Friends Community Church Pastor Nancy Bontempo never thought a pocketful of Double Bubble candy could bring so much joy to a community until she landed in Kenya. Since February 1st, Bontempo has been on a mission trip in the African nation, helping to stabilize the lives of women and children as a part of the Rural Service Programme through Friends United Meeting. She has helped mud widows' homes, brought goats to families, and even preached at a Friends church in a Kenyan village. The experience has opened her eyes to the poverty that exists around the world and the opportunities we take for granted. She says she will never look at her possessions the same way when she and her group fly back to Milwaukee on Friday.

The future of the Rural Service Programme’s work in Kenya is uncertain. Bontempo says conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine have dried up much of the support the work in Kenya would typically receive. She hopes members of the community can help support the needs of the Kenyan families she has met during her two-week residency that can help them buy supplies and send their children to school. You can watch the full interview with Bontempo below.