July 16, 2009
Dear Friends,
The computer is very slow today, but I will try to get a quick message to you. Yesterday, we went to the north of Nairobi to where they grow tea and coffee. It is such a contrast with very steep hills that are lush and green. We visited a Jamii Bora branch there where Alice, the manager, shared about their small community where she knows everyone and about her own dreams for her life. She was beautiful inside and out. She took us to meet a grandpa whose son had died some years back, and they had taken in his 8 children. Then last year his wife died. He is raising the children; farming corn, pumpkins, and tea; and tending to 4 cows that are very healthy. But everything is done by hand. It is amazing what he does and how strong he is to do such difficult work.
Then last night we went to the late show opening of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Princethat was in the mall behind us. There was such a sense of it reflecting a world where evil can penetrate into the goodness and cause such awful devastation. We were just behind where we were staying but were strongly advised to take a cab home. The dogs howl nearby, and it is dark to walk on the rough sidewalks.
Today we go to Soweto, where many of Jamii Bora’s original members are. And we are going to the best primary school in Nairobi run by the Precious Blood Sisters, Toni’s cousin community. We will take to this school many of the school supplies that you were so generous to share. It has been gratifying to bring your great care for these very grateful folks.
CJ left yesterday for Cameroon, so our group is down to Toni, Vanessa and me for these last days in Kenya. CJ went to meet with the Vincentian Family leaders across the world to look at systemic initiatives. Already we miss her; she is a woman of great breadth and wisdom.
So know we carry you in our hearts and love you,
Mary Lou, Toni and Vanessa
Update from Africa: August 3, 2009
Dear Friends,
Mary Lou and I have safely made it back to St. Louis. We had a safe trip home. Mary ... Update from Africa: July 29, 2009
29, July 2009 African update (via poor phone connection to Uganda)
Greeting from Kampala! We are happy to know that Heidi ... 
