By: Jennifer Plascencia
One day at church I felt a calling or a nudge that God wanted me to serve in a different way. I looked through my church’s opportunities and as soon as I saw Kenya I felt a wash of joy flood over me. I applied that day and was overjoyed to hear shortly back that I had been accepted to go.
Our church gave us the book “If You Really Want to Help” to read and from there I fell in love with what 410 Bridge was doing for the people of Kenya, especially after reading the story of Chris in Kahuria.
I was set to go October 2023, unfortunately my husband’s military deployment made me have to push back to April of this year (2024).
But now I know God wanted me here at this time, and with the people I went with and met. I felt welcomed and loved by people I had never met before more than some people I have known my whole life. I could see and feel the love of Christ pouring out of the people of Kahuria, Kenya.
Each day we were blessed to meet new people, see their homes and farms and learn how 410 Bridge was helping these people become more sustainable. No matter how little these people have they were happier than most anyone I had ever met in America.
I pray to be able to go back again to fellowship and learn from them, whether that be in Kahuria or a new community. I have more love to give and I for sure have more learning to do.
On my last day, our community 410 partner Dorcas even surprised me by bringing Chris to meet me. She went out of her way to help me meet the person who made me fall in love with 410. Chris was such a kind soul, who would do anything to provide for his young family.
We were also blessed with the best 410 Bridge guide and bus driver (Yvonne and Joseph) they made us laugh, feel safe, and share their African knowledge with us every step of the way.
I am so thankful for this trip and pray to return when God is willing.
