STARS Updates

It is our last evening with the STARS, Ps. Joshua, and their community and our time here has far exceed our expectations. Today we completed our one on one interviews with the STARS, discussed plans for an alumni group to keep them together, and gained their perspective on our time with them and their experience as STARS. These discussions reemphasized a consistent theme throughout our stay: “Face to face relationships build trust. For these young adults this transcends educational support or providing them technology (e.g. computers). Simply put, our presence here gives each of the STRAS hope in a way that cannot be communicated virtually”.

It is Sunday evening here and  the sun is setting.  The calf is baying (hungry, I think)…and the high school girls just finished singing at the church (they sing at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.).  We had lunch at 3:30 pm (as we did our first Sunday) after a 4 hour church service, which most people walk to. With 2

What has struck me the most about this trip so far, is the maturity, faith, unique interests and drive of these young men and women. Most of these 12 STARS Volunteers have a keen awareness of social, political and economic issues, and they want to be part of helping Kenya grow and advance. Imagine what we could do if what I see in these impressive young adults could be scaled up. I think it could change Kenyan society in one generation.

We have spent this week (half of our trip) teaching and learning from the STARS Volunteers.  These 12 young men and women are barely in their 20s but are impacting many and using the high school education they received to empower others. One fills the important role of primary school headmaster. Others volunteer as secondary

Verena and I are in our 4th day in Kenya on site with the STARS and their mentors. The atmosphere is exciting. There is so much hope here. Daily life includes blackouts and dial up interet if the power is on. Relationships are dynamic and fruitful. In addition to the STARS, there are 35 orphans living

Now hours to take-off to Kenya. Will try to add to blog while there. Looking forward to the two weeks of being with the STARS and their mentors on behalf of all the wonderful supporters who are investing in the STARS. On their behalf, thank you. Until I can blog again…do not fear and peace