Going into the Neema missions trip, I was not sure what to expect. I had been on a mission trip to El Salvador previously, where we visited a school and did some manual labor before playing soccer and volleyball with the kids. During our meetings before going to Kenya, there was a large emphasis on not doing any physical work and instead spending time with the girls and helping them feel loved. While I knew this was the goal, I did not think it would be much different from my previous trip. Getting to the school campus, I was immediately shocked by the girls’ excitement to see us. We worshiped and sang songs, prayed, and did Bible studies with them. While the sun was shining, we played volleyball, soccer, and did a photoshoot with face paint. We taught the girls how to make string bracelets, paper hearts, and envelopes when it was raining.

The best part of this trip was definitely building relationships with the girls and being able to share God’s love with them. We were able to do so many different activities with them and share in their never ending joy while showing them God’s love. Going to Mount Elgon with some of Neema’s staff was also a highlight because we got to bond with them while taking in God’s beauty. We also got to see an elephant, which was absolutely incredible. One of the more challenging parts of this trip was hearing the girls’ stories. Knowing how much they’ve been through at such young ages really hit me. I was also taken aback by how most of them had children when they were my age or younger.

This trip made me more aware of how fortunate we are in the US. I was also shown how joyful you can be in tribulations. I definitely built my relationship with God knowing that I can always be joyful if He is the center of my life. I have focused on putting others’ needs before myself and not solely thinking about how I could be the most comfortable. One word that accurately describes this trip is impactful. While the trip was not easy, my life has definitely changed, and I have a new outlook on life. Everything I experienced will stick with me, and I am amazed at how much I learned and have matured since starting the travels.

I will remain involved in Neema by continuing to be a Grace Partner with 1st year student Linah. I would also love to travel back to Kenya and see all of the girls again. Until this is possible, I will tell others about my experience and educate them on Neema’s philosophy. I highly recommend those who are interested in Neema to get involved by either being a Grace Partner to one of the lovely ladies or looking into traveling with Providence the next time they visit the girls.

Written by Rachel Laraio