In August 2013, I will take a team from San Antonio, Texas on a mission
safari to my village in Kenya. Gacharage is the village where I began my
creative journey as a child. This team will visit and work with the
Children and Youth Ministries of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa,
Gacharage, Kenya.
Our mission is to transform the lives of children in Kenya, giving
them hope and a future, while nurturing integrity and responsibility. We will
provide them with leadership skills. We will also provide some
basic medical and dental care.
The project was founded in 2005. Since then, we have
sponsored the graduating class to a one week leadership camp. This is a
life skills camp. The themes include leadership skills, study skills as well as
health education. The project is geared towards preparing and empowering the
youth for the challenges that lay ahead. We have also hosted an annual
Christmas party for the younger children.
The team from North Central Christian Church (NCCC), San Antonio, Texas had a great mission trip in Gacharage Kenya in August 2013. The mission trip was primarily focused on relationship building between Gacharage and San Antonio, Texas. We also focused on youth leadership: working with children and the youth to empower them as they move into the next levels of their life. The team of 14 flew from San Antonio, Texas via Paris, France and on to Nairobi. I had been in Kenya and Gacharage preparing the ground the week before the group arrived. The pictures that follow record the events. It was a wonderful time, a transformative time for all and all we can do is give thanks to the Amighty.
That is me to the left sharing a joyous moment with my friend and fellow NCCC congregant, Trish to the right. In the middle is Tata (Auntie) Maggy. Tata Maggy taught me Sunday School more than 40 years ago. She has continued to teach, guide and counsel the children of Gacharage PCEA church upto today. A true inspiration, and a true respondent to the words "Let the children come to me". She coordinates the NCCC children/youth program on the ground.
Tata Maggy meets Rev. Polly Morrison. They have communicated by letter for three years and shared so much.....now it is face to face. One of my favorite pictures.....the joy, love and respect!
Texans going down the famous Murang'a slopes
A bag with school supplies for the children
The youth of Gacharage had gifts for the Texans
The mission trip was supported by a dental team led by Dr Johnson Wambugu from the PCEA Hospital, Kikuyu. The team included senior dental students from the University of Nairobi. NCCC is grateful to Dr. Wambugu and the young students for responding to the needs of the Gacharage community. This was the first time in the history of this area that dental services were available.
Im Samson njoroge and i operate a transport company www.safarikenyacabs.com.i will be grateful working with u to lift our peoples lives. i know each and every corner of this country Kenya so it will be of mutual benefit to showcase my experience as a tour guide once u have some visitors visiting Kenya.
ReplyDeleteSamson,
DeleteThank you for visiting my blog, and for your offer. I will keep your contacts on file and hopefully we can work together some time.
God bless, Naomi
Hi Naomi.
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for the opportunity to ride with you on those 3 glorious days.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to cover the trip, it was a challenge to produce my first video coverage job.I have learnt a lot.
You are opening doors for many people to learn and achieve their dreams through the opportunities you will present to them.I pray that God bless you and expand your efforts for this.
I look forward to working with you in further collaborations.
Donald Thige.
Don,
DeleteThank you for working with us and for all your effort. It is my hope that this will lead to more opportunities for everybody. I will keep your contacts and pass them to people who might require your expertise.
Naomi