STRAW TO BREAD

KENYA 2016 MEDICAL/PUBLIC HEALTH MISSION TRIP

*Straw to Bread is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is not affiliated with any university or other organization.

The Purpose of Straw to Bread: “To collaborate with our Kenyan partners to achieve the best possible physical, educational, and spiritual quality of life for the people of the Nyakach plateau through relationships grounded in our Christian understanding of the goodness, power, and love of God.“

APPLY: Email to request an application.

DATES: Spring, 2016

U.S. TEAM LEADER: Dr. Lisa Baker

COST: $3800

Included:

  • Airfare from U.S. to Nairobi; Nairobi to Kisumu, Kenya; return from Nairobi to U.S.
  • Ground transportation (vans provided and driven by Mission Tours and Travel based in Nairobi)
  • Lodging and all meals
  • Safari

NOT included:

  • Passport fee
  • Visa fee ($50)
  • Immunizations
  • Malaria medication

WORK LOCATION:

  • Rural area on the Nyakach Plateau in western Kenya near Kisumu.

BACKGROUND:

Pastor Habil Ogola is a Luo medical technologist and pastor living on the Nyakach plateau. He began a ministry called Bethlehem Home to care for 60 orphans and destitute adults (known as “elders”) in 2001. Along with a leadership team of other local people, the project has grown far beyond the accomplishment of providing food and water for this community. From those early beginnings, a partnership developed with friends in the U.S. that grew into Straw to Bread, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered in 2012 just to serve this community and assist them in achieving their goals of health and sustainability. A primary school with its own library has been built and is currently serving 76 orphans. Some past graduates have been sent for further training in tailoring school and pharmacy school. Hundreds of American undergraduate students, physicians, and other professionals have seen thousands of patients in an annual temporary medical clinic on the Nyakach plateau. S2B supported a local student, Don Ogola, to go to the University of Nairobi Medical School, from which he graduated in 2015. A hospital has just been completed on the plateau and will open in October, 2016 with Dr. Ogola as the physician. Dozens of rainwater-harvesting systems have been installed along with water purifiers, but in July a major step forward was taken when a well was dug that is now supplying fresh water to the plateau for the first time. Thousands of vegetables and fruit trees have been planted at homes in the community. Three large community gardens have been planted, including a school garden. More than a dozen milk goats are giving milk to the orphans, and 100 chickens provide much-needed protein. Nine small business groups were established to help support the orphans and adults of BH. Nine women’s health education groups were started and have been providing information and support for several years. Beds have been built, blankets and kitchen supplies have been provided, and many research projects have been done. Lasting friendships have been built, and both American and Kenyan lives have been transformed. Hope was born in 2001 and now grows with each trip.

SCHEDULE:

Day 1-2Sunday and Monday—Fly from DFW to Nairobi, spend the night at hotel near airport

Day 3 Tuesday—Fly from Nairobi to Kisumu, Kenya; travel by van to our lodging and on to the Plateau to meet the orphans and elders of Bethlehem Home

Day 4-7 Wednesday-Saturday—Travel daily by van to Nyakach plateau for work

Day 8 Sunday—Go to church, visit orphans’ and elders’ homes, learn to weave baskets from the elders

Day 9-10Monday-Tuesday—Work projects

Day 11Wednesday—Half-day of work, final feast with orphans and elders

Day 12Thursday—Leave for safari

Day 13Friday—Safari with morning and afternoon game rides

Day 14 Saturday—Return to Nairobi, fly out in the afternoon

Day 15 Sunday morning—Arrive at DFW

ACTIVITIES

  • Work alongside doctors at the new hospital (no prior medical skill or knowledge required)
  • Install gutters and set up water tanks
  • Plant gardens
  • Participate in research and 2016 special projects
  • Teach in a local school
  • Weave baskets with the Bethlehem Home elders
  • Visit the homes of the orphans and elders

REQUIRED FOR TEAM MEMBERS:

Completed application and Personal Information form

Interview

Participation in S2B retreat, winter 2016

Participation in all weekly team meetings

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE TRIP: EMAIL Dr. Baker at: