Kenya 2008 (Part 1)

While the world set its sights on Beijing 2008, mine (together with 7 other pairs) were fixated on three villages, Kavingoni, Mwisa and Ngoleni. Tucked away to the southeast of the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, the villagers enjoyed but the bare essentials of life. Modest living standards doesn't even seem a suitable adjective, what with no electricity and running water.

We showered with water (scoop & pail) drawn from the well carted in jerry cans by asses. {left: 5-year-old Nathaniel having his bath in the bigger pail} Dinner was prepared over lit firewood. And we depended heavily on torchlights attached to lanyards that hung around our necks. Whenever we had light not from our battery-operated torches, it emanated from the moon, the galaxy of stars, or renewable energy (thanks to solar panels transported over and hooked up by a mission team that went before mine just last month). There was also the diesel-driven generator that generated not only a lot of carbon monoxide, but noise.

It wasn't a culture shock for this urbanite. I had set foot in Kavingoni and Mwsia twice before (in 2005 & 2006) with the mission teams of my then home church Galilee Bible-Presbyterian Church. But this was a whole new experience for my wife whom I'm proud of, for putting aside her apprehension and 'roughing it out' in conditions some older team members say were reminiscent of Singapore in the 50s.

Our Mission:

1) To rejoice with Ebenezer BP Church (Kavingoni) on their 13th Anniversary
2) To conduct and witness the Dedication Service of the church in Mwisa
3) To celebrate the 1st Anniversary of the church at Ngoleni
4) To encourage our brethren there and teach God's Word
5) To be witnesses of the truth of the Gospel