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50 Reasons to Run, Day 2: Flovia & Felix


Felix Kiptanui Flovia Jepng’etich
(Pictured Left) (Pictured Center and Right)
2007 – 2008 Born: 2005

In 2008, we engaged in a battle we did not initially set out to fight. What started as an isolated situation of creating a treatment center, a home of sorts, for two HIV+ orphans, gave birth to the dream of Living Room Ministries International and specifically, Kimbilio (Kiswahili for “refuge”) Hospice. These children’s emaciated bodies and desperate cries stirred our team with a compassion that would not be satisfied until it was put into action. Felix and Flovia were both started on a special formula and fed every two hours, day and night. Within days, they began to grow. Felix was a one year old who weighed a mere nine pounds. What a beautiful sound it was when he first laughed! To our great loss, after six weeks of treatment, Felix went into respiratory failure and passed away on June 1, 2008. His death left a void within all who had the privilege of caring for him. While we grieved Felix’s death, we celebrated Flovia’s life. At 2 ½ years old, Flovia learned to walk and to speak in two languages. With her playful and determined spirit, she captured hearts. After several months of intensive care, Flovia went to a near-by children’s home, where our team continues to monitor her progress. In 2012, Flovia graduated from kindergarten (pictured above right).

After encountering countless others like Flovia and Felix, who were in desperate need of palliative care, Living Room Ministries International was registered and Kimbilio Hospice was created to be a home with the aim of offering palliative care services to the community. Since its inception, Living Room has reached out to many among our community who are not only faced with life-threatening illnesses but who also lack the love and care that signify human dignity. During the dedication ceremony of the Kimbilio Hospice, David Tarus, a courageous and compassionate Kenyan leader, held Flovia in front of the community and shared about “the God of Flovia.” He said that in the Bible there are references to the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac, but in Kipkaren, we refer to and believe in the God of Flovia. Through her life, we have seen God’s hand and discovered more of His heart.

- Juli McGowan Boit, Founder of Living Room Ministries International

Felix and Flovia are worth running for
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2 Comments

  1. Violet Jepchumba
    Posted August 16, 2013 at 2:55 pm | Permalink

    God bless you Juli and the team for the great work you are doing in Living Room International.

  2. Connie Barrocas
    Posted August 16, 2013 at 4:18 pm | Permalink

    Even though I’ve heard the story of Living Room’s beginnings before, I am still so moved and proud of you Juli for your vision and perseverance. I know that you see God’s hand move powerfully because of your faith+action. I pray for you, Titus and your staff for energy, rest and peace in the good moments and the difficult. God bless Kimbilio!

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