Just wanted to post a quick update so you guys would know what’s going on here at Bedouins! We’ve wrapped up the main editing to the KIINI video as well as the 3 ‘vignettes’ that are going to be used as testimonials to show the impact that KIINI’s had in their community there in Kenya. We’ll be releasing some of the vignettes soon on here as soon as we get the score wrapped up and that’ll help us set the tone for the release of the whole project, which will happen in tandem with the release of our new site/brand!

Phil Moody, the designer behind the new Bedouins look, will be posting on here soon with a teaser of our new look and some insight into what changes we’re making to our brand and why…so stay tuned!

On a trip to Kenya back in late 2009 I had the opportunity to visit dozens of schools throughout the country and see the youth being educated. It was so encouraging to meet the teachers and students and to be able to see and feel their zest for learning and their understanding of how important a quality education is. We’re working on the new Bedouins website and in the process of sorting images I came across some shots from my time with the students and teachers in Kenya that I thought I’d share. Can’t wait to go back and visit all of our friends in Kenya…but until then we’ll remember them and all of the hard work that they’re doing to bring up an educated next generation of Kenyans!

We arrived at St. Phillips church about mid-day on our day with Bishop Matolo. It was out in the country on a plain, very different from the hillside churches we had visited early that morning. The congregation was led by Rev. Daniel Mutuku, a very friendly and humble man of God who welcomed us with open arms.

We took a small tour of their land where we saw little plots set aside for farming. The church family has started farming and selling various vegetables to sell to help support the building of the church. They want to be able to build a new roof, pour new concrete floors and build an altar. We prayed with them as they blessed the first fruit of their crop.

During this time the beautiful ladies of the church brought us tea and bread. They told us that the Bible says “Visitors do not visit without the church wiping the dust from their feet.”

Finally getting a chance to go through some of these photos from Kenya!

Meet Bishop Matolo. When Jessi and I finished our project with KIINI in Kenya we had a few days left at the tail end of our trip and used them to tag up with one of the CEC’s (Charismatic Episcopal Church) local bishops to photograph his diocese. I did a similar project during my last trip to Kenya in the western part of the country, so it was very interesting to see the similarities and differences in this, a more central and eastern area of Kenya.

We spent the day traveling all over Biship Matolo’s diocese and visiting several of his churches and local projects. The community there is so incredible. They work hard, and they work together.

The following are some of my favorite photos from the first place we visited with him. Each little church and congregation had its own little story. This first church was still in its “temporary” state; they are hoping to build a full size church with enough seating for the whole community.

This past trip to Kenya, Jessi and I got to spend the last few days of our trip with Bishop Matolo of the CEC.  I’ve just recently gotten to open those photos up and look through them (wedding season + working at the church in NYC has really slowed me down this summer).  Here’s a screen shot of some of what is coming up soon.  The stuff is looking great and the story is awesome…a church thriving in the heart of Kenya with some really wonderful support from the States!  More on it soon…here’s a teaser and a reminder…we’re still here and we’re still telling stories…stay tuned!