Eight hours into a ‘six-hour drive” (still going), I thought, This is all Jason’s fault. I was with a group of 34 other intrepid travelers from the Oregon Conference (and beyond) for a mission trip to Kenya. I have been on other mission trips, but never one this off the beaten path: the Maasai Mara.
On arrival, all my fears and exhaustion lifted at an incredible sight – zebra, giraffe and impala (plus one slightly lost wildebeest) wandering freely around the safari camp we would call home for the next 10 days.
Mara West Camp and its affiliate, Africa Mission Services, are run by the Aho family, who have partnered with the local Maasai to continue to build community needed centers that local leaders identify, co-develop, and lead. Since the early 2000’s, there have been medical clinics, schools, and churches – all working alongside the tribes and their cultural desires and needs. It’s a partnership that gives a taste of heaven.
We painted, sanded, stained, and more at the new health clinic, and ran a VBS-style program at the primary school (600 students, grades K-9. Seventy students in one room – words can’t do it justice. Teachers are my heroes.).
Each night, Jason Calvert – our fearless leader, whom I had eventually forgiven for the drive – it was worth it – asked: “How did we live out our covenant today?”
See, what made this trip so impactful was the intentionality that went into each part. How each person was able to see God working through the Maasai people, the hosts, and each other. The theme was simple, but profound: Love More. Specifically, love more through committing to living up to the being people God calls us to be. This covenant included the following statements:
1. I will be the good.
2. I will assume the best.
3. I will speak life.
4. I will protect our unity.
5. I will bring issues to leaders, not gossip groups.
Ending each day reflecting on how God had used each moment, seeing the best in each other, and facing up to challenges in beautiful, healing ways.
The moment that sealed it for me was the final night there. Jason asked “What life-markers do you plan to bring home? What is it that you never want to forget?” As each shared special moments – working with the children, serving alongside others while inhaling paint fumes, worshipping at the local church, and more – our host, Dustin Aho, finally spoke up: “People come from all over the world and pay thousands just for the safari experience here. This group had two safari days, yet when asked what you valued most – none of you said that was your biggest takeaway. Serving others is the biggest reward, as you have each shown tonight.”
Find photos and videos from throughout the trip in a series of posts on the Oregon Conference Youth Ministries Facebook page at facebook.com/OCYouthMinistries.
