Heather and Dee are two mothers living in Florida who share a love for the families that they partner with in Kenya. In 2022, Phil Hudson introduced them to Family Partners, and they learned more about the program through their church. He visited their church and shared the impact of the partnership between Family Partners and AfricaHope on the Maasai communities.
Moved by the stories and faces of precious children, Heather and Dee felt called to help make a difference in the lives of the Maasai. They partnered with two families. Each had a daughter, Lanoi and Esther.
In April of 2023, Heather and Dee traveled to Kenya with their church to meet the families they partner with.
Heather describes that first meeting as very impactful. She met Lanoi and her mother, and their hearts connected immediately over their love for this child. Lanoi’s mother expressed gratitude, and although a communication barrier existed, the heart connection made the interaction easy. Saying goodbye after that first trip was difficult, but Heather committed to praying for this family and hoped to return.
Heather returned to Kenya in April of 2024 and participated in hosting a camp for Maasai children with Africa Hope. She was able to connect with Lanoi on a deeper level. Heather shared an experience of sitting under a tree as Lanoi looked through her phone and saw some pictures of the trip a year prior. A light bulb went off for Lanoi as she realized that Heather had been there before and was a constant in her life. The experience ended with Lanoi falling asleep in Heather’s lap.
Dee’s experience traveling to Kenya was also impacted by meeting both Esther and her mother. During Dee’s first trip to Kenya in April of 2023, Esther and her mother walked 4 ½ hours to meet Dee—something unheard of in America. Although there was a language barrier, Esther shared a glimpse into her life as a teenager. Dee returned to Kenya in November of 2024. She immediately connected with Esther, but especially with Esther’s mother. The mothers embraced and shared a meal. Dee describes this as one of the best experiences of her life. It is so personal. Your partnered family becomes a part of your family. It’s truly life-changing!
Heather and Dee shared that traveling to Kenya puts everything into perspective. It became apparent that a small amount of money can empower a family to thrive! The experience changes you. You will always be connected to this place and the family you partner with.
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