I Can See it Now!

We have a connection -- parish to parish -- community to community. Hope and possibility so tangible I can see it in the eyes of our Kenyan friends. It moves me to great joy and gratitude.

St. James students in Music class.

-- Sally Cassidy

Happy 4th of July

What a thrill today to hear 500 students singing our National Anthem while standing at attention!  God Bless America!  But the highlight of the day was the Fashion Show.  The Kindergarten kids stole the show.

St. James Feast Day and July 4th Celebrations!

-- Bruce Willison

Giving and Receiving

Today was a day full of giving and blessings. We arrived at Veronika’s Place, a food distribution center for those with HIV/AIDS, to dancing, clapping, and singing. After a heartfelt presentation by Fr. Andrew, Monsignor, Jill, and Faith (one of the leaders) we started distributing food to the individuals present. There are 400 individuals who receive food each month from Veronika’s Place. What also makes this so special is that Veronika’s Place helps people who are not affiliated with the parish. Along with Kaley and Justin, I interviewed some children who benefit from Veronika’s Place either directly or indirectly.  There were many others who interviewed specific individuals as well.  

Bruce and Mini-Spiderman

We had another shopping day, but this one especially touched me. Some of the elderly have formed a craft group where they meet and make baskets, masks, bags, and other items. Instead of selling these individually all sales benefit the entire group. These older adults do not understand or speak English as well as younger Kenyans, but still loved having their pictures taken.  

Elderly women working on bead jewelry.

After lunch we split up into small groups and visited the homes of several parishioners. I was in Monsignor’s group with Sakina and we visited Mary. She has three children ranging from 5th grade to two years old. The other two attend St. James School and Claire informed me the youngest would be in Baby Class next year. The family is doing relatively well as both parents work and they own their house. It is much simpler than our homes, but they had a few couches, a TV, refrigerator, and a housekeeper girl from the neighborhood. It was delightful speaking with them, especially the children. The girls were rather quiet, but warmed up in the end when I started helping with homework. The young child, though, is on fire!  Sound familiar to anyone? He’s a two-year-old ball of personality who will drive his sisters crazy when he’s older.

-- Gabriela Gualano

Bringing Hope

Today we went back to Holy Cross Parish to meet with Veronika's Place, which is a food distribution place for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. They gave us an amazing presentation and then we helped hand out food. As I looked at all those faces and heard stories about how many have been surviving with HIV for the last 10 years I was so proud of Former President George W. Bush for his implementation, along with Bono, of the Africa AIDS project. The combination of that program and Veronika's place have saved more lives than we will ever comprehend.  

Baby at Veronika's Place whose mother receives assistance.

Then after lunch we attended local parishioners’ homes in small groups. It was really fun talking with a local family, but at the same time sad, as their living room area was smaller then many Americans’ walk-in closets. We ended the day attending a small Christian community mass.

Home visit in Dandora

-- Julia Kavich

A Kenyan Greeting

We started out first full day in Kenya getting a tour of our sister parish. We started out by first going into the main church where all the kids were practicing for Sundays mass. They were so cute, and as we walked in they all stopped, starting clapping, smiling, and whispering to each other. They were very excited that we came. 

Older students at St. James School

From there we were able to see the rest of Holy Cross grounds, which included the sewing school, cyber cafe, and the classrooms. All the little children sang us songs when we entered the classrooms; it was so adorable. We were also there during recess so we had time to play with the kids.  They completely swarmed us, but in a positive and fun way. 

After seeing the school we had lunch at the rectory and then headed over to Boma Rescue Mission. The kids at this place are orphans but not in the sense that we call them. These children have parents they just don't know who they are as they have been living in the dump site of Dandora. The mission tries to reunite these kids with their families and they have a decent success rate. First we attended mass in Swahili and English and then clothes were distributed. Each child received a new shirt, pants or dress, and shoes specific to them. They were so happy to get this and they felt so proud. Then we handed out sporting goods that included soccer balls, basketballs, kickballs, and jump ropes. We got to play with them after that and it was a blast and I think they had an amazing time. 

Gabriela handing out clothing to children at Boma.

-- Julia Kavich

To be noticed

One day in and this experience has been truly life changing. The graciousness and appreciation displayed to us by the children at St. James and Boma rendered me speechless.

Angela with some of the children from the baby classes.

Their love for us from the moment we arrived, though we hadn’t even done or said anything, was enough to bring tears to my eyes. All the little children just wanted to be noticed – a quick high-five or a hug wasn't passed up either!

-- Natalie Gigg

Blessings of the children

Unbelievable experience today with both the children of Holy Cross Parish School and the rescued children at Boma. All were so open to us, so welcoming and friendly.

Monsignor addresses the St. James
Primary School students.

The same wide smiles and camaraderie at both places overwhelmed us given our expectations of children drenched in poverty. They blessed us so much rather than the other way around!

-- Bruce Willison