Update from Paul G.

Email from Paul G. to the team.


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Jambo!

Habari yaku?

Thanks Aaron for the note and just wanted to echo that it was a great pleasure serving on this awesome team!

When reading about Pappy, one of my thoughts was - that possibly he was holding on to see that we came - to help carry on what he had built up, so that it could continue to grow as he had envisioned! Could it be?

Zach & I have been sleeping since last night, with getting up only twice to grab a quick bite and then back to bed. After I post this note I will be heading back to bed for the night, with hopes to be fully rested by tomorrow morning!

I just wanted to say that when I was asked to head up the cement project I wasn't sure of how that would go if I excepted to do it, due to not knowing anything about the project up front prior to arriving at Segera, which was the case, except for a note that was handed to me on the plane from London to Nairobi with room dimensions and a statement that tools would be on site for the project and that there would be a person there that would instruct us on how to mix the sand, rock, & cement portions. I willingly excepted this position a month prior to heading to Segera, trusting God to work out the details. God worked it all out! My role as a project leader did not have to be met, due to God providing several leaders amongst us! From James (who showed us how to mix the cement on the ground) to Francis (who leveled the cement in the classrooms) to all of you that stepped up to the plate and served with your God given gifts! Truly each and everyone on the team served with leadership qualities in the areas that you served and I feel very blessed to have been a part of this team!

Asante sana!

P.S. Zach just sauntered by heading to watch sports in the living room, maybe he's coming back to the land of living!

YFIC,

Paul

Update from Segera - Aaron S.

Email from Aaron to the team.

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Hey Guys,

I hope all of you are got a great night's rest last night. The journey home is never easy, but it sure is good to sleep in your own bed again. Holly and I have had fun playing with Ethan. I feel like he's grown since we've been gone.

I got a phone call from the 410 bridge this morning. As you all know, Pappy has been very sick for the last few months and last night God took him home. Since the first time I heard about Pappy's story, I have greatly admired him. I only met him once, but I got this sense that I was encountering a great man of faith. We experienced part of his legacy last week.

From what I know, he had a general understanding of what our team was doing and died a happy man. He was very hopeful for what our partnership might accomplish in the future. Our trip was very well received by both the community and Segera Mission.

Today, I believe Pappy rejoices with our Father in Heaven. "Well done good and faithful servant."

I love all yall. It was a pleasure serving beside you and I eagerly look forward to what God has for BPF in Kenya.

Aaron

Home, safe and sound!

BPF's first Kenya team is home safe and sound! There was definitely a BPF party at the airport last night! The team was obviously tired, it was about 3am for them when they arrived, but happy to see loved ones waiting for them. The reunion was indeed incredible. Plans are probably already in the works for next year's trip.

Pictures and stories will continue to be posted on the blog as they come in. Anyone from the team that would like to share something on this blog, feel free to contact me through the church office at 979.285.2022.

So check back every once in a while to see if there's anything new or if you just want to reminisce. It's been a great journey and thank you again to all who participated in making this blog and this trip a success.

Continue to pray for the team as they process all that God has done in them and what they might need to do or change from this point on. Also, pray for Segera to continue what was started and for their HOPE to grow.

Be sure to come up to the church on Friday, August 8th at 7PM for the "Kenya party"!

Photo from Garry

"These elephants were right behind the tent Ethan and I stayed in at Sweetwater. " Garry

The team is just hours away from Houston now and the anticipation of some good, long hugs is mounting. I'm sure they are looking forward to a good bath and their own beds.

Here's to sweet reunions...

Waiting...

The team is now waiting at the gate to head to Houston. They are scheduled to leave at 5:11pm (4:11pm our time). They have already made it through customs and many are taking this time to call their loved ones and catch up a little.

Arriving earlier than you may think...

There has been talk of the team coming in to IAH at 7:43. This was what was on the original trip itinerary. Note that they are estimated to arrive at 7:06pm. They only have a couple of hours in Washington so this doesn't give them much time to get their luggage, make it through customs and get to the next gate. Pray that all is going well.

Back in the good ole' USA!

The United Airlines flight status shows that they have just arrived in Washington!! The cell phone calls will most likely be coming soon. :)