Visit from a Rwandan Refugee and Friend

Hello everyone,

When I was in Kenya in the spring, I was able to meet Venant, the refugee that my church, St. Ignatius, is trying to sponsor. Venant escaped to Kenya from Rwanda. His story is a fascinating one, one that reveals that God's hand was on him as he journeyed. God's hand is still upon him, blessing him with miracles. He let us know that he would be in Canada and that he would be able to spend the weekend with those he had met or been corresponding with. We were blessed with his presence and after a whirlwind visit he has returned to Kenya. Keep him in prayers as he has been called for his interview by the Canadian embassy. In the photo below, his new friends pray over him before he leaves. May God who is gracious do the best thing for Venant.

amani,

Suzanne

Hello Friends,

It has been awhile since I posted anything on the blog and I decided to take a moment to update you.

This summer I took a course by Piet Miering, a man who served on the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) during Apartheid. It was a fascinating class, linking the Indian Residential Schools TRC here in Canada to what happened in South Africa. I learned a lot and appreciated studying more about Africa. I handed in my paper for my practicum and so am officially closing the door on that credit. I had a chance to visit with Bridget, Zachee and Tim in Ontario this summer and it was lovely to see them again. It was the first time that Zachee and Tim were in Canada and, unfortunately, summer heat was scarce here at the time. Bridget, Tim and I sat outside having ice cream and I looked across at Tim only to see the poor boy’s teeth were chattering as he munched away on his cone. Yeesh!!

I also had the opportunity to be interviewed on Canadian Mennonite University’s radio station about my practicum. You can hear the interview by going to http://www.cmu.ca/. On the left hand side there is a tab News&Events. Click on it and go to Sunday at CMU. You want to listen to the September 13 program. I am near the end so you can fast forward it to the last 5 minutes of the program if you don’t want to sit through the preaching and songs.

I presented on my visits within the African Deaf Community a few weeks back at the Winnipeg Church of the Deaf and have been asked to present at a Tri-Church gathering in January which will hopefully raise some funds for the Deaf people I met in Burundi and Kenya.

In the next couple of weeks, a Rwandan refugee I met is arriving in Winnipeg if all goes well with his visa. His boss is allowing him to visit his friends here after he does some work in Montreal.

Check back occasionally, as I will update you from time to time on all things African in my life.

Be well.

Suzanne

Shining, Rising, Leaping

Pentecost 2009

Shine through me, Jesus, and be so in me that every soul I come in contact with may feel your presence in my soul. Let them look up and see no longer me but only Jesus! ~ Cardinal Newman

We are called to be leaven—that which brings something to life. ~ Fr. Brian Massie, sj

Dear Friends,

I find it hard to believe that I have been back in Canada eight weeks or so. I arrived home for Easter celebrations and, as I write this, it is now Pentecost. The Easter season is complete. Some days Africa seems only a distant memory; other days if I close my eyes, I can feel the warmth of the sun bearing down on me as if I am still there.

My adjustment back to life in Winnipeg has been mixed. I have so much to process still and much to grow into understanding in the years to come. Fr. Brian Massie, my former pastor, posted a comment on my blog early on, “Follow that star…and who knows what road will take you back.” He was right, as he so often was. I don’t know what road has taken me back or where exactly it is leading me. My re-entry was interrupted a few weeks later by Fr. Brian’s death. He and I worked closely together on a number of projects and though we were an unlikely pair to become friends, we did. He was a diamond in the rough—a man who had fought alcoholism and won, a priest who had ministered to death row inmates in Jamaica, a pastor who came cussing and sharing ideas about Catholicism that drew much fire. Lots of people left the parish and others arrived in droves. For those who did not attempt to understand his style or beliefs, they missed a wonderful opportunity. He and I did not always agree but he was my mentor, my teacher, my healer, and my cheerleader. Everyone should have someone in their life that shakes them up just slightly so that ideals and convictions become clearly known. Everyone should also have someone who believes in you on a level that is hard to describe. He led numerous people to a place of healing of wounds inflicted by the Catholic church and helped us find a comfortable home again in the pews. He encouraged me to step out and find my voice…and find it I did, in new and remarkable ways, in a Church where women’s voices have long been silenced. For that I will be ever grateful. In this unlikely servant, I did recognize the face of Christ, and he called all of us to be that face as well.

As I reflect upon these two major life events in 2009, I see that both the life of Fr. Brian and my African Adventure have me longing to be more of a healing presence in this world. In my final debrief with staff in Kenya, I was told that I had managed to heal them as well as the people with whom we worked. This revelation startled me but I realized that I had prayed that I would be the Light of Christ to the people I would meet. I just was so unaware of what I was doing and how powerfully this prayer came true. In fact, my supervisor said that I had been the star intern. Little did she know the impact of those words. That having left on the Feast of Epiphany, I had tried to follow the star. I had never expected to become the star—the star that would lead others to Christ’s gentle healing. I am humbled by this concept and struggle to embrace its full meaning for me.

I count many African memories as cherished. The most difficult event has turned out to be the most life changing for me. I was caught in a riot in DR Congo and had to remain in my hotel room for almost 20 hours. There will always be people who will tell you that one person cannot make a difference. I beg to differ. I will never forget how my colleague courageously stepped out onto our hotel balcony the morning after the rampage and called quietly down to the soldier who was yelling he was going to kill the teenager he held and that other soldiers should do the same to show the townspeople that they could not riot like they had. She spoke words of truth and sensibility to him and then slipped back into our room. The military soon exited. Elizabeth was definitely leaven that day. What could have turned into a bloodbath became relatively calm. It was not the end of the kafuffle but it did change the course of the day and saved many lives.

I met incredible people of faith whose lives have been far from ideal yet they maintain a deep sense of joy and hope. A lesson waits there for me to live fully into. I saw magnificent landscapes and animals that lead me back to trusting my strongly held conviction that God exists. The sunrises on the Indian Ocean, the giraffes galloping in the Maasai Mara, and the colourful floral sprinkled in the least likely places took my breath away. How could there not be a God? Yes, one could counter that the horrors of the genocides in Rwanda and Burundi, the atrocities currently occurring in DR Congo, and the violence in Kenya after the elections last year lead people to question the authority of a benevolent God. I don’t. In fact, having seen the works of those combating evil in our world and knowing they are firm in their beliefs as well, I cannot doubt and I will not stop trying to shine so that others will see Christ in action. A Light does shine in the darkness. Fr. Brian once said that if Jesus had known only the Light, he would have had trouble finding us in the dark. I am learning to live with both the Light and the dark parts of life: the pain and sorrow and joy and hope. I have excellent role models now in Africa whose life stories are beyond imagining, both in the brightest of Light and darkest of dark moments.

I am not sure where this turn in the road will lead me. I cannot see that far ahead. Faith is not something that gives you a road map, just the tools for walking with the pinpricks of Light for the journey. The partners in Central Africa would like me to come back and do a month-long training session for them. The Deaf Community in Burundi would certainly welcome me again. God willing, I will follow the star that has led me thus far. I pray for the grace to be open to all that will be. I also wish to be leaven—to bring to life the joys and hope that so many people here in the West struggle to find. We have so little to complain about and yet I know how easy it is to fall into that trap and whine about banal, trivial issues. Fr. Brian asked once during a homily, “What have you settled for?” I keep picking up those words now as I wonder where this road is leading. I don’t wish to settle. I long to take a quantum leap of faith and shout, “Your will be done! Make me shine. Make me leaven. Lead me on. May I be more fully Yours. May the world see You at Your brightest through me.” It is a scary leap that requires great courage…so maybe I will just try baby steps for now and know that God is still with me on the journey. God’s love and grace are sufficient while I continue moving in the direction of that guiding star that beckons me to follow, until at last, I can leap.

peace/amani/amahoro,

Suzanne

Most Holy of Nights

Tonight is the most holy of nights in the Catholic Church. It is with great joy that I have returned to my community for this celebration. The transition home has had a few bumps. I freaked out the first night trying to brush my teeth. I turned the tap on and then pulled my hand away, sure that I could not brush with the water that was coming out of the faucet. I also could not find my rear defroster on my car the first morning. I had to look for several minutes while trying to negotiate the morning rush hour roads at the same time. I could not remember the password to my blackberry so had to have it wiped clean and start again. I am not quite sure where I have put a number of things, including the keys to my desk at work and my cheque book. I am LOVING my hot showers in the morning and feel no guilt at the moment as I linger there. My body is sleeping well and suddenly I feel starved. I devoured most of the food at the family gathering yesterday, and this on a day of fasting. Sigh. I offer it all to God who certainly understands better than I do.

I went to Taize prayer last night at St. Benedict's Retreat Centre and sat before the cross in the dimly lit chapel. Adorned with purple pansies and candles, the cross stood simply and silently before me, a reminder of what I must embrace and how life is for so many people throughout our suffering world. I could hardly keep my eyes open at one point and was certain I might fall asleep. It was 4:00 am in Nairobi. I could not help but think of the apostles as they struggled to keep watch. During the intercessions, I prayed for war torn countries. The photo is taken in Kiyaya, near Uvira, at the partner's site, the day of the riot I lived through. I had sat that afternoon, unaware of what was to come, looking at this cross too, not understanding the cross I would take up that night and would carry in my memory for the rest of my life. Some people suffer tremendously in our world. I hope each of them will know the joy of the Resurrection as well. Tonight is a Holy Night. May I embrace it with wonder and awe as the Light of the World returns to set us free.

May each of you know the tremendous joy of this Holy Night and the freedom it brings to each one who is ready to receive it. Happy Easter!

peace,

Suzanne

Foot washing

I am now home over 48 hours and the Holy Triduum has begun. Upon my arrival home, I was asked to be one of the parishioners whose feet were washed in our Holy Thursday service . I was honoured. I have never had this done at this parish and as I watched the young deacon go through the first eleven representatives, I could see him sweating and I realized, once again, how difficult service is. To serve and to be served is not easy. I thought I might cry all the way through it but I did not. Instead I watched the washer as he gently washed each set of feet. I could not help but think how three weeks ago I wondered if my feet would ever be clean again. I understand the necessity for footwashing now on all kinds of levels. We need to let someone wash our feet once in awhile when we are in service mode as a gentle reminder that we are simply the vessel that allows God to move within our world. The footwashing was a wonderful completion of the circle that began with my missioning service.

The path to Calvary has begun and I walk it thoughtfully these days. I have so much more left to process but I have returned to work and so the rhthym of routine begins.

Amani,

Suzanne

Safe in Winnipeg

I have arrived safely in Winnipeg, where it is cool, but not cold, and patches of snow still sprinkle the ground. In some places, more than a patch of snow still stands, defying spring its welcome. Flights back were good and I had no trouble at the airport or immigration. I shuffled the contents of my bags at the airport and managed to avoid a weight charge. The man at the airport looked at my carry on baggage and let me through anyway with both pieces. Arriving in Winnipeg, I figured I was over the limit for expenditures and was honest about it. That immigration officer thought about it for a moment and then waved me on, without charging me.

My family greeted me at the airport and off we went for supper. I have a day to resettle and then I will be back at work on Thursday. I will do some postings in the coming while just to let you know where I am at as I transition to life here. I will also add some photos and videos so check the old postings if I won't be seeing you if you want.

amani,

Suz

Final Day in Nairobi

Love entails a breaking. This was the last line of this morning's Lenten meditation. I could feel the tears well up. I am not quite ready to leave here yet and the goodbyes are still hard. Already several people are saying how much they will miss me. I was certain the hard goodbyes were done but I realize it is the finality that accompanies today that makes every adieu difficult. I feel like I am leaving parts of my heart scattered across this region. I also know that several people are saddened at my departure and somehow I feel responsible for that pain. Love entails a breaking. I had prayed for people to see the face of Christ in me and for those whose hearts I have touched I know it is so. Christ must have broken many hearts this Holy Week as He said His goodbyes. I have much to consider as I walk towards Good Friday and Easter morning this year. May I embrace the breaking with which Love has abundantly lavished me.

amani,

Zanna

The Big Five and More!

Presider: God is good.
Congregation: All the time.
Presider: All the time.
Congregation: God is good!

Most Catholic Churches here in Kenya begin the mass this way and then conclude in a similar fashion with the announcements, read by a lay minister. God is good....all the time. I know that more than before. God has been faithful to your prayers and mine in ways we could never have expected or imagined.
The week has been a wee bit hectic. My quick trip to the coast was followed by a busy day in the office and then a jet away to the Masai Mara. The Mara was spectacular. Each game drive ended with an adventure. The first night we ended up visiting a pride of lions. The next morning it was a rhino. That evening, we chased down a cheetah. The next morning just when we thought we were done, our excellent driver William from Sarova Tent Camp, sped up. I held my breath. Did this mean we were about to check off the Big Five? The other passengers who were now my friends (two people from Turkey and two from England) were oblivious. Soon enough though, William confessed that we were on our way to see a leopard that was on the move so we had better hang on as he gunned it down the winding trails. We caught up to the cat which was stretched out sunning himself. Annoyed at the number of vehicles that had joined him, he sauntered off and hid in a thicket. We were beside ourselves though at having seen all that we wanted to. Elephants with babies, several prides of lions, giraffes, rhinos, hyenas, jackals, and various kinds of antelopes took our breath away. The stunning setting of the Mara is a perfect backdrop for the adventure, providing guests with awesome sunrises and sunsets, wide open spaces, and rolling hills. Jake, everyone in our jeep wants my photos so I cannot thank you enough for your recommendation of the camera.
I have been packing which is discouraging. I need to buy another suitcase which I was hoping to avoid but I have a few gifts that I have been given for some people in Canada. I was pretty proud of myself for buying small but thoughtful gifts for my family and friends. Oh well, I am giving some of my clothes away to the camp in DRC. There is always a trade off, I am learning.
I leave here Monday night and arrive in Winnipeg Tuesday afternoon. I am back at work on Thursday for a day-long meeting. I am not quite ready to leave here but do look forward to coming home again. Thanks for all your prayers. God really is good. I have been abundantly blessed.

Amani,

Suzanne

Beach Boys and Pastors

I was in the Mombasa area early this week. I stayed right on the Indian Ocean--if I threw a coconut I would hit the sea. Normally I love walking along the shore or out at low tide but these beach boys are really annoying. They do not give you much quiet time, even at 6:30 in the morning. What is the use of being at the ocean if you cannot hear yourself think???? I did not process my departure at all but I did soak in the sunrises and as much alone time as I could sneak in when someone was not offering to make a chocolate baby with me or attempting to sell me some sea shells.

The Hope For Kenya Forum was good. Pastors shared their stories of the church pre and post election. There is a great need to repent at actions that church members and pastors took. One story that stays with me is how an elderly Muslim man watched as a mob decided to burn down one of the churches. The pastor related that he was told by someone who was there that the Muslim intervened and said, "I am a Muslim and I cannot let you burn down this church." The crowd respected his wishes and left. If only Christians had spoke out against the violence in such a manner.

I will say more but I am now at the Maasai Mara and leave for a game ride in about 30 minutes so I better get back to my tent and prepare to leave. On the drive here we saw lions, giraffes, elephants, and many more of God's amazing critters. I cannot believe I did not want to come. I am staying in the lap of luxury here and will definitely gain every pound back that I lost here in Nairobi walking to work. Sigh...

peace,

Suz

Refugees

I went to Daystar University this week to sit in on a class in their peace studies department. The topic was refugees. I found listening to the information on the Kenyan Refugee Act interesting, given the work I have done half a world away with receiving refugees into Canada. I was also blessed to encounter zebras and giraffes on the ride out. The campus is on the outskirts of Nairobi. I was checking out the potential for Menno Simmons students to participate in a couple of classes while we are here on practicum to build bonds and see from an African perspective, conflict transformation.

I also had an opportunity to meet with a refugee my sponsor has sponsored who is here in Kenya. He is a delightful young man who survived the Rwandan genocide. I was so impressed with his story. He tells me that God intervened so many times on his journey. He was separated from his uncle and siblings but made his way to Burundi and then on to Tanzania. At one point, because he was young and healthy, he was asked to get off a lorry which was later blown up as it approached a border. I was so impressed with his faith and his personality. I look forward to seeing him again on Palm Sunday at mass.
I leave bright and early tomorrow morning to go to the Mombassa area. I will be staying at a Christian conference centre right on the Indian Ocean. I hope to read and debrief by myself before the Hope for Kenya Forum, Coastal region Conference begins on Monday.

Today was my farewell luncheon at work. We went to the Carnivore Restaurant where I ate crocodile, ostrich, beef, chicken, and pork in various forms such as ribs, sausages, roast, wings, liver, and gizzards. I skipped the later. My colleagues were very affirming about the work that I have done here, though we will have the official debrief momentarily. I have been blessed and a blessing and that has made all the difference. I was open to so much but also wanted to be a vehicle for God’s grace to work through. I am grateful for everything.

Suzanne

Humble Hearts School

Yesterday I spent the morning at Humble Hearts School in Nairobi. A colleague of mine from Winnipeg sponsors a deaf boy there. His face broke into a wide grin when he saw the mini cars she had included in her care package. He gratefully examined all the items and then tightly gripped the pencil, toothbrush and face cloth that he was allowed to bring back to class. The school has about 300 students from the slums of Nairobi. Forty students in the primary classes are Deaf. The director says that she noticed a problem with the students returning home and not being able to communicate so she allowed siblings to attend the school. They are in separate classes except for Kenyan Sign Language classes.

The school is humble and is in a poor part of Nairobi. The smell as you walk towards it is quite unpleasant. Once you enter the compound, you forget the smell as happy faces greet you. The classes are in tin trailers, painted purple, and the uniforms are also purple!!! The school looks much poorer than the school I visited in Bujumbura. The residence is in the home of the parents of the director. The girls and boys sleep in separate tin shacks, three to a bed. My heart went out to them but I tried to accept that a shared bed was better than no bed in the slums.

In the pre-unit, a boy around 14 sat learning amongst the little 4-year-olds. A social worker had found him wandering the streets of the slums, unable to communicate. She contacted Humble Hearts who took him in, gave him a name, and hope to provide an education for him. He will remain in the pre-unit for the first year and then be placed more appropriately, depending on his a new achievements.

A new residence is being built on the outskirts of town, in a lovely residential area. There looks to be ample room for boys and girls to sleep in secure, healthy surroundings. As well, there are kitchen, dining, and laundry facilities. The little shamba or garden has food in it now that is used for the current residence. There is also a place for cows and chickens. However building materials are expensive and the work was begun two years ago. Beaty, the director, was not sure when the project would be finished. She says the neighbours are accepting of the concept of having Deaf children move in.

Not all children have sponsors and if anyone is so moved, information about Humble Hearts sponsorship can be found at http://www.angelcovers.org/humblehearts.html -- I know you will be blessed if you do and it will certainly help a Deaf child in desperate need.

Amani,

Suzanne

Two weeks left

Hard to believe that time is almost out. The next week is going to be busy--we have been in the office late and this weekend I am working too on the audit prep. The following week I will be in Mombassa on the coast for a few days for a Hope for Kenya Forum Conference. The sessions are for clergy who are still dealing with what happened in parishes after the post-election violence and CAPI is sending me to represent them.

With any luck I will also get to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve--pray it all works out. I leave April 6 for home and get in on the evening of April 7 in time for family celebrations--brithdays and anniversaries--and Holy Week celebrations at my community.

Happy Birthday!!

Several of you are experiencing birthdays in the coming week and internet is crazy slow here right now and getting online is a hassle. So Mary T, Fr. B, Joanne, Aunt J, and Penny, I wish each of you a fabulous year ahead. Each of you is in my heart and prayers.

Happy spring!! I have a feeling I may not be online in the next few days.

love,

Suzanne

ps: Hannah Taylor from Ladybug Foundation sent me a lovely email recently to thank and encourage me for what I am doing here. Isn't she just the sweetest thing??? I printed it off and took it home to show the children who were thrilled!! The daughter drew a picture and one of the sons wrote a fabulous letter to her which I will get to her upon my return.

Do not forget the things

The Old Testament reading for Wednesday was from Deuteronomy 4:9: “Only be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live.” I stopped and pondered these words in my African context—in the experience of this adventure that I have been living—in the understanding that these months have been a blessing that is not yet finished. When I return home, I will not forget all that I have seen or let the memories slip from my heart as long as I live.

I awoke early thinking about the colleague in Burundi, wondering how he will manage. First he mourns the loss of his child—his wife was 7 months pregnant when she miscarried. Then the death of his wife, who in another country might well still be alive. Four young children remain that will need his care as he grieves. My prayers are with him and his family.

This story is one of several that will be engrained within my soul as I prepare to leave and return home. I have so many stories to tell that have not yet made it to these pages. I know that there will be a time of discerning and integration of this experience over the months and years to come. I hope that I am careful enough to honour the gift that has been given to me—all of it. The fears, pain, sadness, beauty, courage, and the whole of it are to be appreciated. I am living my chance of a lifetime and hoping that it will influence the rest of my life.

Peace,

Suzanne

African Reality

Today in the office we received sad news. Last week, we heard the news that the wife of a colleague from Burundi had miscarried the baby she was carrying. Today was the infant's burial...and today the wife also died. She had been in a coma since last week after the miscarriage. The horrible reality for African women is that giving birth--or attempting to in this case--is risky business. I am so sad to know that Adrian and his young children have to suffer such a loss. He is an incredible man who interpreted for me during my time in Bujumbura. He works with people who have been traumatized. Now he faces his own mountain of grief. Please pray for him and the children and those who will mourn Odette's death. Odette's sister is also known to me as a fabulous African woman who is doing excellent healing work in the region as well.

peace,

Suz

Hear these praises

"Hear these praises from a grateful heart" the song lyrics wafted through the congregation at Lifespring Community Chapel where Pastor Bob is the senior pastor. I had been singing a number of the worship songs and somehow I had already been thanking God for my incredible experience here in Africa and gotten a wee bit teary about my imminent departure and this song pushed me into those emotions even more. Fast forward three weeks and I will be somewhere in the air over Europe. It is hard to believe really. I don't know what to think yet. I am anxious to return home and to my life in Canada but at the same time I have really been so grateful for the time I have had in Africa. I have been blessed in ways I cannot even articulate. Today for example, I rounded a corner with Fr. Lwanga (who sends a heartfelt hug to you, Winn) and stopped at the sight of these two magnificent flowering trees. "Look!" I exclaimed, 'we don't grow these at home."

I have had trouble getting on to the internet lately. Mostly because I have been so busy but also the connections are slow and the flash drive we use to connect is in high demand in the office. I will try to post a few updates in this sitting.

I have had news that I will head to the coast for a conference and staff has encouraged me to take a few days of vacation and enjoy Mombassa or Lamu so I will explore those options. I have also decided to try to get to Masai Mara Game Park this weekend but better get organized or it will come and go before I blink.

What else do I need to let you know about? Work has been a little hectic and I do wonder if I will complete everything on my plate or not. I have a brochure, newsletter and website to prepare which are all major tasks but somewhat related. I have a few other things to do as well, and this week it is to assist with the audit preparation. Today though I was booked to see Fr Lwanga who is a Benedictine priest and so what I thought would be a few hours took most of the day in typical African style but I thoroughly enjoyed the company of these men and the work that they are doing. I saw a little more of Nairobi too as we headed in a direction I have not been.

This weekend Bob had to pick up one of his son's in Karen so I went along for the ride and the house we arrived at is part of Karen Blixen's coffee plantation (as is everything in Karen) and I gaped at the luxury of it all. Bob's youngest son pulled me over to the window and pointed in the direction of the swimming pool. While I have not been living in austere surroundings, I had not been in a posh setting since arriving. I must confess I just wanted to sit down and soak it all in but it is probably a very good thing we had to head off to church.

Bob was preaching on abortion that morning and we had discussed the topic earlier that week and so I went along to hear what he had to say. He was preaching against the bill that is on the table here that will allow 12 year old girls to have access to contraceptives and abortion without parental consent or knowledge. Twelve!! Yikes!! His oldest son is 12--he is just a baby in many ways. The sermon was very good and compassionate. He shared also from a Kenyan perspective and said that the reason Kenyan women have abortions are shame and security. He also told the story of Luke, my friends Al and Darlene's baby who they chose to keep, despite doctors encouraging them to abort the child who was destined to not survive. He told the story with such grace and beauty that it brought tears to my eyes and so proud once again of the choice that my friends had made. He ended with a prayer time for those who had had abortions and prayed that they would know that the decision did not define them--that they were still children of God, well-loved by the Giver of Life. He also called for prayer for those who had forced abortions on women (parents and partners) and for men who were not consulted in the decision. It was refreshingly different than anything I had experienced in Canada. Afterwards, I joined an American couple for lunch at an Indian restaurant and then went shopping for souvenirs at a market.

I think I better head home now. I have a 20 minute walk downhill and want to get home before it gets too dark.

with praise and thanksgiving for all that I am gifted with here,

Suzanne

Giving my head a shake today

Whilst reading a Kenyan newspaper yesterday, I both growled and howled. First, I was mad and then I simply laughed at how dense some corporations are. The article that caught my eye was on tea workers in Kenya. Tea is a big commodity here but pickers are paid a pittance. Female pickers end up selling their bodies to earn enough money to pay rent and feed their families. One of Kenya’s largest tea companies educates their employees on the dangers of AIDS and hands out free condoms because their staff turnover is huge due to people dying. Really!!! I mean hello!!! Why not just pay your employees a decent wage????!!! Sigh.

Then I met a man after work because he wanted to talk to me about something. Three guesses—yours will be as good as mine and we are probably on the same page. So, I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt anyway...but should have trusted my instincts. On top of it, today I found out he is married with children. Anyway, I am learning to hone my spiel. I am poor, I am not looking for a romantic encounter (especially if you’re married—and I don’t really care how many wives you think you can take), and I don’t know any wealthy people who will give you money. I must have ticked him off a bit though because he did not even offer to walk me to the matatu stop or even the door at the place we were at. Not even polite by African standards. He had promised to be discreet but I certainly did not. I would name him here if I were as much of a scoundrel as he is.

Are you wondering what happened to me thriving happily? I never get this much attention from men in Canada so I am just getting a little tired of the game. Since part of this blog is for future MSC interns I thought I would put my rant in about some men here in Africa. Let me stress the word some. I have met some incredibly honourable men here.

I am sure I will have a better day tomorrow.

Still smiling in spite of it all,

Suz

An Elephant Will Only Thrive If It is Happy

This weekend I played tourist. On Saturday I went to town and visited City Market and The National Museum. The city was fairly empty for a Saturday, perhaps due to the proximity of the killings last week but I got the sense from the crafters at City Market that they were hungry for business. I however was only looking. The prices were much higher than those selling similar items at Prestige Mall by the office so I decided not to buy much of anything.
The National Museum was spectacular in some ways, disappointing in others. The building itself is gorgeous and some of the displays are definitely worth a look. I also went to mass at the Basilica. I had to chuckle with delight—the timing of the mass was such that the stunning stained glass windows whirled colourful spots, primarily purple, all over the inner walls, that constantly changed as the sun set. For the first while I was distracted by them, marvelling at how gorgeous they were. Even though they were the colour of the season, I had to wonder whether I should be this jubilant during Lent.
On Sunday, I went to see Principal Melnyk’s (aka Kathy) elephants at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Centre. David, along with his now widow, Dame Daphne, have spent years hand-rearing orphaned elephants and are strong activists against poaching. Tourists can see the elephants playing during their noon mud baths and listen to the spiel on how they came to the Centre. It is really an interesting time and even with the new compulsory entry fee, I would recommend it as it is still cheaper than most other activities in Nairobi and the cause is dear to my heart from my own involvement with the Manitoba Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Humans inflict all sorts of agony on wildlife as we encroach on their space, and it is no different than elephants who can walk up to 100 miles in a day. You can check out the work at the centre at http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/ and you can even, like Kathy, sponsor an elephant. It makes a great alternative gift. Two 60 Minutes TV programs have showcased the Centre and a third one will begin filming shortly.
I am going to try and download my first video but I am a wee bit nervous it won’t work with the connection speed here. This elephant is one of Kathy’s, Kamana and is orphaned. There were 11 elephants this noon hour, playing and bathing, and were amazing to watch. One little one rubbed its eye with its trunk, reminding me of little Tim at supper just before he would announce that he was “tres fatigue.” The family of Carers are the replacement family for these little orphans and are with them 24 hours a day.
The presenter told us that they had just lost a baby elephant because it did not have the will to live. An elephant will only thrive if it is happy—which does not sound too different from humans—however it is possible for elephants to pine themselves to death. The term “an elephant never forgets” is true and they will grief deeply for the loss of their mother, to the point of their own death. It has made me reflect a little on how we all must choose to thrive in order to be happy. As I look at the severe poverty that afflicts most Africans, I see that they definitely make a choice to keep joy in their lives despite the many hurdles they face.
From the Centre, I decided to go to the Nairobi National Park for a safari. I had met some angels at the Centre who had given me a lift from the matatu drop off and since I had seen some warthogs roaming around, decided I would ask for a lift down. These people insisted on dropping me off at the main gate of the park which was lovely of them. The safari was the wrong time of day but I still saw quite a few animals. A lioness had just killed lunch (a wildebeest) and so that alone made those on the bus think they had gotten their money worth. Jake, I cannot thank you enough for your help in picking out my camera. I got some pretty decent shots compared to others on the bus so asante sana to you!! I met two lovely women who are from Paris and working with two different NGO’s here who spoke English well and so I may connect with them again at some point. Thriving means choosing to be happy and to sometimes “get out of the boat” and move beyond fears/shyness/your comfort zone to make new friends or to try new adventures. Happy thriving to each of you!
Peace,
Suzanne

Kenya Mafia

I had been at a Hope for Kenya Forum meeting, ironically enough, representing CAPI since no one else was available to go. Of course, at the time I did not know why Elizabeth agreed so adamantly when I called her that yes, I should go directly home since the meeting had run late. Turns out there had been an assassination of two activists around the time I was leaving. Oscar Kingara is the founder of Oscar Foundation Free Legal Aid Clinic here in Nairobi. He and his passenger were stuck in traffic as I would soon be when a hail of bullets killed them both. I do not really know all the details yet--of that or the riot that followed on the university grounds--but I am sure I will learn more tonight when I get home. Oscar apparently was NOT linked to the Mungiki Gang (aka Kenyan Mafia) as some reports are saying but I don't know that for sure yet either. As one friend has already pointed out, trouble seems to have followed me here but I am very SAFE if anyone happens to be wondering.

I hope to go to see Principal Melnyk's elephant tomorrow if I can find the matatu that will take me there. Stay tuned for photos next week of that if it works out.

Enjoy the weekend.

Suz

Empowerment for women

The C.A.P.I. office is cool in the morning. By the end of the day, it feels like a sauna. I cannot really complain about the cubicle I work at in Winnipeg any longer. There are four of us most days in this trailer you see pictured; next week Bridget will join us to make five. As typical in African culture, we have a good many visitors throughout the course of the day. Our desks are about an arm’s span apart. This morning I was working alone in the office while others were out on business.
Today is World Book Day so the three children and Yolande dressed up as characters from their favourite books. I gave them Hannah Taylor’s book Ruby’s Hope as a gift this morning. Hannah is a young girl who was moved by a homeless man she saw on the streets of Winnipeg when she was five. She has gone on to become a champion for homeless people and her Lady Bug Foundation has raised great sums of money. She wrote the book when she was 10 years old. I am sure if you google Lady Bug Foundation you would find out more information—Celeste, if you are reading this and want to add something, please do. I think Hannah is well on her way to become an amazing human being. We all need heroes and Hannah is an inspiration to kids and adults alike.
Empowerment and inspiration go hand in hand. Last night, we had a visitor for supper—a lovely woman from Uganda who made me laugh and think—a great combination. Yolande, Esther and I had a fascinating conversation about the empowerment of women. Someone like young Hannah has been empowered already. We were talking about how Esther felt that Ugandan women were more empowered than Kenyan women. They tended to be more self-sufficient. We discussed the changing role of African women in general. Yolande had said that Kenyan women picked the coffee or tea and sold it in the marketplace but the cheque always came in the man’s name. Times are changing as women say enough. They just need more education and chances to be independent.
The second photo is of the tabernacle at Tumaini House. I thought it showed an African woman in an amazing role of carrying Christ to the world. Maybe that is how women in Africa will be seen.
This morning Bob and I had a conversation around AIDS. He said that because death and sex are taboo subjects in Kenya, AIDS really was able to spread rapidly. He also mentioned that AIDS in Africa is not a moral disease—it is a disease of poverty, striking mostly women who allow men to use them sexually so that they can merely survive on a day to day basis. I am enjoying the conversations with this family and feel I get glimpses into Kenyan life that will be very educational.
Peace,

Suz