Kenya Mission Trip Itinerary: Part Two

It’s now several months after my first mission trip to Kenya, and I am still processing the huge impact it had on me. And I have just committed to a return trip this year!

But before I start planning for my second mission trip, I want to share Part Two of my 2024 Kenya Mission Trip Itinerary. If you missed my article outlining the itinerary for days 1-5 of this trip, be sure to read that first.

We packed quite a lot into these five life-changing days!

Day 6: Student Workshop, Individual Presentations, & Craft Time

Before heading to Day two of the Life Skills Workshop for the KCEA students, we made a quick trip to John and Peris’ modest home in Ewaso Ngiro, which sits behind the KCEA office.

Peris presented each of the ladies on our mission team with dresses and the men with shirts, all in blue and white and adorned with beads. I felt so honored and accepted, and we were excited to wear our new outfits to a special luncheon the next day.

We also got to see the Milk Room at KCEA, which Connection Pointe Church helped fund and install several years ago. This system provides a way for the women to cool the milk they collect from their cows so it will keep and they can sell it to help support their families.

Soon it was time to head to the second day of the two-day Life Skills Workshop for the KCEA students, which was again packed with phenomenal speakers.

The girls heard from a passionate speaker about children’s rights, reminding them about their right to education, safety, and basic needs.

They also heard from a Chief Principal who leads a boarding school with 2000 girls enrolled, including several KCEA students. She was extremely passionate and well-spoken. It is so nice for these girls to see strong professional women encouraging them and serving as role models!

Then it was our turn to present! All three ladies on this mission trip, myself included, presented to the girls on a topic we felt called to address. We spoke from the heart as John translated, ensuring the girls didn’t miss any of our important messages.

Millicent shared about identity and how God sees them and how that is so much more important than any label the world might give them. She reminded them they were beloved daughters of our Heavenly Father, loved and deeply cherished.

Amy talked about perseverance, interspersed with relevant scripture. She offered practical ways the girls could keep going in school and in life, especially when things get hard.

I talked about stress, comparison, and avoiding conflict. I encouraged them to cling to God’s Word to deal with these challenges that are common for teens all over the world.

As a special treat, Millicent and Bill brought a Polaroid camera and we took individual pictures of each girl. We then helped the girls make a frame out of colorful scrapbook paper and add their name or a cherished sentiment.

Having photos of themselves is not something most of the girls have access to and we could tell how excited they were to take home these treasured keepsakes!

This was also the day I got to meet the student I would be sponsoring! Anne is extremely sweet, and she was very shy at first. Neither one of us was sure what to talk about as normal small talk common in America doesn’t necessarily translate between our different cultures, geography, age, and language.

Later in the day, she warmed up a bit and I was excited to give her a picture of me and my daughters. She cheerfully introduced me to her sister Esther and told me I would get to meet her mom at our luncheon the next day.

Each of the girls received a letter from their sponsor or a member of the church, and all of the students spent time writing letters to their sponsors. They shared their gratitude and about their families, studies, and life in Kenya.

I will always cherish the letter I received from Anne and was so impressed with her written English and thoughtful sentiments. Anne hopes to one day be a police officer or a doctor to be able to help her community.

The aspirations and commitment shared by all of the KCEA students were extremely admirable and made me both honored and humbled to be able to sponsor Anne’s education. It was particularly humbling when I realized the monthly sponsorship fee of $55 is the same amount I spend each month on just ONE of the many streaming services I have access to back home!

Needless to say, this trip showed me firsthand how much excess many of us have in the United States.

After returning home I felt called to sponsor a second student, Celestine. I look forward to reconnecting with Anne and meeting Celestine when I return to Kenya in April 2025!

At the conclusion of the workshop, we drove out to the new house John and Peris have been building for several years. The new house is large and very nice compared to their modest home in the heart of town. It is taking them many years to complete this house as they can only finish certain parts of the construction at a time when they have enough money.

None of the bathrooms were completed and the kitchen was only partially done, yet that didn’t stop Peris from preparing a delicious meal for us and housing many of the girls who were attending the workshop far from home. Hospitality is second nature in Kenya and John and Peris are so welcoming to all!!

Peris prepared chicken in a delicious sauce with carrots, chapati, rice, guacamole, and fresh fruit. I tried passion fruit for the first time and really liked it!

John led us all into the yard, and with Bill’s assistance, planted a tree in our honor. He said we all need to come back to watch it grow!

The hospitality in Kenya is something I have never experienced anywhere else!

Day 7: Souvenir Shopping & Parent Lunch

After making and eating breakfast in our living quarters, we all got dressed up in the outfits Peris had given us. We looked and felt like royalty and we were ready for the celebratory luncheon that was being held on the property of one of the student’s family.

On the way, we made a stop at the Curio gift shop that is in Ewaso Ngiro. It is huge and they have so much amazing stuff!

I may have gone a tad overboard, but I found lots of nice things. Once again, John helped me barter.

I was happy to help support the local economy and was excited when I got to share these special gifts with the family and friends back home who helped fund my mission trip.

We also made a quick stop at the barber shop in town, but this visit was not about getting our hair cut.

It was actually a reunion for our mission team leader, Amy, who got to see one of the former KCEA students she had sponsored. There were lots of tears and hugs as Amy shared how long it had been since they had seen each other and how much the student had changed.

It was so encouraging to meet the sweet girls who worked at the barber shop and hear how well they had done with their education. They were now working at a successful business, supporting their families, and helping their community.

Next, we arrived at the luncheon and were once again greeted with singing and dancing as we were graciously paraded in by the KCEA students and their families. I have never felt so loved and appreciated!

The luncheon took place on the property of two women who live there with all their children in two humble houses. One was made of mud and the other was a small metal structure. Both women were married to the same man (which is still common in Maasai culture), but he had died. Fortunately, the wives were able to maintain the property.

All of the day’s activities were held outside, mostly under a large tree, and it was a very pleasant day with a nice breeze. We were seated in the front at a table covered in cloth and were given bottled water. The men were seated with us and both of the men on our mission team, Aaron and Bill, gave their talks while the women and girls were on the other side of the property.

They spoke about being men of God and about forgiveness. Bill spoke again once all the women and girls joined us under the tree and he addressed how the bible says men and women should treat each other.

We had some concerns that these talks might not be well received due to some of the customary ways Maasai men are known to treat women (treating them as property or abusing them and practicing polygamy). Fortunately, the men clapped often and seemed to be in agreement with the overall message.

Then it was time for a feast! Most of the meal was similar to what was served at the workshop.

But as a very special treat, a freshly cooked leg of meat was carved right in front of our table with a machete. It was likely goat, and this was actually the tenderest of the meat I had during the trip.

While I can’t say that I fell in love with the food in Kenya, I was learning to appreciate it and was grateful for the hospitality we were shown.

Dessert is not at all common at meals in this part of Kenya. But everyone got a huge surprise when Bill and Millicent were presented with a cake for their anniversary!

There were more tears, laughter, and singing as the cake was cut. Then I witnessed something of a miracle (much like the story of the loaves and fishes in the bible).

Peris cut the small cake into bite-sized pieces and over 100 students and adults each recieved a piece!

There were no plates or silverware passed out. Just small bites of cake placed in each grateful hand. It was clear that most of the students had never eating cake before and they were ecstatic to receive a tiny sweet morsel!

Amidst the celebrations we also got to hear from a local Bishop who was bold and funny. Then it felt like an endless love fest as our mission team was thanked repeatedly and prayed for with the utmost sincerity.

We were given blankets with our names embroidered on them and several Maasai ladies placed pieces of jewelry on each of us. I got to meet Anne’s mom, and although we did not speak the same language I could feel her gratitude as she placed a necklace on me.

Everyone sang and danced with and for us. Then they circled all around the mission team members and four elders prayed over us as everyone chanted in agreement…thank you (Ashe) and amen. Finally, two very elderly grandmothers prayed over us.

Even though we could not understand them and the prayers were not translated, it was extremely moving and heartfelt. I have never felt so blessed and cherished.

We also got to share in the giving spirit by handing out new backpacks to all the girls and a small packages of sanitary pads. We then passed out jewelry we had brought from home so that each mom got a necklace. It was beautiful to see them wearing the American jewelry alongside their tribal jewelry and they were so grateful for the gifts.

Then it seemed that everyone wanted to have their pictures taken! It was impossible to take enough pictures to fully capture the impact of this day and the people I met in Kenya, but I sure tried as I snapped photo after photo.

As the celebration died down, we had the privilege of seeing the Maasai women work on their impressive beadwork.

Ladies of all ages sat in the grass and poured their beads onto their skirts as they skillfully threaded the beads to make colorful necklaces, belts, bracelets, and many other treasures.

These works of art are created with very few tools and there were no scissors in sight. When it was time to cut the thread, their teeth seemed to work just fine.

KCEA is in the process of organizing a bead project that would help offer business training and seed funds so these women can utilize their beading skills to help support their families. Stay tuned for details!

It was a long and emotional day and after many hugs, we said our goodbyes. Back at our lodging we enjoyed a spaghetti dinner and played a game before an early bedtime. We knew we needed to get good sleep before leaving at 5 am the next morning for our safari!!

Day 8: Safari, Tour of Maasai Village, & Dinner with our Hosts

As a very special treat, we were able to spend one day of our trip on safari in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

This is a bucket list item I highly recommend for anyone who loves animals and longs to see them in their natural habitat.

Because I literally took HUNDREDS of photos of this unique experience I decided to write a separate article just about our safari experience.

After nearly seven hours inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve, it was time to head back to Ewaso Ngiro, but first we stopped to tour a Maasai village.

We were greeted by several of the men from this village with tribal songs and a display of their jumping prowess (something that is highly revered among Maasai tribes).

Then they led us inside the circle of huts. There were four male leaders in this village who live here with all their wives and children (polygamy is still fairly common in Maasai culture, but that is changing in some areas as Christianity grows).

There were 28 huts in this village and we learned that the women are responsible for building the huts for their families. The huts are formed with sticks and then mud and cow dung is used to fill in the walls. The huts last for nearly 15 years, then the whole community moves to a new location and rebuilds.

Inside the circle of huts is where the cows and goats are kept when they are not being herded. Here we were given a demonstration of how they start a fire with very primitive tools.

Behind the circle of huts were several stands with hand-crafted items available for sale. We were led by each stand and asked to look and purchase items made by the people of this community. I ended up buying several items including small soapstone painted plates and wood carved animals. And again John helped me barter, but I was able to use my American dollars here, so that made it a bit easier!

Although we were all very tired after our long day on safari, we couldn’t say no to a final meal at John and Peris’ home by the KCEA office. Their children presented us each with personalized beaded bracelets they had made for us…this was just the start of the tearful goodbyes!

With the mission team, our hosts, and their children, there were 14 of us and we all gathered to eat in their small and humble living room. There was no dining table. Our plates were balanced on our laps and our knees practically touched those sitting on the opposite sofa. It was intimate and communal and absolutely beautiful!

I was in tears as I thought about all the times I have heard Americans lament that they don’t have enough room to entertain. I don’t think that concern ever crosses the mind of Kenyans as hospitality seems so engrained in their culture.

As we finished our meal, we took turns verbalizing what this trip meant to each of us and what we will take away from the experience. Many more tears flowed before we said our final goodbyes.

Day 10: Clinic Tour & Travel Home

The next morning, before our long trek to the airport, we were able to tour the health clinic in Ewaso Ngiro. We met the clinic director, another John, and he shared with us some of the common health concerns in this area and the various funding they have been able to secure.

He then took us on a tour of the various modest buildings that make up the full-service medical clinic.

We peeked in the maternity ward, pharmacy, lab, exam rooms, data records room, and the dentist’s office.

While the clinic itself is fairly primitive by Western standards, I was impressed with the technology and equipment they have been able to secure through grants. Not to mention the competent and devoted clinicians and clinic staff we met!

Saying goodbye was bittersweet as we each left a part of our hearts in Kenya.

But it was time for the long journey home.

Three more flights…more airplane food…more inflight movies…minimal lines at customs…and no major delays or extremely long layovers this time!

Twenty-four hours later and we were back in the United States…ready to tell everyone about our transformative time in Kenya. (After a long shower and a good night’s sleep, that is!)

If you have ever been on a mission trip, I would love to hear about your experience!

Reach out to me at travelingtanyashelburne@gmail.com.

If you would like to learn more about mission trips through Connection Pointe Christian Church, click here.

And if you are interested in sponsoring my upcoming mission trip, you can do so at this link. Select the Kenya KCEA Mission Trip – April 2025 and type in Tanya Shelburne for the Mission Team Member. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated!