:: horizon happenings ::

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.