01 January 2016

YUSUF (not his real name) How old do you think he is?

1st JANUARY 2016

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR PEACE

 

     The nurse had seen this little boy five days earlier and she thought his cheeks were a little swollen.  However, he had malaria so she treated him and told him to come back to see me.  He and his mother have HIV and both are on treatment.  In just five days the swelling had greatly increased along with swellings in his jaw and leg.  I was sure he had cancer but it was only two weeks to Christmas and this is the worst time in Kenya to get sick.  Everyone goes home and few staffs are working.  The mother refused to tell anyone in her family about the HIV infections because she was sure they would exclude them from the family and blame her for getting sick.  We don't charge them for their treatment but she didn't have money to get to the hospital.  So, we gave her the equivalent of $25 to go to the district hospital to get x-rays and I went to hospice to get morphine.  He had terrible pain, especially at night.  He is now in the provincial hospital where they have confirmed he has cancer.  He does not have a very good chance of survival with all the family and financial problems.  We can treat his pain and make him as comfortable as possible.  Perhaps if it is a Burkitt's lymphoma he will respond well to treatment and surprise me.  He is five years old but looks more like three.  Mother and child...such a hard life.

      FEAST OF MARY QUEEN OF PEACE

     In another clinic before Christmas I saw an 18 year old young woman with a pelvic infection.  Treating this problem revealed a litany of social challenges.  She finished five grades in school.  She was impregnated at age 15 by a married man.  He gives her some support for the child so she continues to meet up with him.   She gets treatment for the infection but he refuses to be treated so she gets re-infected.  She's really just a girl trying to survive.

     I sent her to the social worker who is very gifted in helping with these challenges.  We both encouraged the young mother to leave the married man and go back to school to finish eight grades.  Just as she was ready to leave she asked me if there as a chance she could have another albino child.  I was dumb founded.  After all of our interviewing and counseling we had failed to find out that her three year old son has albinism, a genetic disorder where the skin fails to produce pigment and the person looks white.  Exposure to ultra violet rays of the sun can easily cause cancer.  It is not uncommon here and there is tremendous social stigma attached to the condition.  In the most severe instances albino children and adults have been killed by witchcraft and their body parts used by the witch doctors for their evil machinations.  And yes, if she becomes pregnant by the same man again there is a 25% chance the child will have albinism.    

     All during this Christmas season I have been thinking of Mary and Jesus in light of these mothers and their children.  Why do so many young women and their children have one problem after another?  More importantly, what can I do for them?  When I am creative I find there is always something I can do for them.  In this coming year let us look at possibilities and be creative.  Let us not be overwhelmed by all the evil and troubles that seem to sprout like weeds.  Let's be hopeful and do what we can...with love and compassion.                                         

WISE OLD OWL

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PEACE OF THE WISDOM AND CREATIVITY THIS COMING YEAR WILL BRING



01 December 2015

WORLD AIDS DAY 2015

Susan at Bamba clinic for World AIDS Day 2015

 

I am still shocked by the amount of stigma related to many diseases here but by far and away the greatest shame still comes with the HIV virus.  We no longer see people who are wasted and withering away from full blown AIDS but last year more than 1600 people were infected with this virus in Mombasa.  900 people died and 171 infants were infected at birth.  71% of infected mothers did not deliver their baby at a health facility and this increases the chance of infecting their baby.  The county currently has 54,670 people living with HIV and 6,870 are children.  Only 42% of these children are receiving antiretroviral treatment.     This year our Archdiocesan Health Commission chose to go to one of the remotest villages, Bamba, to do education, testing and encourage prevention and treatment.
    

    Papa Fransiska, as the Pope is affectionately known here, has just completed his visit to Kenya.  He declined a state dinner with the authorities but made sure that he met with the residents of one of the biggest informal settlements (slums) in the capital city.  He met with leaders of different faith communities including Muslims, Hindus, and Protestant Christians.   He challenged religious leaders by telling them ‘if they came to religious life through the window instead of the front door then they should exit and go get married.’    The last day, youth filled the national stadium and a young man and woman identified corruption and tribalism as their biggest problems.  He replied to the former by saying, “It’s sweet like sugar.  We like it and then we end up in a poor way.  So much sugar we become diabetic.  When we put a bribe in our pocket we destroy ourselves.  Don’t develop a taste for the sugar called corruption.”  Regarding tribalism he said, “If you don’t discuss with each other you’re going to have divisions like dust, like the worms. Then he asked them to stand and hold each other’s hands. “Fighting tribalism isn’t just raising our hands.  We must carry out work against this.  Your ears are to listen as you open your hearts.”     

      According to him, the worst sin of all is indifference and God will vomit out the lukewarm (Revelations).  “Start now yourself because if you don’t start the next person won’t start.”

      It has been a good year for us in the Archdiocese.  We received a new Archbishop on February 21st, Martin Kivuva, a priest from this Diocese.  I have continued my schedule of visiting various clinics and giving medical education presentations to update the staff.  I have more requests than I am able to manage and the traffic jams have become horrendous.  One day I waited five hours to cross the ferry after doing a clinic that should only be 30 minutes from where I live.  In the coming year I will need to rearrange the schedule and hire a driver to continue with these supervisory visits.

      From July to September I was back in the US for my long leave before beginning another three year contract.  In August I gave the keynote address at the celebration of 40 years of Maryknoll Lay Missioners in New York.  It was a wonderful celebration and I met many people that I hadn’t seen for years given our dispersal throughout the world for ministries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. President Obama visited Kenya in July and many young people were encouraged by his advice and enthusiasm that we each be the change we want to see. 

     Kenya has welcomed two famous people this year.  The question is whether their visits will make any difference in the lives of the needy.  In a few weeks’ time we will welcome the newborn Christ child into our hearts once again.  Will we remain lukewarm and indifferent or will we use our ears and listen as we open our hearts?  There are many babies crying in this world and answering their cries will bring a calmer world and maybe even true peace and joy for ourselves.                                                                                      

Coralis, Judy, Susan and Teresa

 

 

From our home to yours

 

Heri ya Krismasi

na Mwaka Mpya

 

Merry Christmas and

Happy New Year!!!

  



01 November 2015

Some Saints on the road to Bamba

The Likoni ferry

  ALL SAINTS DAY

     I  have been back to Mombasa for one month now.  I made my first trip to the remotest clinic in Bamba.  Along the way I saw this little home (which they call a hotel)  with the words etched in the paint...WE LOVE THOSE WHO HATE US.  On the ground lay two sticks in the form of a cross next to a small cooking pot. I stopped and asked them if I could take a picture and they were happy to share their faith in this way with you.  I continue to ponder the faith and love that made that simple etching along a dirt road in the middle of nowhere!

     Despite their quotation of one of Jesus' most radical admonitions, they certainly haven't heard anything about the Pope who echoes these words.  He is coming to Kenya at the end of this month.  He will not visit the Basilica.  He will say Mass at Nairobi University, spend two hours in an informal settlement (slum) and meet with a group of youths.  He's coming to meet ordinary people like these on the Likoni ferry.  I spent five hours waiting to cross on this ferry after my clinic that side last week.  Of the five ferries, three were broken and only two were working.  We also heard that the workers were 'going slow'...a type of strike action for better wages.
      The process for registering to attend the ceremonies for the Pope is detailed and thorough.  Already the process has been closed and only those who have presented their details will be given registration cards that may allow them to attend one of the functions.  I remember the spirit and enthusiasm of his visit to the US when I was still there at the end of September.  I hope that Kenyans will also be encouraged by his integrity to follow his example of service to those in most need.

     Thanksgiving is coming up and it is time to remember with gratitude all of you who have supported us with your prayers, letters/emails and donations.  This picture was drawn for my neighbors in Urbana by the children that Teresa Villaruz teaches.  Their school is in St. Francis Parish, Kibarani.  My neighbors,Tiffany and Tintin, had made friendship bracelets for the children which they absolutely loved!!!  I hope the gratitude and love these children show in their art painted on a plastic bag that once held the food they are served in the school will remind you of the many people you have helped us to serve.

 

ASANTE SANA!!!

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!

 

PEACE OF THE GOLDEN LEAVES OF AUTUMN TO YOU

     

01 October 2015



Susan at Walk for the Poor, St. Patrick Parish

 

I'M CONVINCED WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. I'M SURE.

 

Pope Francis said this during his talk to the US Congress...a talk that mesmerized me. His image also accompanied a large group of us at St. Pat's parish on Sept 26th when we walked to raise money for those in need at my home parish.

 

I left the US on Sept 29th and arrived here in Nairobi last night.  The trip was long but otherwise uneventful.  I'm happy to be back in Kenya.  (As an update, it is now 3rd Oct and I arrived in Mombasa well last night!)

Pope Francis will be coming to Kenya at the end of November and I hope that he will bring as much inspiration and encouragement as I felt in the US.  I also hope that we will all continue to reexamine our lives in light of the needs of those less fortunate so that we can make a difference in the world we live in.                                                                                                     

     While at home I saw the full lunar eclipse on Sept 27th.  Magnificent, as is this photo, courtesy of Kevin Kuehn, for those of you who missed it.  When I reached Nairobi last night I saw the same moon as I walked out of the airport, now beginning it's wane.  I had a wonderful break with my family and friends and now I'm happy to be back in Kenya...intending to make a difference...for the better! 







PEACE OF THE THIS WONDERFUL MOONLIGHT TO YOU! 

Lunar Eclipse 27 September 2015

 



 

01 September 2015

Susan at 40th Anniversary Maryknoll Lay Missioners

SMILES

    For me this has been a month of smiles.  On 8th August I was in Maryknoll NY for the 40th celebration of Maryknoll Lay Missioners.  I was asked to give the keynote address and said yes before I really knew what I was getting into.  I thought this was just another talk of the normal kind I'm often asked to give.  Thanks be to God it went well and I can send you a copy if you're interested.  There were about 150 people present and I met many I hadn't seen for years.  It was a wonderful celebration of laity in mission with Maryknoll.

Nagele Family Reunion

     Next, on 15th August we were able to take Dad to the Nagele family reunion in Sheldon Illinois.  Besides being able to see his 96 year old sister Genevra, who is next to me, he saw about 80 others from the Nagele clan.  He also enjoyed looking at the corn and the beans which are doing well.

Marty and Susan at St Patrick Parish Activity Day

     Then on 16th August I participated in the Activities Day at my parish in Urbana Illinois.  Marty works with youth in the parish and we hope that more young people will learn about Maryknoll and think about joining us in overseas ministry.

     I've also been smiling at the way the campaign for the next presidential election is unfolding.  It's hard to find people discussing issues.  The candidates start so far ahead of election day and we spend so much money.  People my age are telling me they will vote.  That makes me smile more.  I remember how Kenyans stood in the blazing sun and pouring rain for up to 11 hours to be able to vote.  Few of my nieces or nephews plan to vote but I'm still one of those who cherishes the right and feels it's my duty.  There's no new news from Kenya so, for the moment, all is quiet and life continues on.  I will be in the US until 29th September when I leave to return to Kenya.

     I'm also smiling because Pope Francis has declared today 

 World Day of prayer for the Care of Creation 

I have begun to read the encyclical, "On Care for our Common Home" by the Pope.  This man is truly inspiring and gives me a lot of hope for the future...which is even more reason to keep smiling.  Hope it helps you to smile too!

PEACE OF THESE SMILING PUFFINS TO YOU!!!

01 August 2015

Judy, Coralis, Susan and Teresa

CHANGE ONCE AGAIN

     Our Mombasa community of lay missioners has changed once again.  The Klueg family has returned to the US to live and work in Detroit Michigan.  But Coralis Salvador has returned from her leave of absence and is with us once again. We did not receive any new lay missioners to Kenya in the orientation group for this fall which was a disappointment. Perhaps the ongoing insecurity has discouraged others from joining us.  But we are very supportive of one another and are all very happy to be a small but committed nucleus of followers of Jesus!  

     I write this from Illinois but have kept abreast of the visit of President Obama to Kenya on July 27th.  He had promised his father's family that he would come before he left the presidency. However, the President and Vice President were accused of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court.  The first case was put on hold due to failure of the government to comply with investigations.  The second case is still progressing.  In order to get around the dishonor of visiting leaders with international indictments President Obama came to address the International Conference on Entrepreneurship which was held in Nairobi.  He stayed less than two days and the trip cost the US tax payer $60 million.  I, for one, was a bit skeptical about the benefit of the whole thing.
But this is what one of my friends wrote:

    "It was great having your president come over.  It has helped grow our economy in many ways.  I like his message blunt and clear on girls and women.  You know how that has affected us big time.  When girls and women have no place in the society bad things happen because nobody cares all they care about is how much they can steal and grab for themselves.  This obviously has affected our country's economy adversely money is in the hands of the select few. Just look at what's happening to the shilling against the dollar. It's crazy. It hit a cool 101 against dollar yesterday!!!  Who's in charge the men!  Corruption is big here you know it and he spoke about it strongly.  Well in short glad he came and hit it on the head."

     The shilling has continued to slowly lose value and that means my dollar goes farther but their shilling doesn't go as far.  So perhaps the cost of the trip was worth it.  This person is a 34 year old woman who really works hard to try to improve the lives of those who are less fortunate.
     I am writing this from Urbana Illinois where I have just seen the full moon rise...the second full moon in the month of July...which some people call a blue moon.  This picture was taken over the Indian Ocean in Mombasa by Mary Oldham.

May the light of the gentle moon beams 

connect us all to one another, 

remind us we are sisters and brothers 

and fill us l with  peace and love.

01 July 2015

Josephine and Susan

A CUP OF TEA

     It had been raining heavily in May and we put our compost in a tire with dirt on the roof where this watermelon sprouted.  The rain made it grow and Josephine, who helps us in the house, watched over it faithfully .

     Last year a wall in Josephine's house fell down when it rained hard.  She lives in an 'informal settlement' which is a polite name for a slum. So I had asked her if the house was OK after a downpour.  She said it was OK.  The rains continued and I kept meaning to check on the house but failed.  I was 'very busy'.  The day we picked this watermelon I gave her a lift to the bus stage on my way to Saturday evening Mass and as she got out of the car she said she would like to talk to me the next week.  When I asked her what she wanted to talk about she said, 'My house is falling down' and rushed off with a smile on her face.  I went to church and prayed for forgiveness.  I should have asked about her house again as the rains continued.

     So the next week I made sure we sat down for a cup of tea at mid-morning.  I not only let her talk about the house I listened to her.  She was married and pregnant by age 16 and subsequently had 5 children.  At one time she had a little shop with a pretty good inventory but her husband drank heavily. One day when she went to visit her family he sold it all and went to his family and spent all the money on more drink. She left him but her family convinced her to give him another chance; which she did. She got her shop going again and in a repeat performance he sold everything again and she said goodbye forever.

     Her oldest son is infected with HIV and sexually harassed her youngest daughter.  One daughter died of AIDS and left a boy who is infected with HIV but is doing well at age 11.  Her second son was a bright student but was hit by a car when he was 14 and the brain injury has left him permanently disabled.  In one violent outburst he attacked her with a kitchen knife.  Her fourth child, a very bright girl, was accepted to university but got pregnant. She recently brought the granddaughter back to Josephine to take care of.  It was exhausting for Josephine to be doing 2am feeds for a little one at age 58.  The youngest daughter is 14 and both Josephine and I are trying to keep her mind on her books and away from the boys.  So far so good.

     The government used to give Josephine money every month for the disabled son and the HIV infected grandson.  That stopped last August without any explanation and she had asked for a loan for school fees for the youngest daughter.  Now she needed money to repair her house.  I have decided that enough is enough.  She has worked hard enough and I can retire the loan and help repair her house, which is nothing more than mud walls and a tin roof...which keep falling down!!!         

     I'm just sorry that I didn't have that cup of tea earlier.  I have resolved that it won't happen again.  I have learned my lesson about what is important and what is just business...of no significant value in the eternal realm of things.

     I will be leaving for Minnesota in a few days.  Our family will remember Alex on July 15th by coming together again.  I'll be in the US until the end of September as this is the year for my long leave.

PEACE OF THESE CHATTY FEATHERED FRIENDS TO YOU!