Let the Adventure Begin!

“Who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Luke 12:48 When you reach the gates of heaven God will not ask how many pairs of shoes you owned, what kind of car you drove, or how much money you made at your job. He will ask how you helped others, grew in your faith and made a difference for Him.

God has blessed me with so much that He says much will be required of me. This summer from June 10th-July 12th I will follow his calling to help others by traveling to Kenya, Africa with TJ Widbin by assisting in two different orphanages.

If you are an American Idol fan like me, then you probably saw the recent special that they had called “Idol Gives Back”. This touched TJ and me in a special way because the same place where the cameras went is the same areas that we will be working while in Kenya. I was truly touched by this episode because it really focused me on why I am going and what I want to accomplish while I am there.

When we first fly into Nairobi, Patrick, a friend of TJ’s family who runs an orphanage we will be staying at, will pick us up. Since it will be late at night we’ll stay the night in Nairobi, and in the morning visit the slums outside of Nairobi. This will definitely be an eye-opening experience when we first arrive.

Then we’ll fly to in to Kakamega where will stay at STO Ministries Orphanage run by Patrick. Patrick’s orphanage houses 22 orphans who lost their parents to AIDS. In Kakamega we will be doing various ministries. TJ has taken on a huge task by organizing a soccer camp for the children in the community. The Kansas City Wizards have graciously donated soccer balls, nets, jerseys, stop watches, and much more for this cause. In fact, TJ will be speaking during halftime in late July at a game to share his experience of doing charity work and show a video of this camp he has set up. Just last week the Kansas City Tribune wrote an article on this upcoming trip to Kenya, and many soccer teams, magazines and more have been donating to this project. We are looking to provide a refuge for the children for the few hours that we can after they complete their school day.

The children from Patrick's Orphanage in 2005.

I on the other hand have been rounding up games, coloring books, crafts and clothes for the children. An executive from Edward Jones and his wife have been so generous and donating many crafts and board games for the children. Also, Barb Gipple has blessed me by giving me toothbrushes and tooth paste for all the children at the orphanages. I cannot thank her enough for her generosity!

Patrick has also lined up schools where we will talk to the children about our culture and invite them to the camp. And we will help with any construction projects that Patrick needs help with as well.

After our two week stay in Kakamega we will drive 3 hours to Nakuru and assist at The Mission in Action Nakuru Baby Orphanage. This orphanage has 27 one-year-olds and new additions on the way. These children have quite literally been abandoned at birth. When they come to the orphanage they are in desperate need of nutrients. Shown in the picture is the drastic change in health little Zippy has gone through, because of these nutrients.

Before and After picture of Zippy.

The orphanage is always going to be in need of these nutrients for the children. I am raising money for Sarah’s Nutrient Program, so the children can have a better quality of life. If anyone would like to help donate, you may contact me and I would be happy to fill out the paper work and return a receipt back. Other wise, to direct deposit go to http://www.endowmentaustralasia.org/ then add the Blessing ID number B00007 so that it goes directly to the Nakuru Baby Orphanage. All donations are tax deductible.

In addition, TJ and I are raising money for the STO Ministries Orphanage. We’re trying to raise enough money to buy Patrick a washer and hopefully a dryer. They currently just use a wheel barrel to wash their clothes in. This would be a blessing for Patrick.

To keep in touch, and hear about our day to day experiences, please leave comments of encouragement on my blog. Don't forget to check out TJ’s website at http://www.luke12-48.blogspot.com/.

In 1st John 3:18 is says, “Dear Children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” God calls us to live a life a love, and by my actions I hope to do just that in Kenya.