Thanks again to the Winder Team and their leaders Shannon and Curtis Gibbs, for providing ALL needed supplies for both the VBS sessions. Almost 100 Bibles, donated by a couple not on the trip, were given to each LCM orphan and other children attending. Many thanks for those donations!

The next morning the construction and medical teams joined forces and opened the Osani Clinic for a one day Medical Camp where over 400 adults and children received medical care with some going on to local hospitals. Our many thanks go to Dr. Hezron McOmbewa and other medical officers, nurses and volunteers who joined us and supplemented our medical supplies to assure a full pharmacy for the day. Also, many, many thanks to Gardendale Mt. Vernon UMC folks who jumped in at the last minute to help gather needed pharmaceutical supplies for the trip. God bless you all. Later, some of the same folks would complete needed medical assessments on the LCM orphans.

As the first VBS was underway in Kisumu, the combined construction and medical teams completed the overall site evaluation and staked out the new 25' by 50' Fellowship Hall. .

Work began immediately to excavate the three-foot layer of topsoil to reach hardpan clay upon which we poured the base footings. Additional concrete, sand, and stone remain on site for the next construction team to complete the foundation and exterior wall supports. Do you hear the call? Can you join us in 2008??

While all of these activities were underway, a three-day regional football tournament (soccer as we know it) was hosted by the Life For Children Ministry. The games commenced each afternoon with the corresponding collection of local residents, families and friends. As you might guess more medical support was needed, and our trained professionals were called into action (minor to medium cuts and bruises). Also, each day at some mid-point in the games Michael Agwanda took the opportunity to lead the players and fans in Christian fellowship.

In addition, our two accompanying ministers, local Pastor Walter Openda from Kisumu and Pastor Steve Connor from Covenant UMC, preached on God's love for all His people. Words cannot express the awesome gift we all received as His words were shared with all those who attended.

On the last day Pastor Steve Connor, Tim Alderdice and Michael Agwanda visited the HIV/AIDS ward at Kenyatta International Hospital. It was a moving experience. They touched the sick and prayed for all the men, women, and children who had no hope in life. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Before going any further, we must mention that all of this would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our Kenyan Board Members, William Molla, William Ogono, Vincent, Pam, Anne; our LCM staff and the volunteers working right alongside us: Peter, Robert, Julie, Abbey, Joan, Betty Osumba, Nevin, and so many others.

As you might imagine there were some very special moments like: visits to the homes of our orphans, hand shakes and hugs galore, sponsorships committed, new friends made, over-packed vans, private conversations with our orphans, smiling kids along the road waving to the "Mazungus" (the white people), late night arrivals, games and crafts, early morning departures, delays for one reason or another, lost bags, sharing God's words, misplaced passports, souvenir buying, fresh Kenyan coffee and tea, Nairobi "Kaberi" slums, a "cat" in the tent, cheetahs up close and personal, morning worship services with Pastor Steve under a tent with communion, affirmations of Faith, celebrations, testimonials, and blessings over everyone. Sound Exciting?? Well, it was!!

On our way back to Nairobi at the conclusion of these wonderful two weeks we stayed one day in the Maasi Mara Game Park for rest and recreation. There we witnessed the great migration of wildebeests and zebras, checked out the "over fed" river crocodiles, watched elephants feed, and occasionally pushed our vehicles through some muddy creek bottoms.

Believe it or not, with all this moving to and fro, we were blessed to have only two folks temporarily misplace their passports, necessitating only some minor delays. The truth is God was looking over us the entire journey. Praise be to God!

Perhaps our only disappointment of the Mission trip was that we were not able to see our fresh water well get underway. At the suggestion of local drillers and suppliers we have decided to seek a second geological study, which is now underway. There will be more on the progress of our fresh water project as news comes in.

In closing, we also want to acknowledge the many supporters who did not "go" but who worked behind the scenes to "send" this year's Mission Team. Your many hours of time and financial assistance made a difference in the lives of our orphans, the two communities we serve, the members of this year's Mission Team, and the Life For Children Ministry. Thank you and God Bless.

Michael and Dick

In future editions we'll feature more in-depth articles on the trip's activities.