Today Jarred and I had the pleasure of visiting the CARE for AIDS organization based in Limuru, Kenya. First we heard a general overview of the organization from our friend Duncan. They are currently running 14 different church-based clinics across Kenya for people who are HIV/AIDS positive. At each church, there are two counselors and 80 clients who build relationships with one another during a 9 month course. Throughout the 9 months, clients meet weekly with both a medical counselor and a spiritual counselor. They also have group sessions, home visits, and empowerment seminars where they are taught skills to make money for their families.
Most of the clients begin the program quite depressed, feeling as though they have no hope and will probably die tomorrow. However, the CARE for AIDS centers help them realize their full potential and helps to improve not only the quality of their lives, but also that of their children.
After learning about the program, we were able to sit in on a group session in the morning and go on several home visits in the afternoon where we prayed with each client. It was so touching to be invited into each home and hear the stories of struggle and triumph. We met both people who had completed the program, thriving with their new found hope, and those who were just starting the program, feeling very dejected. Seeing an entire range of clients gave us a true feel for how large of an impact the organization is having. God is blessing their ministry tremendously and Jarred and I were overjoyed to experience their work first hand.
So now, after a very busy and wonderful week, it's already time to return home. Before heading to the airport tomorrow we're stopping by an elephant orphanage and giraffe center...giving Jarred a mini-safari! We can't wait to share more with you all as soon as we're home!
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