We boarded a plane at 11 PM on Sunday night and headed to London. The first glimpse of the city as we popped up from the subway was a bit strange-no matatus, few black people, it seemed quiet, people were on the move, etc!
We only spent a few days there but it was nice to have a bit of time to reflect as we prepared for our homecoming…a special thanks to David (who I met while climbing Mt. Kenya) and his family for inviting us in as well as the British government for making all of the museums free. (There sure is nothing else in London that is FREE!)
Perhaps the climax of it all was the icing on the cake for our year in Kenya with a trip to the London Theater to see The Lion King Musical…a beautiful experience- wonderful costumes, great music and a better storyline than an already great movie. We could see traces of the stories of Kenya in a broadway musical, perhaps a bit of foreshadowing as we continue to encounter our time in Kenya through everyday experiences.
Welcome to one of many ways that we hope to communicate with the world from Nairobi. We hope that you will track this journey with us from afar and live and learn through our experiences. We would not be able to do this without the love and support of friends, family and the global citizens that make this planet a better place. We will do our best to keep you posted on the latest and greatest and welcome your stories in return.
Shalom,
joel and mandy
Contact Us
Joel's Email Address: jdzylstra@gmail.com Mandy's Email Address: mandy.zylstra@gmail.com New Snail Mail Address: Joel and Mandy Zylstra c/o International School of Kenya PO Box 14103 00800 Nairobi, Kenya Blog Address:http://ctmnairobi.blogspot.com
While not many people know it, Wedgwood Christian Family Services in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Dagoretti 4 Kids and the Inspiration Centre in Nairobi, Kenya have a lot in common. Each of these three organizations are committed to transforming the lives of vulnerable youth in differing contexts.
During a year with Center for Transforming Mission in Nairobi, Kenya, Joel Zylstra worked to provide support for the ongoing development and networking of urban grassroots leaders. Two leaders stood out as they implement creative ways to enhance the lives of youth in their community. James, with Dagoretti 4 Kids, effectively revitalizes the lives of street kids in his community by helping them deal with addictions, finding ways to help them access education, and helping them reintegrate and give back to their local community. Moses leades the Inspiration Centre, located in Nairobi's infamous Mathare Valley, where he supports youth through art, a youth-focused church, and access to educational opportunities in and around Nairobi.
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