First day in Kenya

We arrived safely in Kenya and spent the night at the Methodist guest house in Nairobi.  We are heading to Maua today.  Everything is going great so far.  I'm going to go eat some breakfast now and then get ready for a 6-7 hour bus ride.  I love you all and take of my Daisy dog for me. -Emily

first day in Kenya

Arrived safely and ll is well. \today we are on our way to MERU and MAUA...so far everything is going grate and the trip was safe. ...love to my wonderful family anad all of their support...i love you all. jan

Jambo!

Greetings from Kenya!  We all arrived safe and well.  The flights were smooth and uneventful - thank God.  No troubles bringing the donations through customs and both Genett and and Shannon arrived safely and were waiting for us when we landed.  We spent the night in Nairobi at the Methodist Guest House.  I sit in their cyber cafe typing this message before we have breakfast and travel to Meru.  \last time it took about 6 hours, but Daniel Kibe, our "tour guide|" said the roads aer better and we will be in Meru for lunch.  Thank you all for your prayers for our safe flight.  And for those who came to the prayer circle - asante sana - you lifted us up.

It is warm - high 70's and the sun is shining already this morning.  We woke to birds singing, dogs barking, the Muslim prayer in the distance and even a rooster crowing.

Love to all - hi boys - mom loves you!  Annette

Preparing to Depart

After months and months of preparation, I am excited to start our journey this Thursday!  It's hard to leave my precious family for two weeks, but I'm blessed to have their support, and to know that we have family in Kenya waiting to receive us! Please pray for our teams to have safe travel, good health, strong faith, wisdom, the ability to share love, to be flexible and to have a great sense of humor! Thank you! Julie U.

Seeds of Grace Itinerary

Thursday, January 28, 2010
Flight to London

Friday, January 29, 2010
Overnight stay in Nairobi, Kenya

Saturday, January 30, 2010
Travel to Meru, Kenya
Dinner with Miriam Kanana Mubichi Foundation (MKMF) and team of 15 from Oklahoma

Sunday, January 31, 2010
Attend St. Peter’s church service and day with Gladys Gitonga of PEMA

Monday, February 1, 2010
Work with MKMF and OK Team on Kaaga Primary School projects

Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Work with MKMF and OK Team on Kaaga projects
Visit schools where PEMA children attend

Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Visit St. Lucy’s School for the Blind where Seeds of Grace has provided scholarships to children through MKMF; Sit with PEMA AIDS/HIV widows/ladies during group therapy
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Spend the day with PEMA ladies for sewing/quilting/jewelry making

Friday, February 5, 2010
Visit Proposed PEMA Counseling Center site and possible home visits of PEMA families; Attend MKMF Thanksgiving service for Kaaga Primary School; Grace UMC Team joins us in Meru
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Work with MKMF, OK Team and Grace UMC team at Medical Camp; Attend ceremony of PEMA children receiving school uniforms
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Attend Kaaga Methodist Church service

Monday, February 8, 2010
Tour of Kenya Methodist University and visit with Luhahi’s; Samburu Park in evening

Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Samburu National Park, sunrise and sunset safaris

Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Samburu National Park sunrise safari; Nairobi in evening
Thursday, February 11, 2010
City tour and shopping in Nairobi; Visit with Jirani Children’s Choir; Overnight flight to London
Friday, February 12, 2010
London to Chicago flight

Your representatives at work in Kenya . . .

5 Seeds of Grace Representatives


Julie Utter
Annette Swanson
Lee Mulder
Mark Thurow
Shannon Tilley

Working with 6 Grace UMC Representatives
 
Dale Scholtens
Emily Davis
Gennet Bissate
Bob Elazan
MaryLou Miller
Jan Cosgrove

Grace United Methodist Church Mission Team Schedule

1/28 Depart Chicago to Europe


1/29 Arrive Nairobi late evening, overnight at

Methodist Guest House

1/30 Drive to Meru-Seeds of Grace, Maua-Grace UMC

1/31 Swahili Church Service

2/1-5 Seeds of Grace-Work with MKMF and PEMA

Grace UMC-Work at Maua Methodist Hospital

2/5 Transfer to Bio-Intensive Farm

2/6 Work with MKMF at Free Medical Clinic

2/7 Church in Meru

2/8 Tour KEMU, leave for safari

2/9 Safari

2/10 A.M Safari, P.M. Methodist Guest House in Nairobi

2/11 Tour and shop in Nairobi, visit Jirani Children’s Choir, overnight flight to Europe

2/12 Europe to Chicago