:: horizon happenings ::

Our October trip welcomed a number of different people and purposes to Kenya. Among them was Bob Herr, who with a gracious heart and desire to give back, devoted much of his time to exploring the needs within and outside Horizon's micro-community.

"Culture shock was immediate when we landed in Nairobi. The roads were crowded with vehicles, pedestrians, cattle, & goats. We saw hundreds of homeless men pulling ox carts piled high with their possessions. We were told that a shanty town had recently been burned, as it was encroaching on the airport, and that these people were searching for a new place to live. The cattle & goats belonged to itinerant Massai Tribesman, who followed their grazing herds. Security was tight, with random checkpoints and thorough vehicle searches at entrances to airports and hotels. Troops armed with AK-47's were everywhere you looked, while every business & housing complex was gated with private security.

On Tuesday, I flew to Kitale, where I was reunited with our team at Baba Nyumbani. The greeting that I received from the orphans and staff was one of the most moving experiences of my life. Ninety beautiful children smiling and singing their 'We Welcome You' song was overwhelming. I cried as the children surrounded me and led me to their home. Baba Nyumbani is absolutely spectacular. It is the role model for orphanages in Africa. Their grounds, 5 acre garden, cows, and chickens are meticulously cared for. The hard working staff members are absolutely devoted to the well being of their children. The children are clean, well disciplined, and happy. It's difficult to imagine, but in Kitale, these orphans have it good.

Every day, the children walk up the muddy, rutted hill, a bit more than a mile to school. They return for lunch, then back to school before returning home around 4pm. Over lunchtime, Monica walked up to Modern Academy with their motto, 'Yes we can!' to meet the kids. The students, teachers, and headmaster were thrilled to have visitors, and we found it difficult to leave.

The beauty, sadness, joys, & horrors that we witnessed have changed us in ways that words cannot adequately describe. Kenyans are a resilient people, who would much prefer a hand up to a hand out. The enthusiasm of students to learn, despite their meager resources, is stunning when compared to the attitudes of many American students who take much greater opportunities for granted."

Her words speak for themselves. Presenting the thoughts of Jess Steffy, co-owner of Square One Coffee and a close friend of the Horizon family...

"As a former 'professional traveler', I did a lot to prepare myself for my first visit to Kenya. Beyond the usual packing and gathering of supplies, I renewed my expired passport, got all of my vaccines, googled (yes, that's a verb now) Kenya, went to the library and checked out some Swahili phrasebooks, and I visited Horizon Initiative's website to read as much as I could about this micro-community. I also prayed and asked the Lord to prepare my heart for whatever was in store for me on this trip. It had been so long since I'd traveled cross-culturally (something I used to feel I was born to do). All things considered, I'd say I was as prepared as I could be for this trip.

Then I found myself in a van full of newfound friends on the ground in Kenya after what seemed like many days of endless traveling. It was a bright, sunny day. The smell of burning wood filled the air as we drove through Kitale. Kids and adults alike waved and greeted us as our van drove past.

The faint hum of singing could be heard in the distance. The singing grew louder and louder as we drove onward. The lane that stretched before us was the final section of road leading up to the gates of Baba Nyumbani. I held on tightly to the seat in front of me, as if on the back of a bucking bronco, and the van slowly made its way down the bumpy road toward the cheerful, rhythmic sounds.

As we rounded the corner leaving the main road, the singing swelled into a dramatic crescendo, and before I knew what was happening, our van was surrounded by a colorful mob. Accompanied by a beautiful young woman (whom I'd later learn was named Challah) banging the drum, they were all singing, dancing, and smiling with their open arms beckoning for us to come join them. Literally. The doors of the van were opened and, one-by-one, each of us got out. We were each adorned with a lei around our necks as they sang songs in unison with words like, 'We are so happy to welcome you!' and 'When Jesus says Yes nobody can say No.' I found that last song line to be especially moving, considering the fact that I have always believed my calling was to travel and do work along these lines. And also because I considered it to be a miracle that I was standing before these beautiful Kenyan people who were dressed in their Sunday best and leading me by the hand to their community's home. When Jesus says 'Yes', indeed!

In the days that followed, I did my best to take pictures and videos to document all of the things I experienced and all of the beautiful people I came to know and love. Eventually, it struck me that I didn't have the presence of mind to grab my camera and record a video during this powerfully moving welcome, a fact that I initially regretted. But looking back on it now, I'm happy that this particular memory is only alive and living in my heart where it can't be dulled by my shaking camera-hands, questionable screen resolutions or poor audio playback.

In my heart and mind, the memory of this welcome is forever vibrant and melodic. The colors of those little girls' dresses are so much brighter. Their smiles are so much whiter. I can still feel the warmth of their hands clasping mine. My ears can still perceive the tones of their voices as they sing through their smiles at the top of their lungs. And even now, I can feel tears falling down onto my cheeks. Just as they did on that day.

There's a lot you can do to prepare for a visit to Baba Nyumbani. But nothing can prepare you for the way your heart will be changed."

Last October, a team of individuals packed their bags for a ten-day trip to Kenya to assist the Baba Nyumbani staff members with a variety of projects. Their efforts would further the self-sustaining initiatives of Horizon's micro community and change the hearts of our trip-goers forever. Over the next several weeks, we will be sharing the personal experiences and perspectives of several of these individuals. First off, we introduce Brian & Charlene Gingrich, who served as huge assets to our team. While Brian brought his wealth of farming and dairy knowledge to the site, leading the farming team in the construction of a new stall for another cow, Charlene contributed her nursing skills and hands-on care to treat over 120 patients from neighboring communities. Using both their hearts and hands, Brian and Charlene exemplified the symbiotic relationship that drives our mission!

"As we arrived at Baba Nyumbani, we were suddenly serenaded by the voices of angels. These angels were the faces of the children of Baba Nyumbani. Smiles, drums made of buckets, hand claps, hugs, tears and raw emotion overwhelmed us as we were greeted and welcomed to their home. As we looked around at the team, we all had tears of raw emotion; the voices of these children were full of pure joy in honoring us for coming to serve them. What these children will never know or understand is how their innocent faces and joy impacted us forever, creating an impression and memory we still think of every day. I can close my eyes in the midst of my daily routine at home and return to Baba Nyumbani anytime I want to.

The children continued to sing as we walked with them hand in hand to their dining hall, where they held a welcome and worship service. Brian stated he was so touched by the worship and pureness coming straight from their hearts to the Lord: nothing fake, nothing fabricated, just pure worship from the heart. As we laid our heads down to rest that first night in the Mzungu Hut, with the mosquito nets around our beds, we felt loved, honored and at home, although what we called 'home' was on the other side of the world. As the night continued and we heard the footsteps of the night watchmen walking around our 'home', I was impacted by how my heavenly Father is always my watchman. Although I do not hear his footsteps, I see the evidence of them in our lives.

The sunrise and the beauty of the days was breath taking as we began friendships and relationships that would last forever. The staff that live at Baba Nyumbani were such great hosts and hostesses. The farming staff soaked in every word that was said to them, asking questions and pulling information from Brian. Brian loved the agricultural workers and was also impressed with their skills and love of the land on which they work. The joy with which they perform their work, even though the tools they have are unsophisticated, get the job done.

As we were preparing to go to Kenya, Brian felt the need to buy a new NIV Bible to give to someone. While we where in town shopping one day, I saw Jimmy pick up a Bible. I asked him if someone needed one, and he said that Joseph, the Farm Manager, had asked for a NIV Bible. As you can imagine, Brian gave Joseph the Bible he had already bought. Joseph was ever so grateful and will always remember Brian every time he opens that Bible. If we take the time to listen, God speaks; we must hear and respond. Brian and Joseph were both blessed because Brian heard the voice of God and fulfilled a desire in another life.

As the medical needs of the staff, children and community were met, my heart was overwhelmed with the desires of these people. They wanted and deserve to be medically cared for. I found myself in tears over two of the innocent children we saw. My heart was broken with the needs that I could only partially fill, and yet their thankfulness and smiles sent my emotions to my sleeve. We did impact the 120+ community patients we were able to see with medication and education, but received much more in return from them through their genuine appreciation, smiles, hugs and laughter.

As our time ended at Baba Nyumbani, we knew we would later return. Every time we go to Africa, we leave a piece of our heart there, and as we travel home, the Lord fills that void with more love and adoration for the people of Africa."

Charlene extending her care to a family of many patients and community members during the team's two-day medical clinic

Charlene and Zipporah

Brian lending his hand and expertise on the farm

To see more pictures from the October trip, visit our Facebook page here.