Western Kenya Trip Update

A couple of weeks ago we wrote on the blog that we would be traveling to Western Kenya and promised to blog every day that we were there.  Unfortunately our modem didn't work so we couldn't let you know what was happening while we were there but we're back now so here's the update.  When we arrived on Tuesday afternoon Kim and Eric went into a meeting with several of the pastors.  They got to hear reports from the pastors about what was happening within their churches and communities.  They heard how the churches were growing, but also heard many of their most desperate needs.  They also worked out the schedule for all of our summer volunteer teams.  Now everything is ready in Western for our teams, we just need summer to arrive!
While Kim and Eric were in meetings, I (Lauren) spent time getting pictures of the kids for our sponsorship program.  I just took candid shots and it was so fun to be able to capture the kids as they played or did their chores.  Here is a sneak preview of some of my favorites.

Wednesday was our only full day there so we stayed busy!  Eric spent most of the morning at Chakulo Church, which is where we are drilling a borehole this summer.  A geologist was there to measure the depth we will need to drill as well as put together an environmental report that is required by the government.  We should have the full report in 2 weeks but the geologist estimated we would have to drill between 60-100 meters, which is an average drill depth.  As of now, everything is on track for the borehole to be completed on schedule.  Pray that we continue on schedule because it needs to be completed by the time our Southside volunteer team arrives so that they can do everything they have planned for their trip.

Eric looks on as the geologist checks the required drill depth

After briefly visiting Chakulo Church, Kim and I went over to Tumaini Church to check out the new roof that we have recently help them put on their new church building.  It looks great!  While we were at Tumaini we were able to visit several homes as well as spend some time with the children that are part of that ECD and School (now they have up to class 3).  We've got some video of the kids singing there so hopefully we'll be able to get that up on the blog soon.

The new roof at Tumaini Church

On Wednesday afternoon we were back at Rehema for more meetings and more photos for the sponsorship program.  Then we headed back to Nairobi on Thursday morning.  It was a super quick trip but we feel like we were able to lay a lot of the necessary groundwork for upcoming programs and teams.  As we continue to work on both the sponsorship and water projects, we'll be sure to update you with current needs and prayer requests.  Thanks for praying for our trip and for the precious people in Bungoma.