Mission Trip #3

I stated earlier that more details would come and here they are.  I am posting this information in other formats so it could be a repeat for some who follow this, however I am trying to reach out to as many people as possible so I am posting in multiple locations.  Perhaps I will learn that on location/post is best but for now......

This summer I will be traveling back to Kenya for my third mission trip. I will be at the FIWAGOH orphanage, home to 219 orphans ages 3-21. Myself and about six other people will be there for close to five weeks. However there are two two week teams joining us during the time I am there. All who are going are traveling with the EQUIP1 Mission foundation and while there we will be  focusing on medical, fine arts, culinary, education, construction, dentistry, and lots of TLC! My main focus will be to show the seamstresses we trained last year how to sew/create items that they can sell at the orphanage to help raise money towards the construction and completion of the trade school they are building on site. We will be sewing scarves,  drawstring bags, backpacks, and purses along with several little items using the remnant materials. In addition to sewing, I will be teaching them beading skills to create jewelry to sell as well.

The theme of EQUIP1 missions is to equip one orphan. To supply educational resources & facilities to enable the development of vocational skills. Last year I went there to introduce tailoring and then teach several young girls the basics of sewing. It was so much fun watching the girls complete their skirts. However, as week two approached we had to stop the sewing instruction as God showed us greater need. My friend from Texas, Doneva, and I sewed hours upon hours to make plastic protectors and fabric bed covers for over 200 beds so the children could receive their new foam mattresses.

The orphanage began building a huge trade school last year and when it is finished it will house classrooms for medical education, tailoring, culinary arts, woodworking, and a few other items.  We are there to help with the process.

This summer I will be traveling with 2-50lb bags full of fabric, sewing and beading supplies. Any donations to help fill the bags would be greatly appreciated and as always, prayers for the team and the orphanage make a world of difference.

If you wish to be a part of this experience by making a donation, there are several ways to do this:

1) Send a check payable to me and I will use this to purchase fabric and bead supplies.
2) Send gift cards for Joann Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, Michael's, and/or Amazon.com.
3) Purchase equipment items found on my Amazon.com wish list and have them sent to me.
4) Make an online donation to EQUIP1.org. This will go into my equip1 account and we will use this money to purchase more fabric and possibly beads when we arrive in Africa.

Finally I have to say God has blessed me more than I deserve and am so honored that he has chosen me to go and serve these wonderful people at Fiwagoh.

Peace and Joy,
Kris Kaufman