MY AFRICA: A SPIRITUAL SAFARI IN KENYA

MY AFRICA: A SPIRITUAL SAFARI IN KENYA

This is the first chapter of a Book of Life – my Book of Life. A sort of Journal of a Soul.

Within hours we will be travelling towards Cairo Airport. It’s a transit flight but still scary. I am afraid of the unknown. Not only for me but for the thirty volunteers who will be with me for twenty days in Embu, Kenya.

The Marmara' Family - 'Why don't I try to do my part?'

SAVERICK MARMARA' 13YRS OLD FROM M'SCALA - STUDENT AT DE LA SALLE COLLEGE.

Saverick Marmara'

It wasn't at all my wish or desire to go to do voluntary work abroad especially that much far away. I'm still very young to even think about it.

But after my father and older brother went to do missionary work and said it leaves behind a great incredible impact,I thought a lot about it.

Inspiration from Embu - Discipline and hard work begets success

Discipline and hard work begets success

Fr Colin's Update - Our Water Projects in Embu. Kenya

There are many places in the world where mothers must walk hours upon hours -- with their children in tow -- just to fill a few jugs of water to bring home to their families.

What I want to bring with me ? Memories of Happy African people and the urge to go again- Michael Attard

Africa is closer to home than we want to think ! 

At a latitude of 35°53′N 14°30′E our Island lies within the Northern tip of Africa putting us geographically  part of this continent. 

Our language originates from this continent. 

The "Out of Africa" theory, is widely accepted describing the geographic origin and early migration of anatomically modern humans. 

We now accept African people in our country and live side by side.

Africa is closer to home than we want to think ! 

Its’ mention flashes thoughts of famous discoverers, wild animals, jungles, deserts, forests, famine and Maltese Missionaries. 

Michael Attard

One of my friends travels to Kenya every year for six weeks and I somehow live the build up to his annual trip helping were I can. 

This year, my wife and I celebrate 30 years of marriage and we thought a long haul trip to the United States would make an ideal holiday. However, when Fr.Colin came to my office and asked me to join his planned mission, I suggested that if he asked my wife and she accepted I will surely follow.

Our change of plans also sees my daughter Deborah joining in, leaving our two boys at home.

My motivation to be part of Kenya Mission Internatioanal: Mildred

"And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me”" - Mark 10:21.

I have always been quite the dreamer and going on a mission particularly in Kenya has been one of my biggest dreams for many years now. 

Being a Kindergarten teacher, children hold a special place in my heart. Most of our children in Malta are blessed with so many opportunities and experiences, so why not share our blessings with others, near and far, who need it? It is very painful to know that somewhere, children as well as adults are at risk of maltreatment, malnutrition and many other forms of suffering. 

Being one of the so-called 'lucky ones' myself, living a relatively effortless life with food in my fridge and a roof over my head makes me nothing but part of an extremely unbalanced world.

I have realised that it is my duty to help others who, simply for geographical reasons, lead a much more difficult everyday life than I do. I have realised that I am among the 25% of the world's richest because I have clothes on my back and a place to sleep. I have realised that I am luckier than millions of people who suffer starvation. I have realised that it is now time to stop wishing and start doing. God has blessed me with this opportunity to go to Embu, Kenya this August and I have no other aim than that to do whatever I can to make people happier.

Being my very first experience of the sort, I do worry sometimes that it might get too hard for me and I still ask many questions as to what to expect. But then I remember what one of my biggest inspirations used to say: "God doesn't require us to succeed. He only requires that you try" (Mother Theresa) and that is all I need to keep moving forward. 

I do believe that the people in Embu will have as much to give me as I will give to them, if not more. From this experience I am looking forward to learning two beautiful lessons in life: that of appreciating the simple things in life and the other of loving others unconditionally.

Mildred

An inspiring African proverb

A meaningful African proverb, much in line with the philosophy behind the mission statement of Kenya Mission International 2013 - I am because we are. 

Thanks to Mildred for submitting the photo.

Fr  Colin

Fr Colin's update

Yesterday's Mass of Thanksgiving for the Anniversary of my Priesthood, and the Pasta Night was very well-attended, about 100+, and they tell me we collected about 1,500 euros. 

Minimum effort, maximum results?

I wished that all the Kenya Mission International Group would have been there. It would have been another occasion to build a family spirit among us (and that's the only, unique value we have to take to Kenya - not work, not projects, but a sense of the family: I am because we are....UBUNTU)

It would be very very useful to send all the activities we do to Michael Caffari <mcaffari@gmail.com> who is taking care of our website. It is up-to-date, very professional and comes from a very dedicated person who loves God and his fellow men/women!)

This evening I am invited to celebrate Mass at the Caravan people behind the Splash and Fun complex. Those who wish to join me are very welcome not only to relax and be invited by several families who are eager to know more about our Mission in Kenya, but because of the opportunity we have to share our vision of Kenya with as many people as possible. 

I appreciate the various initiatives we take. But I appreciate more when we support each other's initiatives. Some take part heart and soul in  really impressive time-consuming initiatives. But others? And you? We are one family and we have to present ourselves as one family. But that depend's on what choices we have made. 

Fr Colin

Inspiring quotes