New Hope & Cherished Hope
Several members of our team talked about how difficult it would be to write a short update for this day. There is simply too much to say. So this is an extremely condensed version of what we experienced today.
New Hope
Our morning showed us a story of new hope as we ate breakfast we heard two powerful testimonies … Charles and Jill, a couple our whole team has come to absolutely adore and admire. Their story is one of faith that moves mountains, and simply spending time with them and hearing about their journey could have filled an entire day.
But it was only the beginning.
After breakfast, we headed out to the bus, where several buses full of children had arrived. Many of our team members joined them in dancing, shouting praises to God, and celebrating together. It was joyful, beautiful, and full of life.
Cherished Hope
Most of our day was spent at Cherished Hope School, and it was filled with an infinite number of blessings.
We watched worship and dancing from many of the rescued girls, met the teachers who faithfully invest in them, heard about both the successes and the challenges, and were introduced to the young ladies who call Cherished Hope part of their story.
We then heard from three girls who had come to Cherished Hope in desperate need after devastating experiences. They shared about life before Cherished Hope and the transformation they have experienced since arriving. Their stories were powerful, honest, and deeply moving.
We also heard from Willy about his vision and mission for the school. It was inspiring to hear not only what God has already done through Cherished Hope, but also what they are praying and working toward for the future.
From there, we were shown a variety of classes and training areas, including fashion and design, cosmetology, TV and hospitality, teaching, finance, nursing, and much more. Each area represented more than a classroom. It represented opportunity, dignity, healing, and hope for the future.
During the classroom tours, each of us was measured by the girls in the sewing class. It was such a fun and meaningful moment to interact with them in a hands-on way and see their skills in action.
Toward the end of our visit, we were also shown some of the difficulties coming up soon. It was a reminder that while there is so much joy, growth, and transformation happening, there are also real needs and challenges ahead. We left with full hearts, grateful for what we witnessed and prayerful for what is still to come.
Day 4 was beautiful, emotional, joyful, and humbling. It is hard to put into words all that we experienced, but we are thankful for the opportunity to see hope so clearly on display.
Team DLTZ (2026 Stony Brook Kenya)