Bad Hair Day and Other Experiences

I am doing well and am so happy to be here another day. Every day I feel more and more at home here.  I didn’t receive any chickens this week!   Father B took me to several schools in the outlying areas and we talked to the principles about which children were in the most need. These were always the orphans. 

Father B said that these are the children that are in desperate situations.  Father tries to get sponsors for these children and pay for their school fees and pays for them to eat meals at school.  If a sponsor wishes to help the child go to a boarding school Father helps it become possible. I may try to help him find grant money for them.

I am learning that I have to run all my ideas past Father as I really do not understand how things run here.  He told me that he wants me to continue to bring my ideas and concerns to him, but not to do things on my own as I may unwittingly make things worse (for myself, for him, and possible for the child). I have so much to learn and Father B is so kind and patient with me.

Where I am really excelling is in the office with the books.  That is the biggest surprise I have ever had.  I have been organizing their financial books as well as the baptismal, confirmation and marriage records. 

Anyhow I found a confessor.  I told father B that I wanted Father Pontious to be my confessor as he doesn't seem to understand my English at all.  Father B had a big laugh at that and told me on Saturdays when he hears confessions most of the people will walk 15 miles from other parishes.  I guess I'm not alone there.  How awesome is that I can make full confessions and if I talk fast enough my priest won't have a clue...thank you God!

I got my hair 'done' again yesterday.  I had my hair stylist use my brush and my shampoo and conditioner.  She is starting to somewhat get the hang of brushes. She burnt my neck with the dryer because I had her remove the massive comb she has on it and just blow dry it. She put the coils accidentally on my neck. Ouch!  Next she got a big chunk of my hair caught in the dyer (which was cracked in the middle and sucked my hair in---ouch!) and had to comb out the massage knot ----now the side of my head has a section with burnt and frazzled hair.  I will train her yet. I am determined she learns how to dry my hair properly without any more major mishaps.  At least I don't have any ukus yet or ringworms!  If so I will have to shave my head like all the young girls do here....

I show pictures of Beau (my 6 pound chihuahua) to everyone.  They can't seem to wrap their brains around the idea of a 6 pound dog. They ask. "What does he do?  Why do you have him if he does not guard you?" I tell them he needs to be guarded and protected. They think that's hilarious. No one that I've seen has pets here. The concept is so foreign to them.  I named a dog at the farm and play with him when I go there.  I think they must think I'm nuts.  I was petting Dr. V (I named him after the dentist who was here from Lithuania ). I got a rash all over my arms and had to wash them off I am going to give Dr. V a bath next time I'm at the farm. Father B said that would be ok and that I can show people how to treat animals better.  Many here treat their goats chickens dogs and cats so horribly. They walk behind the goats hitting with sticks and fling the chickens all around and carry them tied upside down and carry them on sticks or the sides of their motorcycles! 

Anyhow I hope you all continue to support Lay Mission-Helpers and keep me in your prayers.

 Love to all Kathleen

One Month Already!

I cannot believe I have been living in Kenya for almost a month!  I sometimes feel like it’s been a year and other times a day!  I just love Father B, Father Linus and Father Pontius!  They are amazing priests and work harder than any one I have ever known.

The people are so wonderful and I received my 3rd live chicken this past Saturday.  Honestly these folks are teaching me so much about generosity and love.  Speaking of love, I am realizing that it really is all about the love!

I have been helping out in the parish office with their books and going to several prayer houses with Fr's B. and Linus for Masses and confirmation formation classes with them.  I am having a very difficult time not 'saving everyone'. There is just so much to be done here and I am not very patient.  I have to trust the system and Father B., as he knows the correct way to get things done.  I just want to sometimes rush in and do not always think things through....so much to learn.....please continue to keep me and all the people from the Diocese of Meru in your prayers! 

My love to all of you and my beloved USA!

Karibu Kenya

Jambo to all!!  I have arrived safe and sound in Kenya.  Father B. picked Jan and I up in Nairobi and brought us to our new home in Mikinduri.  The area is beautiful and the people have been so warm and welcoming.  Jan and I just got back from Mass.  We got to be Eucharistic ministers!!!!!! 

This first week has been so up and down emotionally for me.  One minute I'm crying, thinking I made a major mistake coming here and the next I am feeling happy and so grateful.  I feel a bit schizo!  I am also grateful for the Lay Mission-Helper program.  They do know what they are doing. They did many things to prepare me for my life for the next three years. Living in community for one.  People here really all live together and do not have or seem to want privacy like we are used to.  Meals are eaten in large groups and they do not talk during meals.   Very difficult for me!!!  They talk after.

We were at the music and dance competition for all the schools from the Diocese of Meru - there were 18 schools represented.  Some of the children walked over 6 miles to get here and 6 miles home.  They were barefoot and many who did have shoes the shoes were way too big or small and very ratty.   They were so happy and joyous as they spent all day here.  The competition was held in a field with the judge at a little table and Jan and I stood with all the villagers to watch.  There were no chairs.  They changed the location of the competition several times. They would pick up the judges little plastic table and move it to the shade as the sun moved.  The dancers would sing and dance inches from the table and the children and parents watching would crowd around the performers.  It was a sight to behold.  The small children would mob Jan and I and touch our skin and laugh and dare one another to touch us.  They wanted to look at the inside of my mouth to see what it looked like.  Jan and I are like aliens to them. 

A few days ago I went with Fr. Linus up into the mountain to a village home to help him with mass.  It was an amazing experience the people were so very poor yet all the folks living in the vicinity came. We were 2 hours late but that is called 'African time'. No one is on time anywhere. It's so difficult to get to places that people start when everyone gets there.  We drove 20 kilometer over unpacked rocky dirt roads and then hiked about a mile through the jungle (or forest) to get to these folks homes.  They had outhouses and their kitchens were outdoor fire pits.  The homes were small plywood shanties.  They were the size of a large bedroom in US. Entire families live in them often 6-8 people.  The children sleep in one half and a curtain divides the room so parents have separate sleeping area. Dirt floors, no windows..  These folks made us tea and food. So generous.  They also gave money at the offertory.  Reminded me of the parable of the widow who donated all she had to church. 

Father B threw a 4th of July and welcome to Kenya party for us!!!  We had a bonfire and cookout.  It was beyond awesome.  

Anyhow goodbye for now and please continue to keep me in your prayers. 

Love to all,

Kathleen