After a great sendoff by Calvary Church, which included a wonderful time of prayer and encouraging words, we headed to Dulles airport. Everything went smooth even though Kim and I had no visas for the trip. Everyone had applied and received their visas while I was in the Philippines. When I returned 3 weeks ago, the Kenya E-visa systemhad been hacked and shut down, not allowing us to apply. We were told the airlines had been informed to let us on the planes and to sort it out in Nairobi. However 3 of our 6 were asked to show them at check-in – PTL, neither Kim or I were asked!
We made it to Paris and then after a short layover made it to Nairobi. After a very hard landing, the group had to wait for Kim and I to apply for a visa and then we all gathered at the luggage collection area. All the luggage had been retrieved except for my suitcase and one box. Forty minutes later, an announcement was made that they were having “challenges” with the “baggage distribution system” and that the engineers were working on it. Another 30 minutes later and the luggage began to arrive and we found all but one box, only to be told that boxes were in a different location. After going quickly through customs we were on the way to the Guesthouse arriving after midnight and ready to sleep.
Day2
We had a great breakfast and after loading a bus with 5 tables to take to OneLife Africa, we went to the Parliament House, and received a complete tour. We left the Parliament House and went to see a pre-school ministry in the Mathare area which is known for its extreme poverty. While the conditions we saw were devastating, the ministry being done was overwhelmingly inspiring. A daycare had been set up for children whose mothers are working just enough to pay for the needs of the day. Without the daycare, the mothers have no other recourse than to lock the children in their homes to be safe, without any attention until the mothers return. Now these young children have a safe play to be loved and taken care of. It is an amazing ministry that reaches those with the greatest needs. We also had an opportunity to visit the homes of some of OneAfrica camp’s ministry graduates. It was truly inspiring to see these university students making life changes that will make a difference not only in their own lives but the lives of their community. One of the students we talked to was in her 4th year, on the way to being a neurosurgeon and was in the top of her class.
We left Mathare and travelled the 5+ hours to Kabarack, our home for the next 8 days. We arrived just as the previous camp of HS students were having their final day banquet. This team had been lead by Calvary Church’s other ministry team. It was great to see the over-the-top energy of the campers and hear about the transformational ministry that had occurred. With our energy levels at the lowest, jet lag and long day of travel, it was neat to feed off of their energy and stay awake until almost 11:00 PM – a very full day! However, the bed was sweet and we feel asleep in spite of the campers spirited final night at the camp! We are now looking forward to tomorrow!
Tim Scott
Missions Integrator
Calvary Church
Lancaster, PA 17601