Update: Sat 9 November, 2024, 1100 GMT (1400 EAT)

As #TeamKenya2024 prepare to leave their friends and guides in Kenya and make the long journey back to Ireland, Aoibha Byrne writes this morning’s blog.

Yesterday we were up early to attend a wedding that father Bosco was officiating.The wedding was really nice as we were immersed in Kenyan culture through the singing and offertory procession. We were also able to participate in the mass as we sang to the newly wedded couple Perfect by Ed Sheeran. The couple were honoured to have us at their wedding and we got a photo with them. Afterwards the chapel also provided us with a delicious lunch.

After this we travelled back to the compound where there were people selling souvenirs, some of us bought bracelets and magnets. Shortly after this we walked to the shopping centre where we could buy something for our families if we wanted to. We walked back to the compound and ate a beautiful dinner prepared by the staff at the compound. Afterwards, we went to bed to prepare for our last day of Kenya.

Update: Fri 8 November, 2024, 2000 GMT (2300 EAT)

Sophie Bolger from #TeamKenya2024 updates today’s blog.

Yesterday morning we started with an early morning mass at our compound before packing our bags and saying goodbye to head back to Nairobi.

On the way back to Nairobi we visited a children’s orphanage called ‘The Nest’ where there was roughly 80 children cared for in this facility. We had the privilege to see their way of living from their bedrooms to their classrooms. We gave the children some sweets and toys that we brought over and spent some time with them. Although it was a heartwarming experience of seeing the children’s happy faces it was an emotional day and made us realize just how fortunate we are back at home.

We then arrived back to Nairobi where we had a lovely dinner and sang with some guests.

It was then time for bed after a long day of traveling.

Update: Thu 7 November 2024, 2045 GMT (2345 EAT)

An emotional day for #TeamKenya2024 who continue their International Project to Kenya. Erin McCullough has posted tonight’s blog which covers the amazing Safari experienced by the group yesterday.

Yesterday, we were up early to travel to Lake Nakuru National Park to experience the safari.

We were there for a total of six hours and got the opportunity to see many wild animals in their natural undisturbed habitat, such as: baboons, monkeys, zebras, buffalos, flamingos, rhinos, hippos and last but not least lions.

We were very lucky to have the opportunity to witness the lions hunting their prey, aswell as being lucky enough to see so many animals up close. We stopped during the safari for a packed lunch and seen a waterfall.

Afterwards we travelled back to the compound, where we celebrated Mass and ate a beautiful dinner prepared by the staff at the compound.

Afterwards we headed to bed for an early night ahead of our trip to Nairobi in the morning.

Update: Wed 6 November 2024, 1745 GMT (2045 EAT)

Today’s update from #TeamKenya2024 comes from Elen McCabe with news of the group’s recent activities.

We started our day with Mass followed by breakfast in the house of The Sisters of Immaculate Conception in Kericho.

We said our goodbyes and expressed our gratitude towards the sisters who had hosted us for the past few days. We then began our journey to Londiani, where we visited the religious compound where previous international projects from St Paul’s have resided.

After our brief introduction with the priests in Londiani, we made our way to our host, Father Bosco’s family home, where we were introduced to Father Bosco’s father, siblings and other family members.

They welcomed us with open arms and provided us with a lovely meal filled with Kenyan delicacies. After a good bit of craic with Father Bosco’s family we departed for our journey back to Nakuru where we have been staying.

Finally, we had a traditional Kenyan meal back at the compound and finished the night with a fun game of Uno!

A special thank you…

In a remarkable display of community spirit and generosity, local GAA clubs across Armagh, Down and Tyrone have come together to support children affected by HIV through the donation of jerseys. These contributions are not just about clothing; they represent hope, solidarity, and the power of sport to unite and uplift.

The vibrant colors and symbols of our clubs now serve as a beacon of support for these young souls.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all the GAA clubs for their generous donations. Your kindness and compassion have made a significant impact, bringing joy and comfort to those who need it most. This initiative highlights the profound difference we can make when we come together for a noble cause.

Thank you for embodying the true spirit of community and sport.

Update: Tues 5 November 2024, 2045 GMT (2345 EAT)

Fergal Boylan updates the blog from #TeamKenya 2024 tonight:

Yesterday (4th November), we woke up at 7am and got ready and had breakfast before our 8am Mass in the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, which was celebrated by Fr Seamus and Fr Bosco, along side the sisters.

After Mass we had lunch with the sisters and travelled to the Love and Hope Centre where we learned about the HIV and AIDS diseases through a PowerPoint.

After this presentation, we visited the children in the orphanage and then visited a school with street boys, and donated many supplies. After this, we checked into our new accommodation, Crisso Hotel.

Later on into the evening, we were given some snacks and then headed to bed before 10 oclock, and that concluded our day 5 in Kenya.

Update: Mon 4 November 2024, 1945 GMT (2245 EAT)

More updates from #TeamKenya2024 with Aoibhe Hoey bringing us up to date with the group’s activities.

We started our day with having breakfast at our compound and then attended mass at the St Monica’s Parish.

We got an insight into their culture and invited us all to the alter to welcome us. Afterwards we visited the church youth group, played games with them and gifted them with sweets, jerseys and toys. We then visited the poochcabaa caves and took in the spectacular views.

Finally we arrived back to the compound, had dinner, played cards and had a sing along. We look forward to another action packed day here in Kenya!

Update: Sun 3 November 2024, 1400 GMT (1700 EAT)

Áine Osborne has sent through an update for today’s blog.

We had an early start today due to a long bus trip ahead, although we had practiced songs the previous night, singing at Mass at 7:30am is far from ideal, yet with Mr Slane on the Guitar we did quite well.

Breakfast was delicious and we sang Happy Birthday for Ms Maguire before grabbing our bags and piling into the buses for a long drive.

Spread over 2 buses, packed to the brim with our bags we left for Naruku. Our bus was very quiet at the beggining, until we stopped to look at the Rift Valley with Mount Longonot standing almost alone in the far distance. There was a lot of stalls there and many people trying to sell things, Thankfully we had Father Bosco there to bargain for us.

Back on the road we were a bit more lively, singing songs from the Boys of County Armagh to Fairytale of New York. Our next stop was at a Retreat Centre where we had a delicious lunch and were able to stretch our legs walking in the pristine gardens. We stopped then at Thompson Falls where we saw a waterfall that was extremely powerful even though it is the dry season in Kenya.

From there we made our way to St Patrick’s Missionary which we are calling home for now. It’s a beautifully kept place and the food, again, is delicious.

On our travels the vibrant culture and scenery changed dramaticaly over a short few hours, we went from a busy city to flat fields filled with crops, to climbing high into the mountains, the beautify of this country is, for me, almost unmatched and it has the loud wild life to accompany it. Seeing people living theur daily lifes on the side of a busy main road was quite remarkable, donkeys pulled carts, many cattle roamed free and I lost count of how many I saw taking a nap on the grass verge next to the road.

We’ve been having a fantastic time, but being here has also made us all aware of how lucky we truly are back at home.

Update: Sat 2 November 2024, 1700 GMT (2000 EAT)

Our team has arrived at their accommodation in Nakuru, where they’ll be based for the next wee while.

Everyone is well and in good spirits and the team were delighted to wish Ms Maguire a very happy Kenyan birthday today.

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Update: Sat 2 November 2024, 1200 GMT (1500 EAT)

Our team are at the Equator!

Update: Sat 2 November 2024, 0930 GMT (1230 EAT)

Our team have left Nairobi and our heading through the Rift Valley to where they will spend the rest of the time in Kenya, to Father Bosco’s parish in Nakuru.

More updates later.

Update: Fri 1 November 2024, 1700 GMT (2000 EAT)

A busy day in Nariobi finding our feet and being welcomed wherever we go. The team visited the slum area of Kibera outside Nairobi and received a lovely welcome from local children.

Lucy Kelly has sent the following update:

Today we started the day with breakfast followed by Mass in the compound lead by Father Bosco and Father Seamus, which our members of the choir sang at beautifully.

We then made our way to Nairobi Theology House, where we met the priests and sisters who run the organisation, after exploring the house grounds we made our way back to the compound for lunch.

Father Bosco then took us to The Bomas of Kenya where we watched some traditional Kenyan dances and acrobatic routines, then we explored the traditional huts of Kenyan tribes.

Finally we headed back for the compound and had dinner together and a bit of a sing song. Our trip has got off to a great start!!

Update: Fri 1 November 2024, 1000 GMT (1300 EAT)

After a good night’s sleep at St Patrick’s Theology House in Nairobi, the team are ready for the first full day in Africa.

Update: Thurs 31 October 2024, 2135 GMT (Fri 1 November 2024, 0035 EAT)

Our team has arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi and has been welcomed to Kenya by our host, Father Bosco. A long day travelling but good to see happy, smiling faces.

Our intrepid Year 14 pupils who are leading the St Paul’s International Project to Kenya have begun their journey this morning and are en route to Nairobi.

We’ll update this page regularly with news from the team in Kenya.