Myers Park UMC Senior Trip June 2019

On June 18th, a group of seven seniors and two adults set off on their pilgrimage to Nairobi, Kenya. They stayed with Divine Providence Training Center where Kenyan pastors at Camp Chemi Chemi. Over the course of about two weeks they visited a United Methodist Church where a DPTC pastor is serving, Strong Tower Orphanage run by DPTC graduate Martha Mwai, Lake Naivasha, the slums of Kibera to visit DPTC graduate Anthony, Ngong Hills, an elephant sanctuary, a boarding school outside of Camp Chemi Chemi, the Maasai Mara (safari), and the giraffe center.

“I fell in love with the country and the people. From the many chapati I ate to all the handcrafted Maasai jewelry I got to try on; the memories I made in Kenya are beyond words. The God I worship in Charlotte, NC is the same God my fellow friends in Kenya worship. God looks at us all the same. This was evident as we sang ​Praise the Lord​ by Daniel Bashta and translated it to Swahili, with help from the Kenyans. We sang this almost every place we went, teaching the children the english chorus as we mastered the Swahili rendition. The chorus reads, ‘Praise the Lord, Oh my soul rejoice, For his love is strong, And his mercies are never ending.’ These words embody the spirit of our pilgrimage.”–Lucy, student

Above: Students visiting with kids at Strong Tower Children’s Home in Naivasha

One of the adults on the trip, shares a bit about the his story and what his time in Africa meant to his journey with God:

“I grew up in the small town of Ashland, Oregon. I didn’t attend church and didn’t know God.   My childhood goals were simple- win tennis tournaments and excel in school.  With each tournament won and each A on an exam, I would feel a great sense of joy and accomplishment.  But this pleasure was short lived, and I was always looking for the next goal.  I knew something was missing from my life.  I just didn’t know what. This lifestyle continued through college and into my adult life.  I would focus on a goal, usually accomplish it, and look to the next challenge, never feeling fulfilled.

After dental school, I moved to Chapel Hill for medical school and residency.  It was there I met Elizabeth, and we have now been married for twenty years.  Elizabeth is a very spiritual person.  She has attended church at Myers Park United Methodist since her baptism, and her religion is an important part of her life.  I would often ask Elizabeth how I could become closer to god.  What were the steps?  She would always tell me the same thing:  Keep your heart and mind open, and you will know what to do.

Almost a year ago, I was looking through the church bulletin and saw a note about a high school summer pilgrimage to Africa. It mentioned that applications were being accepted for youth and chaperones.  I knew immediately that this was the trip of a lifetime and God was calling on me to go.  I love being with children and young adults.  I feel comfortable around them.  Maybe these youth could help me with my relationship with God.  I assumed that they were probably having some of the same thoughts and questions that I was, and hearing their insight and advice was just what I needed.  And, who wouldn’t want to travel to Kenya, experience a new culture, and go on a two-day safari? I immediately sent Lauren a note explaining my background and desire to go on the trip.  I was very nervous that she would want someone with more “church experience”.   By the grace of God, I was given the opportunity to go to Africa.”

Josh with one of the 65+ kiddos at Strong Tower Children’s Home.

On Sunday while visiting a United Methodist Church in Naivasha, all the seniors from the US and Kenya came forward for prayer and commissioning before going off to college.

Students from Myers Park with our trusty “pilot” for the week, Jackson, and his big red bus!