I am back in Oregon! I thought I was being clever by coming back just in time for spring, but we were surprised by snow last week, so now I'm really missing that equatorial sun...
Our trip was very productive. Mike, Beth, Justin and I had a wonderful time, and we got a lot done. I was able to visit my friends in Mbita (where I taught in 2003 and 2004), and I was able to connect with almost everyone I wanted to see in Nairobi. We were also able to do a lot of research and make several new and very important connections for Visible Grace!
Highlights (and answers to prayer) from our trip:
Beth and Michael Peterson felt God's blessing and calling to return to Kenya!
All four of us stayed relatively healthy- Beth, who is expecting a baby in May, remained safe, healthy and rested throughout the trip. Praise the Lord!
Justin Wolverton fell in love with Kenya and is planning to bring teams back to work with us in the near future.
We have seen God at work in Kenya and are learning more about his character and his mercy.
We found a lawyer and social worker who have agreed to work with us as we register Visible Grace as an organization in Kenya.
We praise God for those in Kenya who are doing well-God's blessings are evident in their lives.
We found 7 acres of land that we hope to buy, and we have begun correspondence with the owners... This land is ideal because:
We know the neighbors- this will be very helpful if we ever need anything. We also feel secure and safe living near people who support our mission.
We are familiar with the area, and know the social worker who lives in this area. She will be a key person in helping us find children to stay at our home. She is also familiar with the legal process required in becoming legal guardians for orphaned children.
The plot already has electricity and it will be very easy to get water.
The ground is level, ideal for building as well as planting, has plenty of trees and other greenery and is close to the Ngong Hills- very beautiful and perfect for a children's home.
What's next for Visible Grace:
Continual fundraising- primarily for buying land and construction costs.
Registering Visible Grace in Kenya.
Negotiating with the land owner and (hopefully) purchasing the land we want.
Continuing to plan for the school and home in Nairobi.
This year: We are planning an evening of formal dancing, a golf tournament, our second annual garage sale (this summer), and our second annual auction and banquet (this Fall). Stay tuned for more information about each of these events!
Please pray for:
Beth and Michael as they raise support, work with Visible Grace, and prepare their family to return to Kenya.
The land owners to agree to wait for us (as we register Visible Grace with the Kenyan government and raise the remaining money).
Sufficient funding to come in for all of our plans.
God's grace and wisdom as we plan our future in Kenya.
We cannot thank you enough for being a part of our lives. I would encourage you to get involved in the following ways:
Donate money to Visible Grace
Volunteer and help us fundraise
Help us spread the word- tell your friends about Visible Grace (or tell us about your friends).
Grace and peace with you as we look forward to Easter!
