It was the largest team of adults ever to visit the Amani projects comprising 12 people ranging from 30 to 73 years. Despite the age range we were blessed with really good relationships. There were two teachers, both of whom spent good times in the Kenyan schools with which their own UK schools are linked. With two vehicles and so many in the team we were able to split forces on numerous occasions, enabling more groups, homes and schools to be visited than usual.

Jim Scott spent a fruitful few days taking Bibles studies with leaders of PASH Groups: Policy and Support for Human. These are youth groups formed to initiate and maintain development within the community.

160 Bibles were distributed between widows groups and individuals. These were received with much jubilation by an HIV/AIDS group.

Weatherwise there were a few extremely watery occasions: water pouring in through the ceilings of four bedrooms in the hotel during a heavy downpour. On a separate occasion visibility was reduced to nil whilst we were in our vehicles on the road in the worst storm for many years. Every single vehicle on our road was brought to a complete standstill as the storm ripped through. Roofs were blown off houses, crops damaged, and huge trees uprooted.

In spite of the variable weather we were able to complete a very comprehensive programme, seeing more people than ever before and managing to fit in a mixture of serious management review time with some hilarious board game evenings with highly questionable interpretation of the rules!

A surprise breakfast on safari, with an amazing view over the Masai Mara, accompanied by two armed guards, was a memorable occasion! This was compensation for a few problems at the hotel and, if this was the result, we were very happy to have experienced those problems!

A good and very encouraging trip, especially seeing the continued progress of the Community Groups.

Hazel Prestwich
Amani UK Trustee