We Made It Back!

After 30 plus hours of travelling, we have made it back to Georgia in one piece. All of our luggage made it as well so we are seemingly whole back in America. There is a one big problem though, there is still a large piece of us that is back in Kenya - our hearts. As for this editor, I don't think I can ever look at life the same because of this trip designed to help others understand the love of Jesus as Lord, Savior, Comforter, Healer, Encourager and Provider - the trip impacted us in a huge and mighty way as we saw Him show up along side of us, through us and in us - it really is difficult to figure out who was impacted more, this team or those that were ministered to in Kenya. For those that have followed our journey and prayed for us - we thank you and were blessed by you. If you don't understand what it means to have a personal life changing relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, please reach out to one of us so that we too may share that with you - you'll never be the same! We need to find the right forum to share more pictures and stories of this trip so stay tuned. Again, thank you for all of your support through this journey - God is Awesome and has met our every need in and through His body!

Homeward Bound Tonight

God has shown up in a mighty way throughout this entire trip. He has shown Himself in so many ways and has written so much of Kenya on our hearts and allowed us to help connect with the hearts of those who He sent us to. It has been difficult to say goodbye to the children at the House of Hope but we also know that they have touched us in a deeper and more meaningful way than we ever imagined. We leave tonight and have a stay over in Amsterdam before arriving back to Atlanta late Friday July 1. God is awesome and we feel very privileged to have walked a little in His footsteps as a team that has worked very well together. We are forever changed! We ask for prayers for travelling mercies and safety and look forward to sharing so many stories and pictures when we are reunited with our family and friends!

Lodwar Day 3

Today we went to the goat auction to purchase some of the goats that were funded by Liberty Hill at home. The crowd was fascinated with the Mizungus and we left soon to keep from making a bigger scene. We drove way out into the bush – almost an hour where there was no road, no path and no marked route. We were entertained with traditional dance, song and worshipping as fed almost 100 families with beans and corn maize. We all had a chance to join in the tribal dance as we worshipped God as brothers and sisters in Christ as one body! We also visited the local clinic where the kids are treated to meet with the resident doctor to check on the kids of the House of Hope progress and health. The conditions were unbelievable to be considered a “health clinic”. We then went to the only hospital that services the entire Turkana region. We delivered medical supplies donated by McKesson (Jim’s employer) which were received with big smiles. The conditions were again, unbelievably primitive and we learned that the infant mortality rate for the region is 66%! The mortality rate for children under 5 is 64%! We returned back to the House of Hope to be able to spend the rest of the day with the kids – they are soooo awesome! The staff made the two wives and two husbands honorary Turkana’s and dressed us up with true Turkana attire to include beads, accessories, presented the men with Turkana walking sticks that are only given to men of importance in the tribe as well as elders. Awesome experience and we all celebrated in traditional dance and worship. The kids know that we leave tomorrow and are already showing signs of sadness – we don’t want to leave them as much as they don’t want to leave. So many more stories to share when we get home. Here is a sampling of pictures in the next blog.

Lodwar Day 3 Pictures

Lodwar Day 2

Today we were the guests of honor at the church service where there was traditional tribal praise and worship at the Liberty Hill Church – Lodwar. This is called the IDP which stands for Internally Displaced People which was a direct result of the uprising and riots after the 2007 elections where homes and land were taken by corrupt people. Steve and Jim had an opportunity to deliver the Word and let them know that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life and no man comes to Father except through Him – even those that the government considers forgotten people because in God's eyes none are forgotten. After the service, we went to the Taqwah River where Steve and Jim had the awesome opportunity to baptize 14 Turkana people as a profession of their acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior of their life in front of the celebrating village. We later drove into the bush to visit a remote village and fed 75 families with a portion of beans and corn maize – what a fantastic experience. So many more stories to share when we get home. Here is a sampling of pictures in the next blog.

Lodwar Day 2 Pictures

Arrived in Lodwar

Arrived at Lodwar and we were greeted by Thomas and Moses from the House of Hope. It didn’t take long to realize that this is an area that is very primitive, lucky to have running water or electricity. The Guest House that would be home for the next 3days was a little like camping in the outdoors only more primitive. No drinking the water and no modern conveniences. We finally made it to the House of Hope and realized Steve’s passion with these children – they are all precious and beautiful! The community eats roughly every other day if they are fortunate but these kids eat everyday thanks to the ministry – Praise God. It’s hard to completely comprehend these living conditions without seeing it for yourself. This area and tribe is called Turkana and the government has turned their back on these people. So many more stories too long for this blog but God is using this not only for these people but also for our team – life changing! Here is a sampling of pictures in the next blog.