To Africa or Not To Africa That is the Question

Let me set the stage - if I may.

Several months ago, my friend invited me to join her on a service trip to Africa. In 2007, she went with them to Kenya and helped build a school in a local village - and decided to go back for another round. She promised me it would be worthwhile, amazing, and downright wonderful. I trust her. So, when she suggested I join the group on this year's trip - I just couldn't say no. And I said yes.

The plan is to go to Kitundu, Kenya and work through the local Anglican Church building an expansion onto their school. We're also taking school supplies, clothes, toys and other items that will - hopefully - benefit them. In fact, we got a group of friends together on Sunday (past) and made school kits (borrowing the idea from LDS Humanitarian Services) to distribute - and we've prepped a small "Noah's Ark" lesson plan/activity to do (multiple times) with various groups of children.

Anyhow, that's the plan... Now the problem.

Kenya had elections in December, and they didn't go smoothly. And unlike the less-than-smooth U.S. election of 2000 - the contested results of their presidential election has led to a fair amount of civil unrest.

Dave's Political Sidenote: I think too few people recognize or appreciate the miracle we enjoy (in the U.S.) of a stable government. Many Americans have issues with "this or that" in U.S. politics - and that is good. But, knowing that those differences won't be settled by blood thirsty gangs is something we ought reflect on*.

Anyhow, Kitundu is south east of Nairobi and the areas of major unrest are elsewhere. So, as the days go by, and our departure date approaches - we've been watching the news and praying that conditions will still be suitable for our visit. As of January 10, the plans are still on.

In addition to the service portion of the trip, 3 of us (Sara, Jen and I) are visiting Uganda and Rwanda before going to the village in Kenya. So, we leave on Friday and go first to Kigali, Rwanda (3 flights over roughly 30 hours). The original plan was to take a bus from Kenya to Rwanda - a lengthy bus, but an adventure to be sure. Since that bus would go right through the hot spots of western Kenya, we opted for the faster, easier, and safer option: an airplane.

After a week in/about Rwanda/Uganda, we'll head to Nairobi to meet up with the 6 other americans and our local hosts to head off down the dusty road to Kitundu. Upon finishing our work in the village, we're slated for a 2 day safari and then it's time for another couple days of flying!

I don't know if/how much access I'll have to the internet while I'm traveling, but I'll update as time/conditions permit. If all else fails, you can expect detailed blogs upon return.

Hopefully this entry satiates some need for information as the days pass by. I look forward to hearing from you.

dave

* Yes, Mom. I know. I ended that sentence with a preposition. Admitting a problem is the first step to overcoming it.