LOVE IN ACTION

LOVE IN ACTION: In 2008, I met Joni (shown in the top right pic with some of the people she's blessed). We were both on our first Kenyan humanitarian mission. The saying goes, "Once you're in Africa, the beat of the drum never leaves your heart." In fact, Joni was so touched, she gave up her life in Canada and moved to Kenya - often braving dangerous situations deep in the bush. For almost two decades, she has been vigilant to shine her light and provide support for these people she now calls friends. During this time, they have built schools, churches, and other facilities. They have also provided food, clothing, training, ministry, and educational resources. Joni has personally provided scholarships so that students can have opportunities for a brighter future. However, her greatest contribution is her ability to make people feel seen, loved, and hopeful. There is something about Joni - a kindness and warmth that left such a powerful impression on me that two decades later I continue to find ways to support her and her mission, "Love in Action."

Education is my primary focus in Africa. During my visit to schools in the bush, the plight of students and educational leaders was captured (as shown here). On the bottom left, a principal was standing in mud, pumping drinking water from the school's well. On the bottom middle, a teacher was sharpening her student's pencil with a razor blade because the school couldn't afford pencil sharpeners. On the bottom right, students were at recess playing in the dirt with a few beach balls I gave as gifts - PE equipment at this school was a foreign concept. One common theme I found, however, was that no matter the circumstances, students and teachers understood the power of learning and took pride in what they had. On the top left pic, Kenyan students, who had become pen pals with my students in the US, were greeting me with a ceremony.

Joni will be going back to Kenya this year to spread love again. Please join me in supporting Kenyan educational opportunities and resources for Joni's project, "Love in Action."