:: horizon happenings ::

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."