:: 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."