Kenya Update!!

I met with Open Arms this past weekend, and they informed me that I can choose a date to leave for Kenya! I am looking at the second-to last week of May, the 22nd through the 28th. As soon as I have enough money in my Kenya fund, I can buy a plane ticket!

We also discussed my job description in greater detail. The first short term team will arrive in Kenya shortly after I do, so my first few months I will be busy with helping to host the teams at the village and working in and organizing the medical clinics. After the teams leave, I will be working at the village as a health care worker, and also working in the baby home! They seem to think these jobs will keep me fairly busy, at least at first, so I'll let you know after the first few months if I have any added roles. =)

I also learned that they are nearly finished with the long-term visitor huts, and that one of these will likely be my "hut sweet home" while in Kenya. I don't remember much about the layout of these huts since they were in the early stages of construction while I was there. So, I look forward to updating you on that later!

Thank you all for your prayers and support as I prepare to leave. I am now finishing week 16 of my 30 weeks of training, and the day I leave for Kenya is fast approaching! It means so much to have the support of my family and friends. For those I have called who have already given me prayers, encouragement, and support, THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart! And for those I have not called yet - sit by your phone! I will be calling you very soon!

-Rachel

Great news!

I have been accepted for a long-term missionary assignment with Open Arms International! I plan to move to Kenya in May of this year, and will live and work at the Open Arms Village for a year. I am currently almost halfway through a 30 week training program, and my specific job description is still being created. Tentatively, I will be helping to secure supplies and plan and organize the medical clinics for the short term mission teams, as well as use my healthcare skills at the village during the rest of the year. I also hope to work with Open Arm's feeding program, street kids ministry, and the new baby home (which will open sometime this year!).

All of my work will be volunteer, so I am currently fund raising to cover my expenses. I need to raise about $800 per month, which will cover all of my living and travel expenses. All funds can be donated directly to Open Arms International and are tax deductible - Open Arms International is a 501(c)(3) I.R.S. organization Non-profit # 93-1060919. If you would like to support me with a monthly donation, you can arrange to have the amount automatically deducted each month. See the donation page for details.

I am debt free except for my mortgage, which will be completely covered (I am renting out my house), so any money donated will be go directly toward my mission expenses. I promise you I will use your money wisely and you will be supporting a great work! Any amount you can give, especially if you donate every month, will make a huge difference. There is a Swahili proverb that says “a drop and a drop fills the bucket”. Of course, if you want to give me a bucket of money all at once, I won't object to that either. =)

You can donate to me here: Donate now!

Thank you again for supporting me!

If you would like to be added to my e-mail list for important updates and a monthly newsletter, you can e-mail me at rach.kenya@gmail.com or you can contact me through Facebook (Rachel Gulden).

I look forward to hearing from you and I would love to answer any questions you have!

Sincerely,

Rachel Gulden

"And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” Matthew 10:42 ESV

Thank you for your generosity. I know most people are experiencing financial difficulties in this economy. Be encouraged when you give to God's work - you will be rewarded! Any amount that you can donate will make a difference. A gift of $10 a month will do great things!