Eric and Chad Go to Africa
Eric and Chad Go to Africa
Across Continents: Witnessing the Work of Heroes
From the familiar backdrop of Spokane, Washington, coworkers Eric and Chad embarked on an extraordinary journey to the heart of Africa. Their mission: to witness firsthand the inspiring work of individuals dedicated to nurturing the continent’s future—raising children through education to become true “Heroes of the Nation.”
THE JOURNEY: From Winter’s Grip to African Sun
On a crisp mid-January day, as Spokane shivered in the low 30s and even dipped into the 20s, Eric and Chad boarded a plane, their destination Kenya. Their adventure began with a lengthy 15.5-hour flight, a path that briefly kissed the Arctic Circle before descending towards the sands of Qatar. From there, a shorter 5-hour flight delivered them to Nairobi and the welcoming warmth of 80-degree days.
Eric, a Hug employee since mid-2023, had been interested in joining Titus on one of these trips to Africa for quite some time, as he had some experience in the mission field himself. His prior missions took him to Ethiopia. In Kenya, he hoped to connect with the children and see the orphanage first-hand, in addition to learning more about the work Heroes of the Nation does.
“The trip exceeded my expectations. Heroes is a super well-organized school dedicated to helping disadvantaged children. It was heartwarming to be a part of the large group of volunteers and be able to minister in different ways each day”, said Eric.
Chad and Eric were also accompanied by a large team which included the Calvary Chapel of Deer Park, and the Sonneland and Anderson families.
BACKGROUND: Seeds of Hope in Nyaharuru
Founded in 2002 in response to the devastating AIDS epidemic, Heroes of the Nation initially focused on the well-being of orphaned African children. Over time, their vision broadened, encompassing the provision of essential needs, nourishing meals, quality education, vital counseling, and crucial medical care for vulnerable youth. Nestled in Nyaharuru, Kenya, Heroes of the Nation has blossomed into a thriving campus, a sanctuary for 500 children from the local community and beyond.
Since its inception, Heroes has flourished, evolving into one of Kenya’s largest orphanages, a beacon of education and care for over 2,000 children.
At the heart of this endeavor is Titus Hug, who has been deeply involved since its earliest days, assuming the role of President in 2022. His passion for Heroes is infectious, a sentiment he shares vividly during all-company meetings. Through powerful photos of his annual pilgrimages, he illuminates the profound impact of the faith-driven work that empowers children to become the heroes of tomorrow.
This truly inspiring work resonated deeply with Eric and Chad, compelling them to join Titus on his journey and witness its transformative power with their own eyes.
JOYFUL ENGAGEMENT: A Celebration of Connection
The students of the school offered vibrant concerts as part of the welcoming festivities, their performances a testament to the spirit of the community.
They shared simple joys as they flew kites together, and played soccer, frisbee and volleyball.
“Some of the most impactful experiences for me were playing with the children. I had so much fun with them. Another was visiting some of the widowed ladies, in their homes, and seeing the conditions they live in. It definitely made an impact on me,” Eric shared.
Chad also shared his favorite activities with the children. “I just really enjoyed playing, singing, and dancing with the kids. I was blown away, seeing the joy in the kids’ faces and how happy they were to see us and spend time with us. And it was eye-opening doing the home visits and seeing how people live, both in the villages and in the towns.”
HANDS-ON IMPACT: Beyond Observation
Their journey wasn’t solely observational. Chad and Eric actively participated, lending their hands to the construction of a traditional “manyatta” (traditional home), contributing directly to the community’s needs.
They also engaged in the vital task of preparing a nutrient-rich porridge, a cornerstone of the children’s daily nourishment.
Eric shared the profound experience of starting a feeding program at an impoverished school in a distant village. “The powerful messages from Titus, Sam West, and their team resonated deeply with us during their presentations at local schools.”
Heroes of the Nation
Click the image below to learn more about Heroes of the Nation.
