Serving Together in Kenya: Chris & Peri’s Gift of Safe Water

The joy on the children’s faces was undeniable. As the newly installed purifier released its first stream of safe, clean water, Chris stood with his fiancée, Peri, filled with gratitude.

“Seeing the joy on the faces of those who will now have access to safe, clean, drinking water fills your own heart with love…what an amazing blessing!” he shared.

For Chris, this moment was familiar yet always fresh with meaning. This was his third trip with Fountains of Hope, and once again, he felt the same conviction that first inspired him to join:

“Every person should have access to safe, clean, drinking water.”

Returning to Kenya

On this summer’s trip, Chris and Peri traveled to Kenya to help install purification systems in communities facing a daily struggle for clean water. Along the way, they met extraordinary leaders like Pastor Dennis and Lorna Meeker, Richard and driver Johnnie in Kisumu. “Pastor Dennis, Lorna, Richard and Johnnie are amazing people doing God’s work to benefit the local children and community,” Chris said. “The work being done is bigger than any one person and shows how God is at work in their community. The same is true with Bishop Boniface Oloontare and those in Narok.”

Every day brought new experiences—from meeting the children in schools to visiting a Massai village where families openly welcomed the team as they worked to purify the river water they had been importing for daily use. “Every day was an amazing experience,” Chris reflected.

A Gift of Legacy and New Beginnings

For Chris, donating purifiers has always been deeply personal. In past years, he gave two systems in memory of his late wife, Brenda, who shared a lifelong connection with FoH board member Bill. This year, the gift marked a new chapter. He and Peri decided to donate a purifier together. “This year I wanted to donate a system from me and my fiancée, Peri Schwabrow,” he explained. “Peri is a former schoolteacher and administrator, and I wanted to share this experience with her. We are both so happy for this opportunity.”

Even after multiple trips and several purifier installations, the experience never loses its impact. “After doing several systems, it is ALWAYS amazing and fulfilling to see the impact to the children and local community,” Chris said. “What FOH is doing is truly life changing for all those affected.” It was a reminder of the vast need that still exists, as unsafe water remains to be widespread. He can attest to how undeniable it is when seeing it firsthand.

A Personal Call to Action

This trip was more than an overseas journey for Chris and Peri—it was another step in a personal calling. “It reaffirmed the need to help others that do not have the means to help themselves,” he said.

And he had one message for those back home:

“Find something you are passionate about and get off the sidelines and get involved in helping…any way you can! Let God help guide you and trust Him to put you into situations where you are needed.”

Chris and Peri’s story is one of both legacy and love—honoring the past, while stepping forward into a shared future of faith and service. Their purifier will bring clean water to a community in Kenya for generations, but the ripple effect of their example will inspire countless others.

At Fountains of Hope, we believe stories like theirs show that lasting change happens when ordinary people step into extraordinary moments.

💧 You can be part of this story too. Learn more about joining a future trip or donating a purifier at www.FountainsofHope.org/donate.