Day 1 – The main group of volunteers from the US along with the Project Coordinator Pauline, landed in Kenya on the 28th, while the rest who were from Sri Lanka were welcomed to a glorious sunrise upon entering Kenya on the 29th of August 2019. The Raigumo Health and Wellness Project is surely unfolding at a pace we never imagined and all glory is due to the Lord our God, who requires us to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with Him ( Micah 6:8). The drive was longer than anticipated but we finally arrived to a heartfelt Kenyan welcome at Nyamarambe, Kisii County! Being enveloped in hugs and shaking our hands while uttering “Karibou” dissipated the fatigue we felt as we entered our Kenyan home, built for those who wish to volunteer for the project- a cozy abode with ample room for anyone who has a calling to work for the Lord in winning souls for Christ.
Day 2 – We were privileged to meet Grace as she walked towards the temporary well built at the premise (it is a pit dug without an outer concrete covering) which is a mere five minute walk from her home. She is a beneficiary of the project which is instrumental in providing water for the needy. “I used to walk for hours to collect water for household chores and I am grateful that this temporary means of obtaining water which has enabled me to dedicate more time to constructive work for the betterment of my family but I hope that the Project will provide a more secure well for us in this village as it would benefit approximately 100 families.” Truly amazing is Grace, who made several trips to and fro, carrying a heavy bucket of water on her head. We implore those who interested to consider giving generously towards the project which will secure the future of many generations.
Day 3 – The Sabbath was a blessing for us all as we were given the honour of conducting the programme at the Raigumo Seventh day Adventist Church- situated in the highlands of Kisii County amid the verdant forests and wattle and daub huts. Our sisters and brothers in Christ greeted us with a cheerful “Happy Sabbath” and eagerly participated in the programme. The sounds of praise reverberated through the church which housed about 80-100 members as our Creator and Redeemer was glorified in unison. While we take great pleasure in the fact that the Raigumo Health and Wellness Project is officially launched, we cannot leave out the Kenyan hospitality we have experienced since entering this vibrant country situated in the Eastern part of Africa. With Swahili and English being the official languages, the country has around 44 tribes which speak their own dialects as well. While Nairobi is the capital and the business hub with large factories and world renowned companies having a significant presence, there are many more regions being developed at a rapid pace. It is also home to the magnificent king of the jungle- the lion and many other animals such as the giraffe, elephant, leapords, zebras and more which attracts a formidable number of tourists throughout the year and especially during the great migration with the Maara coming alive in all its glory.
Day 4 – Our drive to Narok was uneventful except for the brief stop to purchase some local delicacies such as guavas and bananas. We were swamped by the ladies who were determined to sell their fare and Joseph (Pauline’s nephew) who drove us all the way got us the best fruits.
Day 5 – Safari day was thrilling despite a slight delay due to a technical error in one of the vans we were supposed to travel in. Eventually the delay worked out for our benefit as we boarded two safari jeeps with the most adventurous drivers who were also extremely skilled. The Maasai Maara park was a wonder with its expansive landscape reaching the horizon. Nature was certainly glorifying the Maker and we marveled at the cohabitation of these spectacular species. It was a supernatural experience for those of us who are lulled into the competitive network of the modern world. The primitive way of life of the Maasai tribe is embraced as the norm as they face the adversities with utmost resilience and greet us all with smiles that are so welcoming. One of the most exhilarating moments we faced was seeing the lioness up close! The hippos in their natural habitat resembled a spa and the female ostriches were akin to models walking the ramp. The tallest animal, the giraffe was watching us with comical curiosity and the whole experience spoke of the majesty of our Creator. This was a much anticipated moment in our Kenyan journey. We are thankful to our Kenyan brothers and sisters who went out of their way to transport us from Nyamarambe to Narok and back as the drive is not easy but it sure is worth it.
Day 6 – Today we made our way to a higher elevation in Nyamarambe. After a splendid breakfast at Master’s (Pauline’s brother) house, a few of us drove to the mountains of Rongo to meet with one of the beneficiaries of our mission work- Letti, 17 who is afflicted with a septic wound for the past two years. The beautiful girl resembles a ten (10) year old due to the wound which has stunted her growth as she does not run about nor play and has only visited the local hospital thrice. The doctors have merely given her some antibiotics but not really treated the source of the wound. She has only studied upto the 7th form but speaks fluent English and it is so pitiful to see such a brilliant child having to go through such pain. Pauline and Kim who are registered nurses from the US treated her wound and Dr. Jarred, recommended some natural herbs which are found in abundance in the garden and can be used to treat the source of the problem which is faced by her and even her mother, Caroline who has wounds on her severely swollen legs. The father passes away ten years ago and the mother presses on despite her pain as she has to feed her three children. Caroline, Letti (17), Brandon (15) and Brevin the younger son are some of the most deserving among many who will certainly benefit from this project which is an invitation for anyone with a heart to help in any way, either financially, spiritually or by extending their expertise medically or in any other form. Many suffer for the lack of clean water, while others for the desperate need of medical care and much more.
Day 7 – Our Lord Jesus Christ came to this world as the unwearied servant of man’s necessity. He “took our infirmities and bare our sicknesses,” that He might minister to every need of humanity.” Mathew 8:17. The burden of disease and wretchedness and sin He came to remove. It was His mission to bring to men complete restoration; He came to give them health and peace and perfection of character.- The Ministry of Healing Page1) . We were able to share the message of maintaining good health and wellness with many sisters and brothers in Raigumo as they flocked to the workshop conducted by Pauline, Esther, David and Jarred while some of us assisted in taking the blood pressure and providing various solutions to the ailments they were suffering from such as high blood pressure, tumors, strokes and more. The children were thrilled to mingle with Shenelle, Mavinka, Ryana and Nathan as they played ball, proving that children everywhere share the similar passions. What we realized is the sheer desperation of the folk for proper medical care and the right knowledge in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Day 8 – More people from the village of Raigumo participated in the workshop which was held today. Most of them were not aware of the health benefits of water and refrained from drinking sufficient water, despite having it in plenty. The tropical climate provides a rich source of soil for the growing of a variety of vegetables and fruits, yet the diet lacks nutritional value and the team were creating an awareness about the intake of correct meals and the importance of water. Finally and most importantly, Esther spoke to them about claiming the joy of the Lord which would inevitably give them strength and lift their spirits. The session ended with a song and a prayer.
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