We first introduced you to baby Ruben in April. This remarkable little boy arrived at New Life Home a little older than most babies, but just as deserving of love and care. Read on to see how Ruben has grown!

February 2011 >

Admission weight: 7.4kg (16 lb)

Several months after birth, Baby Ruben fell terribly ill. His mother rushed him to the hospital... but then left and never returned.

Ruben eventually stabilized but the hospital staff, knowing he faced more challenges ahead, called one of the only registered medical centers for children in Kenya – the New Life Home.

Ruben was indeed a special case – as the New Life Home medical staff examined him, they were surprised to find 6 fingers arranged like petals around his palms, and his little thumbs were doubled!

Not only that, some of his toes – he had 7 on each foot – were webbed, as well.

In the six weeks since his arrival, Ruben has had one finger and one toe removed from each hand and foot. The surgeons also addressed his double thumbs, much to Ruben’s dismay as he rather liked sucking his thumb! He is such a brave little boy.

< April 2011

The bandages on Ruben’s hands and feet have finally been removed – the surgery was considered a great success, praise the Lord!

Now his most distinguishing feature are his large, soulful eyes, which have caught the attention of many staff and visitors, especially the office administrator who can often be found loving on Ruben.

Ruben relishes the company of others and is not afraid to cry with disappointment when the visitors leave!

Because Ruben’s mother abandoned him at the hospital, very little is known about him. New Life Home staff have designated August 20th as his birthday. He is the picture of health, now weighing in at 9.75kg (21 lb).

May 2011 >

Ruben continues to be quite the charmer. He is growing rapidly, now weighing 10.4kg (22.9lb)!

He can now scoot himself across the floor on his bottom. “Mama” is his favorite word!

In the photo at right, Ruben bonds with Jane, one of his caregivers. Many of the staff love to dote on Ruben.

< June 2011

Ruben is “growing like a weed,” as they say!

(The daily donations of artisan bread from a local bakery certainly help his cause!)

He has the physique of a rugby player but is a tender and loving little boy.

Ruben likes to pull himself up to a standing position and is learning the art of balancing.

August 2011 >

Ruben is growing in confidence and in football skills.

He will certainly be a force to be reckoned with at any sport, seeing as he now weighs in at 12.9kg (28.4lb)!

He loves to chat and is becoming more responsive to his floormates and caregivers.

As Ruben's mother has not come back to claim him, Ruben will soon be up for adoption. Please join us in praying for Ruben's forever family!

< October 2011

When the Mission of Mercy Women's Circle of Caring team visited the New Life Home in October, Ruben led the welcoming party, toddling out to meet the guests.

In the image at left, the acting director of the New Life Home, Guy Bastable, shares Ruben's amazing story with two of the women.

The women agreed -- even in a room full of toddlers, it's hard to miss Ruben with his captivating eyes and gentle demeanor.

November 2011 >

Ruben is a big-hearted and lovable boy. He has a ready smile and is learning to talk.

His favorite day is Wednesday, when he and the other toddlers are taken to Yaya (a local shopping mall) for an excursion.

At the sight of the strollers, you can always count on Ruben to make the “Yaya! Yaya!” announcement, loud and clear for all to hear!