Kenya Sample Itinerary

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Meghan Greer
5 years ago
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Kenya Sample Itinerary Photos and narrative from September 2013 Kenya

the orphans, where they had come from, and what they had achieved.

1 Kenya Sample Itinerary Photos and narrative from September 2013 Kenya trip I got to witness modern day miracles when we heard the stories of the orphans, where they had come from, and what they had achieved. It was incredible to see how the empowerment program works and how the working groups band together. Thanks be to God for the ZOE program and for all the people who help make it work. I cant wait to go back! -Kenya trip participant For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. -Jeremiah 29:11

Day 1: Arrive in Kenya After several long flights, we arrived in Nairobi, Kenya.

We checked in and had some time to unpack, get to know one another, and relax before dinner. That evening, the trip leader led us in our first devotional.

The drive was hot and a bit dusty, but we were able to see some of the Kenyan villages and countryside. We also had the opportunity to stop for a group photo on the equator.

2 Day 1: Arrive in Kenya After several long flights, we arrived in Nairobi, Kenya. After collecting our baggage and receiving our visas, our driver picked us up from the airport and drove us to the Chak Guest House, where we would stay for the night. We checked in and had some time to unpack, get to know one another, and relax before dinner. That evening, the trip leader led us in our first devotional. The next day, we had breakfast and then boarded the bus to make the sixhour drive to Maua, Kenya, where the ZOE Kenya office is based. The drive was hot and a bit dusty, but we were able to see some of the Kenyan villages and countryside. We also had the opportunity to stop for a group photo on the equator. Day 2: Drive to Maua and cross the equator Day 3: Tour of Maua Methodist Hospital and group visits Our third day began with a tour of Maua Methodist Hospital, where the ZOE Kenya offices are based. ZOE staff met us there and Reegan, the ZOE Pan-Africa Coordinator, spoke to us about ZOE s work in Kenya. We also met several ZOE children there, including three young women who run a tailor shop together. Their business has been very successful, and we had the opportunity to buy aprons, shirts, dresses, and more. The girls then sang us a song before we departed.

We then visited with the Blessings working group as they were preparing their field for the next crop. We all took turns introducing ourselves.

Many of the children have agricultural projects such as selling vegetables or raising livestock, several are hair stylists or tailors, and one is learning to repair motor bikes.

We were very inspired by the success of the third-year groups. Day 4: Group visits On day four, we visited the Thimbili group, who had 18 heads of households in attendance.

3 We then visited with the Blessings working group as they were preparing their field for the next crop. We all took turns introducing ourselves. The Blessings working group contains 35 families and they all seemed to be doing very well. Many of the children have agricultural projects such as selling vegetables or raising livestock, several are hair stylists or tailors, and one is learning to repair motor bikes. The group shared bread and tea with us and bade us farewell with a song. We spent the rest of the day visiting with orphans individually and hearing their stories. We were very inspired by the success of the third-year groups. Day 4: Group visits On day four, we visited the Thimbili group, who had 18 heads of households in attendance. They met us singing and dancing and pulled us out to join them in the dance. The leaders then shared what they had learned from their trainings in business, health, and farming. Several group members had already received start up kits, siblings had received school uniforms in order to go back to school, and some received money for small animals such as rabbits, chickens, or even goats. All the children were beginning to create bigger dreams for themselves and their siblings. Lydia was one of the children we visited at her home. At 15-years-old, she supports two younger siblings by selling firewood and pumpkins. For her firewood business, she buys tree limbs, splits the lumber, and transports it with a motor bike. She also buys pumpkins for 10 shillings and sells them for 20. Her vision is to have a stable business to support her siblings.

Day 5: Visit ZOE children Susan was our last visit. At 21, she struggles with a chronic illness and takes medication for her symptoms.

She asked to pray for us after we prayed for her. It was a very uplifting last visit of the day. We spent the fifth day visiting with many of the ZOE children.

Before ZOE, Heron was working packing khet (an illegal drug) just to buy food for his family. He has hopes and dreams for the future, including a plan to expand his business.

4 Day 5: Visit ZOE children Susan was our last visit. At 21, she struggles with a chronic illness and takes medication for her symptoms. She was overjoyed to meet our group, and proudly talked about her five businesses: a hair salon, one-stop-shop, selling tea, chips, and phone charging. She asked to pray for us after we prayed for her. It was a very uplifting last visit of the day. We spent the fifth day visiting with many of the ZOE children. Our first visit of the day was to Heron s One Stop Shop in a busy business district. Heron, an 18- year-old caring for three siblings, was very excited to meet his Hope Companion. Before ZOE, Heron was working packing khet (an illegal drug) just to buy food for his family. He has hopes and dreams for the future, including a plan to expand his business. After a van breakdown, we all managed to make it to Neema, two and a half hours from Maua in a very dry area. When we arrived, the group was clearing and plowing a field. This working group, in the third year of the program, continues to work together on the group project in addition to their own businesses. They are able to do high yield farming using just one acre of land. They also donate part of their crops to a food bank for serving community members with special needs. Day 6: Group project

The group also shared their other accomplishments. Together, they have purchased three plows to assist each group member, and also to rent to community members for a fee.

In addition to operating a salon, she has purchased three goats that have since multiplied to seven. She grows maize, cow peas, sweet potatoes, sugar cane, and potatoes.

Day 7: Safari We left Maua after breakfast and began our 70 mile drive to the Samburu National Reserve.

5 The group also shared their other accomplishments. Together, they have purchased three plows to assist each group member, and also to rent to community members for a fee. They have built one house and dug three toilets for group members in need. They have also assisted one another with food as needed. Agnes proudly gave us a tour of her property. In addition to operating a salon, she has purchased three goats that have since multiplied to seven. She grows maize, cow peas, sweet potatoes, sugar cane, and potatoes. We were able to sample some of the sugar cane she grew it was delicious! Our group meeting ended with the group giving presents and singing Happy Birthday to Ashley for her 40th birthday. Day 7: Safari We left Maua after breakfast and began our 70 mile drive to the Samburu National Reserve. The park itself is about 100 miles in size so upon our entrance we had lots of time to see animals and the overall terrain as we made our way to our lodgings. After checking in, we ate lunch, took a rest, and went on a beautiful sunset game drive. Later we shared a wonderful meal then turned in early so we could be up at dawn for our last day. Day 8: Morning Safari and Departure We began the day with a sunrise game drive and were thrilled that between our three drives we got to see almost all of the animals the reserve has to offer. Following breakfast, we had a chance to shower and change before packing up all of our luggage and traveling back to Nairobi for our departing flight. It was hard to say goodbye to all of the wonderful ZOE staff, the drivers who had become our friends during the week, and the other members of the team.

Monday May 12th. The day wasn t great for me but I thought I was lucky because without my English teacher and luck I will be remained in France

Monday May 12th. The day wasn t great for me but I thought I was lucky because without my English teacher and luck I will be remained in France Monday May 12th At 2 pm we met the other children to went to the airport together. We arrived at the airport in good condition when I wanted check in my bag the girl said to me : I can t take the plane