As I scan over the news of the slums... the HIV positive children, discarded by their parents... 2 year olds that can't walk or speak.... 9 year olds, sleeping in cribs... even the stories of baby elephants in the sanctuary that we happened to visit...
I feel the tug.
First, it starts as a tingle. Then it becomes a tender, familiar pull...
Then, a nice, firm, tug.
"I need to go back... I'm ready to go back" I think.
I write it on Facebook.
Almost immediately I get a response.
"I'll pay your airfare, if you provide the locale."
WHAT!?
LONG story short, an old friend, with a heart to help people, work hard and "do SOMETHING", offered plane fare, if I would take her with me.
My friend, Clara, contacts me the next day, not only having the locale, but the work, itinerary and most importantly, the invite to go.
Clara and her friend, Nicole, started a project called The Transformation Initiative, (TTI).
Clara needs to check on the program and prefers (wisely), not to go alone.
While in Africa, we will be taking care packages and solar lights to the families that TTI supports, visiting the homes of each of the children and checking on their progress. Aid workers will assist with the in-home visits for those with HIV/AIDS. We will also be checking on the orphan feeding programs that TTI supports and much more.
Clara has also asked me to teach the women to sew, or at least, help with their sewing skills.
Most of this will take place in Kisumu, which is north of Nairobi, on Lake Victoria.
In Nairobi, we will try to get into Kibera, the largest slum and also check on some of the programs that are offered to HIV babies in some of the local children's homes.
There is also talk of Tanzania and, Kilimanjaro....
SO, what to do? The trip is in the beginning of February. YOIKES!
My prayer requests....
1- for my facebook friend... (did I mention that it happens to be the same friend I mentioned in an earlier post, that was told she was going blind, but now has perfect vision?)
2-finances. Plane fare covered (assuming it will be!), there are a lot of ground costs... Food, cars, housing, visas... etc, etc.
3-safety and wisdom
4-my family. :)
Check out TTI's website if you get a chance.
http://transformationinitiative.org/GetInvolved.asp
If you want to donate to their project, or my journey (make note of donation being for me), it would be best to do it there... you will get a receipt for taxes.
