Returning home again - Kurudi nyumbani tena

It's been over a year since I said farewell to my work in Kenya and my good friends there.  This June I returned for a visit and was reminded of how much my work and my life in Kenya means to me.  Being with  those friends who shared such intense, joyful, and challenging moments on my journey reminded me of why I was there and what continues to be central to my being.  Some of this is ineffable - beyond words or description.  John Muir's words hit on a part of this belief I have: we are all interconnected.  The struggle of the people I met and tried to serve and loved are hitched to me and my own struggle to be the person I am meant to be.

When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.- John Muir

With the older students in the project at a workshop in April 2011

While I was living in Kenya as a Maryknoll Lay Missioner, I led a project that we named HOPE: Helping Orphans Pursue Education.  This project works with young people who have lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS.  We support the children's education to help them have hope for a brighter future.  This project helps over 100 children stay in school each year, providing them with uniforms, school supplies, school fees, tutoring and counseling.  We work closely with a clinic started by a Maryknoll brother, which works in 10 different areas of informal settlements on the outskirts of Mombasa, and use local volunteers called Community Health Workers.  

Visiting the Kluegs in June 2014

Before I left, I was joined by an amazing couple, Curt and Anita Klueg and their two daughters, who worked with me and now lead the project in conjunction with local volunteers.  Returning after a year of study, I was challenged to see how my new path intersects with what I was doing  before.  I know my time in Kenya changed my perspective and I hope it changed who I am for the better.  

Beverlyne braiding my hair - June 2014

A couple quick stories:  One of the highlights of my trip was visiting Beverlyne, a student I knew well who really struggled in Math.  She made the choice to switch to a vocational training program for hair dressing and went from the bottom of her academic class to the top in her training program.  She found something that she could excel in and I am incredibly proud of her.  

As is traditional in Kenya, guests are escorted part of their way home to show how welcome they are.  Beverlyne escorted us up the hill from her house.  My heart breaks a little bit to know the challenges she has ahead of her.

This past year, she got a blood clot in her leg and ended up with gangrene.  She lost that leg above the knee.  She now has to propel herself on crutches up a steep muddy hill from home to any store, clinic, or road to carry on with her life.  She has passed through agony that I will never know. Yet her spirit is high once again, and she is facing life ahead with hope.  

Hamza in November 2012

Another story is what happened in the past week, one of our young students, Hamza, passed away.  This little guy is someone I met when he was seven, in the fall of 2012.  He had never been to school and was living with his grandmother, sister, aunt, and cousin.  He was beautiful and sweet and a treasure.  Curt and Anita took him under their wings and were helping him during their weekend and school break study sessions.  His passing at such a tender age reminds me of how fragile life can be. 

Now back to me - this next week brings another birthday!  I usually love birthdays and am a big fan of celebrating life.  This year I want to do something to honor where I have been and the people who helped me to see how to live in gratitude in spite of the difficulties life sent their way.  

My challenge: Can I find 100 people who will give $40 to the HOPE project?

If you want to be part of my birthday this year, please consider donating and being one of my 100!  You can also share this with others who might be able to help or get a group together for $40 (or more).  

Step 1. DONATE $40.

Online:       Donation link  (Type "Klueg Ministry Account" in Comment box below donation)
By Phone: 1-800-867-2980
By Mail:      Maryknoll Lay Missioners, PO Box 307, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0307
Make check out to Maryknoll Lay Missioners; write in Memo line: Klueg Ministry Account

If it's preferable for you:  Give me the $40 and I'll add you to the list and send the money on.
Outside the US: Send me a message and we'll sort out how to transfer your donation. :)

Step 2.  ADD A COMMENT TO THIS BLOG to be counted in the 100. 

Thank you for being part of my life and part of this challenge!  Asanteni!