New Name

I had a very exciting and wonderful past 2 weeks.  Carolina and Enrique (with Mission Doctors Association) have been transferred up here to work at Nkobu hospital very close to me!  It is wonderful having good friends living in Meru with me.  They are not only wonderful, fun and supportive friends, but are really needed at the hospital and everyone here is overjoyed they will be here for the next three years (God is good!)

I've been busy finishing up the confirmation entries into our computer and our registry books.  I’ve also been busy with my ladies prayer group as we plan events and pray the rosary together regularly.  I will be working with some women from St. Massimo on teaching alternative rites of passage for young women.  It's a program that our Bishop of Meru is starting to help educate and hopefully end (or seriously decrease) the practice of female circumcision which is still occurring here at alarming rates.  I am very excited about working on this project and I am asking for all your prayers for its success...

I've also been going with Father B. to different homes where he has said Masses.  One home the daughters asked him to come to say a Mass to thank their family and friends for the love and support shown to them throughout their lives, for now they have both graduated from university and have really good jobs.  They presented their parents, their aunt and uncle, Father B and their catechist with gifts and then friends gave speeches about how important it is for young children to have such mentors in their lives growing up!  It was so beautiful!

Also the women in my St. Massimo prayer group have given me a new name-  Makena---that means someone who always brings love and joy to others---honestly sometimes I am just speechless. What a wonderful name to have. I have been called many things (some of which I cannot repeat!) This however is just so humbling--- anyhow. Thank you again for all your prayers! 

Love,

Kathleen (Makena)

I have helped clean the corn and have just finished two days of helping to plant the maize (corn).  It really is hard farming...I don't think I will ever take food for granted again. I would be soooooo skinny if I had to grow whatever I ate--- I know my mom will be thinking "maybe you should give that a try!". Haha.  Anyhow I know for certain I would be a vegetarian if I had to kill the animals.  I watched a cow get slaughtered---not a pretty sight...I will not be attending anymore butchering of the animals. Although I certainly do enjoy eating them.