We are here because we want to know God

The most wonderful day! From the beginning with the Mass and all the singing from the volunteers and recipients of Veronica's place, helping with the distribution of food, lunch at the Rectory, culminating with a visit in the home of Tabby and Martin! I am struck by the deep faith of every one I met and learning of the struggles and joys of the people of Dandora. It really confirms our connection to these people as our brothers and sisters. 

-- Mary Jo

It all started because of Veronika's Place. This food pantry on the other side of the world that I ran the LA marathon for, in order to raise funds to keep the pantry in operation and feed the hundreds of people who rely on the supplies for their survival. Back in October I made the decision to run the 26 miles, not for myself but for the many strangers I had never met.

Today I came face to face with the people of Veronika's Place, as they lined up to receive their monthly food rations. Seeing this whole thing through and being able to distribute the food myself was the main driver for me making the trip out to Africa in the first place. Interacting with them, learning their names..  Veronika's Place was no longer an idea in mind, it was real. Very real. Discovering it was their prayers for us runners which kept us strong all the way to the finish line. Our unity and faith in God is such a beautiful and amazing thing. I feel blessed to be here with them. To be on the trip in general, with these beautiful people. 

-- MaryJane

Yesterday was such an incredible day of LOVE! For me personally, being witness to the good Veronika's Place is doing by distributing food to those in need, brought back a flood of emotions. I experienced poverty as a child and we often went to food banks and churches for help. Even the young ones have a sense of what is going on when their mother's are lining up for their rations. And so I was drawn to a little fella with a torn red sweater and sad face who was sitting on the ground. I didn't know which woman was his mother, but I just got on the ground and started playing with him. At first he was shy, but over time he and I were laughing and hugging. We were building towers with stones, tickling each other, and I sang nursery rhymes to him. I don't know Swahili and he doesn't know English but it didn't matter. We just became friends. 

He climbed aboard our team's bus and looked like he belonged on there! Eventually his mother came. She was a beautiful young woman and very soft spoken. She saw how happy Eugene was and let him continue to play with me for a while. But they had to get going as they had arrived very early to line up to receive their number. Eugene cried when she told him in Swahili that it was time to go. I was crying too. I remembered I had a banana in my bag on the bus. I asked his mom if it was okay if I gave it to him and she thanked me. His big brown eyes got even bigger and the tears stopped. He was so delighted with his snack and tucked into his banana like it was his new best friend. 

As they walked away, Eugene with his banana and his mother with her bag of food, I knew why I was here. I will always have a pang of hunger in my heart remembering my time as a child like Eugene.  And that pang propels me to continue to help in any way I can to feed those in need. I was fed yesterday too, but the food was LOVE and it filled my heart.   Thanks be to God!

-- Karen

The beneficiaries of Veronika's Place are very grateful for the help St. Monica's provides. But one thing became apparent during the distribution of the food.  I think all on the team were struck by the amount of food that is given, and we wonder is it enough? Can we do more? How else can we help?  As Msgr said in our evening meeting, we are doing our best, but yes, there is still work to be done. - Karen

Photo gallery of our trip thus far, I can't believe it has been just 5 days

Jambi, how are you?

Baby school, we interrupt lunch. 

Veronika's Place, how to wrap your child to your back. 

The middle seat, you look like you are floating. 

Happy birthday Trevor. 

Two pastors. 

View from the hotel window. 

I got my eye on you. 

I want a selfie too. 

AIDS, early history of Nyumbani. 

We meet Fr Andrew at last. 

Our first mass in the first Holy Cross chapel

This humble little chapel on the grounds of St. James Primary School in Dandora is where the pilgrims spent the first mass of their trip to Kenya Africa. It may look empty here, but it's not. The lingering LOVE that was left behind by the music, dance, readings and prayers of the people, young and old, can still be felt. As we officially began our visit we too have been filled with the hope, faith and joy through fellowship with our friends and also with the Holy Communion of our Lord. "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight oh Lord, my strength and my redeemer!" Psalm 19

-- Karen

Gratitude. This is the feeling that summarizes this day for me. Being my first trip to Dandora, I didn't see the beginning stages of the new church or the visitation center that are finally opening this week. Many past travelers saw the open land before any thing was built; the joy was evident in their faces, seeing these dreams become real. All the hard work and prayers coming to fruition. And I am so fortunate that I get to be here and share in this grace.

Then the  mass with the children of St James. Their energy and smiles broke through their dismal surroundings. It was here that I was surprised by emotion and feelings of gratitude overtook me once again. Filled with love in my heart, I looked around at these strangers, who were no longer strangers to me at all anymore. This was my church. This was my extended family. Faith united us all. It didn't matter that we were worlds apart. Or that we come from different walks of life. Our love and faith in our Lord brought us together, here in that moment. I know that I've been blessed to be on this trip and be a part of this wonderful faith community.

-- MaryJane

The song of angels

We started our day in the small chapel, it was the first chapel built of Phase 3. The song from the children were like angels. It is my favorite mass. -- Anna

My favorite moment today was going to mass at St. James, and then watching the girls perform a dance routine for our group. This is my third trip to Nairobi with St. Monica's, and my favorite part is always the children of St. James. I've never seen kids that are so appreciative and genuinely happy meet new people, be with each other, dance and go to school. 

The last time I was on this trip, I was fortunate to be a part of the groundbreaking for the maternity ward. Today, we saw it fully completed and ready for the grand opening on Saturday! We also stopped by to see the brand new church that is opening on Sunday that will accommodate mass for over 1800 people. The last time I saw this property, it was just a pile of dirt with some concrete. St. Monica's has played a major role in raising money for the development of these two projects, and It's amazing to see how far faith and generosity can go. Because of this, I take pride in being a part of Saint Monicas.

-- Justin

Nyumbani, Home

Yesterday afternoon we visited the Nyumbani orphanage for children affected by HIV.  It was inspiring to see the great advances that have been made in HIV treatment and the kindness and generosity of so many who offer time and resources to such a worthy cause.  At the same time it was heartbreaking to meet children born with HIV who slipped through the cracks and suffered the effects of a stigma that still exists, even in a country with such high incidence.  We had so much fun playing soccer and jumping rope with the children, and we were struck at how generous they were with hugs and displays of joy.  We felt so blessed to spend our afternoon seeing their smiling faces!

-- Brandon and Christy

We are called to care for our common home, the orphans and the poor

Tuesday, June 7 - Day 2, travel to Karen

Themes from Pope Francis include protecting the poor, the orphaned and the earth. Arthur, one of the trip leaders, suggested in our morning prayer that we are all orphaned from our Heavenly Father while here on earth. How might we see this land we inhabit, or those abandoned because of disease? Today we drove through massive traffic to visit the Giraffe Center and Nyumbani. Both places are in Karen, a wealthy area in Nairobi. It was important for the leaders to introduce all parts of Kenya to receive a complete picture of this land. 

To ease all of us into our busy schedules, we had a later start this morning. The first notable observation was the traffic and all that is going on on the streets and side of the road. I though how entrepreneurial everyone is, selling items even in the middle of the Super Highway. Everyone seemed to be out and about, which may be the case as our driver mentioned that at the beginning of the month, more people will drive as many will have the money fuel their cars. 

We visited The Giraffe Center, which rescues and breeds a once endangered species of giraffe. The Rothschild Giraffe was killed because people were moving into its home. This center educates the youth to not only protect this species, but to protect all animals and the earth. I appreciated the artwork by school children that displayed on the education center. 

-- Anna

What did I expect? Expectations are everything and for 6 months, I have been counting down to the day I would land in Nairobi for this trip. Though the realization has yet to hit me that we are on the other side of the world, even as we drive through the town. Watching the Kenyans, busy about their day. Nothing unsual at all to them. Wallking long distances while carrying large sacks on their backs through the heat, crossing the streets, not fearful of the passing cars darting toward them, the lack of side walks and kids running around practically barefoot, the burning piles of trash, the cattle walking along side them in the chaos, the makeshift store fronts selling anything from metal, to fruit, to clothing, and wood. Then this fact hits me:This is their reality. This is their regular day. Their every day..So different from  my own. 

I begin to wonder: How did we end up on 2 different sides of the world? Them and me. What determined the life I have and the life they were given? What makes me so different from them? Why do we want so much back home and the Kenyans look content with what they have. 

It all comes from God. Blessings we cannot begin to understand or answer. I guess that is why I am here. And with each day, I will continue to be blessed by what I am able to learn from the people here. I have to share and yet, I know there is so much for me to learn and gain in return.

-- MaryJane

It was beautiful to be back in Nairobi with old and new friends. Some things have changed a lot since my trip 5 years ago. Most of the crazy road construction is finished but traffic seems worse than ever. We had a beautiful visit to Nyumbani orphanage to meet with the children and see all the great work they are doing there for these kids with HIV.  The highlight for me was seeing the children playing with all the balls and jump ropes we brought. It was beautiful to see their joy. 

-- Ann 

Today we visited Nyumbani which is an orphanage for kids with HIV.   These kids will steal your hearts in the short hour that you visit them. They sang songs to us and when they saw the balls and jump ropes we brought them they could barely contain themselves. It was like Christmas morning for them especially since we all played with them and held them.  One little girl Dena grabbed my hand at the end and wouldn't let go; I saw several kids doing this to other people in our group. Too bad you have to live 18 months in Kenya to adopt!!

Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

-- Katie Paris

We visited Nyumbani - an orphanage in Nairobi for HIV+ children - which was a startling contrast of hope and sadness. Despite advances in HIV prevention, especially in mother to child transmission, several children are still afflicted each year. Those, however, who do carry the virus are cared for in a loving and family-oriented way. Groups of 14 children live in individual homes along with two surrogate "mothers" who love them, know them and treat them as their own. Their medical, spiritual and emotional needs are met with unfailing generosity. This system works. Children survive and thrive - many from the earliest years are in their thirties and are starting families of their own. God's love in action; man's care in full view. 

-- Peter

  

Dining with some new pilgrims

Monday, June 6 - Day 1 in Nairobi

It was a beautiful Monday in Nairobi. We are waiting the arrival of the remainder of the pilgrims. There will be 28 of us in total and about half are returning and the other half are new to this experience. We ask that all of the St Monica folks to be open to experiencing the life and culture of East Africa, to get to know the people and places. I asked a few people for their first impressions, here you go...

The journey through airports and hotels was long. 20 plus hours of flying later and we are finally here. It was exciting to see the driver, James at the airport holding a sign with our names on it. We drove to the hotel on the streets of Nairobi. It was my first glimpse of the city and it was quite different than anything I have ever experienced. James was a great driver and I felt completely safe. Outside the van was crazy traffic and rundown shacks with people selling produce, tires, meat, and water tanks. Everything seemed really random. There weren't any sidewalks. People walked next to the rode along with motor cycles, bicycles, and cows. The scent of burning trash filled the air. We pulled into our hotel and it was a stark contrast from what we just experienced. It is a really nice clean place. Rooms are really cool. It is a big property with many restaurants and rooms. It feels a little weird that beyond the walls a completely different world exists. I'm excited about the days to come. 

--Flip

I expected to see poverty but was surprised to see the chaos on the streets and the burning of garbage with the smell of smoke in the air all the way to our hotel. Then we drove into paradise..... The Safari Park Hotel. I love it, but somehow feel the difference rather acutely from the purpose of our visit. Stayed tuned.

--Mary Jo

Arriving on Monday morning, it wasn't the traffic, endless potholes, or burning trash that grabbed my initial attention. It was how purposeful people seemed. The guys shaping metal at the Metal Works Shop. The police responding to a fender bender. People walking their cows along the highway headed to the slaughter house. The chaos seemed well organized. People were conquering the day. Making the best of what they have. I did see groups of people standing around, but they were highly engaged with one another. It appears relationship is very important to them.  

--Matt

Happy Sunday from Nairobi ... St. Monica Pilgrims start arriving in Kenya

Peter and Arthur, and Trevor and Anna (trip leaders) arrived safely in Nairobi on late Saturday evening and early Sunday mornIng.   

Paul Mwangi (our dear friend, and long time Nairobi and safari service provider) met us at Jomo Kenyata International Airport.   Paul's new company is African Savannah Holidays (www.africansavannah.co.ke).   Anna and I spent the day with Paul's family and had fun with Paul's sons.

We enjoyed a nice dinner with Peter and Arthur at the Safari Park Hotel.

I spoke by phone to Fr. Andrew (Pastor of our sister parish).   Our sister parish is extremely busy preparing for the Saturday dedication of the Our Lady of the Visitation Maternal Child Health Center and Sunday consecration of the new St. Andre Bessette Church.

Our friendships with the above people and so many others at St. Monica and our Dandora sister parish have come through the Holy Cross Africa Ministry.   We encourage you to work with others for good causes.  

To our 24 fellow Dandora pilgrims, we so look forward to your arrival during the next three days.   Enjoy your flights half way around the world.   We are getting ready to experience God's love and mercy with you.  

Come Holy Spirit ...

Love and prayers,

Trevor and Anna Rodrigues

Monsignor Torgerson blesses Kenya travelers

Just before the end of the 5:30pm Mass Sunday Monsignor Torgerson - Pastor of St Monica Parish - summoned all the past and present travelers to Kenya up on the altar for a send-off blessing. He asked the guidance of the Holy Spirit not only for all of us but for the people of Dandora, Kenya, who struggle each day to survive. This blessing was followed by a pot-luck dinner for the new travelers by the alumni. The camaraderie from the very first trip to Kenya 17 years ago still continues.

Preparing for the Journey

Altar in the Main Church, Holy Cross Parish

Welcome to the 2016 travel blog for St Monica Holy Cross Africa Ministry's trip to Holy Cross Parish in Dandora, Nairobi, Kenya. We are preparing for the journey to visit with our sisters and brothers and to celebrate our fourteenth year of partnership.

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