that sparkle with courage and determination, a short Afro style framing his well-featured face, and a smile that can light up an entire room. He wears braces on his legs, and walks with a battered pair of crutches that have seen better days. He can get around amazingly fast on his braces and crutches; one often compares the little boy to a cheetah. He is incredibly fast on his braces and crutches.
Juka shares his living quarters with approximately 30 other children, who range in age from only a few months to 14 years of age; and most of the children have been orphaned or abandoned. He is the darling of the older kids, and the big brothers to the younger ones; and everybody loves him. He has an easygoing manner, and he is very friendly in nature. He also loves going to church every week, and he has already proclaimed the fact that he loves Jesus with all his heart, and he looks forward to Sundays, just so he can go to church and sing in the choir.
Most people do not even know that Juka Makai Ole Ntanta even exists; but the Mulligan family of Nashville, Tennessee, does--for they are his sponsors, and they sponsored Juka through Christian Children's Fund. Every month, they send money; and the money goes towards Juka's education, medical care, clothing, and food. Juka is poor, and so he is helped by this charity, which has made an impact on his young life.
Every so often, Juka writes letters to his "American family", and he tells them how he is doing. The family does the same; and every Christmas, they send him a card; and they also send him a birthday card around October. (Juka's birthday falls on October 17th.) Juka also sends them pictures, and drawings he has made; and it is through these pictures and drawings that the Mulligans have gotten to know their "sponsored child" better.
The Christian Children's Fund also sends the Mulligans "progress reports" and reports on how his home country of Kenya, Africa, is doing; and the family is made aware of just how fortunate they are compared to many people in the world today. Juka often has to go without many things, including tv, a phone, or nutritious food; and things like the Internet, computers, or video games are not familiar to him or the other children of the orphange where he lives.
So far, Juka is doing well, but the Mulligans still worry about him because AIDS is so prevelent in Africa; and they are worried that he will get AIDS. They also worry about him because he is so poor and doesn't have a family to call his own; and they worry that he will never be adopted.
In fact, they have recently put in to adopt Juka as their very own son. He has made such a huge inpact on the Mulligan family's hearts and minds; and they are determined to do everything in their power to try to help him--and to give him a home and the love he has really never had.
Oh karen this is another heartwarming storie
I am sure by the end of this young Juka's journey...he will be one lucky adopted loved one...wish I could adopt some one...but my life is so damn insecure..that I will never take that chance!!
But I am sure you will find a "Home" for Juka!! OH!! YAAAAAA!! Happy Birthday to you and Karla,,,I saw on Andy's page its your B/day!!
This is a wonderfully performed 7 CD Children's audio book, made up of three books from the "Run, Rasputin. Run!" series of books. Expertly narrated by Pat Fraley. Your entire family will enjoy these exceptional tales!
