Christmas in Kenya
As my favorite holiday and time of year- Christmas!!- approaches, I will be looking forward to one that promises to be like no other. This year my love for the Lord, children, and culture will collide as I embark on a missionary trip to Kenya, in South Africa, from December 19th-29th. I am confident that my life will be forever changed as I hope and pray to touch the lives of orphaned children at Huruma Children's Home.
Huruma was started by Mama Zipporah and her husband Pastor Isaac in 1989 with 7 children. It now serves to provide spiritual, educational, and physical needs to over 150 children who have been abused or abandoned by family. Huruma relies on volunteers to provide hope and inspiration, and to reinforce the significance of values and education needed for a healthy transformation from childhood into adulthood.
Ever since I learned of Huruma from my church- Cornerstone Fellowship in Chandler, AZ- it has been on my heart to one day be of service. I truly feel that my past year of teaching Sunday school to first graders at Cornerstone, coupled with the upcoming experience of my first international trip (to Europe in October), is together serving as preparation for Kenya. I will be traveling with 3 other Cornerstone members to Kenya, all whom has been there at least once. We will each be dedicating our time and talents to serve different needs and children of Huruma -providing guidance, teaching, and mentoring, under God's direction. And, of course, we will be celebrating Christmas in hope of bringing joy and happiness to the children during such a special time of the year!
I have likely already shared my excitement of this journey with you prior to this letter. However, I also consider this mission to be a tremendous responsibility as a Christian and pray that God will use me to impact the lives of these children in the most positive way. I know that He will provide for me, but also know that as family, a friend, or colleague, your support is extremely important as well. Please pray for us as we travel across the world to serve the Lord and those less fortunate than us. If you do not pray, please place us in your thoughts and offer us words of encouragement. Lastly, if it is in your heart, we ask that you consider supporting us financially (it is tax deductible!). The trip will cost approximately $2500 for transportation and lodging at Huruma (where electricity and functioning bathrooms are scarce). Please know that you are not funding a vacation. The purpose of our travel to a third world country over Christmas is social outreach and spiritual growth. Any support and all contributions are greatly appreciated; generosity beyond the cost of the trip will be donated to Huruma Children's Home. For more information on the home, please visit http://www.hchngong.org.
Blessings and Gratitude,
Jennifer Swanton
Please make checks payable to Cornerstone and note my name and "Kenya Mission" on the memo portion of the check or visit my fundraising page at http://www.gofundme.com/1970io.
My co-missionary, Heather, will be updating our journey on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ChristmasinKenya if you want to "Like" us.
