Debbie & Brittany at Amani Africa: Jet set!

In February 2006, I visited Amani ya Juu in Nairobi for the first time. It hardly felt like an introduction; Amani had already been an important part of my life through my friendship with Rachel. But that's a story for another time (perhaps one that's already passed). After two weeks at Amani Kenya, I begrudgingly returned to Washington, DC and my ever-supportive parents. Standing in the kitchen, jet-lagged and crotchety for being forced to return to my snowy, cold life in the States, I distinctly remember my mom's exact words: "Next time, I'm going with you."

And so she did. We spent two weeks at Amani Kenya in July 2008. And again, more of my mom's words are still clear as a bell. Sitting in a meeting on how-we're-going-to-make-this-US-volunteer-sale-thing-grow, she said, "I can do that. I can help coordinate the volunteers for Amani. I would like to do that."

And so she has. Thus started a new chapter for usm one of sharing our experiences with Amani by working together. It's not been without challenge, but we have truly enjoyed working alongside one another for the past 2 1/2 years.

Now we're embarking on yet another chapter, and kicking it off with this trip together. We're so thankful for the support in the form of prayer, donations, and encouragement we've received from many of you as we set out. I'm going to try to update regularly as we have time. In the meantime, please remember us in prayer over the next three weeks.

Here's what we're up to...

Jan 21 - 22: Travel to Nairobi, Kenya
Jan 23 - Feb 30: Working at Amani Kenya
Jan 31: Travel to Bujumbura, Burundi
Feb 1 - 3: Working at Amani Burundi (Amahoro ava Mw'Ijuru); travel to Kigali, Rwanda
Feb 4 - 9: Working at Amani Rwanda (Amahoro ava Hejuru); return to Nairobi
Feb 10 - 11: Wrapping up at Amani Nairobi
Feb 11 - 12: Travel home to Washington, DC

The next three week may try our patience, grace, and resilience, but we are so excited to spend time at the Amani centers and share about how Amani is growing in the US as well. It's always a good thing when the women of Amani get together, and so we look forward to what will come.

More (I hope!) soon...