At first glance, life in Kenya can present itself as shockingly difficult: rampant unemployment gives way to desperate poverty for many families, and millions of well-deserving people struggle to get by in the midst of one unfair disadvantage after another. Though such lack of material wealth can be an incredibly challenging thing to encounter, if you venture out with Quest, you'll learn that it's not the final word here in Kenya. While being educated about some of the enormous struggles that many Kenyans face, you will also have an incredible opportunity to experience the outpouring of joyfulness, gratitude, and optimism that are found in abundance in this heart-rendering and captivating country.

For the fourth year in a row, the Crossing will partner with the Jirani Project, a small non-profit organization based in northern Kenya that exists to provide underprivileged children - whether orphans, refugees, or from families who simply aren't able to provide for their school tuition - with more stable lives that allow them to receive a quality education and greater opportunities to persue their academic and professional dreams. Those who embark on Quest: Kenya will have the chance to meet the resilient children sponsored by the Project, learn their stories, and be inspired by remarkable man who has changed their lives, Mark Okello. The focal point of this Quest will be the Jirani Camp, a memorable 5-day long program planned and facilitated by Quest participants. Jirani Camp is always fun, silly, highly interactive, and even a bit educational, and it allows the Jirani kids to reclaim a childhood that they have not often had the time or resources to enjoy. Throughout Camp, Quest students and Jirani kids will bond over shared experiences, learn about each other's stories, and leave imprints on each other's lives.

Trip Highlights

While the primary focus of Quest: Kenya is the facilitation of the Jirani Camp, Quest participants will also have the opportunity to:

• Visit some of Nairobi's best loved sites, including a giraffe sancutary and elephant orphanage
• Travel upcountry, passing through the Great Rift Valley and over the Equator
• Contribute to various service projects in the small community that serves as Jirani HQ
• Experience a local church service, complete with dancing, hand clapping, and festive music
• Roll through the African plains on a safari in the Masai Mara, one of the world's top places for wildlife viewing
• Venture into a Nairobi slum to meet with a resilient group of entrepreneurial women

Quest: Kenya is an experience you will not want to miss and we hope you will consider joining us for this adventure of a lifetime! Please feel free to contact us with any questions, and make sure to check back in spring 2012 to see our call for applications!