Heather’s Story

Read some highlights from Heather’s recent trip to Ndibai, Kenya! Spoiler alert: these sponsorship stories will steal your heart.
Have a story to share?! Send us yours at stories@410bridge.org.

Heather1

Where do I begin? This was my first mission trip with 410 Bridge AND to Africa. I really believe the Lord placed the desire in my heart to go to Africa about 5 years ago, and this June my dream came true! Our group was large – 35 people total – but we became such a tight-knit group. Our leaders, both from the US and Kenya were amazing. I can’t even put into words how I felt when our bus first pulled up at Ndibai Primary School for our Welcoming Ceremony. Kids RAN towards the bus, anxious to touch us and see our faces. Upon stepping off the bus, we were all enveloped in warm, strong Kenyan hugs. The Spiritual Leaders and Leadership Council ushered us to seats under a covered tent. I truly felt like undeserving royalty. From this moment on, I knew our trip would be incredible.

I had the pleasure of sponsoring a child before the trip, so I had the opportunity to meet him. I was blown away by Kate, our 410 Bridge Kenyan leader. She ensured every single sponsored child was at Ndibai Primary to greet us. I was able to meet my child’s family and love on them. When we headed to the buses, a flock of children still followed us. One child in particular latched onto me, without saying a word. We had this sort of unspoken bond, and were able to connect almost every day during our trip. She’s now my second sponsor child 🙂 The home visits were both lighthearted and heavy. We had the chance to make chipati and see where a group of Kenyans lived, and heard their stories. This community is full of strong women!

We wrapped up the week with a prayer walk through the community. This is where one my favorite stories takes place. Not good news for their crops and livelihood. We were told that Ndibai hadn’t received rain in about a month. We prayed each day for rain, along with blessing on the community as a whole, but still no rain. After we left the community on Thursday night, we received word on Friday that Ndibai GOT RAIN! It was an answer to prayer…an immediate one! It wasn’t a light rain either – it poured. It still gives me goosebumps to have yet another glimpse into God’s faithfulness.

Heather2

Heather3

Heather4

Heather5

 

 

Share This

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linkdin
Share on Pinterest

More Stories

Learnings From Kiu, Kenya

Our partnership with Kiu community started way back in 2009 making it one of the first communities to partner with the 410 Bridge since its inception in Kenya in 2006. 

At the 410 Bridge, we work through the community leaders who ensure continuity of the community’s development even after graduation. During our partnership journey, we walk alongside indigenous community leaders and church leaders as they mobilize and unify the community to participate in their own development – shifting their perspectives and owning the solutions.

Read More »

Serving with Joy: A Week in Mutirithia, Kenya

If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Kenya, allow me to do my best to try to put into words what an incredible life-changing experience that you really need to do at least once in your life. 

I was recently blessed to travel to Mutirithia, Kenya with an amazing group of 20 other Christian men to serve the families in that community over the course of a week. 

We prepared for weeks to make sure everyone understood the primary objective of the trip, which was to build upon relationships already formed in the community and to spread the Word to as many people as we could. 

Allow me to unfold a day-by-day glimpse of what we experienced:

Read More »

From Trip Participants to Trip Advocates

Embarking on a mission trip with The 410 Bridge is an invitation to witness the transformative power of holistic community development—a paradigm shift in the way we approach poverty alleviation.

As trip participants, you’re not just joining a journey to serve communities in need; you’re stepping into the role of advocates, and champions of sustainable change driven by partnership and empowerment.

Here are 5 things to consider with this shift:

Read More »

Subscribe

Get more articles and updates like this directly in your email inbox!