Testimonials

Nancy Gary - Volunteer

When I was asked to go on this trip I quickly said yes. I had seen pictures and heard stories from the past trips and I thought it sounded like something that I would really enjoy. What I didn't realize was that no amount of pictures I had seen or stories I had heard could have prepared me for the experience I would have.

I experienced a whirlwind of emotions on the trip. It broke my heart to walk hand in hand with the orphans home from school and watch them disappear into the cornfields knowing that they were going home to a lonely house with no parents. It was refreshing to see first hand a culture that although experiencing such turmoil with sickness and death had so much love for God, life and each other. How thankful they were for everything they had. I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the voices of the Kenyans as they sang for us, welcoming and thanking us.

I too took hundreds of picture hoping to capture a small part of my experience and to give a glimpse into the world of those I met. A photograph is suppose to be worth a thousand words, but I don't believe these pictures will come close to justifying the beauty of the Kenyan country side, the brilliance of a Massi clock, or the innocence of the childrens' laughter.

I could try for days and days to describe what I have seen and felt during these past two weeks to my family and friends but I think it is something one truly has to experience to understand.

I am therefore so grateful to have been on this mission trip. It has been the most influential and eye opening journey in my life and I hope that I am so lucky to return for many years to come.

I still don't think the realization that I am living a life long dream has sunk in yet. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to do service work and travel Africa. I love the beauty and all the many differences that Kenyan culture brings. This place, Kenya, is so rich with spirit and warmth that I have not felt uncomfortable at any moment on this trip. It breaks my heart to know that there is so much more we as humans can be doing for our fellow humans and yet we are not.

I value the time and relationships that I gained and the insight into a culture I can not describe nor could ever have imagined had I not been part of this mission trip.

It was a awesome experience for me to be in Africa and to see how beautiful the country is and to have the opportunity to see where my race came from and had its beginning. I was saddened by the living conditions, sickness and poverty of most of the people there, especially those at the Wire Clinic. It was hard to see so much beauty and poverty at the same time. My overall feeling are mixed with joy and sadness.

Nancy Gary

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