Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Hello all,
 
We hope you are well. We are writing to give a brief update on our trip.
 
As you would expect from a missions scouting trip, our time has been focused on meeting with various ministries to explore opportunities for partnership / support. We are spending one week in Kenya followed by one week in Uganda.  We are nearing the end of our time in Kenya. We have met with around 8 different ministries. During these meetings we have spoken with various leaders and observed their ministries. At the end of this email I've included below a brief day by day summary.
 
From a more personal perspective, over the past several days, we've been deeply affected by all we've seen and observed. The physical, spiritual, and educational needs are nearly beyond comprehension. Though we've only been here a short time, our perspective on the vast need has been indelibly changed. One example: walking through the slums is an incomparable experience - the sights, sounds and smells are overwhelming. There is a mix of disbelief, heartbreak, and pity. We wanted to cry. We wanted to hug the children and bring them home. We wanted to heal their sickness and mend their brokeness. We wanted to stay and enter their world. We always left longing to do more.
 
Love,
Anita, Dan, Wen & Wilson
 
 
Update/summary:
 
Day 1:
  • Huruma Children's Center: Christian orphanage that provides healthcare, education, housing 
  • Maasai Education Advocacy for Change: During the current drought, the Maasai (a nomadic herdsman tribe) have faced incredibly difficult circumstances as their livestock have suffered and died. Their is significant need for sustainable water supply as they walk over 25 KM just to get water.
Day 2: Visited a national park to view the amazing wildlife of Kenya.
Day 3:
  • Wycliffe/Bible Translation and Literacy - Visted headquarters of BTL, which focuses on bible translation into African languages.
  • Anchor of Hope - slum children's ministry, providing academic and spiritual education, and food when available
Day 4:
  • Faulu - established Christian microfinance institution
  • Lutheran slum ministries - church and children's ministries targeted at residents of Kibera, Kenya's largest slum  
  • Chonesus (Christian Hope Network and Support Services) - children and widow's ministry in Kibera, providing healthcare, literacy and vocational training

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