But, as always, it is the people behind JVP – the global partners and local champions – who have impressed me more than the projects.  And it’s their faith and perseverance that are making this transformation possible.  To read more about what’s been happening in Kager, take a look at these stories.

Joining the Jubilee!

While Barry and the interns prepare for a summer in Ukraine, I’m preparing for my second trip to Kenya. There’s a lot to look forward to!
Click here to read this article…

Traveling by Your Taste Buds

If you ever find yourself wondering where you are in the world, just look at your plate!
Click here to read this article…

The Village

In such a small, tightly-knit community, I didn’t have to look far to see that Kager is a special place!
Click here to read this article…

Photo Gallery: Dream Come True

For the first time ever, Kager’s dream to open a secondary school is finally a reality.

Click here to see this photo gallery…

Determined

A glimpse into the lives of two students poised to make a difference in their village…

Click here to read this article…

Culture Guide: Farming Like a Kenyan

See how a city girl got her hands… and feet… dirty.

Click here to read this article…

A New Leaf

Who would have thought that onions could change a life in Kager?

Click here to read this article…

JOY in the Kitchen

Why a kitchen in Kager might be one of the most exciting places around.

Click here to read this article…

In David’s Words

Time for a chat with Apostle Dave!

Click here to read this article…

Spending time with the Relief Bus was a blast.  Heading out onto the streets of NYC and just being there for people taught me a lot about what it means to live out the kingdom revolution.  Watching the Relief Bus staff at work showed me just how powerfully God can use even ordinary people!

The Relief Bus is a source of hope and life to many...

The Bowery Mission, where I lived for one week, was a remarkable vision of the kingdom of God.  Homeless men given hope, dignity and a second chance… I have never seen a place of such brokenness filled with such life and joy.

Below you will find each of the articles in this series, including the posts from my time living homeless (labeled “On the Streets”).  At the bottom of the article, you’ll find a video of my favorite pictures from the trip along with one of my favorite songs right now…

Enjoy!

Relief

All this month I will be embedded with New York City Relief. Already I can tell that it will be an incredible experience!
Click here to read this article…

The Long Climb

After meeting several heroin addicts on the streets of the Bronx, my perspective on drug addiction has begun to change…
Click here to read this article…

On the Streets

A few updates as I prepare to live homeless on the streets of New York City…

Click here to read this article…

On the Streets: Day One

On my first day living homeless in Manhattan I developed a whole new perspective on panhandling.
Click here to read this article…

On the Streets: The Station

After sleeping on the floor of Penn Station for a night, I learned how important it is to remember the invisible…
Click here to read this article…

On the Streets: The Shelter

After two nights living in a homeless shelter, I’ve had my understanding of homelessness totally changed…
Click here to read this article…

On the Streets: Alone

After four days on the streets of NYC, I’m realizing how disconnected the homeless can become from everyone else…
Click here to read this article…

What’s next?

After living on the streets, I am now going to be living in a homeless shelter to hear the stories of the people inside…
Click here to read this article…

Something Different

What is it about the Bowery’s program that makes everyone so joyful here?

Click here to read this article…

Arise

The incredible diversity among the men at the Bowery Mission reveals the Mission’s commitment to grace.
Click here to read this article…

Photo Gallery: Students of Hope

Through a structured and intentional program, the Bowery Mission gives hope to those that need it most.
Click here to see this photo gallery…

Grace

Why don’t homeless people just get a job?

Click here to read this article…

Irving

After meeting Irving for a second time, my bad mood drifted away…

Click here to read this article…

Messed Up Plans

What happens when Jesus comes in and totally “messes up” a person’s life?

Click here to read this article…

Photo Gallery: A Day With the Relief Bus

The Relief Bus is an incredibly practical way to help broken communities. Would you consider joining them?
Click here to see this photo gallery…

A Fighting Chance

Can one simple decision change a man’s life forever?

Click here to read this article…

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New York City Trip Slide Show

Here is a video of my favorite pictures from this particular trip backed up by a fantastic song.  The music is by an artist named Matt Papa.  If you haven’t heard his album Your Kingdom Come, I strongly suggest that you pick it up!

Through medical teams, food distributions and other aid, NVM has begun the process of restoring their country… one person at a time.

One of the many Haitians devastated by the earthquake.

From January 29-February 13 I was embedded with two of the medical teams from NVM.  I tried to capture my experience here on World Next Door for you to read.  Below you will find each of my articles from the trip and a video showing some of my photos that didn’t end up on the site.

Heartache

As I watch the devastation in Haiti, I cannot help but think about the injustices and hope I’ve experienced around the world…
Click here to read this article…

Compassion Fatigue

How do you continue to stay engaged when your heart can’t take any more?

Click here to read this article…

Never Too Young

Should children be sheltered from social justice issues? Or should they get involved from an early age?
Click here to read this article…

The Checklist

Even though I’ve traveled a lot before, I’m filled with fear and anticipation about my upcoming trip to Haiti…
Click here to read this article…

One at a Time

With millions of Haitians sick, hungry and homeless, is there any way to have hope for the future?
Click here to read this article…

Photo Gallery: Finding a Way

Despite having everything set against them, Haitians will find a way to go on.

Click here to see this photo gallery…

Sticks. Trash. Home.

As I watch the devastation in Haiti, I cannot help but think about the injustices and hope I’ve experienced around the world…
Click here to read this article…

Downtown

What I saw in downtown Port-au-Prince will change my life forever…

Click here to read this article…

Out of Obscurity

Geniuses around the world are living undiscovered in poverty. Did I just find one?

Click here to read this article…

Photo Gallery: Food!

It wasn’t until I saw a food distribution in Haiti that I realized the true meaning of hope and anticipation.
Click here to see this photo gallery…

The “Real World”

As I get back to “life as normal,” many Haitians continue to suffer. But I will not forget…
Click here to read this article…

B-Roll Photo Gallery Video

Finally, here is a short video showing some of the photographs that didn’t make it in to any of the WND articles or photo galleries on the site.  The music is by Sarah Scharbrough, who will be performing live at our One-Year Anniversary Party and Benefit on February 26.

Barwaaqo’s life was one of many I saw transformed because of the dedicated people at Karura Chapel.

Hiking to the tallest point in Aberdare National Park ended with an incredible view!

One thing I discovered right away was that I was certainly not alone.  From my wonderful host family, to my friends at Karura Community Chapel where I was an intern, I had plenty of people to support me…and plenty of time to get to know them better.  By going deeper with those relationships, I ended up with a better understanding of the complex social justice issues Kenyans face, and why so many have hope in the midst of them.

Articles

The resilience and vision of my Kenyan friends was truly amazing.  In simple things like giving kids a bath and a meal, taking pictures to break the cycle of poverty, or providing blenders as a tool to do business, I saw ordinary people bringing real change to their communities.  I met big-idea people, too, who overcame huge obstacles to bring holistic transformation to Kibera slum, or tackled widespread problems like corruption.  It was incredible to see that, behind each of these projects was a person with a passion and a faith that compelled them to action.

Photo Galleries

Apart from the people I encountered, another highlight was traveling around the country, which, of course, came with lots of great photo opportunities!  Whether it was an 18-hour truck ride to the desert-like region of Marsabit, or a hiking excursion in the mountains, I saw just how diverse Kenya can be.  Images from a trek into the Rift Valley revealed the lingering pain from past ethnic violence, but they also told about pastors taking the initiative to bring reconciliation.

Bet you can’t guess what my new favorite African football team is…

Travel Journals and Culture Guides

One of the best parts about living for so many months in another country is the chance to dive head-first into another culture, and get a new perspective on the world in the process.  For example, I found that cooking without running water or electricity can reap delicious results, but requires a lot more work than I’m used to!  Also, a normal camping trip took on new meaning after I spent some time in camps for displaced people.  After immersing myself in Kenyan culture, literally walking with my Kenyan friends in their daily lives, I started to feel like I was really Kenyan, especially when I was counted in the national census!

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By the time I was finally ready to fly back to America myself, I had gained an even deeper love for this country and its people.  And as I experienced the gift of a newfound community there, I discovered an invaluable key to finding hope in the face of social injustice: fighting it together!  When we’re working as a community, God does incredible things…and now I have the pictures and the stories to prove it!

To read our previous trip recaps, click here.

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From November 10 to December 10, 2009, I had the opportunity to embed with Dead Wheat International Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering the impoverished and malnourished Ngöbe tribe in central Panama.

A Ngöbe girl we met in the mountains...

My trip started with the surprising realization of just how much disparity there is in Panama.  While many in Panama City live extravagant lives, many others in the rural regions are starving.  It was among the latter that I spent most of my time.

My host Bernardo and his wife Nidia.

One of the coolest things I got to do was to live in the village of Llano Ñopo with a family of farmers.  They graciously allowed me to sleep in one of their huts, to eat meals with them and even to go with them to harvest rice!  I learned a ton from that experience.

But my learning didn’t stop there.  I learned about the effects of deforestation on their community, I learned about the patience the Ngöbe are known for and even learned a few helpful tips and tricks about how to survive the jungle (although I wouldn’t trust that article if I were you)!

By far the most intense experience during my month in Panama was the two day hike we went on deep into the mountains.  I have never been so exhausted in my life!  It’s a good thing my perspective on comfort has  begun to change…

A view from one of the many hills we climbed in the countryside. (click the image to see the full size Panorama)

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In the end, I was extremely grateful for my time with Dead Wheat.  I got to see firsthand the work they are doing to help impoverished farmers develop sustainable agriculture.  I learned about the terrible effects of indoor air pollution but saw hope in an ingenious solution.  Finally, I witnessed the powerful effects of a few committed individuals willing to work tirelessly to bring clean water to a remote village.

The trip may have been exhausting.  I may have come back with a billion bug bites.  But I know now that I saw the Kingdom of God at work in some powerful new ways, and I wouldn’t trade that knowledge for anything.

Thank you, Dead Wheat!  And may you continue to see fruit in your ministry…

To read our previous trip recaps, click here.

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From October 27-November 3, Curtis Honeycutt (a WND board member) and I traveled to Chambrun, Haiti to see the work of Nehemiah Vision Ministries.

One of NVM's beautiful children.

We came expecting to see an extremely poor country and that is what we saw. We came expecting to see communities mired in generational injustices and that is what we saw.

But I don’t think either of us expected to see such incredible seedlings of life and of the kingdom of God springing up all over the village of Chambrun.

Pastor Pierre, the visionary behind NVM, with two women from Chambrun.

We saw a community of humble people willing to spend four hours helping to dig a box truck out of a ditch.  And we saw their celebration when they were finally successful.

We met hundreds of happy, healthy children who now have hope in the future because of the work of NVM, and we came back with our hearts overflowing with their love.

On the lighter side, Curtis experienced the welcoming smiles of the Haitian people despite his rather white skin (and developed a list of tips to help others in his situation!).

And finally, I got the chance to spend the night at NVM’s orphanage in Chambrun. It was a deeply moving experience.

Seeing how much physical affection those eight orphans needed broke my heart, but knowing that they will now have a chance at a life that they would have otherwise never have had filled me with hope.

In the end, our one week trip to Haiti was at once challenging and incredibly uplifting.  The country is by far the poorest in the Western Hemisphere, but because of the work of ministries like Nehemiah Vision Ministries, I believe that Haiti has a chance…

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This October, I had the opportunity to spend around three weeks “embedded” with Shepherd Community Center in downtown Indianapolis.  I lived with a family of first-generation immigrants from Mexico and spent my days observing and interacting with Shepherd’s many ministries to the struggling neighborhood on the near-east side.

Shepherd's sign, a symbol of hope for a struggling neighborhood.

Lliving 40 minutes away from my apartment wasn’t exactly crazy and exotic, but it definitely taught me a lot about my own city that I had never imagined.  For example, I had the chance to do an all night police ride-along which gave me a whole new appreciation for the work of our nation’s police force.

Shepherd's emphasis on education with middle school students is making a huge impact on dropout rates for their students.

While living with my host family, I learned quite a bit about the struggles faced by second-generation immigrant children.  Because they are caught between two cultures, they often have a hard time finding their true identity.

Of course, one cultural trend that seems to transcend national boundaries are the ubiquitous Mexican telenovelas.  Although I’ve watched them in India and Kenya with English voice-overs, it took watching them with a Spanish-speaking family to truly appreciate their value.

Overall, my short time with Shepherd left me in awe of the work they are doing in their neighborhood.  Simply spending a few days hanging out with their junior high students gave me hope that true change is possible.  But hearing the tragic story of an immigrant from Honduras reminded me that there is so much work left to be done.

Thankfully, Shepherd Community Center is there, in the middle of it all, fighting to break the cycle of poverty.

It may be an uphill battle, but with Shepherd fighting for them, these kids now have a chance!

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From June 10 to August 7, 2009, World Next Door’s first summer interns lived in Nairobi, Kenya.  All three of them lived with Kenyan host families, ate Kenyan food and took Kenyan public transportation.  Despite illnesses, crazy meals and 10 hour hikes, they all managed to survive!

Christine Sullivan worked with Zana Africa, an organization dedicated to empowering young men and women in Kibera slum.  Scott Quigley worked with Tanari International, which seeks to restore rites of passage ceremonies to westernized Kenyan youth.  Jessica Shewan worked with Karura Community Chapel, a church heavily involved in the post-election violence.  The whole time, I lived in Kibera slum, working with Tumaini Church in the Raila neighborhood.

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One of the most amazing things we learned this summer was just how sacrificial many our new Kenyan friends are.  Despite constant stress and endless inconveniences in Kibera slum, these selfless servants have dedicated their lives to helping their community.  Through their sacrifice and leadership, some have given a new meaning to the words “power” and “influence.”

Poor, hungry, weak... and happier than I'll probably ever be!

We got to see firsthand the creative ways these organizations are redeeming their world.  From honorable burials of homeless people to after school study sessions for children in the slum, they are making a difference.  Through soccer clubs and free medical camps, people’s lives are being transformed.  And even in a community still wounded by the post-election violence, redemption is springing up!

Even though Kenya is plagued by disparity, the four of us learned what true generosity looks like.  And even though we often felt too small to make a difference, we were encouraged to realize that it’s the “small” people (not the huge initiatives) that truly do bring change.

Photo Galleries

There was plenty to photograph this summer, as well.  We had the chance to see the inexplicable hope found in the residents of a newly bulldozed slum.  We got to see the resilience of those living in Kibera at night.  And we found joy and life in the most unlikely of places.

A different way to see Kibera... at night!

But beyond simply the realities of Kenyan poverty, we got to see what organizations like Zana Africa are doing about them.  By handing out sanitary pads, they are providing uninterupted schooling for girls.  And by teaching women how to make fresh juice, they are perpetuating sustainability.

Of course, with a country as beautiful and diverse as Kenya, we had the chance to photograph some truly breathtaking sights as well!  We saw elephants, giraffes and zebras on safari, and stayed on an absurdly beautiful beach on the coast.  And yes, it really was that idyllic!

Travel Journals

Upon arriving in Kenya, the four of us jumped in head first.  By meeting new people and visiting new communities, we quickly learned the significance of our names and the importance of using correct greetings.  We also discovered what it’s like hiking ten hours through the Kenyan bush!

Our team at an Ethiopian restaurant in Nairobi...

More significantly, each of us had our worldview changed this summer.  We had our understanding of America rattled, our addiction to conveniences exposed and even our image of Barack Obama altered…

While living in Kibera slum, I had the opportunity to see the world from the perspective of a Kibera child, and it definitely made me think.  But it was my experiences with rain and Kenyan time that truly changed me from the inside.

Culture Guides

The next time you head to Kenya, be sure to check out our “valuable” culture guides.  You can learn how to ride matatus like a pro, how to learn Swahili, and even how to eat food in Kibera slum!  When you’re finished with those, be sure to read up on how to survive all the stares you’ll undoubtedly get and learn how to prepare for a Kenyan road trip.

Our culture guides may not exactly be helpful, per se, but there is still plenty there to learn!

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At the end of our summer in Kenya, all four of us were undeniably changed forever.  By witnessing poverty and desperation, our hearts were broken.  But by experiencing true love and redemption, we were filled with an amazing sense of hope.  God is working in Kenya, and we got to see it first hand!

Articles

By far the most difficult and heart-wrenching experiences in Ukraine were my three visits to the Romaniv Disabled Boys Orphanage.  It is an awful place where these beautiful boys are treated like cattle.  Yet hope has been springing up in this hell-hole ever since Mission to Ukraine started visiting on Thursday mornings.

Oksana from MTU with Peter, an orphan at Romaniv.

Now, despite years of abuse and neglect, these boys are being treated like humans.  Unconditionally loved by these amazing Christ-followers, some of the orphans are even choosing to leave their despair behind.

But working with disabled children is only half of MTU’s mission.  The other half is their commitment to bring down the incredible rate of abortions in the city.  Through a listening ear and a helping hand, their counselors are actually beginning to break the cycle.

Although my stay with them was brief, I truly believe that Mission to Ukraine symbolizes the hopeful future of an independent Ukraine.  They are slowly breaking free from the shadow of the past and discovering their own national identity.

Photo Galleries

An old lock in rural Ukraine.

While I was in Ukraine, I had the chance to leave the city and visit the countryside.  I tried to capture a common thread in Ukraine: the mixture of beauty and despair.  Of course, there it’s a little harder to find despair in the opulent city of Kiev.

My favorite photo shoot, however, was at the Romaniv Orphanage.  With a sunny sky and couple of volley balls,  we were able to give these boys the time of their lives!

Travel Journals

Like I mentioned above, it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with Ukraine.  I loved the food.  I loved the people.  But most of all, I loved their over-the-top commitment to hospitality.  When combined with the Ukrainian tendancy for humility, I watched it lead to some interesting situations.

Of course, the most hilarious and memorable experience had to be my visit to a Ukrainian banya.  Insane heat.  Birch tree sap.  Half-naked men slapping me with oak tree branches.  Pretty much an average day…

Culture Guides

Driving in Ukraine. Safe? No. Exciting? Yes.

If you are ever planning on heading to Ukraine yourself, you might want to read up on how to survive driving in automobiles.  I’ve discovered that it’s more of a psychological thing than anything else.  If you can pretend that your life is not in imminent danger you’ll do just fine!

Oh, and if you ever find yourself in a conversation with a Ukrainian who doesn’t speak a lick of English, it might help to check out this handy language guide.  Disclaimer:  the aforementioned language guide will NOT help.

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Wow.  It’s amazing to think how much I learned and grew in such a short time.  Who could have guessed that Ukraine would end up so close to my heart?

I just hope that these articles, pictures and stories encourage, uplift and challenge you as much as they have for me.  If nothing else, I hope you learn this simple truth:  hope always beats back the darkness!

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While in India, I got to witness how uniquely gifted Truthseekers is at contextualization.  They are reaching lower caste Indians and speaking the language in a way that most other ministries can only dream of.  One of the coolest things they do?  Coconut communion…

A religious leader at a New Delhi rally.

One of the younger Truthseekers named Deshpande has a ministry to Eunuchs, who are some of the most ostracized people in India.  I had the opportunity to visit a community of these eunuchs with Deshpande, and it is a memory that will remain with me for a long time.

I learned a lot about the country simply from experiencing everyday events.  By watching workers on the street, I gained a valuable new perspective on manual labor.  And when I visited a rehabilitation center for the dying and destitute, I knew that I would never be the same.

Over the three months that I was there, it became apparent that Truthseekers was attempting to do the impossible.  And yet, Truthseekers presses on.  They really are making a difference.

Culture Guides

The kids in India are amazingly beautiful!

Of course, my time in India was not always quite so intense.

I picked up quite a few interesting lessons and facts that could actually help you the next time you travel to New Delhi.  If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like eating curried goat’s feet, wonder no more.  I’ve gone to the trouble of finding out for you.

Oh, and if you find yourself on a crowded bus in India wondering why that man is resting his belly on your shoulder, perhaps I can enlighten you on some things I learned about personal space from an Indian perspective.

Travel Journals

Yes. Yes. Of COURSE I saw the Taj Mahal...

Now, no trip to India would be complete without a little bit of sight-seeing. But I’m not exactly the touristy type.

Of course, walking around an Old Delhi spice market was fascinating… but it became especially so when I broke away from the main roads and delved deeper into the city.

But it was taking a 22 hour train ride to the coastal city of Mumbai that really sticks in my memory.  Who would have ever thought that I’d one day explore ancient Hindu caves on an island off the coast of India?

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All in all, my 3 months in India were some of best, worst, most hilarious and most depressing of my life.  And I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.  I know that what I learned at the feet of the Truthseekers has changed my perspective on the world forever.