Thanksgiving - Ushukuru

This year has brought many changes for me - moving to a new country, learning a new language, and relocating to a new home are the big ones. I spent this Thanksgiving with the seven other Maryknoll Lay Missioners in Kenya.

John led a morning of reflection which was really helpful for me. We spent time reflecting on the challenges and then on the accomplishments and moments of joy in 2010. I know some of you will appreciate my list. First - the challenges:

• Feeling insecure, unsure of direction and competence
• Missing people
• Building new relationships
• It's HOT! Adjusting to a new place
• Not understanding conversations going on around me
• Not understanding conversations I'm involved in
• Not meeting my own expectations
• Understanding complex situations and people's realities
• The disparity between the rich and the poor
• Quieting myself
• ANTS

When we were reflecting on our challenges, another person mentioned seeing challenges as the art of the possible. I realized at the end of this discussion that I need to stop trying so hard. Easier said than done.

Accomplishments and moments of joy ... hopefully you can guess which are which:

• Sunrises
• Colorful lizards jumping up and down our outdoor stairs
• "Mungu Yupo" - God is here.
• Being able to sing along in Swahili, even if only for the refrain
• Making people laugh
• Peacefulness, when it comes
• the breeze
• Seashells and sand
• Driving (definitely an accomplishment, not a joy)
• Forgiveness
• Honesty
• Feeling deeply
• Meeting people at home, where they are at
• the drums beating at Mass, the rhythm reverberating within
• New relationships with my co-workers
• Persistence in continuing to try in Swahili (they say it will get easier?)
• Letting go
• Basil (the only plant still surviving from my "long rains" garden)

Here's a few moments in November that I'm thankful for ...
Sunrise at Mombasa Beach Hotel - I was invited there for a three-day meeting on Governance and Board Capacity Building. It was much more interesting than the title sounds ... and a real blessing to fall asleep and wake up to the ocean.

Friends! We were able to see Sr Genie who was in our Orientation Class last year. Cindy and John have been my family here in Kenya and I am grateful for every moment with them.


Being able to make my mom's bran muffins. A taste of home.

The "short rains" garden on the stairs ... and thanks to Julie sending me 3M non-slip tape, I hope not to fall down these stairs for the third time!

Watching the sunrise from my roof


Walking on the beach with new friends and colleagues

Rain, the waves, and watching the ships come in and out of the port.

The long-awaited driver's license ... 7 months after I applied. The temporary paper one worked in between. I am still asking people to "pray me home" when out driving. Its' a jungle out there on the main streets of town.


Our Maryknoll community in Kenya

Finally, I give thanks for all of you who are staying in touch, remembering me in your thoughts and prayers, or continuing to love and support me in spite of the distance.

With much gratitude,
Mary