Celebrations … Karamu

I've been to four different celebrations in the past few weeks.

Kwanza (1^st) – On the 19^th, we joined the Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers from all over Africa for a panel discussion, Mass and an incredible meal. Three of the guys celebrated the 25^th anniversary of their ordination – an inspiration to reflect on their lifetime commitment to serving the poor in a land far away. One joked that we would be celebrating 25 years for me … in 25 years.

So many times in life, we can go through the motions without being present. One of the gifts of living far away is the vividness of life. On this occasion, the way the words were spoken expressed how much the celebrant cared about what he was truly celebrating. The gospel story shared was of the multiplication of bread and fish to feed thousands. During this story, the disciples come to Jesus and tell him what they have is not enough. Fr Rick talked about how many times in his life he had felt that he didn't have enough to do what was being asked of him. I wish I could share with you this sense of trust that I felt. Trust in being at the right place, being honored to follow in the steps of some of these men, and knowing that I might not seem to have enough, but that there is always hope and faith and love to get us through those times

One of my Maryknoll friends, Fr Ed Davis

Pili (2^nd) - The tour books tell you that there is not much to see or do in the slums, but for many Nairobians, it is home. One of the churches served by Fr John Lange, a Maryknoll priest, is in a new slum, called KPA for Kenya Port Authority. It is on the outskirts of town, beyond the industrial area, where the port authority has containers awaiting customs clearance and open land that has now become home for people who cannot afford to live elsewhere.

The dirt road was in “good” condition since the last two weeks have been dry. One of the other priests told me in the rainy season, he can arrive at the church with 5 lbs of mud on each leg. Some stone structures are being built, including a few shops to service the area. Most of what you see is corrugated tin. Small buildings of shiny new metal or that already discolored by time and weather. The church reminded me of a metal barn in Iowa, but Father John had arranged for a stone foundation, so that the people could erect a stronger building as they found the resources.

Walking to Church

Tatu (3^rd) – Friday was one of our Swahili instructor's birthday. We had found out a couple weeks earlier when discussing how traditionally birthdays would not be celebrated, nor for some, even known. She had offered to bring us homemade roasted peanuts, which she eats for breakfast. Our contribution were sodas and mandazi, the local fried bread similar to a doughnut without the hole.

Nne (4^th) – And again tonight we celebrated the birth of another Kenya, a young man of 35, who is preparing for seminary and befriended Cindy and John during his previous visit to Nairobi a couple weeks ago. They bought him a cake and we enjoyed it together tonight with the rhubarb and custard the hostel staff had made for dessert. He told us that he would keep the turquoise ribbon from the cake tied around his wrist until it breaks off, as was tradition for momentous occasions in his tribe. What touched me tonight, was not only the friendliness of himself and his two compadres, but the sincere speech he gave afterwards. Life is such a gift.

This weekend brings not only the birthdays mentioned above, but also two of my oldest friends from childhood and one who was my brother first but also my friend. Happy Birthday to old friends and new: Sylvia, Fredrick, Vicki, Leah, Holly and Mark. =)

Hope you all are staying warm & dry. With warm wishes from Nairobi,

-Mary