On 8th August 2014, 19 willing volunteers boarded a bus in Ahoghill, Northern Ireland and set off on their journey to Kisumu, Kenya where they would spend one week at VisPa schools and orphanage.
The team was composed of people of all ages, gifts, skills and occupations but had one thing in common – a love for the boys and girls in Kenya and a wish to help them grow and flourish.
We were so fortunate to have Cheryl, an artist and art teacher on the team. She had big plans for her time in Kenya and spent lots of time planning arts and crafts projects that the boys and girls would love and that would allow us to spend some quality time with them. With the help of Kerry, Sophie, Liz and the builders, they helped the kids to produce some really beautiful work. Our favourite art project of the week was the 3D butterfly mural which now has pride of place in the orphanage. Both butterflies and trees can represent so much, new life, growth and hope.
A few of the guys on the team (Stephen, William, John, Trevor and Ian) came to Kenya to help will all things practical and DIY around the school and orphanage. As you can imagine they were kept very busy throughout the week! They helped to construct polytunnels (which the school will use to grow food), they worked on electrics and tiled a kitchen. However, one of the most exciting things that the guys accomplished throughout the week was to install a light in the boys dormitory at the orphanage as they previously had been using torches and candles to see in the dark. The boys were delighted with their new lights and were so excited to be able to read and play games with each other before bed. Have a look at some of the photos of the men in action and check out the smiles on the boys’ faces in the gallery.
The holiday bible club was also a highlight of the week for both the team and the kids. Megan, Johanna, Jenalee, Liz, Cheryl, Alison, Colin, Kenny (Shug), Jackie and James all played their part in making it a week to remember. The kids love to sing so there were plenty of choruses (actions were a must!) followed by a short talk, group time, memory verses and lots of fun and games. It was great to get to know the children better and and be able to try to answer some of their questions (including a few asking how Jenalee did her hair!).
You don’t have to spend too much time at VisPa to realise that the boys and girls love to see themselves on camera. Danny came to Kenya with us to help us capture the day to day lives of the kids in photo and video. The children were more than happy to obligue and gave us some really great footage. Watch this space – we can’t wait to show you all!
Some of the team members had been to visit VisPa before and it was so lovely to see how the children are growing, not only physically but also in grace and faith.
I’m sure the whole team will agree – VisPa is a welcoming, exciting and hopeful place to be. The love that the staff and helpers have for the children is obvious and the potential the there is to continue to change their community for the better is huge. We are really excited to see what God has got planned for the future of VisPa, and we are privileged to be part of it.