DEVELOPING TIMES: Goodbye Africa

Welcome

Mission Statement
Rural Empowerment Initiatives (REI) mission is to collaborate in the reduction of poverty through investment in rural areas and training of local people.

Vision Statement
REI's vision is to treat every created being with dignity, respect and love. We strive to work with those most in need by empowering people to recognize their God given talents, enabling them to make the world a better place and providing them hope for the future.

Our Principles
REI believes that all people are created equal.
REI will develop small to medium businesses (SMEs) as one approach to reach those most in need by creating jobs that build the economy in rural areas.
REI's partner businesses will be led, managed and majority owned by local people.
REI will always seek a triple bottom line of economic, spiritual and social transformation.
REI seeks to build sustainable community-oriented business models.
REI's focus of support is to the economically disadvantaged.
REI will seek attractive market and growth opportunities.
REI will incubate pilot projects with capable management.
REI believes in collaboration. We seek partners whose strengths complement our own in an effort to build well-rounded projects of lasting economic value for the communities in which we work.
REI is inspired by the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, and is therefore rooted in the Christian faith.

Sunday, April 1, 2007

Goodbye Africa

Well today is the day of departure. I can't believe that it is already time to say goodbye to this country that has captured my heart and I have so quickly begun to love. Godel, Thies, Dakar and all the places in between were filled with people that have taught me so much on this trip. I learned the importance of generosity, love, smiles, awareness, and relationships. It was so hard to leave our friends at the village, but it gives me peace to know that if I don't see them again in this lifetime, I will see them in the kingdom of Heaven someday. Thank you to everyone who supported us on this trip. It gave me peace knowing that there was someone praying for us. Bo jeff lackus Africa ( until next time).
Alleks Mitchell