What Would Jesus Do? (WWJD) Put Your Trust in God's Sprit, The Holy Ghost

There are many challenges and obstacles that are thrown at us on a daily basis. However, no matter what we face we must make a decision. This at times can be tough, but thinking before we act can save us from much pain, distress, and regret. Whether we are in tough situation or just choosing how to use our free time, we must think about our actions because they certainly will effect us and those around.

There are some people who will continue to waltz through life doing whatever they feel they desire at any given time. These people certainly will not get very far in a relationship with God. The disciples of Christ are those who take the time each day to say What Would Jesus Do? It is very easy, however so important and key to making a moral and good decision when facing temptation or what seems to be something that is "harmless." Asking oneself the question, WWJD helps us to take a step back and analyze our choice, understanding that if Jesus would do it then it is certainly ok for us to do.

It is true that we all have specific struggles, but by accepting the help of Christ who is the light we can overcome all darkness. In this day and age there are so many difficult things that we face whether it is temptations via the internet, television, relations with other people, or the consumption of various things, it is much easier to do wrong than it is to do right. With one bad choice entire life and the lives of others can be forever changed. This is why it is so essential to not only think what Jesus would do, but to step up to the plate and do it. Maybe it is not easy, but remember that what is popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular. It can be extremely hard to stand up against the popular norm, but by saying, "There are things I will do because I am a believe in Jesus Christ and there are things I will not do because I am a believer in Jesus Christ" we pick up our cross by the grace of God and make a bold statement about who we are and who is number one in our life.

Another daily thought which must come to our minds is that of the Holy Spirit. Jesus went to the Father so that when He returned the Advocate, the Holy Spirit could teach us all things and give us the strength to conquer evil and defeat sin. Through the power of God's spirit we have the ability to do what is right as long as we genuinely want the Holy Spirit to give us strength and are willing to make the effort to do all that we can. Certainly our life is empty without God, the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit. With this incredible trio we are in the best of hands and will be tended with the utmost love and care as the Good Shepherd gives everything to His sheep. So call on the Holy Spirit and ask the Spirit of the Lord for strength each day for this is the life force which we all need and which will be the guide that paves the way to an eternal future.

So in the days to come please call on the name of the Lord, for he is the one who lightens burdens and will give you rest. Ask yourself What Would Jesus Do? And say, come Holy Spirit fill me with the fire of you love and give me the strength that I need, help me to put my trust in you Lord. Being a Christian is awesome, being a soldier of God great, and resisting the Devil by striving to defeat sin putting our trust, love, and belief in the Lord, will hopefully help us reach the Heavenly Gate. Remember that all that we have comes from God and it is by Grace that we are saved. "Every good and perfect gift comes from above." (Book of James)

3 Week Immersion Trip to Kenya In A Nut Shell

Kenya Trip

NYUMBANI HOME

-Project of Father Angelo D’Agostino (Jesuit Priest & Medical Doctor) as a response to the issue of millions of orphans in Africa. Currently there are more than 15 million orphans in the continent.

-Children’s Orphanage for HIV Positive Children whose parents have died or abandoned them. Currently Home to about 100 children between the ages of 2 and 18.

-Sister Mary and another Nun take care of the Children along with a volunteer staff

-Have Nurses who administrate medication daily to the children.

-Children receive the proper nutrition, love, care, and schooling needed to have somewhat normal lives.

-Nyumbani Home has reached almost 3,000 children since the late 1980s until present.

-Nyumbani has the technology to test children and even babies for HIV.

-There are different buildings where the children live according to their age and gender. The teens live in houses by themselves and cook and clean on their own after being taught how to do so.

-SCHOOLING

-The youngest attend preschool at Nyumbani Home, while the other children go to school in the nearby community and city schools.

-FACILITIES

-Nyumbani Home has a full size playground, basketball court, and soccer fields for children to play. There is also a computer lab for doing projects and for further educational purposes. Mass is held every Sunday and the children participate as alter servers, Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, singers, and dancers.

We spent some time a few days at Nyumbani Home with the children giving of ourselves to them by playing and just loving on them in any way possible. We went to Mass two times at Nyumbani Home and did other activities with the kids such as the computer lab.

NYUMBANI VILLAGE KETUI

-We also spent 5 days and 4 nights in Ketui a village 5 hours from Nairobi the capital city of Kenya. The goal of the village is to be made self sustaining so that the people can live off of the land and with the support of each other. Children who have been orphaned because of HIV/AIDS killing their parents live with grandparents in the village homes.

-At the village we lived in a guest house which was equipped exactly how the villagers houses were. There was no running water, no plumbing (as we went to the bathroom in a hole) and no electricity.

-For the days we were at the village we worked along side the people there:

Clearing fields, watering thousands of small trees (which are used for fire wood for cooking), making Jicos (outdoor cooking stations), teaching in the school, covering books and assisting the teachers, and playing with the children.

-The average meal consisted of rice and beans and some bread.

-The kids were amazing: they were so attracted to us, just like at Nyumbani Home. We played soccer and just relaxed with them sharing English words as they taught us Kiswahili. There was a special connection made as we developed close friendships with some of the kids and even were taught African handshakes.

-There were a couple of amazing things in Ketui:

Because we had to wash our clothes outdoors in a wash basin using a bucket of water and soap, it was not easy and the children knew this was new for us so they raced over and helped us wash our clothes.

One day I cam back and was filthy from working in the field and my legs were extremely muddy so one little girl came over to me and started wiping off my leg with soap and water…I couldn’t believe this.

The most amazing thing was the children coming to us and wanting to write in our notebooks so they did and wrote their name, standard (grade) in school, and how old they were.

But one little boy stood out above the rest his name we later found out was Kamanzi but we called him Larry. At two years old he first went to the bathroom, then took off all his clothes and placed them in the wash basin. All by himself with no one else around except for me observing, he thoroughly washed his shirt and shorts. After taking them to his sister to hang up, he cam back out and got in the wash basin only to give himself a complete bath washing his hair down to his feet. It was truly remarkable.

LEA TOTO PROGRAM VISITING THE SLUMS

-We also worked many days with the Lea Toto Program, an organization which administrates medication and food to HIV positive children and their families in the slum areas around Nairobi.

-We went around with the social workers to five different slums including: Kariobangi, Kibera, Dandura, Karangwari, and Kangemi. The majority of these slums had at least 200,000 people residing in them and the largest being Kibera had over a million.

Lea Toto has serves over 2,000 families in the Nairobi area in these five slums and distributes food to over 900 families.

Lea Toto has also funded members of the program to start them off with small businesses—hoping that eventually the people can provide for themselves.

The organization continues to attempt to educate as many people as possible about HIV/AIDS.

-When visiting with the clients of Lea Toto we talked with them about their lives, about what the program is doing for them, and just gave them all the support and love we could.

One woman we visited with said she wanted people to know how beneficial and helpful Lea Toto is and because of the free medication for HIV and food her children have a chance for a better life.

All the families we visited were happy that we would spend some of our time with them, they were extremely hospitable and appreciative to us. The one thing that they all would agree on is that they do not want to be forgotten, as they want others to know that their lives can be better if we collectively care to do something about it.

-We also visited High Schools and talked with students about U.S. education, U.S. politics, there interests in studies, and their goals.

CONDITIONS

No Sanitation

No Sewage—people are forced to go to the bathroom in their homes, allies, or streets.

No Running Water

Minimal Electricity

Rent costs about $15 per month and many people can’t afford it or struggle to pay.

The houses are shanty shacks made of metal roofs and boarded walls, as well as a cement mixture

On average a home can have 5-10 people and is about 40 square feet.

Garbage Heaps are everywhere and line the streets.

The Crime is horrible as there are murders daily, big gangs and violence, and a serious problem of drugs and alcohol. It is unsafe to go outdoors at night, especially after 9 pm, therefore the people have heavy padlocks or huge stones in front of their doors.

Tens of thousands of people are without jobs as there are no jobs in these areas.

Those who do work: sell fruits and vegetables, charcoal, repair bikes, work in the fields, shoe maker, shoe polisher, hair salon, metal worker (welder), secondary clothing stand, construction worker, matatu (public transportation) driver, butcher, coca cola stand woker.

PROBLEMS

The Government is extremely corrupt and although the country is Democratic, the people get to vote in a President but that is basically all the say they have. The government and country has enough resources and finances that the poverty level could be minimized to that like the United States, but instead the president and his ministers keep filling their pockets, bank accounts, as well as buying many enormous homes and expensive cares, while the people continue to suffer. Therefore the country is run more similar to a dictatorship in that what the President says goes even though there is a constitution because the people’s “rights” are not truly protected.

Police are extremely corrupt as they are tied to the government and do not serve the people or treat them fairly all of the time.

Nature of Kenya

Lastly we visited some national parks to see the geysers, lakes, vegetation, the Great Rift Valley which extends from Russia to South Africa, and animals that inhabit Kenya. The country is one of the most diverse regions in the world and we were able to see Lions, Leopards, Rhino, Elephants, Giraffes, and Buffalo to name a few.

Certainly this is God’s Country, Gods land, and God’s people. These people have so much hope despite their living conditions and lack of good health. They also have an incredible amount of faith in God and religion, as well as a spiritual life is so vital to their being. They get up every morning and live the best life they can, but will hopefully have a better life over time with our collective efforts as we serve our fellow brothers and sisters.

Thank you very much for you time, support, and willingness to listen to my experiences from my trip to Kenya. May God bless you and may your future be filled with peace, happiness, and light.

Log on to www.nyumbani.org to find out more about Nyumbani Home, Nyumbani Village, and the Lea Toto program.

AJAN (Africa Jesuit AIDS Network)

HIV/AIDS is one of the largest causes of Death and leading cause of children being orphaned in Africa.

Roughly 10% of those living with HIV/AIDS in a given country will die each year.

Statistics are important because they drive research and response.

HIV positive (+) is not an illness itself but a vulnerability-- as any sickness can lead to death since the immune system becomes defenseless.

Only 10% of a given infected population can even take the medications that are available to treat HIV/AIDS because one's body and case must be able to match correctly with the medication as each situation is somewhat different -- thus, the most appropriate and most comprehensive response must be wider than a purely scientific/medical approach.

There is a long term mentality at AJAN as this program is thought of as a 100 year project.

Challenging opportunities have arisen in order to think more about questions considering human sexuality because of HIV/AIDS.

Poverty is the central question/context surrounding AIDS--nutrition, education, and other problems stem from this.

Positive Living-- a term used to portray a way of life in which victims of HIV can live much longer before become infected with full blown AIDS. Positive living includes proper nutrition, clean water, basic social services, education, security, relationships, and faith. Those who are able to take part in Positive living can live as much as 15 years before even acquiring AIDS.

Therefore, there are a vast range of premedical approaches that are important and essential responses as well.

Problems
-People are trying to help Africa merely survive, NOT help Africa Live and Prosper
-$15 Billion is given by President Bush (U.S.) for Medicine to treat AIDS-but minimal funds to aid the millions struggling at the hands of poverty.

Three Populations to Approach when working on the AIDS pandemic in Africa
1) Prevention from infection
2) HIV+ Positive Living
3) AIDS Patients--Take Medication for Life

JRS (Jesuit Refugee Services)

Kenya is a country with hundreds of thousands of refugees and JRS is working to provide a better life for these people.

*The Kenyan office works with refugees from East Africa currently living in Nairobi or Kakuma (the refugee camp in Kenya).

*There are are over 269,000 refugees in Kenya located at the two main refugee camps and possibly a million or more other refugees in spread throughout Nairobi (the capital city) and other areas in the country.

*Social services are provided:
-1 on 1 counseling= counselor training (refugees then begin counseling others)
-massage facilities (help find physical problems and address them)
-SAFE HAVEN= battered women and children's center.

*Educational Services:
-Scholarship program: started with primary and secondary education; in 2001-- started providing university scholarships; 2006-- only offering scholarships for 2 year diploma programs; 50% of those enrolled in these programs are woman; the refugees have an extremely high motivation and perform very well in the degree programs.

JRS Mikono Income Generating Project
-Suffering is the reality for the majority of refugees-- as they are not allowed to work, and therefore have no means of sustenance.

1) Micro finance campaign-- loans are provided without interest, this enables refugees to begin small businesses such as arts and crafts, etc.

2) Mikono shop-- hand crafted goods made by refugees; high quality products but difficult to market; the majority of Kenyans cannot afford luxury items so international marketing will be important. (One can help by buying in bulk order from the shop and resell for fund raising purposes)

Pastoral Center
-Home visits by Pastors who work with refugees to learn more about their situation and condition.

Prayer to our Lady, Cause of our Joy

O Mary, Immaculate Virgin,
Woman of pain and hope
Be benevolent to each person who suffers
And obtain for everyone fullness of life.

Turn your maternal gaze
Especially to those in Africa
Who are in extreme need,
Because afflicted by AIDS
Or another fatal disease.

Look at the mothers
Who weep for their children;
Look at the grandparents
Who are without sufficient resources
To support their grandchildren
Who have become orphans

Clasp all of them to your Mother's heart
O Queen of Africa and the whole world,
Most Holy Virgin, Pray for us!

-Pope John Paul II

Whatever You Do For the Least of My People, That You Do Onto Me

Serving is not easy, it requires giving up our time, energy, and selves to another person or persons. It is much easier to "let someone else do it." However, we all have specific qualities and abilities which we need to share with others, especially those who are not as fortunate as we are. Certainly each of us has certain gifts and talents that have been given to us, why not share them in service. Many people might say why should I help other people? Sure, this is a question that might come to mind, especially when we are living comfortable lives and do not have to worry too much about anything. Why not take an approach that will help you grow as a person and benefit another in a significant way.

There are many people out there who can do various acts of service which could change the lives of others. The only people who fail when it comes to service are those who do not try. Why was I given this life in the United States? Why was I given this life in which I have been granted an education? Why was I given this life where I do not struggle to find food or clothing? Why was I given this life with a family that cares so much for me? Why was I given this life in which I enjoy a healthy body, mind, and soul? These could be questions that you have asked yourself or maybe could consider. Why, because if you are living a decent life that is great and I am happy for you. Maybe you worked very hard to get to where you are, maybe you are fortunate enough to have been born into a family that was set from the start. Whatever the case may be, your life is important in the eyes of others.

We are not only talking about donating sums of money to various charities, organizations, and funds. However this is an excellent thing to do especially for those who can do so and I urge those who can to do this. We are also talking about giving of our talents and abilities whatever they may be to benefit other people who need our love. There are many people in this world who do not have it nearly as good as we do. I urge you to join in and serve your fellow man because in doing so you will touch a life. If you are able to touch one person in a unique and special way you have done a monumental thing.

It is very easy to care and to love those who care and love us. It can be difficult to reach out to those who are forgotten. One group of people who need our love and charity are the poor in the our home country of America, but especially those who live in third world countries across the globe. Not only are these people grateful for all that we do for them, their lives may be changed forever. It is much easier to give to those who we may receive from later on in life. It means all the more to give and to expect nothing in return and it is outstanding to give to those who can never repay us. For giving is an act of love, it is something one does because he cares about the universal human good.

Therefore, I once again urge you to give of yourselves in service to your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the world. For God has told us that whatever we do for the least of His people that we do onto Him. By serving others we not only show our Christ-like love for them, but we honor, worship, and serve the Lord our Maker who has given us all that we have. For those who are able to go over seas or to another country and do service work, do so for you will come back with a new perspective on life, a new appreciation for what you have, a sense of accomplishment, and just knowing that you loved on another person and served your God. For those who are not able to travel, do something in your neighborhood for the less fortunate, maybe donate to some Charities like Food for the Poor Inc. And lastly use what you have been given for by using our talents we will receive more and be able to do more for others.

The late Pope John Paul II once said, "Christian love is not simply an act of charity, but an encounter with Christ Himself in the poor." For the scriptures do say that there is no greater thing that one can do than laying down his life for another. Why not pick up our cross and lead others to a better life and a happy future by the grace of God. Why not serve and do what Jesus stood for, what the Lord calls us to do "My commandment is love one another as I have loved you." Thank you and God bless you, may your heart be filled with treasures of love, happiness, charity, grace, and peace.

Show Christ to Others Every Day

How often do we go day in and day out merely loping along and at times complaining about absurd things. Why not instead take a more positive outlook on life, be grateful for the gift of life we have, and the many joys we receive each day. Why not spread the "Kenyan" way of love and fellowship as believers in Christ by saying hello to a stranger. Why not compliment your collegue or peers on a daily basis instead of criticizing them. Why not do some of the little things in life that make a huge difference. Jesus walked this earth over 2,000 years ago, however He is the Shepherd guiding us every day, all we must do is listen and let Him show us the way. For He assured us that He would be with us always, even to the end of time. For He is "the way, the truth, and the life."
We people of God need to trust in our Lord more. He is the light that shines forever, the one who has no end. Christ resurrected on the third day as the completion of His love for us, ensuring Eternal life for His disciples, the good and faithful servants who were redeemed by His most precious body and blood. For He is a holy sacrifice for us all by dying on the cross. So pick up your cross and carry it one day at a time, with full confidence and trust that Jesus is at your side all the time. For He is the one who said, "My yoke is easy, and my burden light." Surely, Jesus is the Lamb of glory, the Lamb of life as He said, "even if you die you will live." There is no better companion and friend than Christ. The gateway to the Father is through the Son as Jesus Himself said that I and the Father are one. He who knows Christ and loves Him knows and loves the Father.
Witnessing the Lord is so extremely powerful and an outstanding thing to do. Be courageous and know that you "can do everything through Christ who strengthens" you. One way of witnessing is giving all that we've got in whatever we do. There are days when we do extraordinary things, however much of the time we tend to forget to do small things in extraordinary ways. Our life mission can become more complete if we work for the Lord in all that we do and give glory, praise, and honor to His name most High. So show Christ to others by living and loving in the name of the Lord every day.

Property of Jesus

Today I decided to wear my Property of Jesus shirt as I do on many travel days at Airports. The reason I do so is to witness to others the Lord Jesus Christ and how important it is to have a personal relationship with Him as Lord and Savior. Without God and the Son, Jesus the Lamb of Life, we are nothing and have nothing.
In London, much to my surprise I was just resting in the seating area by my gate when a woman came rushing over to me. I was not sure why she was approaching me, but found out soon enough. She told me that she really liked my shirt and said that she to is Property of Jesus. She continued and said that this makes us one. How awesome was this, I believe it was the Holy Spirit speaking through her by the grace of God because I needed to hear those words. We spoke for a few more seconds and her last words were that many people are afraid to become Holy and don't want to get too close to Jesus or God. She explained that many people want what they would see as a comfortable distance between themselves and their Lord. She was 100% right whens she said that such people do not know what they are missing. She concluded by saying to me, draw closer and become as close as possible to Jesus, as a relationship with the Lord is the most important thing one can have and what we all need.
I don't know that woman's name, but what I do know is that she is a Christian by her love for me and for her extreme devotion and love for God. Speaking with her reminded me of how important true love, faith, and hope in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are as a Catholic. The trinity is paved in its emphasis of Holiness, Wholeness, Love, and Unity. If Christians everywhere would come together as me and this lady did any problem could be solved by the grace of God and His ministry through us. It is ever so important to remember that a stranger is a friend not yet met, and that a friend is a brother or sister who we must work to live in communion with through prayer, peace, charity, and love. Remember Christ said that whoever worships and glorifies my Heavenly Father is my brother and sister and mother. There is a reason why the scriptures place an emphasis on on the three keystones of Christianity: faith, hope, and the greatest of these--love. Through love all can be achieved and all can be conqured, as God our Father is Love.
So are you Property of Jesus? If not you are property of darkness, evil, death, and the enemy--the Devil. "Resist the Devil and he will flee from you." We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. Remember "in all that you do whether in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, Giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Col 3:17). "If you live by the flesh you will die, but if you put to death the deeds of the body you will live." (Romans 8) Be property of the Holy Spirit, be property of life, be Property of Christ. For Jesus bought our redemption at a great Price.

Living in Despair and Darkness, Hoping for Light

Kenya is a country where millions of people live in poverty. However, in order to get a grasp of what poverty is like in this third world country opposed to the poor areas of the United States, one must be willing to listen and face reality. There are over 5 different slums surrounding the Nairobi region of Kenya these including Kariobangi, Dandura, Karangwari, Kangemi, and Kibera. Most of these slums are home to over 200,000 people with the largest containing over a million. The poor in Kenya live in terrible conditions and things will only get worse if more action does not take place. There is no running water, no sewage, minimal electricity, and no sanitation. As a result of no place to dispose of human waste, the people go to the bathroom in the streets, around the corner of houses, and in the fields. Therefore the lack of bathrooms has resulted in a breeding ground for disease. Furthermore, because there is no running water the people have to walk far distances to fetch water from rivers and streams. There may be a few water pumps in different areas of the slums, but I walked through all five of the poor areas and did not once see a water well or tap. The water fetched from the streams and rivers is quite dirty, mostly yellow in color and if one does get lucky enough to receive some water from an outdoor tap it is almost always contaminated because of the pollution and high water table. Not only do these people have to wash themselves with this dirty water, many must drink it too because this is one of their sources of beverages as many cannot afford bottle water let alone other liquids. With minimal electricity in a house, this provides another challenge for these people. There may be one light in an entire house, while other homes in the slums have no electricity whatsoever.
To compound the problems even more, the people live in small shacks the size of maybe a 40 square foot area, some slightly bigger (the size of a mid size kitchen in the U.S.). There is only enough room to sit in the home for a couple people at a time, as the bed room which takes up the majority of the house is shut by a curtain. Most homes have anywhere from 5-10 children and one women had 15. I couldn't imagine living with 10 kids in my 2,000+ square foot home, let alone one less than 60 square feet.
Food is most definitely one of the biggest problems as many families do not have enough for all of the children. One of the main reasons why there is poverty and malnutrition in Kenya is because there is an extremely high unemployment rate. Hundreds of thousands of people do not have jobs, not because they can't work, but because there are no places to work. The city becomes more crowded every year and this means that there are less and less job opportunities. The jobs that people do have include selling fruits and vegetables, making and shining shoes, metal worker (welder), wood working (furniture), hair salon, clothing stand, field clearer, construction worker, matatu (van) driver, butchery, char coal salesman, bike making and repair, and coca cola stand operator.
It is evident that many Kenyans are a part of a darkened world living in despair. They try to survive on a day to day basis and do not know whether they will have a better life tomorrow. However, what they do know is that God loves them very much and that they do have life. As a result they have the courage and will to want to wake up when the sun rises and keep fighting for their lives. Seeing the light in their eyes and smiles on their faces, in addition to the burning desire for a better life, I believe that these people have hope. They are not going to give up on life. It is nearly impossible for them to live a better life if we do not come to their aid. It is up to those who have to share with their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. It would be very difficult to fix the situation on the large scale, but we do have an obligation to grant these human beings improved living standards one person at a time. If we all could just touch one life, we have done a great deed for humanity. Why not love as Jesus loved and give our selves in service to others. For remember, to those which more is given, more is also expected. What would Jesus Do? He would certainly not allow for people to be suffering daily when there is an answer to the problems. For where your heart is there also will your treasures be. Do not be another person who forgets about those who are marginalized throughout the world. Be the man or woman who rises up against odds and looks the challenge in the eyes will full confidence that what you do can and does make a difference. The people of Kenya are in hope of light, they believe in Christ--the light of the world, and are people who deserve a better life. The only one who will fail is the one who does not try! Shed some light on your fellow brothers and sisters, be disciples of Christ. Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." Go now and serve.

Nyumbani, A Home, A Hope, A Life

Nyumbani (Kiswahili for Home) is a special home that cares for HIV positive orphans in Kenya. It is the realization of Father Angelo D'Agostino, a Jesuit Priest and Doctor to care for HIV + children in Kenya. With many willing helpers, he created a caring and loving home for these children. Nyumbani is a registered Kenya Charity (Certificate # C72607) under the name: Children of God Relief Institute (COGRI) A voluntary Board of Directors is responsible for the running of the organization.

The purpose of Nyumbani is to provide comprehensive psychosocial care for HIV+ children. It is estimated that 300,000 Kenyan children are HIV+ and the number continues to increase steadily. Many mothers abandon their babies at birth because of the stigma of HIV infection. Other HIV+ children lose their parents to the disease and few are willing or able to care for them.

Nyumbani gives these most vulnerable children the best available nutritional, medical, psychosocial, and spiritual care. The budget of the home, however, is insufficient to provide all the children with the life prolonging anti-retroviral therapy so they depend on drugs being donated. Two-thirds of the children are presently on ARV treatment. Since theya re enjoying relatively good health, many of the children are able to attend school at the Nyumbani school house or local schools in the area.

(The above Information has been provided by Nyumbani and more information is available at www.nyumbani.org)

Recently I had the opportunity to go to Kenya and spend some time with the children at Nyumbani. This place is certainly a home, a place where these children receive so much love and support. Currently there are almost 100 children from 2 years to 18 living at the orphans home. Nyumbani and Father D'Agostino have reached almost 3,000 children from the late 1980s until present, taking full care of the HIV positive children. There are now 5 boards in various countries which provided aid and support to Nyumbani, some include Kenya, Spain, and the U.S.

At Nyumbani the children live in homes together. They are separated by age and live in community with one another, as they are all one large family there. On the grounds there are fields where the kids play soccer, a basketball court, and a playground. These activities are great for the kids who enjoyed taking part with us when we were there. The children are so lovable and cling to you, as they truly appreciate the love and support that the volunteers have for them. It was very difficult leaving the children because we made some priceless connections and friendships that were key to their well being and our growth as Christians. One of the most delightful things was participating in Mass (Liturgy) at Nyumbani. Many of the children take active roles in the music, song, and dance, as well as reading of scriptures, and serving during Benediction. It was wonderful celebrating the Eucharist with the children as they Holy Spirit was certainly alive on Pentecost Sunday when we were there and once again on the feast of Corpus Christi (the most Holy Body and Blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ).

What made me very happy was seeing the children filled with joy. There smiles gave me true hope that in time more children who are orphans and those that are HIV + will be able to have a decent life. I pray that this organization continues to flourish in taking care of these children and that it receives all of financial, prayer, and volunteer support needed to succeed and grow as a model for other homes for HIV orphans in Kenya and the rest of Africa. "For in every desert of despair, God keeps an oasis of hope."

Prayer for Service

We thank you Lord for Keeping us safe as we traveled. May you help us bring light to a darkened world. Heavenly Father you have called us on this journey to be one with your people, our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. We are your servants tired and weary from a long trip to this new land. Dear God give us strength as you are the one who lightens burdens and gives us rest. That we may be united together as were your apostles, knowing we too can do all things through your grace, guidance, and might.

Loving God may we be filled with the radiant love you have for all of your children and by the power of the Holy Spirit give our complete selves in Christian fellowship as our Lord and brother Jesus did on the Cross. Like Paul we too are servants who have answered your call and rest in the hope eternal life. May the lives we lead resemble that of Christ and may we too make you known Father to the world, just as your Son did for us. Help us to be good shepherds for your people, your fold, your flock.

In full Confidence we pray together with child like trust in unity with the Holy Spirit and in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord, Forever Amen.

Conditions in Kenya, Listen to the Lord and Serve

God calls each one of us to be disciples of Jesus Christ. We as Christians have a responsibility to pick up our Cross and carry it for the Lord. At times this is not easy however loving God is a key to happiness here on this earth and in the world to come. God calls us to serve and we must listen to what He has to say to us. We must listen with our eyes, taking in things and absorbing them. We must be physically aware of what is going on, not only in our surroundings, but throughout the world. We are part of a world wide body of Christ. Each part is particularly unique and special, all of them being important. So often do we as human beings get caught up in the "rat race" of our everyday lives, only to forget about what really matters and those who we should really focus our attention on.

Presently, I am in Kenya, Africa. My first words are that these people have been forgotten. There are millions of people in Kenya who live in slums and are completely marganalized. A tremendous barrier has been placed between many Africans and the rest of the world, this being HIV. The barrier is a stigma which remains because people do not know the truths and/or care to be friends with those who are inflicted. It saddens me that a disease keeps so many people from being loved. As Christians we have the responsiblility to spread the love of our Lord Jesus Christ to all of God's people. Love has no boundaries and we must love every person with the same affection and devotion. Kenya is a nation completely stricken with poverty and the corrupt government is not doing much at all to help its struggling and suffering people. For the last few weeks I have worked with social workers in 5 different slum areas. I have visited schools to talk with students about education in the U.S., my studies at Le Moyne College, politics, and social problems. I have also spent time at Nyumbani a home for 100 HIV positive children whose parents have died due to AIDS or have abandoned their kids. At Nyumbani I played and spent time with the kids. The children were ecstatic to have a "big brother" to play with. They have so much love and so much hope, as Nyumbani has certainly changed their lives. These children are receiving treatment for HIV and are now able to live a fairly normal life. Many of these children just need love and someone to spend time with them. I had so much fun loving on them and seeing them smile was very moving. I also spent 4 days and 4 nights at Ketui, a village associated with Nyumbani. The hopes for the future is to make the Nyumbani Village in Ketui a self sustaining village where grandparents care for their grandchildren, as a result of HIV killing the parents of the kids. In Ketui I lived among the people and worked along side them. I cleared fields, got material ready for brick building, built Jico's (a mixture of clay and dirt shaped into a cooking station), watered trees, worked in the school, and played with the children.

In the last two weeks I have also visited and spoken to people in five different slum locations including Kariobangi, Dandura, Karangwari, Kangami, and Kibera the largest slum in Subsaharan Africa. There are hundreds of thousands of people in each of the slums alone, and the conditions are the worst I have ever seen in my life. The smell is unbarable. There is no sanitation, no sewage, and no running water. Garbage heaps line the streets and fill the allies. The houses are made of flimsy boards and scrap metal for the roofs. The shanti shacks are built right next to one another and have huge locks on the doors because of crime. The slums are extremely dangerous, especially at night as there are many gangs, drug dealers, drunks, and rapists. Murder occurs often and the bodies of the dead are merely dumped in the drainage. People defecate and urinate amongst there homes and in the streets because there are no bath rooms. The places that do have bathrooms charge the people, and there is no way they can spend money on this when a meal is not guaranteed. The children play in the dirt and garabage. These people cannot continue to live this way. Something must be done. Please pray for our Kenyan brothers and sisters and spread the word about these conditions.

However amongst all this misery and suffering there is hope. The people are hopeful as many greeted us with smiles in the streets. The children especially have joyful spirits and are smiling even though there life is inhumane. Programs such as Lea Toto which provides food aid and medication free of charge to HIV positive Children Kenya and Nyumbani which I mentioned above are the reasons why Kenyans still fight for their lives. No one can ever be forgotten, how horrible to allow fellow humans to suffer and die. We as Christians must do something and help to creat a brighter future for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Financial support, prayers, and service must be completed. There are many bystanders, many people who have forgotten, and many people who play the ignorance card. NO! We must be proactive and do something about it. There is no way we can solve the problems that plague Kenya over night. However, over time it is my hope to be able to establish a better future for these people through a collective effort. Please listen to the Lord and answer the cry of thse people. If we love our neighbors as we love ourselves we will do all we can to make sure that there are steps taken to improve the lives of those in poverty and in need. Show others Jesus Christ, as our Lord says "whatever you do for the least of my people, that you do onto me."