USVI-On-Line

Sorry for the delay, but here is more of the story! Our trip was broken into three main parts - a visit to Nairobi and Thika to get a feel for the country and the ways of life.

Nairobi being a very large city with diverse areas and Thika, a more agricultural area where there is more wealth and prosperity.

The pictures have been edited and captions added:

http://picasaweb.google.com/gofishtlp/K ... directlink

Our second portion of the trip was the main focus of our mission. We visited Machakos, a city of around 140,000, which is Southeast of Nairobi. Machakos is the hometown of our trip leader, John Wilson. He came to the US about 20 years ago and has been successful in his career. He wanted to give back to his community in Kenya and founded a charity called Hope Kenya.

Pictures of Hope Community Center and Nursery School

http://picasaweb.google.com/gofishtlp/K ... directlink

With this he founded the Hope Community Center and Hope Nursery School. The second part of our visit had us in the school and doing projects to help the school. We also visited three elementary schools and visited with teachers in the area.

Pictures of the elementary schools (Captions have not been completed, but many of the pictures tell their own story)

http://picasaweb.google.com/gofishtlp/K ... directlink

Thank you for telling us about your trip. The pics show us how different living conditions can be
for people, and that the problems we may have perhaps are small compared with the problems of the people there. But many of them look happy.

But I’m glad that I don’t have to use a toilet like the one in Nairobi or to buy shoes like those
for sale on the market.

Linne

Tracy, THANK YOU. I couldn't get through your 2nd link of all the children and their parents at the school without crying. All of your photos tell such an impressive story of community, compassion and love.

The children will always remember your gifts and the pics of the grown men sucking on ring pops made my chuckle.

One photo especially tugged at my heart: where the Mom & son are dressed in yellow with huge smiles - I hope there is a way you can get a framed photo to them.

Thank you again. Your trip has caused me to pause. I want to some how, some way make a difference too.

Thaks for your kind words- the people were met were so generous witht heir welcomes and their smiles. We were overwhelmed by the poverty and sad stories, but hopeful that we can do something to make a difference.

The group I am working with is totally grassroots, but already we have a family who have purchased a 2nd cow to help the school! If you are interested in helping, we are looking for people to sponsor the children at the Nursery school. We have 1-3 year sponsorships available at $30 per month. I would love to forward on any information that I have.

Tracy

Tracy, I sent you a PM but am uncertain if it went through. I had to hit "submit" many times...I look forward to receiving the info.

Thanks.