First week of Training

This has been such a momentous week. May 12th was a day to remember for James 127 Foundation in Kenya. Many days and weeks of preparation led up to this moment, our first day of our training program. Monday was the very first day of training. It went as smoothly as we hoped it would. Pictured at the top of this post are: the large beginning meeting with the staff, J127 Foundation board members, trainers, and trainees. Catherine Oduor, our Kenyan board member, started us off with a wonderful exhortation, encouraging us to join together in unity with God and asking Him to bless the work of our hands as we start a new chapter of opportunity through the training program.

Even after the first day, I was encouraged. Though we are still getting used to the routine and schedule, I have confidence that God will work in this training program to change lives for the better and unify each person involved in the training. Amos and Jessica, our trainers, said they have already enjoyed getting to know each student on an individual level.

 We have started each and every morning by singing several songs, led by the ladies of Jimani (jewelry company) and Judith & James (clothing company).

We also have a time of devotional and prayer time after that. The ladies in the training program or jewelry/clothing companies will share a short spiritual message depending on the Lord's leading.

What a great way to start the day! I especially love that this is not primarily led by us mzungus (foreigners) but by the ladies themselves. It is a beautiful testimony to witness.

At the end of the day of training, we all share lunch together, prepared by our cook Mama Morean. It is a wonderful time of food and fellowship after a day of learning and training.

This is time where all of the 17 trainees, 2 trainers, and 6 ladies in Jimani/Judith & James can get a chance to know one another outside of the classroom. These are women from different tribes, tough backgrounds, and living situations but they can all come together as one body of believers in Christ. Amen!

Pictured on the right are many of the ladies eating together outside. This meal consisted of rice and potatoes. Throughout the week we also eat a variety of other local Kenyan food such as ugali and sukuma wiki or githiri (beans and maize mixed together).


This has been a great first week of training. The students have already eagerly been learning a lot. And are looking forward to what is to come in the next months.