Maureen's post visit report 2008

---

My visit to Kenya was one of the most memorable times I’ve ever had.  We (Pamela Ken and I) arrived in Nairobi to cold and rain, so it did feel a bit like home.  We travelled to N’garamara (base camp) to a welcome from Nancy, Lilian, Clifford, Yvonne, Glory, Ruben and children from the Blind School, Mama Monica and her children from Killymanny home and some of the N’garamara children and staff.  The welcome and singing was amazing.  Tissues to the ready!!!

 

During my two weeks  (too short by far) I spent time with:

 

The nursery children in N’garamara. 

My thanks to Mary and Maria for letting me into class.

 

The villagers at Aukot

Saw first hand the problem of no water supply (the pump was broken).  Luckily Kindfund had purchased spares, so this problem was easily rectified.

 

The Blind School

Where I tried to teach some of the pupils how to play dominoes.  In fact I taught them so well that Solomon managed to beat me, he has now been tasked to teach the other children.

 

Mama Monica’s children’s home at Killymanny. 

The children here have very little in material possessions, but they have the love of Mama Monica now 70 years old who has dedicated her life to looking after them. 

 

The Deaf School

After some tuition from Lilian I attempted a bit of sign language.  It was wonderful to meet the children and try to communicate with them.

N’garamara Primary School

I met the Headmaster and the Deputy Head, and some of the children Kindfund Supporters have sponsored.  The fact that these children are now being educated through the sponsoring programme has transformed their lives, and they pass on their heart felt thanks.

The new home at Wamba.

The home now has a roof, and it won’t be long until the children can move in.  A home is desperately needed here.  I photographed a family of 3 children aged 7 years, 3 years and 2 years.  These children live on their own.  The 7 year old boy is raising his 2 younger siblings, as both parents are now dead.  But thanks to Kindfund donations these children are now on a feeding programme, and are receiving support.

Archers Post

Where we attended Church and met the family of young Ibrahim. The young boy has now fully recovered after an operation to repair a hair lip. Kindfund covered the family’s costs.  We were warmly welcomed by the Pastor and the elders of the Church.

I had a wonderful 2 weeks filled with Christian Fellowship, laughter, and a few tears.  The work Kindfund is doing has changed and is changing so many lives.  Every project I visited, the staff kept telling me how blessed they had been since Kindfund got involved.  The work of Kindfund has faced many obstacles, and to see the result of the power of prayer overcoming them has been inspiring.

 Short pre visit Interviews with 2008 visitors

---

 Maureen

Q.    Maureen tell us a little about yourself? 

 Q    Why have you decided to go out to Northern Kenya for 2 weeks with Kindfund?

1. A     I have been involved with Kindfund for the last few years, and I have been so impressed by the Kindfund's team work for, and dedication to the orphans and poor of Northern Kenya.  Now that my children are slightly older, my family have given me the opportunity to visit Kenya (by kindly forgoing our annual sunshine holiday).  So I can see for myself the new home for needy children in Wamba and the other projects Kindfund are currently funding.

James Ch 1 Verse 18

But some will say  ‘You have faith; I have deeds.

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

1. Q    What have the last few months been like as you have made preparations?

A.    The last few months have been hectic with other family commitments, and the realization that there are only 2.5 weeks to go has now hit home. I am now feeling a mixture of emotions. I am feeling sad that I won’t be seeing my own children for 2 weeks but excitement at meeting the children in Kenya. I am also looking forward to meeting Nancy and her family and the other people involved in Kindfund in Kenya that I have heard so much about.  Also apprehension that I can actually be of some help during my stay.

George and Linda

Q  George and Linda tell us about yourselves?

A. We got married in Kenya 07 and whilst there we visited schools and orphanages in the area. We were deeply touched by the high levels of poverty and felt that we would like to do something for the kind welcoming people of Kenya.

Q. Why have you decided to go out to Northern Kenya for four weeks with Kindfund?

A. When we got back home we noticed an article about baby Glory in the local press, the little orphan who is looked after by Kindfund. We researched the Kindfund website and were impressed by the various projects that were being carried out. We felt that we would like to travel back to Kenya to see the amazing work that the Kindfund team are involved in.

Q. What has the last few months been like as you have made preparation?

A. We are both very excited and are looking forward to meeting the little girl we sponsor.We feel extremley privileged to have the opportunity  to help out with the children, in whatever work will be  most beneficial to Kindfund .   

Short post visit 2007 reports from Matthew, Mark, Daphne, Catherine, and
Andrew,  

Visit the gallery to see members of the team  

Matthew's report:

Hmmmm a report about Kenya what can I say? Truly it was one of the most moving and valuable things I have ever done.  I arrived in Kenya not knowing what to expect and from then on I woke up every morning, or in the middle of the night surrounded by elephants, not knowing what to expect! Every experience you have there is new and exciting.  The culture you experience and the attitude of the people is so different it really makes you see things from a different perspective.

The thing that impressed me most in terms of what we did was that we were able to see things as they really are (both the good and the bad).  To be there working was a blessing in itself but to really feel part of the experience and indeed the whole project is a memory that will last a long time with me.  To know also that anything you do is not for Kindfund but for the Lord, is a really humbling and encouraging thought.

So what did we actually do? Mark and I with the help of Clifford and Teresa ran a bible school for the first 2 weeks in 3 locations, Ngaramara, Wamba and Archers Post.  We did some teaching and some games and things and generally tried to make sure the kids had fun whilst receiving something from the word of God.  Following this and the kids going back to school we travelled about a bit and went to see some of the new projects being started by Kindfund.  One of these was the Rendille where we saw some of the most remote parts of Kenya, it was truly awesome to see them being introduced to the Gospel for the 1st time (even if we were suffering from the Landrover drive!!).  Apart from these excursions we past our last week in Ngaramara in relative peace, mostly just doing what Pam and Ken told us!! Haha!!! In seriousness Kenya 07 was a highly enjoyable time and something I would have no hesitation in doing again.  Thanks to Kindfund for putting up with us thanks to God for the opportunity to serve Him!!!

“The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few” Matthew 9:37

After spending six weeks in New Zealand during their winter it was quite a climate change to come to Kenya with Kindfund.  The heat and dust didn’t put me off however as the month spent with Ken and Pamela saw me incredibly comfortable and well fed!

During our time there Matt and myself, with a lot of help from Clifford ran a bible club for the kids at three of Kindfund’s different sites.  Interacting with the kids was fabulous and helping out with the Child Sponsor admin allowed us to get to know the children’s individual stories.  Many of these are truly heart breaking and it really gave me a sense of what Kindfund were doing.  Kindfund don’t just provide food, clothes and education but they give them a hope for the future and show the children that God loves them.  Without Kindfund their futures would be much bleaker.

Although Ken and Pamela are doing great work out there they constantly come up against struggles and obstacles.  It was a real encouragement to see how in these times they remain faithful to God and he provides for them.  Kindfund has been really blessed and guided by God and I continue to look forward to see them fulfil their vision for their work.

 

Daphne’s report:

Back home now from our trip we have had time to reflect on our very special memories of Northern Kenya. There are so many images which stood out for me, one being that of the love that Pamela and Ken have for the poor people of this area and how in return they are loved and respected by both young and old.

We had an amazing welcome at N’garemara after the long dusty journey up from Nairobi . We had a packed agenda which included visits to the deaf school at Isiolo and the blind school. I was really touched when the deaf children came running out to hug us and when they performed a dance for us later on in the school.

We also visited Wamba and Archer’s Post to see the feeding programmes there. I will never forget seeing the little children sitting on the ground eating their bowls of maize and beans. It was amazing to see the direct effects of how funds raised by Kindfund are having a huge impact in a very remote African community.

We were very privileged to see God’s work in action and pray that the work of Kindfund will continue to grow.

Catherine's report:

After reading prayer letters, browsing through the Kindfund website and hearing many stories from Pamela and Ken, it was wonderful actually being there, with the local people in Kenya. We were so privileged to see the amazing work that God has done through Pamela and Ken. The children, women’s groups, old Mamas, manyattas (small villages), and beautiful scenery are all something I will never forget. 

I loved just being there with the children. They were so glad of any attention we gave them. They would grab onto you and jump up and down with joy. We were fortunate enough to be able to spend time playing with and teaching the children in the nursery and primary schools at N’garemara.

Little Glory (the youngest orphan whom Kindfund care for) is the most beautiful baby I have ever seen. She is such a happy, active little baby, who is so blessed to now be in a loving, caring home.

The enthusiasm that Nancy and many of the other people have for God really struck me. They are beaming with happiness and God’s love. They show their faith through everything they do and through their commitment to God. We really do have a lot to learn from these people.

I had an amazing time in Kenya and would love to return and see how Kindfund’s plans and dreams for the people of this area develop.

Andrew’s report:

Going to Kenya with Kindfund was the most worthwhile and rewarding way I ever could have dreamed of spending my summer. To be totally honest three weeks wasn’t long enough and I would definitely plan to return sometime in the future. It was an amazing experience which I could not put into words even if I tried.

The kids were amazing everywhere we visited. The welcome we got from them when we arrived was mind-blowing, and is something that will stick with me for a very long time. To actually be with the kids you see so often in the prayer letters was quite surreal, especially when we got to meet the child we’d been sponsoring in person.

The difference Kindfund is making out in Kenya is phenomenal and it was brilliant to see how much the different communities appreciated the support they were receiving. When you see how happy the children are when they get something as basic as a dinner of maize and beans it really hits home just how much Kindfund’s support is needed.

Team 2007 - Interview with Daphne before visit

Q. Daphne tell us a little about yourself ?

A. I am married to Philip and we have three children: Jenny 20, Catherine 17 and David 14.

I used to work as a radiographer but I am now kept busy with home and family commitments.

Q Why have you decided to go out to Northern Kenya for three weeks with Kindfund ?

A. I attended a course (Womens Study Fellowship) at Belfast Bible College in 2001 and found the lectures on mission very thought provoking. I have known Pamela and Ken for many years. Their enthusiasm, passion and committment to the poor of Kenya has really inspired me and made me think of God's many blessings in my own life. My daughter Catherine had already decided to go out to Kenya with Pamela and Ken. In January of this year I felt that it was time to stop thinking and take action, as I have always wished to go out to a 3rd world country to help. I felt led to go out and witness God's work being done by Pamela and Ken through Kindfund. I believe having the opportunity to take part in this trip is the next step to travel on my path of faith.

Q. What have the last few months been like as you have made preparations ?

A. It has been a time of great excitement but also apprehensiveness of the unknown situation, but I feel very privileged to be going.

I would value your prayer support at this time. Please pray for all those embarking on mission service in another country or culture so that they would remain open to God's leading and prompting in their lives.

James 2:5 "Hath not God choosen those who are poor in the world's eyes to be rich in faith."

Team 2007 - Interview with Catherine before visit

Q. Tell us a little about yourself?

A. My name is Catherine Lucas. I am 17 years old and go to Antrim Grammar School. I have just finished my AS Level’s and it’s great to have them all out of the way, now I can really focus on the trip to Kenya. I teach Sunday school in my local church. I love animals, cooking, craft work and travelling.

Q Why have you decided to go out to Northern Kenya for three weeks with Kindfund?

A. I have always wanted to go on some sort of missionary trip to help other people. Last summer I worked in two orphanages in Bolivia, South America with World Challenge Expeditions. I really enjoyed this experience and it encouraged me to do more of this type of work again. Every time Pamela and Ken talk about Kenya and show pictures I wish I could join them and see the work first hand. So last year I decided I would go out with them the following summer. I love working with children, so will really enjoy being with some of the children Kindfund support. Andrew, (another member of Team 2007), and I sponsor a little boy (aged 5) and we are really looking forward to meeting him when we go out.

Q. What have the last few months been like as you have made preparations?

A. The past few months have been very busy. I have been preparing for Kenya amongst doing exams at school, fundraising etc. I am really excited about the trip and hope that I will be of some help to the people of Northern Kenya.

Team 2007 - Interview with Andrew before visit

Q. Tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Andrew McCutcheon, I’m 17 and I’m finally enjoying my summer holidays after my exams! I can’t wait to get to Kenya, I’ve been looking forward to going for months and it can’t come soon enough. I enjoy watching any movies (I‘m a massive Starwars fan), playing squash and hiking.

Q Why have you decided to go out to Northern Kenya for three weeks with Kindfund?

I want to be a part of the amazing work of the Kindfund team and what they have achieved in Kenya. When you see the conditions faced by the people of northern Kenya it’s hard not to want to go out and help. I’ve always wanted to be able to make a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate than us. Kindfund most definitely offers the opportunity to do so. Last summer I watched a video in Ken and Pamela’s lounge that totally changed my perspective on how lucky we really are. The video showed the remarkable things that had been achieved, but also highlighted the need for continued development within northern Kenya. After watching the video I immediately knew I would be going. Sure enough a few weeks later it was decided, and we’ve been working up to this week ever since.

Q What have the last few months been like as you have made preparations?

The last few months have been pretty hectic with exams, but the anticipation of travelling to Kenya has been forever present. In terms of preparing for what I’m going to see when I arrive, I know personally it’s going to be an extremely difficult and life changing experience. It will be by God’s infinite strength and the strength of those around me that I’ll get me through it.