JULY 2024

At the start of July we left Kenya to visit friends and family and to catch up with those that partner with us in the Great Rift Valley as we seek to educate, equip and empower orphans and vulnerable children. The visit to the UK came at the perfect time and we were very much in need of some time to pause and rest. As many of you will be aware, we had recently been in America for the Naomi’s Village Spring Sponsorship Drive, which was an incredible experience. As well as spending time with some fantastic people and those that really champion the work of Naomi’s Village, we also had the opportunity to see so many different parts of America. After speaking more than 20 times and visiting 6 states we returned to Kenya. Although we were tired and jet lagged, we could not afford to rest as we arrived back to a crisis. At the end of April the community we work with in Mai Mahiu had been severely impacted by multiple devastating floods. Scores of people lost their lives, including a 3 year old preschooler who was a part of the ministry. Houses were destroyed, farms ruined, roads washed away and the landscape changed forever. Within a few days, completely jet lagged and exhausted, Sean was in meetings with the Kenyan Military, Red Cross, World Vision and countless local ministry partners. The Naomi’s Village guesthouse had also been affected so we had a US staff member staying with us. May and June were relentless, it was a whirlwind as we worked tirelessly to help those in need. People were not only grieving, but were without shelter and some were completely cut off and isolated with no access to food or water. It was a very trying time. Our trip to the UK came at the start of July, just as we were starting to see some signs of recovery. We headed to the UK for the summer to spend time with family and friends. The last few months had taken their toll, with cynicism and criticism becoming too common and all the signs were pointing to burnout. For the first time since moving to Kenya and serving with Naomi’s Village in 2020, Sean was officially “out of office”. 

In the UK we spent some time away with Rachel’s family and despite watching England fail to bring it home (again!), precious memories were made.  We had a couple of days in Crete without the children and we drove across Europe and had a family holiday at a holiday park in the Netherlands, stopping off in Belgium en route. Of course, football was a big part and the annual pilgrimage to the London Stadium to stock up for forthcoming birthdays and Christmas took place. Sean also hiked Snowden with Caleb and climbed the O2 with Jonah. We had some lovely days out in London and even managed to see Millicent on her way to college in the US. Millicent was one of the first Naomi’s Village children to graduate and at the end of August starts college in the US studying biology for pre- med as she pursues becoming a Doctor.  

July was a tonic that was much needed. We are so grateful for the opportunity to be able to have that time with family and rest. Not only did we manage to get away, but we realise how fortunate and privileged we are to holiday in Downham and Telford, that is not a blessing that everyone gets to experience.