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When Kyle Rogers decided to do his senior exit project at West Salem High School, it’s unlikely he ever imagined that it might take him on a trip to Africa this summer. However, it appears that is exactly what is going to happen.

Rogers collected school supplies for third-world countries through the Presbyterian Church’s Mustard Seed Program. The program helps poor children attend school and it also sets up health clinics. He became interested in the program after hearing Linda Masey, a registered nurse from Oelwein, Iowa, who spoke at his church. Masey has been going to Kenya for 11 years delivering supplies to poor people.

“It just came to me while I was listening to her,” Rogers recalled. “I talked with her after church and asked her if she’d be my mentor (for the exit project). Then, after I finishing collecting supplies and took them to Iowa she asked me if I’d like to go along.”

He was unsure at first whether he would be able to put together the money needed to make the trip (airfare to Kenya costs $2,400). “But then we got a donation from the church, which was a good starting point,” he said. “And we’re going to hold a spaghetti dinner fundraiser on June 21 at the (West Salem American Legion).”

Rogers will leave for two weeks in Kenya on July 21. The flight goes from the Twin Cities to Amsterdam and then on to Nairobi, capital of Kenya. When Masey first went to Kenya she traveled to places where they had never seen a white person, and many were afraid of her. Now she lives out in the bush and has her own hut and security guards.

Rogers and Masey will visit three schools and two clinics during their time in Kenya. “I’ve heard they also will have some guys my age to show me what it’s like growing up in Kenya,” Rogers said. He plans to bring two cameras so he can take plenty of pictures.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.

Masey and Rogers will buy a delivery bed (for birthing babies) while in Kenya so they can take it out to one of the clinics. “Right now, the ladies are having babies on the floor,” Rogers said.

After Rogers’ return, he plans on giving a talk about his experiences during or after a church service. Anyone interested in helping sponsor Rogers’ trip to Africa is encouraged to send donations to: The Presbyterian Church of West Salem c/o Kyle Rogers’ Mission Trip. Questions can be e-mailed to krogers242@yahoo.com.