The team is on the ground in Kenya! After very long travels, we have arrived. We left at 10:00 am Tuesday morning from The Journey and went to bed at 2:00 am Wednesday night Kenya time (Thursday morning). We are jumping in with many activities. Planting a garden, building bunk beds, cooking, and milking a cow. We also went to a local school that has 350 kids and only 8 teachers. We did "an assembly" for them and told them about how God is the One we can call on for help and strength. One of the major challenges is that the kids keep falling asleep because of lack of food. So we are helping to prepare for a garden for them so they can have food during the school day. We are providing trees to plant which helps the soil and putting up gutters to collect water in a rain tank which will be used to water the garden.
At the orphanage today, we are spending time loving the kids, cleaning, preparing food, and helping in the classrooms. One of our big projects for the week will be to build a classroom.
The best part of the experience so far is that our team is building relationships with the children and other adults. We are learning a lot about the culture.
So all the team is doing well, however, most are still tired from the travels. Hopefully, a better night of sleep tonight.
Thanks to all that are serving in Kenya and to those of you who helped make this all possible through prayers and support. As a church we are making a difference in this place.
Thanks for keeping us updated! That's amazing to be able to share with the kids in the local school! Praying for the kids, ministry & the team!!
Posted by: Virginia | June 17, 2011 at 08:17 AM
Praying that God continues to work through all of you to enrich the lives of those you touch while you're there.
Posted by: Alice | June 17, 2011 at 10:48 AM
Very Cool, my hope would be that I may get to go to the next one....Should start planning right away I am guessing. Tell Everyone a big hello, and I will be praying for contiued strength, energy and blessings upon and for you all... Its a GOOOOOD GOOD thing to love and help others, especially kids...Be safe and best wishes until you all return...
Kathie Harrington
Posted by: Joanna (Kathie) Harrington | June 17, 2011 at 11:12 AM
Mark and Family, we are really glad you arrived safe and sound though tired. We continue to pray for you daily, that you and the team will have a lasting impact on both the physical and spiritual live of the people in Kenya. Say Hi to the Jason, Lisa and family. PS your house is still standing and all is well on the home front. Kurt and Family doing very well. Love YA Mom and Dad
Posted by: Karl and Linda | June 17, 2011 at 12:09 PM
Allof you are in my thoughts and prayers. Mark & Jennifer, give the kids, especially Gideon, Mama Paul, Florence, and Alice a big hug for me!
Posted by: Kathy Smith | June 18, 2011 at 09:20 AM
350 kids with only 8 teachers! I have a tough enough time with 28 students! We are truly blessed!
Posted by: Christa Johnson | June 23, 2011 at 11:20 AM