It's right on Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa (and 2nd largest in the world) but you can't get in the water or you'll get sick. If you continue reading the blog over the next few weeks, you'll discover things that don't seem to make a lot of sense. Like why do Kenyans put speed bumps at the bottom of a steep hill and paint them the same color as the road? It's just part of the experience.
So who would want to burn two weeks of vacation, pay for premium jet fuel and microwaved airplane food, risk contracting an unwanted parasite, just to get a sunburn in a village on the equator? Well, meet the team:
Cassi Woods - Grew up in Northwest Georgia in a city called Dalton, otherwise known as The Carpet Capital of the World. Moved to Atlanta in 2004 to pursue a BFA in interior design at The Art Institute of Atlanta. Currently employed in Atlanta by Rule Joy Trammell + Rubio Architecture and Interior Design where she is involved in the design and development of multi-family apartment housing, corporate office, country club and hotel interiors. Enjoys her involvement with the young adult ministry at North Atlanta Church of Christ, cycling on her road bike, volunteering at the Fox Theater and most of all, spending time with those she loves. With a nagging desire to visit and serve a country in great need, Africa in particular has been pulling at her very heart strings. The day has finally come to answer God's calling.
Mandy Waldrep - Atlanta native, born and raised in the South & the youngest of three. Spent her college years in Atlanta & New York City & earned a degree in Fashion Marketing. Lived in NYC working until 2009, then returned home to Georgia. Currently loves her job working for Alternative Apparel in Norcross, GA, spending time with family & friends, giving back & loving others! Attends Buckhead Church, has a heart for Africa and orphans in particular!"Do for one what we wish we could do for everyone" Andy Stanley
Vince Barker - I grew up in Texas, just outside Fort Worth in a town called Mansfield. I went to college at Texas A&M University and majored in Mechanical Engineering. After graduating in 2009, I spent two years in jail, I mean grad school, at Georgia Tech. Now I work at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Marietta, Georgia.
We start heading east around 10:30 pm on Friday night. It's crazy to think that we won't be landing in Nairobi, Kenya until Sunday morning, a haul of about 25 hours plus the time change of traveling half way around the world. I'm hoping the excitement of the trip will make the time pass quickly.
Our mission is to reach out to a hurting community by showing the compassion of Christ by what we say and do. I'm hoping this blog will give an adequate glimpse into what life is like in our world. People who are more like you and me than a far away tribe on the cover photo of a National Geographic Magazine.
