We told most of the story in the fall newsletter, but that letter does not go to our entire data base, so please forgive any repetition. So much to tell…. We got to be a part of history and it truly is an eye opening experience. We arrived in Nairobi Kenya Dec 28th, right as the Kenyan elections were unfolding. We had been made aware that the elections were to occur during our trip, but we had already booked our tickets, prior to the date of the election being set, so we consulted with the Kenyans and since the country usually only experiences brief periods of unrest during an election, we continued with our plans. Those plans were to help with buildings while we were there, but God had other plans. We did a lot of feeding, praying and supporting the locals and not much building. For a little while, most stores where closed so it was difficult to get supplies. We had brought quite a bit of food with us, so when young men would walk out from the slums we would listen to their stories and make them care packages. It was a bizarre time to be in Kenya, but I do feel that we had a purpose. Brian, Heather, Noah and Gabe (a missionary family from Roscoe) have become great friends, and they were very grateful for the company. When the stores did open we divided up to get supplies. If we bought five chickens then five people would show up at the gate needing food. We were also able to purchase a load of food through First Love and drop if off at Uhura Park, the area designated for displaced people from the slums. It was difficult when the slums were burning at night and not be able to do anything, and it felt bizarre to hang out laundry and hear gun shots in the distance. Our family returned home with a much greater appreciation for all of our many blessings. In August, a few of us were able to return to Kenya to work with the children and bring supplies. That trip was very reassuring as we were able to meet back up with our friends and to see first hand how they were doing, as it had been difficult getting on the plane to come home in January. While we were there in August we purchased quite a few items for the gift shop, proceeds of which will go to feed children.
Africa
We told most of the story in the fall newsletter, but that letter does not go to our entire data base, so please forgive any repetition. So much to tell…. We got to be a part of history and it truly is an eye opening experience. We arrived in Nairobi Kenya Dec 28th, right as the Kenyan elections were unfolding. We had been made aware that the elections were to occur during our trip, but we had already booked our tickets, prior to the date of the election being set, so we consulted with the Kenyans and since the country usually only experiences brief periods of unrest during an election, we continued with our plans. Those plans were to help with buildings while we were there, but God had other plans. We did a lot of feeding, praying and supporting the locals and not much building. For a little while, most stores where closed so it was difficult to get supplies. We had brought quite a bit of food with us, so when young men would walk out from the slums we would listen to their stories and make them care packages. It was a bizarre time to be in Kenya, but I do feel that we had a purpose. Brian, Heather, Noah and Gabe (a missionary family from Roscoe) have become great friends, and they were very grateful for the company. When the stores did open we divided up to get supplies. If we bought five chickens then five people would show up at the gate needing food. We were also able to purchase a load of food through First Love and drop if off at Uhura Park, the area designated for displaced people from the slums. It was difficult when the slums were burning at night and not be able to do anything, and it felt bizarre to hang out laundry and hear gun shots in the distance. Our family returned home with a much greater appreciation for all of our many blessings. In August, a few of us were able to return to Kenya to work with the children and bring supplies. That trip was very reassuring as we were able to meet back up with our friends and to see first hand how they were doing, as it had been difficult getting on the plane to come home in January. While we were there in August we purchased quite a few items for the gift shop, proceeds of which will go to feed children.