Mission Trip to Kenya, Africa June 2014

To our dear friends, family and colleagues,

We wanted to share with you a few of our experiences during our June 2014 mission trip to Nairobi and Bungoma, Kenya.

The first day of our mission trip found us in Kibera with Reverend Wachira Maina and our bead ladies and two armed policemen.   Prior to going into Kibera, we went shopping in downtown Nairobi to purchase sewing machines for our ladies group.  We wanted to encourage and equip our women to expand their products and training in new areas.  After a tour of the school in Kibera, we are told that there are now 200 children attending ACK Emmanuel School in Sirenga, Kibera.

As we entered into each classroom, we asked the children about their future dreams and hopes for their lives.  Many shared that they wanted to become pilots, doctors, lawyers and teachers.  Just three years ago, there were only 70 children in attendance, and to see how well they were doing was of great encouragement.  This is not to say that the work is complete here as we noticed three areas that were in need of immediate attention.  Firstly, there was a six-foot high pile of filthy sewage directly on the school property which needs to be hauled away as soon as possible as it is presently a huge health hazard to both children and teachers.  Secondly, the staircase leading to the second floor of the school was in disrepair and in fact, we were concerned as we climbed the stairs that we would go straight through the boards.    We are asking for a quote, from Rev. Alice, the minister on site, how much it would cost to build a metal staircase.  Thirdly, new water tanks have been installed on the property which we were delighted to see, however, we were told that they are not hooked up to any water supply and thus the only water that is available is rain water or travelling several kilometres to fetch water.   All of these projects are very doable and we know that with the help of our community, we can alleviate these areas of concern.

We then travelled by plane to Kisumu, approximately 90 minutes, and then by road two hours to arrive in Bungoma for a warm welcome by Bishop George Mechumo.  We were delighted to learn this year that the 11 barrels containing 2200 books had arrived prior to our visit.  These books were primarily adult books and were thrilled to learn that a brand new building had been erected on the site of St. Crispin’s Anglican Church, which would house this new library collection.   Bishop George shared that this will be the first and only library in Bungoma.  Thanks to many of you out there who donated your book collection as well as those who provided the funds for shipping the barrels to their final destination.  A special thank you to St. Paul’s on the Hill Anglican Church in Pickering, Ontario whom paid for the shipping of the barrels.

We were joined by Dr. Fran McCordic, Rosemary, and Ruth whom were conducting medical clinics throughout Nairobi and in Bungoma.  Their team consisted of three medical doctors, a nurse, the pharmacist, a dentist, and intake workers.  In two days in Bungoma, they conducted medicals on 350 people!

It was an incredible privilege to witness this outpouring and dedication by this amazing team.  These two clinics were only a minor part of the work that was actually being done during their mission visit to Kenya.

We had a beautiful day as we set out to see the orphanage and school firsthand.  The Archbishop of Kenya, Rt. Rev. Eliud Wabukala, was to meet us along with his sister, Dorcas who is the head master of the school.  We joined the Archbishop in his home along with his wife, Rhoda, and we were told at this point that the Archbishop only had one hour to spend with us as he had been called by the President of Kenya in an emergency security meeting back in Nairobi.  This incident reminded us of the stature and position of the man whom we call our friend.  It has been our finding all throughout our travelling how well loved and respected Rev. Wabukala truly is.   After having tea with our host, we embarked by foot to visit the children and to see the new school.  As we saw the buildings from a distance, we realized that our dream had come true and the children would now be able to attend a registered public school, which had the capacity for 360 students.   We were truly amazed at the quality of the construction as first rate as well as the future capacity for electricity to be introduced.  The children quietly were all brought together to welcome us and to sing for us.  This brought our entire team to tears.  This would not have been possible without your generous support and without God’s grace in providing this new and wonderful school.  There are five classrooms, and they will be used for children in grades 1 through 5.  We are hoping in the next projected year to build classes 6 to 8 as well as a kindergarten classroom.  The immediate needs for our children are desks and chairs for 150 students at a cost of $3,000.00 dollars.  The textbooks and teachers aids syllabus for 150 children will be $1,000.00 dollars.  A well on the property needs to be drilled and the church community has already paid for a surveyor, and they know exactly where this well will be drilled.  The cost of which will be $10,000.00 dollars.  The price per classroom is working out to be roughly $10,000.00 dollars each.  We are further ahead in this project than we ever imagined and we are trusting that together, we will see this project completed.

One of the major ways that we are raising funds to complete the needs of our beloved children is at our fundraising event on Thursday, September 25^th from 5 – 9pm at the Scarborough Golf and Country Club.  We are calling this the 2^nd Annual Philip Tyrwhitt Memorial Event in which ALL proceeds will be sent directly to Kenya.  We were on an extensive shopping mission to bring back original and authentic crafts, artwork, and jewellery, which we have never offered before which will be sold at our “Masai Marketplace” during the event!  We are so excited for you to have the opportunity to be a part of this.    There will be over 25 beautiful new and exciting objects for you to bid on, on the evening of the event.  Any of you who attended last year’s event can speak to the outstanding gourmet buffet that was offered by Scarborough Golf and Country.

Herbie Kuhn will be attending along with his family and he will be our M.C. for the evening.   The tickets will be offered at the same price as last year at $50.00 and we are encouraging you to bring your children who are 10 years old and up, for $20.00 each!  We will be showing you pictures and highlights of this trip during the event.  We are presently encouraging any companies who wish to make a donation over $1,000.00 to become event sponsors, and your name will be honored during the event.

We cannot do this alone and again, we extend this invitation to each and every one of you and ask you for your kind support in making such a difference in the lives of these beautiful African children.  Your support means more than you can ever imagine, and will touch many lives.

The Tyrwhitt Gory Family