“The Masses in Kenya were filled with music and dancing — it was a perfect way to praise the Lord,” said Sue Lind, describing a special moment from a mission trip to Migori, Kenya, from Jan. 22 to Feb. 13. She was one of four delegates from the Sauk Centre parishes of St. Paul and Our Lady of the Angels to their sister parish, with which they’ve developed strong relationships.
“People there possess so much joy in their hearts, from the greetings and warm welcome we received to the exuberance expressed at Mass!” added Mike Karasch, another delegate.
Cindy Karasch, who is married to Mike, said, “It felt like I was coming ‘home’ again — when we drove up to the area where we were staying (and where we’d previously stayed). The people also made us feel so welcome by their joyous greetings and genuine caring attitude.”
The Minnesotans experienced Africa in a way that most tourists never know — this time they stayed in families’ homes, a new highlight. They were surprised at how comfortable they were and how easily they entered into their families.
Mary Lauer said, “We were so glad to be invited — and they were thrilled we accepted. Sitting in someone’s kitchen and watching them prepare food over a cookfire, peeling potatoes for their meal and eating with them, playing with their children, meeting their family members , just enjoying quiet time together — that was incredible. Their homes have strong doors and barred windows so we always felt safe.”
The delegation had scheduled a few priorities — to spent time with orphans that people in Sauk Centre have adopted as prayer partners and to offer training on the sewing machines funded by donations from their parishes.
Meeting with orphans
Cindy described the partnership they share with St. Joseph in Migori to assist the parish’s 86 orphans and vulnerable children. “We brought them pictures and notes from their prayer partners in Minnesota. And we saw joy on their faces when we told them someone from the USA was praying for them.”
Mary agreed. “The two I pray for were so glad to learn that we prayed for them every day. We met with more than 40 children and brought them packets from their Minnesota prayer partners. Besides the letters and photos of their sponsors, our envelopes of goodies included a rosary bracelet of one decade, a pamphlet on praying the rosary and a crucifix carved by a member of one of our parishes — they are so generous. And, of course, we purchased a bit of gum and candy to make it fun, because they don’t get treats.
“The Migori committee members contributed much to this project. They’re all volunteers, most are retired teachers, who put a lot of effort into these orphans and have taken some into their homes in special situations. The social worker, Maryline, who’s like a mother to the orphans and has the only paid position, accompanied us on those visits. The kids looked apprehensive when they saw four white people, but Maryline put them at ease. When we were finished interviewing them, they had big smiles,” Mary said.
The parishes also provide funds for uniforms, sweaters, shoes and socks, health care and food.
Mike said, “It was so rewarding to meet the children we support. To bring back to their prayer partners here, we took their photos and got some information to share.”
Sewing helps women provide income
Migori has many widows and vulnerable women whose husbands have abandoned them. Without land to grow their own food, they have few ways to support themselves and their children. The Sauk Centre parishes raised funds for the Kenyan women to purchase the kind of machines that would work the best. Earlier the delegation put together sewing kits to go with each machine — a pin cushion, pins, thread, scissors and a tape measure.
“In Nairobi, the Migori women purchased four pedal machines and one electric to be kept on parish grounds where they have good secure doors and windows,” Mary said.
“We taught three classes to train women to teach others and discovered that some were already skilled enough on sewing machines to help. We hope they could be paid a nominal fee to assist those who are learning how to sew.”
Cindy said, “The women learning discovered how the sewing machines could make a difference for themselves and their children. And we saw joy on the faces!”
Mike described the impact they had in the villages. “Now 200+ women will have the ability to support themselves through our gifting of five sewing machines.”
Not all women want to learn to sew, so microloans have been established for women to start their own small businesses.
“It’s always surprising to see the poverty in the country,” Sue said. “One man had never seen a white person before. He now knows we are all the same. I hope we gave them hope — for a better life with an education. We will continue to pray for them and they for us.”
Pictured above: Cindy Karasch helps a woman to learn to sew (photo courtesy of Mary Lauer)