For the record, Chris wanted an introduction to our trip, Lesley wanted FAQs. This is our compromise.
Where will you be?
We will be in Ribe ("ree-bay"), Kenya. It is about 30 km from Mombasa, a city on the south east coast along the Indian ocean. Ribe is considered a rural area, so though its population is hard to determine it does host some large schools for the nearby residents. It is probably not on your Google map!
We have had a longing to do service overseas for a while, and the opportunity presented itself in a compelling way! There is a need for help in schools in Ribe (10 teachers for 650 students!) as well as in initiatives that help improve the local economy. An organization called the Ribe Youth Development Association is a community-based group of individuals committed to the betterment of Ribe, and we are very excited to work alongside them in their efforts. We are looking forward to this international adventure, a chance for us to immerse ourselves in another culture and learn from them while sharing our own. Although we considered going overseas with a set program, doors continued to open for us to take this particular opportunity, which was set up through a friend’s organization, Project Kenya.
We plan to primarily assist in classrooms (as teachers or tutors) and help create and lead enrichment activities (sports, arts, leadership, etc.). We also intend to use our training in engineering projects (Chris), library/literacy projects (Lesley), and other things if we identify needs and our skills match.
We are leaving in August and are committing to staying at least until next summer. We are tentatively planning on returning to the states at that point, but we are open to opportunities as they present themselves.
We are taking a break, sort of. We are hoping to use skills that we have developed in our careers to assist the people of Ribe, and hoping to continue to develop transferable skills (as well as an international, cross-cultural perspective) in our work there. For example, Lesley will continue working with students in educational settings, and Chris will work to design solutions for various issues using his mechanical engineering skills.
We are fortunate that the cost of living in Kenya is less than the US and the people of Ribe have been generous in offering their hospitality. However, we will have some financial needs (travel, insurance, program supplies) for which we have saved some of our own money and plan to do fundraising as well.
Yes! A little of both – we are volunteering (i.e., not being paid) to partner with a community in their education and development projects. We are doing this to share the love and hope of Christ, just as we have been aiming to share this love and hope when we lived and worked in the states.
There is always some inherent danger in traveling to foreign countries; however, the election unrest has settled down in Kenya and we will stay clear of areas with pirates. Currently the Peace Corps has volunteers where we will be, and we will continue to follow the US Government’s travel warnings.
Yes, but not just because we’re doing this. :-)
We would love support through your thoughts, prayers, letters, etc. Also, we will be doing some fundraising and sure wouldn’t mind some help with that, too! Let us know if you want an official letter.
