Partner with Me - Kenya Medical Trip 2024

Dear Friends and Family,

During the summer months many people take the chance to go on vacations and shift into a different gear as the weather warms up and we are more active outside in nature. This summer, I am going to be moving out of my comfort zone by taking a mission trip for 11 days in Kenya as part of a Medical Team to support caregiver training at 8 orphanages. We will train caregivers on vision, hearing, and developmental screenings that will be a valuable part of caring for the health and well-being of ~900 vulnerable children in Kenya. We will be spending time with the staff and learning how we can support them while we are there and with continued support once we return home.

As an occupational therapist that specializes in childhood development, I am looking forward to leading a multidisciplinary medical team as we support and collaborate with caregivers in Kenya. I believe that this interaction will further shape and inform the way in which I am providing OT here in the states. These experiences will certainly also affect my perspective in my day-to-day life, as it has in the past two trips.

My heart is definitely touched by the experiences I have had in Kenya and I have grown more thankful for the people and provision that God has given to me. The worship and love for God is a universal language and is a bond with those in Kenya and I am excited to return to see how this trip impacts me and the team. I plan to share our preparations and experiences on our Facebook, Instagram, and other social media sites once we return. If you aren’t connected with me on one of those platforms, please send a message so you can stay up to date on everything.

Any trip of this magnitude can only be made possible through the support of our many family and friends. Would you consider supporting me in a variety of ways: 

First, through thoughtful and focused prayer for me and our team: safety during our time there, safe travels while there and back, and being responsive to the opportunities God provides for us as we follow his leading in Kenya.

Second, financially: In addition to personal fundraising for my personal trip costs ($3,900), we are hoping to raise funds for the Vision, Hearing, and Developmental supplies. Please consider donating toward these supplies.

If you feel led to support in a financial way, we would be truly grateful for your donation. Your donation to the trip is tax deductible as well!

Lastly, stay updated on our trip! We want to share with you the additional details that go into the preparations we are making, and afterward, we will be excited to share our experiences and the impact it is having on our life and the caregivers/children in Kenya. Send an email, give us a call, or connect on Facebook if you aren’t already!

Thank you for your consideration in supporting me in this mission opportunity. It is truly a partnership in Christ.

Rachel Shoener

Rom 5:3-5

"..we glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."