And We're Off...

And we’re off.

Well, it’s normal for me to be going back to Africa around this time. But it is so exciting because I’m bringing my dear friends and partners in this mission. The Jars guys, two of the wives, our favorite photographer, and I are on the plane from Nashville to Chicago (and later, Chicago to London, London to Nairobi).

It’s going to be an incredible two weeks, and I am so thankful that logistics and schedules have made it possible for the band to finally come and meet the faces of those they have already served. Our first two days will be spent in Lwala village (you can scroll down this blog to see Lwala from my last trip in March). I’m excited to have everyone build relationships and really get a sense of walking in another person’s shoes. No clean water. No electricity. My prayer is that hearts will unite and relationships will grow.

After visiting Lwala, we have an amazing opportunity to travel with our hero and mentor, Gary Haugen, who is the founder and president of International Justice Mission. We will be in Rwanda together for three short days. Gary will walk us through his experiences as the US envoy for the Department of Justice during the investigations of the genocide that happened in 1994. We will be staying at the Milles Collines Hotel, which many of you will know by the movie that came out a couple of years ago, Hotel Rwanda. We will also be visiting Rwanda Victory Academy, an orphanage and school that has just received approval for a water project funded by Blood:Water Mission.

From there, we will return to Kisumu, Kenya to visit the communities that have clean water wells from Blood:Water. We will be with my dear friend and partner, Benjamin. The band has heard me speak of Benjamin for two years now, and they will finally have the opportunity to meet him, witness his influential, yet humble leadership, and spend time with those who have benefited from clean water. I know it will be a time of celebration; a time to rejoice in what God has done through the band, and through amazing leaders like Benjamin.

We covet your prayers and your thoughts as we go forward in these two weeks. Please pray for the families back home, as well.

Jena