Ready, Set, Go!

Welcome to the "Kenney Love in Peru" blog! Thank you for your love and support as we begin our journey of faith and service in memory of John and Kathy Kenney. This trip would not have been possible without our two guardian angels, your generous donations to the Kenney Family Project, and the incredible work of our dear friends, Fr. Jack Davis and Sister Peggy Byrne. 

About thirty years ago, Fr. Jack Davis was speaking to a parish in North Dakota about his mission in Chimbote, Peru. A plastic surgeon (Dr. Pilney) friend of John (Pa) Kenney was amazed by his stories and decided to travel to Chimbote to help with cleft palate surgery. As an employee of Patterson Dental and believer in social justice, Pa joined his friend on this journey to set up a dental clinic. While in Chimbote, Pa became friends with Fr. Jack and Sister Peggy. Of course, Pa told them if they ever needed a place to stay in Minnesota, the Kenney doors were always open. Sure enough, Fr. Jack and Sister Peggy took him up on this offer and have been part of our lives ever since. Kathy Kenney (Mama) wouldn't have had it any other way either; which is why this couple was such an example of kindness, compassion, and grace. Over the years, Fr. Jack and Sister Peggy have been with our family for both joyous and challenging times. Their grace has been inspiring, and our lives are richer because of our connection. Thank you, Jack & Peg, for opening your hearts to us!

Since Pa's trip, many Kenney family members and friends have returned to Peru on various occasions to continue the mission of John and Kathy Kenney. After Mama lost a courageous battle with stomach cancer in 2010, a courtyard and garden was built in her honor in the social services building. Three years later, the love of her life passed away at the age of 91. With the memorial funds from Pa's funeral, the Kenney children and grandchildren decided to make the trip of a lifetime back to Chimbote, Peru. This will be the first time that so many Kenney family members and friends are there at once. Although it was John and Kathy who began the connection to Peru, every Kenney elder has demonstrated the importance of faith and service. This transcends to every Kenney and Kenney wannabe. Therefore, this trip is really to honor Patty, Tom & Mick, Dave & Gerry, Bob & Rosemary, Tim & Dolly, and Jim & Mary. We thank you for showing us what it means to "love one another, as I have loved you." 

John and Kathy Kenney
Mama and Pa

On Friday, July 19th, twenty-one members of the Kenney family will begin the trek from St. Paul and Chicago to Atlanta, from Atlanta to Lima, and finally from Lima to Chimbote. Chimbote, Peru is located on the coast in Chimbote Bay about 260 miles north of Lima. Here we will spend two weeks volunteering with the Friends of Chimbote: Father Jack's Mission. After our two weeks of service, we will travel to one of the wonders of the world, Machu Picchu. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we travel to a land of great poverty, but also of great hope. It's hard to imagine all the emotions that will be felt during this adventure, but this truly is a chance of a lifetime! Nothing will be able to prepare us for what is to come, but we are grateful for this opportunity to see a new culture and be touched by the people of Chimbote. There will be many laughs, many tears (we are Kenneys after all), many smiles, and some frustrations. There will be many personalities and many perspectives. People will bump heads and reconnect. Above all, there will be KENNEY LOVE!

We hope that you will join us on this journey by reading this blog and living vicariously through our stories and pictures. 

Ready or not...here we go!