There are two trips to Kenya this year: June 23-July 8 and October 27-November 11
WHAT ARE THE MISSION OPPORTUNITIES ON THE TRIP?
- The mission trip to Kenya is a spiritual pilgrimage to draw closer to Christ as well as serving Him through the work of Tree of Lives.
- Primarily, the trip is to experience the presence of Jesus in the midst of extreme poverty and illness.
- By participating in the work in Kenya, we are reminded to consider how Christ has called the Church to respond to the issues of AIDS & poverty.
- The real work begins upon return to the United States. Mission participants will be expected to continue to support the work of Tree of Lives both financially and as volunteers in expanding the ministry in their community.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING ON THE TRIP?
- On your first morning at Nazareth as you adjust to the time change and recover from jet lag, you’ll want to tour the beautiful grounds of Nazareth Hospital, which includes the hospital itself, an outpatient clinic, the Holy Family Centre AIDS clinic, an elementary school , and yes, even eight milk cows.
- At the hospital you can make morning rounds with an attending physician or pastoral counselor. Many guests like to spend time with the expectant mothers and newborn babies. There are over 4,000 deliveries a year at the hospital. You can also sit in on a Mother-to-Child pre-natal class, which is a critical step in educating HIV+ mothers to prevent the transmission of the virus to their babies in delivery.
- Another important place to visit is the Holy Family Centre AIDS clinic (HFC). HFC is responsible for testing, treating and monitoring nearly 4,000 HIV+ patients. You will want to spend some time with an HFC counselor to understand the medical and social issues connected with HIV/AIDS. Nearly 350 HIV+ children are also under the care of HFC, many of whom have been orphaned by AIDS. You can love and encourage these dear children. Reading a story, helping them color or draw or even just listening will allow you to share God’s compassion with a very special child.
- HFC’s home visits are often the highlight of a visit to Kenya. You will be joining with HFC social workers and community health care volunteers in visiting patients and their families. Often finding these patients’ homes is an adventure in and of itself. Your presence is a real encouragement. They will see that someone cares…that they are not forgotten. This is one of the best opportunities to see firsthand how our HFC sisters and brothers help individuals cope with the emotional strain of battling an illness.
- The Nazareth Joy Children’s Home is now up and running and will be on the agenda for all future pilgrimages. Currently the home has 20 children and three mothers living like any other family – sharing meals, going to school and homework fill their days. You will spend time with these three “families” and perhaps spend a night at the Joy Home, helping out with homework and cooking and generally soaking up the joy and love of this beautiful sanctuary for 20 of God’s forgotten children.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
- Airline flights will likely cost $1700-$2500 round trip.
- Room and Board at the hospital is $700 for the two weeks.
- The safari will cost approximately $550 for two nights.
- Travelers are required to purchase travel insurance
(for emergency medical treatment & medivac/repatriation) costing around $50-$100 per person. - Entry visa into Kenya is $50.
- Any necessary vaccinations.
WHO DO I CONTACT IF I AM INTERESTED?
Jim Wood, Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Norfolk (jim@fpcnorfolk.org or 757-625-1697).
