Double Digits

Today our family bids a fond farewell to those tender single digit years as our baby turns ten, which leaves me asking the question, "Where have all those years gone?"

Lucia, you are a treasure to me and to our family, and I love you dearly! May your heart always stay close to Jesus!

Happy, happy birthday my little Cici Bean!



And may you always fit on my lap!

Miracle of the Lost Key

The Kenya Diaries (vol. 25)

July 18, 2006

Andy returns from Nyanza Province today! 

I asked Ania to get a bucket of water from the kitchen so that I could do laundry. On her way she discovered a cage in the grass with nine turkey poults and three ducklings inside. She came running back to the kitchen so full of excitement that we all came out to see the little birds. They were cute, and kept the kids entertained for quite a while.

I did laundry - only the shirts, underwear, socks and pajamas. My shoulder just can't wring out the heavier stuff, and will have to wait for Andy's return. As I was hanging the clothes on the line, wrapped up in my own thoughts of life in this strange land - a life that is full of unfamiliar customs, unfamiliar plants and creatures, unfamiliar food, unfamiliar ways of approaching life - I suddenly had a wave of homesickness and longed for something, anything that I would recognize.

At that moment I caught a glimpse of movement out of the corner of my eye, and I turned to look at a tiny green praying mantis tightrope walking on my clothesline. Yes! A regular, plain old praying mantis! It was so ordinary that it was spectacular! How big God must be to answer my heart cry with such a simple little thing!

If that had been all that God did for me today, that would have been more than enough. But, God was only priming the pump for what He had in store.

Andy returned home about 4:30, and Philip was the first to discover his presence at the school. We were all so happy to see him back from the interior of Kenya safe and sound.

About an hour later Fr. Johannes came to our home quite distressed over the fact that he could not find his key to his room, which also doubled as the church sacristy. He sat down at our table with his head in his hands, wondering out loud how he would ever get into his room. He feared that the key was left in Nyanza Province, a whole days' journey away. His room, which was next to ours, was impenetrable unless one was willing to take an axe to the door.

I offered Fr. Johannes to stay for dinner, but he was too distressed to eat and left.

A little while later, Father returned. He obviously had not found his missing key. I was doing dishes in the kitchen when I heard him tell Andy that he didn't know what to do.

"Dear Jesus," I earnestly prayed, "please help this man find his key!"

No sooner had these words left my mouth, when I heard an inner voice say, "Go look in the grass."

I finished the dish I was washing, stood up, and said, "Andy, I'll be right back."

I really had no idea where I was going, other than to "go look in the grass." When I stepped outside, I turned right, passed all the grass in the courtyard, walked out the front door of the school, continued across the gravel turn-around, and stopped right at the edge of the grass. When I looked down, the toe of my shoe was less than an inch away from a skeleton key. I stooped down to pick it up, almost in shock of what had just transpired.

"Thank you, Jesus," I whispered.

Fr. Johannes was astounded when I returned to our home and produced the key. He asked me where I got it, and I just said that I heard a voice tell me to "look in the grass," so I did.

"You people!" Fr. Johannes repeated over and over. "You people!"

The grins on the faces of everyone present were indicative of a deeper joy, as we realized we had witnessed a miracle through the power of intercessory prayer. God is so good!

 

Finger Lakes Frolic

 Seven Quick Takes (vol. 16 )

Every year we take some sort of family vacation during the summer months, and sometimes our destination is determined by a major event such as a wedding or an ordination. Last year we traveled to New Orleans for my cousin's priestly ordination to the Jesuit's Society of Jesus. The year before that we had won Disney tickets in a silent auction, and the year before that Andy was best man in a wedding in North Dakota. (That was quite an adventure that took us through 15 states!)

This year's vacation was back to my home state of New York for my brother's wedding in the beautiful Finger Lakes region. However, this was not our first stop. Here is a quick take on our week away from the usual routine.

1)  Monday - Travel all day to Gettysburg, PA. Philip is a Civil War fanatic, and this stop was especially for him. (Although by the time we left Gettysburg, I was feeling it as well). We checked into our hotel, then wandered through the shops and bought souvenirs. We saw an awesome diorama of the battle of Gettysburg, complete with a light and sound show explaining the three day battle.


2) Tuesday - I dropped Andy, Kevin and Ania off at Segtours of Gettysburg where they embarked on a three hour tour of the battlefield via segways. This was quite easily one of the highlights of Kevin and Ania's week. Since Philip and Lucia didn't meet the age and weight requirement to participate in this tour, I hired a tour guide to show us around the battlefield in our own van. Philip was so enthusiastic, engaging our guide at every turn. So she tailored our tour for Philip (who by the way could answer every question she asked). This was most definitely a top pick-of-the-week for Philip.

Memorial to the 20th Maine
On Little Round Top

Memorial to General Longstreet



We left Gettysburg mid afternoon and headed to Hershey Park to finish out the day. There we split up into roller coaster riders (Andy, Kevin, Ania, Philip) and roller coaster avoiders (Lucia and me). A severe thunderstorm and tornado watch brought our evening to a halt sooner than expected.










On our way out of Harrisburg the rain was torrential and the lightning was striking every three seconds. It was nerve-racking to say the least, especially when I found myself between an 18 wheeler and a concrete wall during a blinding down pour. When we stopped at a gas station to ask where the nearest hotel was, we were given the choice of 1 1/2  hours ahead, or 30 minutes back into the storm. We opted to keep going. About 30 miles down the road we found a reputable name motel so we stayed. Quite frankly, though, it was the creepiest experience I've ever had at a motel. We definitely shook the dust from our sandals as we left that place!


3) Wednesday and Thursday - We stayed with some dear friends on Canandaigua Lake during all the wedding festivities. We played euchre, sailed the sunfish, kayaked, swam in the lake, and golfed. What a fun, relaxing time spent with wonderful friends!




When two optometrists wed...

4) Friday - Wedding rehearsal at Garrett Memorial Chapel on the bluff of Keuka Lake, then rehearsal dinner back in Canadaigua. We put on lots of miles in what could be one of the most beautiful regions in the northeast. Time spent with family and friends is priceless!



5) Saturday - Wedding bells were ringing as my brother and his beautiful bride exchanged vows. Then we were off to Honeoye Falls for the reception. Again, lots of twisting turning roads laden with vineyards and corn fields. We drove past Honeoye Lake on our way to a "between party" on Canadice Lake before heading on up to the reception. Fun was had by all.





Stuck in Jail
During Kick the Can

6) Sunday - Saying goodbye to our dear friends was hard to do. We attended Mass in Canandaigua, bought some of their annual chicken barbecue, then headed to the Abbey of the Genesee in Piffard where my uncle was having  his visiting day. We stayed in the guest house with other out-of-town relatives, and all the overnighters played kick-the-can until dusk. This was quite entertaining and sometimes dangerous as adults, high schoolers, and elementary children were all highly engaged in "freeing" the prisoners.


7) Monday - Once again, saying goodbye was difficult. We left the monastery and drove back to Canadice Lake to say goodbye to my parents before making the long trek back to Georgia. We caught glimpses of Conesus and Hemlock Lakes as we wound our way through the hills.

On our way home we reminisced about all the fun times we had, and the segways came up more than once, as did the beautiful wedding. Thank you, Jesus, for a WONDERFUL vacation and for a BEAUTIFUL addition to our family!

Have a blessed week and add your own quick takes here.

All Quiet on the Home Front

The Kenya Diaries (vol. 24)

July 15, 2006

Andy left this morning with Fr. Johannes to go to his native village in Nyanza Province, the interior of Kenya. He will be gone until Tuesday. The boys left for a four day break on July 13th, so it is very quiet here at the school.

I decided to stay home today rather than take our usual  Saturday trip into Nakuru. I didn't want to manage it without Andy. So we did the laundry, then walked into town to return a Star Wars video that we rented a few days ago. I bought the kids Cokes and candy bars for a treat. We got some groceries and headed home.

This afternoon Joel came to the school during his short break, just as he said he would, to bring Ania a birthday present. It was actually a bag full of gifts -- a stuffed giraffe, a red shirt, a hand towel, two oranges, some snacks, a hippo bank and a very nice birthday card. Ania was tickled pink!

We watched Pink Panther cartoons for the rest of the afternoon, then had bread sticks, bow ties with Ragu, fresh pineapple and cookies for supper. We all took a bath in a bucket, said our prayers and went to bed.

Thank you, Jesus, for a good day, and please bless Andy -- wherever he is! Amina.



July 16, 2006

Today was a lazy Sunday. We spent the day on the brothers' side of the seminary picking tropical flowers and watching their flock of various geese, turkeys, chickens and ducks. Fr. Crispin saw us and came out to help.



The kids brought back lots of feathers, which I washed in bleach water before I let them in the house. They also brought back lots of seeds, and planted some in pots to see if they would grow. If we have success, it will be Fr. Ted's birthday present next month.

Peter the Cook shared with me about African traditions when I went to fetch water this evening. He explained to me that he cannot call me "Janet" because it is disrespectful in Kenya to call a married woman by her first name, even though I asked him to. We agreed that he should call me Mama Lucia from now on.

Fr. Mike came by just to check on me. I am so blessed!

 I think the hibiscus is the most amazing flower!



July 17, 2006

Last night Ania threw up in her bed. I moved Lucia over to Kevin's bed, stripped the girls' bed and put Ania back in it. Philip was already in my bed since Andy is still in Nyanza Province. We all have to stay under the mosquito nets! Anyway, Ania woke up this morning hungry and full of energy. I think it was the Mefloquine.

So I washed sheets today. I had to fetch the water from the school kitchen. I sent Kevin to fetch water also. We are out of water in the house, since Andy hasn't been here to stay on top of our water supply.

Then I set up our computer in the staff room, and Kevin taught Peter the Cook how to use it. They both did a great job!

The boys returned to school today, and once again the familiar sound of their voices fills the air. I'm glad they're back. It was getting quite lonely around here.



I made avocado salad today with the avocados that Fr. Crispin brought to us yesterday. It was so good! Brother Nicholas stopped by today to give me a message: I have just spoken with Fr. Johannes. They will begin their journey home tomorrow and will arrive here tomorrow evening. Your husband says "Hello, and I love you."  He smiled as he delivered this message. Somehow I think it made his day!

I have been carrying lots of buckets of water these past few days, and my shoulder is beginning to hurt. Now Lucia is washing the dishes, so I think I will go and help her.

Thank you, Jesus, for a good day. Amina. 

Summer Snowball

Two If By Candlelight

Upon returning home from a meeting tonight, our children had a nice romantic surprise waiting...

...classical music was playing low, candlelight was flickering, while the scent of their burning mixed with the aroma of fresh sprigs of rosemary. Fresh peaches were sliced and arranged neatly in a bed of sweet, creamy fruit dip, topped with fresh rosemary and chocolate filled pirouettes. Mr. Darcy couldn't have done any better for his lovely bride, Miss Elizabeth Bennett.

Thank you, Ania, Philip and Lucia, for a lovely touch to cap off our evening!

My Kenyan Birthday

The Kenya Diaries (vol. 23)

July 13, 2006

Ania's Turn

Today is my birthday! Hooray!

I went to the convent today for my birthday. Mama said I was their guest of honor. Sr. Ploxeda and I walked over together. When I walked in the door Rex came running over to me, and he was wagging his tail! I was happy to see him, too. I played with him for a while and took so many ticks off him I lost count. I didn't like that part very much.

Then I went to see the cows with one of the sisters. I pet the babies and fed them banana tree leaves. They were so cute!

Then it was lunch time. We had ugali, sukuma wiki, milk, beans and potatoes. Then the sisters sang "Happy Birthday" to me. We were all laughing and having fun. Sr. Ploxeda gave me a beautiful picture of Mary with her Immaculate Heart surrounded by a crown of thorns. Then it was time to walk back to the school.

Mama said this: When Ania returned from her afternoon at the convent she was glowing. It was obvious that she had a wonderful time with the sisters, and was treated like royalty.

Mama made my requested birthday meal of chipati and green beans, while Daddy made cheese omelets. Then we had the choc balls for dessert. Everyone sang "Happy Birthday," and I blew out my one candle. In our family everyone takes a turn to honor the birthday person, so we did that for a while. Then I opened my gifts of a cheetah scarf and yarn in the colors of the Kenyan flag (green, red and white). We used the yarn to play cat's cradle before going to bed.













I had a very good birthday! Thank you Jesus for loving me and blessing me with a Kenyan birthday! Amina!




July 14, 2006
(Feast of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha)

Today Andy was going to travel with Fr. Johannes to his home village in Nyanza Province and not return for three or four days. Andy was ready quite early, but due to several unforeseen circumstances, the trip got postponed until tomorrow. It would have been an all day ride in a matatu, and to travel past dark is not safe. I am glad it got postponed.

I walked into Rongai to purchase a few items and e-mail from the post office. With my business concluded, I began to walk back to the school. My usual route took me right past the boda-boda drivers, with whom I always succeed in avoiding eye contact. Somehow this day I was not successful. One driver caught my attention and I paused. He turned his bike around in the direction of the school and grinned a big grin.

"To the seminary!" he exclaimed.

I turned to look at the other drivers, made the sign of the cross, and agreed. Everyone laughed except me.

It actually wasn't so bad after all. When he pulled up to the seminary, I gave him a 20 shilling piece and waited for my change. He said "Thank you, Madame?" I looked back at him and saw Jesus standing before me and nodded my approval of his keeping the change. His whole face lit up and he exclaimed, "THANK YOU, MADAME!"

While we were eating dinner, the topic of Ania's birthday came up. We were trying to figure out at what time of day did Ania really turn eight years old yesterday.

"At 5:54 p.m." I said with all confidence of a mother who remembers the details of her child's birth. But then I realized the time difference, so I started to calculate what time it would be in Kenya. Let's see, we are seven hours ahead of U.S.A., so Ania turned eight at 12:54 a.m. on July 14.

What an awesome thought! Blessed Kateri is my patron saint and confirmation name! I knew when I had Ania, that I missed her feast day by one day. God continues to reveal the most amazing things to me, and I am so blessed by his goodness!

Later, at prayers, Andy asked us all to take a few moments of quiet time and listen to Jesus. (See my initial recalling of this story here). When he asked Philip what Jesus said to him, Philip replied that we need to go to church every day that there is church available to us. About five minutes later Fr. Johannes knocked on the door and said he was about to say Mass, and would we like to join him? Needless to say, we all got out of bed and attended Mass in our pajamas.

Today has been such a wonderful day full of wonderful surprises. Thank you, Jesus, for a day full of your richness! Amina!