Safari to western kenya

Joe Shenk, former missionary to Tanzania used to tell us, "Every safari should be an adventure." We seem to agree that at least here in EA, that this often is true. We pray for safety in travel, we are wished a blessing by everyone before we leave for safe arrival, and even though we sometimes experience difficulty, we can also see God's hand of provision in our travels. On this trip we traveled over roads that needed lots of repair, so frequently we found ourselves off the side of the road on detours while the people walking were on the road surfaces.We also had trouble with the engine overheating several times, so were delayed several hours trying to cool down the engine by any means we had, such as using our supply of drinking water, and asking for assistance from local people who congregated around us. But we did arrive safely at the locations in Songhor and Siaya districts and were received very warmly by our leaders there.

Here is Bishop Moses Otieno and his wife at their home.

The desire for and expectations of our work among the churches was evident. We had conversations and listening sessions in groups of two or three in Songhor and also with a group of 12 leaders in the Siaya district. This is a picture of the Mennonite church at Songhor, including Gloria, the bishop, and several other persons.

Pray that the Holy Spirit will bring together their vision and our vision of leadership training to be one. We thoroughly enjoyed our times of brainstorming, but did sense that it might take a while to figure out a program that is realistic with their resources and our capabilities. We are excited about what we see is already being done and hope to encourage and enlarge their vision.

Taking a rest stop along the way at the Tea Hotel, Kericho.

Gloria, for Joe and the Menno churches in EA!