Impact Trip Reflections: Landmark Christian School
Over the years, we have had the opportunity to host a wide range of Impact Trip groups. From companies to churches to families, we have seen a wide range of people brought together by experiencing our work firsthand. This spring, we welcomed a group from Landmark Christian School in Fairburn, Georgia. Landmark is a school that has long been connected to Untold — our CEO and Co-Founder, Justin Miller is an alumni — and many Landmark families have partnered with us through the years.
This year, high school students at Landmark were given the opportunity to spend their spring break in Kenya with three different organizations, and Untold was the first of the group, alongside Corine Fountain Academy, founded by our Kenyan CEO and Co-Founder Cornel Onyango, and his wife, Irene. To help lead the students, Middle School Dean of Students, Olivia Douglas, joined the trip for her first Untold experience. Read below for Olivia’s reflections upon returning home from their trip and her experience with Untold.
The Landmark team getting ready to take off from Hartsfield Jackson Airport. Olivia pictured in the back row on the far right.
I thought I knew what I was getting into... an impact trip to East Africa with a side of safari!
But Jesus...
As we boarded the plane home, I kept thinking about this quote from Matt Chandler:
"Comfort is the God of our generation, so suffering is seen as a problem to be solved and not a providence from God."
How many times have I, as an American, sacrificed his presence for my comfort? We glimpsed him with clear eyes and an open heart in Kenya. I thought I knew what I was getting into... but Jesus.
Friday-Saturday: Untold Program
Olivia making chapati at Sylvia’s home.
Our time with Untold was truly the highlight of our trip. We kicked things off with an inspiring empowerment session, where our team got hands-on while channeling our inner pastry chefs and floor tilers. Afterward, we split into smaller groups to visit the homes of several Untold clients, each proudly showcasing the goods they're creating and selling.
We met Judith, only 4 weeks away from graduating, who makes and sells 40 loaves of bread to her community. She offered us some of her bread and we bought it all. Her gratitude to God was so encouraging!
Our last stop of the day was at Sylvia's house, where we stayed for 3 hours. What a delight! Despite many losses, including an HIV diagnosis and her husband's death, Sylvia radiated JOY! She fixed a feast for us (and let us help!), which included ugali, cabbage, lentils, beef stew, and chapati. Sylvia shared that she was lonely before we came, and we had blessed her. However, I know that I received the blessing just by being with her. Because our team came to fellowship and break bread with her, she would no longer be shunned by her community. Shame dies in safe places! It was a beautiful picture of lifting someone's head and reminding them of their value in Christ.
On Saturday, we participated in group therapy. It was hard and beautiful. The questions we unpacked were "who do you treasure?" and "who has hurt you the most?". The conversation was deeply personal and raw. I was able to pray over each one of them before we left. I hope I never forget the faces in that circle, the pain they shared, and their hope in the Lord.
Finally, we went to Untold graduation. If there ever was a picture of heaven, this was it! 80 people dancing, praising, and celebrating the completion of the program. It was the body of Christ coming together and lifting one another up in unity, through struggle, but with strength, confidence, and assurance. I witnessed the love of the Father in that church building. It was incredible and still brings tears to my eyes when I think about it.
Sunday: Church
The Landmark team being served lunch at the partner church.
Everyone should get an opportunity to worship the Lord in Africa! We started with Sunday school where our group taught preschool, kids, young adult, and adult lessons. It was followed by 4 hours of the most joyful church service I have ever been a part of!
Yes, 4 hours! We were dancing, clapping, and singing with JOY! One highlight was the conga line that broke out. One of our high schoolers brought a message to the congregation and they prayed over us, and fed us lunch. A glorious day indeed!
Sunday Evening - Wednesday Morning: Corine Fountain Academy, Seka, Kenya
Last year when our team visited Seka, they saw a 1.5 story school building, partially constructed, surrounded by 120 children eager to learn. This year, we took in the most beautiful sunset on the roof of a 4 story, completed school with over 400 children enrolled. It was a miracle to witness! We danced, sang, prayed, danced, played games, shared the gospel, danced, and made bracelets. Did I say dance? I've never done the chicken dance as many times as I did on those days.
While there, I had the opportunity to spend time with the teachers of Corine Fountain Academy. I was able to share how we teach math, classroom management strategies, and how to cultivate relationships with students. We took them four extra bags of supplies, curriculum and books. I would love to go back one day and spend a couple of weeks with their teachers.
My highlight was going on several home visits to meet the families of some of the children. It was humbling to say the least. I met people who live in two room houses, who are tirelessly working to pay school fees, and yet love God and know Him deeply. They know Him as provider and depend on him for every need. One grandmother even mentioned that she may miss meals or go to bed hungry, but that she knows her Lord will provide. The families of Sheldon (4 years old) and Tamara (3 years old) made an indelible mark on my heart. Being in the school that Cornel and Irene have built filled me with a holy awe. Look at what God did with 2 servants who were willing to obey and follow him. The seeds planted in that building will reap a harvest for generations.
Wednesday-Friday: Nairobi National Park and Blue Sky Safari
We experienced the magic of two sunrise and two sunset safaris. The park came alive, and we were lucky enough to see an incredible variety of wildlife: baboons, rhinos, lions, hyenas, giraffes, antelopes, hippos, and crocodiles.
Each moment felt surreal—watching predators and grazers roam freely against the backdrop of Nairobi's skyline. Our favorite moment was leaving the park and having a lion walk right next to our safari jeep! It was a breathtaking encounter with nature.
"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." — Philippians 1:6