Taking God’s Trip to Kenya

Dr. Suzie Snyder spent 16 years as a missionary with CMF providing medical care and sharing the love of Christ with the Maasai people of Kenya. Suzie, her husband, and a group of healthcare professionals recently traveled to Kenya and served the Maasai in a number of ways. For several months, only she and her husband had signed up for the trip they were trying to organize, but she put it in God’s hands, calling it “God’s Trip.” Soon they would have a wonderful team from across the U.S. raising funds and preparing to go. Here are Suzie’s reflections on the trip and returning to where she served for so many years:

The trip was a blessing in multiple ways. Patients (over 500 within the week!) were seen, treated and offered prayer. Health lessons were shared with community health volunteers. Villages were visited. Maasai clinic staff and church leaders were encouraged. Our “commute to work” at the more remote clinics turned out to be a trip highlight for many as we encountered beautiful scenery and wild animals during our daily journeys. Three trip members have a strong desire to further explore using their healthcare careers in long-term missions! And, we had loads of fun along the way.

The most precious highlight for me was attending the Sunday worship service at Endoinyo Erinka church (where I lived for 8 years) and seeing many people I have known for almost 30 years. The church was packed, and it was a true joy to see the church alive and active. After coming up on stage to greet the church, introduce ourselves and sing a song, the congregation then filed up to greet our group, adorning each person with a Maasai wrap/blanket and handmade beaded bracelets and necklaces. We were all amazed and humbled by the overwhelming generosity of the Maasai church!

Numerous Maasai ladies that I recognized greeted me before, during, and after the service. We were so overjoyed to see each other again that we talked, laughed and cried all at the same time! Our hugs lasted a small eternity! I have so many cherished memories with these Maasai friends, and it was wonderful to see them again. There were also many young adult Maasai whom I didn’t recognize that came up to greet us. They were all so excited to tell us how I had taken care of them when they were 5 to 10 years old! They were all grown up now but still remembered when I worked in the clinic and took care of them.

The mission trip was a blessing to those we served and to each of us on the team as well. Stay tuned- we are praying for a return to Kenya this year to lead another mission team!

If you are a healthcare professional looking to use your skills to serve on the mission field with CMF or are interested in joining Suzie’s return trip to Kenya this year, contact us at mobilization@cmfi.org.