Two Lives Changed Forever ...

Cheri, who lives in Mississauga Ontario, was in Gil Gil Kenya as part of the 2009 Kencan medical mission.  The purpose of the mission was to bring medical, dental, and optical assistance to hundreds of families in Kenya, in partnership with Chalice and Mikinduri Children of Hope.

While Cheri was in Kenya she made the decision to sponsor a child through Chalice.  Simultaneously, Naomi, her mother and six siblings were completing their 7 km trek to the medical mission.  Naomi and her sister Beth arrived at the mission in a "critical" situation due to severe malnutrition and dehydration. 

When Cheri was informed of the girls arrival and their grave condition she immediately went to see them.   Naomi and Beth were semi responsive and lying quietly when Cheri arrived.  Shortly after greeting the children Naomi climbed up onto Cheri's lap.  For the next two hours Cheri talked to Naomi while giving her water and little bits of food.  Two hours later the little child was sitting up looking around, eventually smiling and playing with her stuffed doll that had been brought from Canada.

That day a bond of love and caring was fused between Cheri and Naomi, a bond that will last a lifetime.  Cheri was able to share the love of Christ with a child in need, and change Naomi's future from one of desperation to one filled with hope and love.