Our last blog was in September and since then a lot has happened.  Wes did come home the middle of September for one month – the amount of time a missionary gets each year as their time away from the Mission.  He returned to Kenya the middle of October with plans to finish up some projects he had in progress before returning home for good in January 2025.   I had plans to travel to Kenya in January to spend a few weeks with the people there, say the good-byes I didn’t when I left this past February for medical reasons, and then the two of us returning home together for good.  Those plans changed at the beginning of November when the Bishop decided that since our three-year commitment was up at the end of November, our time there would be done and so as of December 4^th, Wes has been home.  That also meant that I would not be returning as I had wanted to – a bittersweet ending for me but at the same time, we were grateful to be with our sons and celebrate Christmas together with them for the first time in four years! 

 

Before Wes left Kenya at the beginning of December, several building projects had been completed. He and Fr. David moved into the new house in August, so Wes did get to live in the new house for a few months!   It didn’t have hot water on the first floor when they moved into it, nor when he returned in October, and…. you guessed it!  There still was not any hot water on the first floor when he left in December!   Some things do take time in Kenya.   

 

The gathering space is completed – a building that contains office and storage space and will eventually house the library and computer lab.  In October, the orphans started attending Mission Saturday at the new shamba.   At the end of November, the Wellness Seminars were held for approximately 250 of the orphans in the new gathering space.  The children attended different sessions and had various lab tests to assess their health.   Just as in past seminars, numerous medical conditions were diagnosed.  Children were given medications and/or referred for further testing to see a specialist.  Without the Mission, these orphans and their guardians would not be able to afford medicine, glasses, see a specialist, etc.  One of the highlights for Wes was witnessing two alumni of the Mission attend the session and help – one as a nurse and the other as a physician.  In addition to helping, they both gave a motivational talk to those in attendance which for Wes was very moving.  Their words were inspiring, not to mention the hope it instilled. The orphans present could see and hear from those who were in their same situation at one point in time but because of hard work and determination, took advantage of the opportunity the Mission provided them with – opportunities available to all enrolled in the program. Wes asked Jones (pronounced as Jonas), a young man we had come to know during our time there, if he was going to be a doctor one day and with a smile on his face, Jones immediately said, “Yes”!  Jones is a smart young man and has the ability to be a doctor.  Hopefully, he continues to work hard to fulfill his dream of becoming whatever he wants.  It is because of the generosity of those who support the Mission that orphans have opportunities to further their education. 

 

When Wes left at the beginning of December, there were a lot of kuku (chickens) running around the yard at the new shamba.  Because of the generosity of a supporter, each child received a kuku as part of their Christmas gift.  In addition to the kuku, oil and flour were distributed and at the end of the gathering, each child received a loaf of bread and bottle of soda.  Receiving flour, oil, and a kuku as a Christmas gift is probably not high on the list of most American children but the ones in Kenya were most grateful.  

 

Our time in Kenya is now done and with that comes mixed emotions.  We look back on our time as a rewarding one living and working alongside the people there – people who have left an indelible mark on our hearts and people we will never forget especially the beautiful watoto (children).  We have much to learn from our Kenyan brothers and sisters who live with faith and true joy despite the daily hardships they face. We are grateful to God for nudging us off the comfortable path we had been on and guiding us on this little detour many miles away.  It was very hard to be away from family and friends, but at the same time our hearts and minds were expanded and enriched by living in a new culture with people who are no different than us – people who want for their children what we want: food, clothing, shelter, providing them with a good education, opportunities, etc.  We will always be grateful to our family, friends, and many others for their support during our time there.  

 

This is our last blog and when we started it back in 2021, it was to be a way of letting people back home know what we were doing.  In the end, it is our wish that we were able to give you a glimpse into the work of the Mission and the good it does not to mention the hope it provides to many - something we were blessed to witness and experience firsthand.  We occupy just a tiny space in this world…we hope that your hearts were touched not only by learning about another culture but more so by meeting our brothers and sisters through the stories and pictures – the Kisii people of Kenya who just happen to live 8000 miles away!

 

Wishing a most blessed 2025 to all.   Mungu Akubariki!

Note:  if you are not able to view the photos with this article by clicking on the link below, please view in the photo section by going to the church's website and under the Ministries category clicking on African Mission - All God's Children.
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