Julie presented Charles with a silver cross at the commissioning of the building. She brought it all the way from Nebraska, not without difficulty I might add. A "heavy metal object" is objectionable to airport security.

Reception

A reception at the Emmanuel Methodist Church compound followed the commission of the multipurpose building. Kenya tea, cookies and fruit were served. This is one of the many cultural customs we found to be universal.

Socializing Following Commissioning of Multipurpose Building

Charity is on the left. She is one of our hard working quilting ladies, a foster parent AND the former primary teacher of these two young men. Both the men in the middle were among the very skilled, athletic, hard working construction workers that built the Multipurpose building. The woman on the right is so proud of her son standing beside her. The building is in the background.

Macadamia Tree Planted During Commissioning of Multipurpose Building

A macadamia tree was planted at the building site, representing the growth of something great in Christ.

The produce from the tree and the two sugar cane plants, also planted at the commissioning of the building, will be used to help support MWAKI children and their foster families. “Mwaki” is the acronym for “Mwana Wetu” Adopt a Kid Initiative. Mwaki is the Meru word for a builder. You are invited to become a builder by financially and morally supporting an orphaned child. $ 120.00 per year will provide school tuition, uniform, books and food to an orphaned child. Click on the title above to learn more or go to http://fowcuskenya.net.

Planting of Sugar Cane at Commissioning of Multipurpose Building

In a beautiful African tradition two sugar cane plants and a macadamia tree were planted at the site of the multipurpose building. The plantings signify the beginning of something great that will grow in Christ.

Commissioning of the Multipurpose Building

This is my favorite picture from the mission trip to Kenya, and I think it is the most powerful picture I took during the mission work.

This is the laying on of hands during the commissioning of the multipurpose building. For me, it tells the whole story.

Commissioning of the Multipurpose Building

One of the African traditions that touched my heart is the laying on of hands during the blessing of the building.

Singing and Dancing

In African tradition there was singing and dancing
at the commissioning of the multipurpose building.

When this lady saw me take her picture
she put even more energy into her dancing.

Anne speaking at the Commissioning of the Multipurpose Building

There were speeches at the commissioning.

Commissioning of the Multipurpose Building

Harun and Charles at the commissioning of the building...