Friday, June 12, 2009

Gwen is going back to Africa!:



April, 2009

Dear friends and family-

As many of you know, I had the incredible opportunity to go to East Africa last fall with a medical team working with the Maasai people in Kenya and Tanzania. We worked through an organization called Precious Life International (PLI) http://www.preciouslifeint.org/index_new.html. This organization raises sponsors to support Maasai girls enabling them to be enrolled in school, providing them with choices for their futures and protection from early arranged marriages and cultural atrocities. Among its other functions, PLI also organizes water projects and medical teams in East Africa.

Last year it was unclear prior to the trip what my role would be on the team. It was amazing to see how God put the gifts of each person on the team to work! I ended up organizing the pharmacy and even doing some consulting with the nurses on treatment of diseases.

As many of you know, I fell in love with East Africa and the Maasai people. There is so much need there, but there is also joy, hope, faith, and humor. I have no doubt that working with the Maasai will be an ongoing part of my life, in whatever capacity God has in mind for me. I still hope to find a way to specifically use my veterinary training to serve in the future.

I plan to return again to East Africa later this year with another medical team, and have also been invited to help with a Maasai girls’ leadership camp. This camp brings in guests to speak to the girls about pursuing careers and following their passions and dreams. Not only would I get to spend the week with the Maasai girls, but Kanoi (the girl I sponsor) will be there, which would be a dream come true for me!

Several of you have chosen to sponsor Maasai girls since my return. Thank you so much! If anyone else is interested in sponsoring a girl, please let me know! There are many girls currently waiting for sponsors so they can stay in school.

The dates for my trip this year will be August 21st (assuming I will be able to attend the girls’ camp) through September 12th. I ask that you consider supporting me on this trip. I would like to have a small group of people (5 to 10) to commit to being a prayer team for me, to begin praying now for me as I prepare and raise support, to pray through my time in Africa, and to pray as I readjust after my return. Please let me know if you are willing to be on this prayer team.

The cost of the trip will be roughly $5000 per person. If you are interested in providing support financially, checks can be sent to Eugene Christian Fellowship with a post-it/note specifying support for Gwen Boulton, Kenya 2009. These contributions are tax-deductible. If you prefer not to donate through the church, checks can also be mailed directly to me, although these will not be tax deductible. The deadline for the deposit on airline tickets is July 5th.

Eugene Christian Fellowship Gwen Boulton
89780 N Game Farm Rd 27047 Louden Ln
Eugene, OR 97408 Junction City, OR 97448
critterdvm@gmail.com

Serving Him,

Gwen