To Kitengela with Love and Connection: Practicing Safe Conversations in Kenya

Event: Sowing Seeds of Joy 2025 Kenya Missions Trip

This summer, I had the profound honor of traveling on mission to Kitengela, Kenya—a place that continues to inspire and challenge me each time I visit. But this trip was especially meaningful, as it offered the opportunity to combine two of my greatest passions: cross-cultural missions and the transformative power of Safe Conversations.

Traveling with a vibrant team of four dedicated millennials, we embraced the mission with youthful energy and a shared heart for service. Together, we walked into classrooms, churches, and community spaces—not just to teach, but to connect.

One unforgettable highlight came during our session with Vision Empowerment Training Institute, where over 25 lecturers, teachers, and staff {in addition to the four (4) missionaries traveling and serving with me} gathered to learn and engage in Safe Conversations. I was deeply moved by their receptiveness and eagerness to dive in. This wasn’t just a lecture. It was a space of dialogue, discovery, and deep participation.

Throughout our time, the faculty actively practiced the tools we shared—mirroring, validation, and empathy—three core pillars of Safe Conversations that can radically reshape how we communicate and relate to others. It was beautiful to witness their transformation in real time as barriers came down and understanding came alive.

These moments affirmed what I’ve known for years: no matter where we are in the world, people long to be heard, respected, and connected. Safe Conversations bridges generational gaps, heals relational wounds, and lays the groundwork for stronger communities.

To the educators of Vision Empowerment, thank you for your hospitality and hunger to grow. To my millennial teammates, thank you for modeling what it looks like to lead with humility and learn with boldness. And to Kenya—thank you for always reminding me of the power of presence.

May what was planted in Kitengela continue to flourish in classrooms, churches, and homes across Kenya—and beyond.

If you or your organization is interested in learning more about Safe Conversations or receiving training, we would love to connect with you. Whether you're a ministry leader, educator, couple, or community advocate, Safe Conversations can equip you to transform how you communicate and relate—across cultures, generations, and relationships.

Please reach out to Ron and Star Nelson at infosowingseedsofjoy@gmail.com. We’d be honored to walk with you on the journey to deeper connection.