Two weeks ago, I (Heather) had the privilege of visiting Kenya (first Nairobi and then Mombasa). I was there for 10 days – and those 10 days have changed my life…. (again! I wonder how many more life-changing experiences are still in store for me…? Sheesh!) I was invited there by TEARFUND (The Evangelical Alliance Relief Fund) – a large aid organisation based in the UK…. as part of their “Inspired Individuals” initiative.
For those of you who weren’t aware, I was nominated as an “Inspired Individual” last year – which has been a huge honour – but also an enormous help. The guys at Tearfund (and especially Gary Swart and Sean Callaghan) have been SO supportive and encouraging and helpful!
Nick teasing Vinnie for mixing a whole bunch of different cereals together in one bowl.
Nyasha, Philbert & Sean at the lunch buffet.
Prabu from Sri Lanka - awww! Miss him so much!
After 4 days in Nairobi - this bus took us to the airport at 5 in the morning (so we could fly to Mombasa).
Anyway – Tearfund has about 30 or so “Inspired Individuals” around the world – and all of us work in different areas. Some work with rehabilitating prisoners once they’re released, others help sex workers, others deal with environmental issues, others foster healing and reconcilliation in war-torn nations, others advocate for refugees, others deal with community upliftment amongst the poorest of the poor…. others find ways to help orphans and vulnerable children – others fight the spread of HIV/AIDS and other diseases.
These are world-changers. These are DOERS (they don’t just talk – they DO!). All of them have made tremendous sacrifices to do what they do… and the work they’re doing is unbelievable. These people aren’t just changing their communities – many of them are changing their societies!
I knew that I would be “inspired” by the other Inspired Individuals…. but I never could have realised to what extent!
Our group took up most of the plane!
This was the view from our hotel window. Tough life, huh? If you look carefully, you can see a couple of the guys (including Nick and Prabu) chatting by the pool.
Mombasa is beautiful. Warm, clear sea. White beaches - and Kenyan's are so friendly - amazing hosts. Can't wait to go back!
When we arrived, we met up with some other Inspired Individuals who weren't with us in Nairobi. The hotel served us a lovely meal in one of their conference rooms. I just fell in love with everyone present!
Claude and his wife Kelley (they're from Burundi) share a bit about the Amahoro Conference - while Sean looks... intense.
Deep discussions...
First session of Amahoro...
I guess this blog entry is just a blog about gratefulness. I am SO very grateful to Tearfund for sending me on that trip (all expenses paid, mind you!). And I am in awe of those amazing inspired individuals – in AWE!
Vincent and Grace from Uganda, Philbert from Rwanda, Tracey from Cape Town, Prabu from Sri Lanka, Grace from Bolivia, Joice from Joburg, Kelvin from Kenya, Tinashe from Swaziland, Dr. Steven Watiti from Uganda, Theresa from Malawi, Nyasha from Zimbabwe, Patricia from Kenya, Claude and Kelley from Burundi, Musa from Durban, Ephraim from Malawi, Likoko from Kenya…. and others that I’ve not yet had the privilege of meeting…
In 10 days, we shared our stories with one another… everyone was so vulnerable, so open, so honest. There was absolutely no ‘posturing’ – all I saw was humility and such a genuine passion (to make the world a better place). There was lots of prayer and encouragement – and many tears (I don’t think I’ve cried that much for a long time… and the crying had nothing to do with me – just hearing their incredible stories made me cry… and cry)…. but I also LAUGHED.
There were LOTS of jokes…. and so much laughter that one night, I went to bed with my cheeks aching from laughing so much during the day (Vincent – blame Vincent!).
After spending 4 days in Nairobi – we flew to Mombasa for the Amahoro Gathering… and all I can say: WOW! A conference/conversation consisting of a group of Jesus-followers (mostly from Africa – but also from around the world)…. figuring out how to change our continent, heal the planet, feed the hungry, clothe the poor, educate the orphan…. instead of just figuring out how to get more passive people in to a church building once a week (I’m trying not to get annoyed as I write this).
Me with Prabu and Musa...
Some of the Inspired Individuals outside our hotel in Mombasa. (There were a couple of us missing in this shot)... also in the photo was Robert, Andy and Suzie from Tearfund UK.
Tracey and Grace.... 2 VERY special women...
Gracia (from Bolivia) and Patricia (from Kenya)
Chief Theresa from Malawi - and Joice (who works with Zimbabwean refugees). You have no idea what these 2 women have overcome - or accomplished.
Sean & Gary (who I'm so grateful to)... and wonderful Philbert from Rwanda (I have such a soft spot for this amazing man).
...and with all of these amazing conversations and connections during the day - at night, we'd dance... and dance!!!
Anyway – long story short… I returned to South Africa with a renewed zeal for Tapestry of Dreams and where we’re going to take it from here. I have loads of crazy ideas – and some new crazy friends happy to support!
Will keep you updated with the news – but at the moment, it’s just me (no staff… no funding…) – so forgive me if I take a while to do everything that needs to be done!
I’m looking forward to chatting with Roz…. she’s on her way back to England after spending 4 years in Winterton, KwaZulu Natal with her husband and 2 boys. She’ll be staying in our house here in Joburg for 4 days before her flight leaves – which will give us loads of opportunity to discuss new-crazy plans!
Anyway – just wanted to fill you in…. I know I haven’t been the best at updating this blog on a regular basis – there is just SO(!!!) MUCH (!!!!) to organise and to do right now – so the importance of blogging gets pushed wa-aaay to the back of the list.
Thanks for your support though!
x
