Solidarity with Africa

by Sister Marian Wehler, OSB

From July 12-26, I accompanied five participants (Rosanne Lindal-Hynes, OSB; Kristen Houk and her mother, Janet Houk, oblate; and Susan and Patrick Cronmiller, from left in our group photo) on an educational trip to Kenya. Besides enjoying the abundant wildlife in several national parks, we visited several villages and schools, a women's development center and a tea and coffee farm. One of the highlights was a visit to Hekima Place, a home and school for 40girls orphaned by HIV/AIDS.

Kristen was struck by the amount of gratitude she experienced. "Everything means something, everything is used and appreciated. I think that in our throwaway society, we really forget that." She was especially grateful for the experience at Hekima Place: "Those beautiful faces of the children, not only there but all the schools, will stay with me forever."

Patrick was appalled by the living conditions yet both he and Susan were deeply impressed by how kind and welcoming the people in the villages were to the group.

Sister Rosanne believes that meeting the people and the children was the greatest gift of the trip. Her most difficult moments were learning how women and children are still often considered the property of the men and that female mutilation is still going on.

Janet spoke with a head of a girls’ school who declared that educating women could change the country. For her, "An open heart connected to another world of the human family" was the gift she received.

For me, it was the sheer joy of introducing five open-hearted people to Africa and its people that I appreciated.

Another trip in July of 2008 is being planned. Anyone who wants more information can contact me by e-mail: marianwehler@yahoo.com or (814) 677-2032.

The founder of Hekima Place, Kate Fletcher, will be giving a presentation on girls orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Kenya at Mount St. Benedict Monastery on Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome.