JULY 2025

Last month was a whirlwind. We wrapped up our time in Kenya with many goodbyes and arrived back in the UK towards the end of the month. We’ve now been here for four weeks, during which we’ve slept in eight different beds, stored our belongings in six different houses, and driven over 2,000 miles. In many ways, the whirlwind of these last few weeks sum up the past few years. What a journey it has been. Through it all, time and time again, we have seen the Lord at work and can confidently say that He is good and faithful.One of the most significant goodbyes we had was visiting the children we sponsor. We managed to meet their wider families and spend time with them in their homes. Child sponsorship programmes have been shown to improve educational attainment, increase future income, and enhance self-esteem and aspirations. Research also indicates positive effects on employment opportunities and overall life satisfaction for sponsored children. It is a privilege to remain connected to the community in the Great Rift Valley in this way. Recently, the BBC published an article that highlights the need in this very community. It is a harrowing read, and having known the community and worked there for the last five years, it was particularly hard to take in. But it underscores the need and the work still to be done. You can read the article here:

“BBC Reveals Horrific Exploitation of Children in Kenya Sex Trade” https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c15l9zl508eo

If you would like to sponsor a child and are based in the UK, you can do so through www.hopebegins.org.uk. Hope begins when a child belongs, and sponsorship can truly change the trajectory and future of a child’s life. Alternatively, you can give a one-off gift to Hope Begins, which will be used to support the work of Naomi’s Village in Maai Mahiu, in the Great Rift Valley.Finally, we would love your prayers for us as a family. Firstly, for jobs and work. Sean is currently without a job and hopes to return to a role as a Deputy Headteacher in January. In the meantime, when schools start in September, he will do some supply work while continuing to apply for roles for January. Rachel is volunteering at the moment with Hope Begins, the UK partner of Naomi’s Village. Secondly, for Jonah, Caleb, and Anna. They will all start at different schools in September, which will be a huge shift from life and school in Kijabe, Kenya. Please pray that they settle in quickly, make good friends, and experience a smooth transition.

During our time in Kenya, to "take up the cause of the fatherless" (Isa 1:17) and "remember the poor" (Gal 2:10), we witnessed countless lives changed by the power of the gospel. Over these last five years, we are deeply aware that our own lives have been transformed too. We are so, so grateful to those of you who have stood with us and partnered with us on this journey. Asante sana.