Nothing Compares with a personal visit. We seek to take our
supporters to see the poverty at first hand. The trips normally last 10 days, and will involve speaking and spending
time with the Tharakan people, experiencing how they live on a day to day basis, gaining an understanding of their needs.
Read about our first experiences in April 2006.
| Brenda, Patti and Karen |
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| on the equator |
Patti's Experience.
Karen, Brenda and I set off for Kenya in April 2006, totally naive, thinking
this was a 'one off' trip. We were unsure of where we were going, what we would be doing, who we would be meeting....
but what an adventure. After several days at Meru and visiting the Samburu tribes, and Turkhana tribes, we headed to
Tharaka. The journey alone, was one we will never forget, the roads were treacherous, the route was long
and dusty and the scenery unforgetable. I think what stood out in my mind was the fact that thefuther we travelled
the further we seemed to go back in time. The standard of the roads, the houses, the way of life seemed ancient -.
It turned out there was no electricity, no running water, no sanitation,and little or no food, but although these people
had little, over the next few days we discover that these Tharakan people were so happy, content, loving and generous.
We brought food for those most hungry, we visited some of the schools in the area giving out pencils, pens, and clothes, and
as our trip progressed we felt we had to help these people. We never dreamt that we would be returning...but God had
different plans!
| receiving gifts |
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| Monica with Patti and Karen |
| a Samburu girl at the safari park |
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| On display for the tourist |
A day trip to a safari is a must. Kenya is blessed with so many
large animals. On our first trip we visited the Samburu Safari Park, we saw little, due to the drought and
famine all the large animals had moved away from the area to look for food and water. However, a year later we
visited Lewa Park, and what an experience....just to see lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes etc., so close we could almost
reach out and touch them. Visits like this help support the Kenyan economy.
| These children were nomadic |
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| Moving around in search of water |
On our trip in March 2007, we revisited the Turkana and Samburu tribes.
What a difference a year had made. They now had two boreholes in the area, and the ladies were so glad to see us again.
They wanted to show us that due to the fresh water they were all so clean compared to the previous year. The two boreholes
also meant that they no longer had the same need to be nomadic, as they were able to build their homes nearby this fresh water
supply. Our group offically opened the two boreholes on this visit.
| K'Bunga Technical College |
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| Is this dancing? |
| Team photo |
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| Brian, the coach |
March 2007 we also visited a Technical college. We taught basic first
aid, cricket (of a sort... more like rounders), played football and volleyball, and learnt how to do African dancing.
At the end of our visit we presented the boys with new mosquitto nets and football jerseys. While some of us played
and had great fun, the medical team were so busy, they scarcely had time to eat.
| Cooking Kenya Style |
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| you can't hurray dinner! |
| Pauline |
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| Her hairy friend caused a stir |
| Gacaeuni |
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| Roundabout was a big hit! |
January 2008 was another fulfilling trip. Much was accomplished.
The team visited and worked at the newly extended clinic, as well as taking the clinic mobile, out to Gaecuni, where they
helped 170 people in one day. Many bibles were distributed in their own languages, the children of Gaecuni got swings
and a roundabout, food was distributed to the locals and especially the most needy. Bikes were bought for the Clinic,
to help the nurses travel through the villages.
SEPTEMBER 2008 TRIP
Once again this trip was very successful. We travelled to North Tharaka to
Gaecuni, to see the progress of the school. It was great to see that the government have build and classroom.
We witnessed the Water Pump in action, and although the water taste slightly salty this is alright for cooking, but it gives
the tea a peculiar flavour.
We visited several other school, up in the North in really remote areas, bringing
them sweets, balloons, footballs, school uniforms and football kits. As the food prices have soared in the last few
months, many of the people are starving. We left money at the schools, so that food could be purchased
for the children.
Everywhere we went it was the same story......the people need food.
It is our intention over the next year to purchase some land, and teach the locals to irrigate the land and to use it as a
training farm.
Further Planned Trips
11th January 2009
July 2009 (dates to be confirmed)
September 2008 Nathan and Ryan are taking a Gap Year, working along
side RTU Ministries www.rtuministries.co.uk and SONshine club Kenya PRoject.
Hopefully we should have some details about their trip very soon.
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