When Denise asked us to share a highlight from our time in Kenya, that seemed a nearly impossible task. From the very beginning, I saw God at work in big and small ways. He was present in ear to ear grins, moments of song and dance, commencement speeches that challenged not only the graduates but all of us to recognize that thousands of daily choices shape the people we will be tomorrow. He was tangibly present in times of prayer and expressions of faith and gratitude from both the students and their parents. He wrote a remarkable story in the connection between two occupational therapists from opposite sides of the earth that will have immeasurable impact on hundreds of children.
Two standouts, however, would be comments made by two of the high school graduates:
Edgar, from Bomani, shared with me that he was not even able to write his name when he started school at age five and he cannot praise God enough for the opportunities that his future may hold with his certificate. His family struggles greatly after the loss of his father two years ago and he considers himself the man of the family now - a great burden to find ways to feed his family of seven. Despite that, the great desire of his heart is to work hard and find a way to someday sponsor another student in his village so that they, too, might have that same chance. I feel challenged by his desire to sow seeds into the lives of his village to honor God by how he has been blessed.
Secondly, Phousteen spoke of the very real change he has seen in Vipingo over the many years he was a student at Crossroads Academy and then Valerye McMillan. Initially there was cynicism when the school opened but he tells of how the change in not only the students but their entire families is having an impact on the whole village. I cannot overstate how My Gift for Jesus is blessing those in Kenya! -JoAnn
This is my third time to Kenya. This trip, the small group time with our graduates really touched me. Having the small group time with the 8th graders on their day to City Mall & Dominos really affected me. Most of these students have never seen the world outside of their village. Coming along side of them, having time to talk to them, teach them and guide them was really humbling. I really enjoyed teaching them, observing them as they navigated though the day and mostly, seeing the joy on their face! I love that this day trip not only was a fun rewarding day, but also allowed us to teach them some life skills and most of all, let them see what else is out there for them! -Kathy
As a first timer I went into the trip with eyes and heart wide open, not knowing exactly what to expect. Now with the experience in hand, I can reflect on a few of the many special moments that God presented to me.
Spending time with "our" kids and their families were moments I'll treasure. As parents we carried the same goals in our hearts, making sure that our children have an opportunity to grow and prosper. Their parents were so appreciative of us coming along side of them, helping to give their kids an opportunity for great; Christ centered, education. Then to hear the firsthand; heartfelt, testimony from the kids that we are impacting over a lunch experience they never imagined, at a restaurant we easily take for granted. We got to tearfully listen to their love of Jesus, and the hope they carry for a bright and prosperous future.
Seeing the country and the abject poverty that abounds, the young children already working hard labor everyday in an attempt to earn enough to carry them through that day. At the same time the striking resilience of the Kenyan people making do with so little, wasting nothing, families and villages working together, their bonds are tight. All lessons we would do well to make part of our lives. We are, and can do more with what we consider to be little. - Tim
The countdown for this 2020 Missions Trip to Kenya, Africa for my second time began well before the trip was even an option. My heart had been left in Kenya, after attending the High School Missions Trip the summer of 2015. After that trip, I knew God had a plan for me to return to see my sponsor child, Faith, graduate from 8th grade in the coming years. We communicated often with one another and a beautiful letter shared between Faith and I was shared to the entire Fox River Christian Church in January of 2019. Shortly thereafter I had learned that I would be able to attend the January Missions Trip of 2020 to assist with all the 8th grade and High School graduations occurring! I was ecstatic and so was Faith!
Some huge highlights among this trip for me included standing before Life Spring Center where it said “Imani” beside me, which means Faith. Less than an hour after that picture was taken I was able to see my sponsor child with the biggest smile on her face and my heart filled while she stood in line with all her fellow graduating classmates. Faith is so beautiful and has always been and today was her big day to look the most beautiful and special than ever and she did! 🎓 We share an amazing connection and don’t get me wrong but I think it’s pretty cool that my graduation from nursing school and her 8th grade graduation were only a few months apart, where we both had big tests to study for but we succeeded together, while praying endlessly to God for what was meant for us in the end. Faith is excited to go on to study medicine to become a doctor, just four years prior she wanted to be a special education teacher for children with special needs. I cannot wait to watch and hear about her experiences that God guides her on in the coming years after high school. ❤️
Faith and I have impacted each other’s lives in numerous ways. One big impact on this trip for us was when we were on our way to visit her home, I had chosen to provide her the shirt I wore in 2015 the first day we had met each other. Before I could explain she said, “This one the first day we met you wore”🥰 I couldn’t believe she remembered and my heart was filled with joy. I like to think that although we’re miles apart that we will always hold each other and our friendship in our hearts forever ☺️
Lastly two big impacts personally for me, was taking the graduates shopping and learning so much from them as I taught them about budgets and what to buy for certain circumstances. Also for the high school graduates helping them to buy a formal outfit for a college or job interview coming up! Just amazing opportunities throughout. Speaking of opportunities, I had always wanted to participate in an African Dance and I was given that chance on the Bomani Graduation day! Right before this trip I talked about dancing with the kids and to be chosen out of the group to participate with Barb as well was just amazing and what I call God sent. There’s so much more to this trip to talk about and breathtaking moments and experiences, but for now enjoy this blog of my team members high lights and impacts overall! ☺️ -Amber
