ZOE Mission 2011

Hello. It dawned a beautiful blue clear sky day. The group from OUMC traveled to meet our working group who met for the first time. Halima, a social worker from ZOE, met Charles , the mentor for the group as the children were gathering. Halima introduced herself, and the purpose of the Empowering Orphan program with ZOE. We also introduced ourselves and why we had traveled so far to meet them. The children chose the name for their group, Upendo, which means love. They chose their own officers to lead them and a group project. Each child wrote his or her dream sheet. This includes what makes them happy, sad, what they do not like, their future, and their guiding principle. There are 25 enrolled. Saberio, the chairman, told us of his dream sheet. Going to church and fellowship with others makes him happy. The dry crops and drought which limits food makes him sad. He does not like bad company such as drugs or those who steal property. For his future he wants a house and food like fruits. His guiding principles are to be kind and honest; be involved in the community, help the needy, and practicing God fearing principles. We had alot of fun meeting these children and taking pictures with them. I think they enjoyed it too. I am looking forward to the development of this program here and at OUMC.
They live in a mountain valley meadow where guersey cows graze teathered to a rope on the school yard. The richness of the surrounding corn, bananas, tea bushes, and trees is so striking. The primary school children were so happy to see us and are so full of energy, smiles, eager handshakes and laughter.
We are so thankful for the support of OUMC for this trip and wish you all could be here with us.
Alice Finnell