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