Karibu sana! My name is Grace Godat, and in June 2025 I went to Nairobi, Kenya with a Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix mission-immersion group called "Engage Your Equal" (EYE). Catholic Sun - Local Young Adults Head to Africa. The goal of EYE was to live among the people of Nairobi, and immerse ourselves in learning about Kenyan culture as well as the vibrant Church in Africa. Since returning, myself and the other members of EYE have embarked on individual and joint ministry journeys with the goal of bringing our experiences from Kenya home to the Diocese of Phoenix.

While in Nairobi, I fell in love with so many things. In particular, I fell in love with St. Vincent De Paul Community Development Organization in Kibera. St. Vincent’s provides early childhood development, education, healthcare, nutrition support, business training, and runs a rescue center for abused and abandoned children in Kibera.

Kibera, being the largest informal settlement in Kenya, has many needs. One of these needs is the ongoing protection and education of children. As a teacher myself, this place pierced my heart and has been stuck in my mind ever since. I have been considering ways to give myself to serving these children, and the Lord has consistently been calling me to go back to help teach and care for Kibera's children during my summers. The next summer would be June-July 2026.

I am fundraising for the cost of flights and my room/board for the 2 months I am away. Please consider donating to meet my goal so I can serve this calling to live and volunteer in Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya. Any funds over the initial goal of $4,000 will be donated directly to St. Vincent De Paul Community Development Organization.