PILGRIMAGE JOURNAL FOR SUNDAY, JULY 29

SUNDAY, JULY 29: Three Weeks after Return, Sharing your Experience with Others

John 6:1-15 – Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd followed him, because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. The Jewish feast of Passover was near. When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” He said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Two hundred days?’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little.’” One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people recline.” Now there was a great deal of grass in that place. So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat. When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, “This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.” Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry him off to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain alone.

Reflection written by Bobbie Paul, traveled to Dandora in 2011; spoke to Liturgy Advisory Committee (LAC) at Holy Family Church in San Jose

After our return…I experienced a true longing to be back there – or at least to make some sort of difference that would honor the changes that had come over me since Dandora. Being a part of our Liturgy Advisory Committee in my home parish, one small thing that I did was offer to speak at our “LAC Day Away” – telling a bit about the trip from a liturgical perspective and then challenging the group to consider what we might do to make our liturgies as amazing as those in Dandora.

The questions that helped guide the planning for our liturgical year at Holy Family, is what remains firm; committed in my heart to live out the joy of our Kenyan brothers and sisters. They taught me so much. We live in our own kind of poverty, challenges and crime. What vision can we define for our parish today?

· Does our parish offer sanctuary?

· Do we enjoy a fellowship that sustains us?

· Do we sense the awesome presence of God during our Liturgies?

· Do we experience “giving” during the Offertory?

· Do the Prayers of the Faithful seem personal to us?

· Do we take what we are “doing” at Mass seriously?

PILGRIMAGE JOURNAL FOR SUNDAY, JULY 22

SUNDAY, JULY 22: Two Weeks after Return, Just Faith

Mark 6:30-34 – Come and Rest a While

The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them.

When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Reflection written by Viviane Russo Tai, traveled in 2011 with husband, Mike

Upon returning from Dandora, I could not get the images and emotions out of my mind. I was grateful for the opportunity to have spent with the great people of Dandora and Holy Cross. They may not be rich in the material sense, but their joy and spirit of the Lord was in abundance. The pilgrimage gave witness to God’s compassion and yet I was conflicted by the volume of injustice. How could Africa’s largest landfill be a health hazard and a source of so much crime while providing economic lifeblood for the community? The complex web of poverty, global economics, social structures and humanity were overwhelming. After my return I joined JustFaith, a social justice program offered at St. Monica. JustFaith allowed me a period of reflection emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually that helped me process my experience in Dandora and contribute to God’s flock both around the world and here at home.

PILGRIMAGE JOURNAL FOR SUNDAY, JULY 15

SUNDAY, JULY 15: One Week after Return, Small Faith Sharing Group

Mark 6:7-13 – The Twelve are Sent Out, Two by Two

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick—no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.” So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Reflection written by Dr. Lynn Kurata, organized glasses drive and medical mission at Brother André Dispensary 2010 and 2011

A visit to one of the parishioner’s homes was an unforgettably warm experience. We sat in the small living area of our gracious hostess Ann who, along with her small faith group, had prepared a feast for three of us who were visiting her home. She had been recently widowed, and her small faith sharing community of Holy Cross Dandora had helped to locate housing for her and her teenage daughter. This gave me a glimpse of what community meant to them…being of assistance when someone suffers the loss of a loved one, and the loss of her home.

The 2010 travelers formed a small faith sharing group to continue to process our experiences in Dandora when we returned home. We named ourselves the Small Faith Sharing Group of Saint André Bessette, who was recently canonized a saint. I had worked in the Brother André Bessette medical dispensary while in Dandora, and it seemed so appropriate. Our hope had been to meet once a quarter and discuss ways to help our sister parish of Holy Cross Dandora. But our lives get busy and meetings have been more difficult to schedule. What I have found though these bonds of friendship is the love and support of this small group who came to my aid when I lost my home. They spread the good news of this Gospel.

PILGRIMAGE JOURNAL FOR SUNDAY, JULY 8

SUNDAY, JULY 8: Return to Los Angeles

Mark 6:1-6 – The rejection of Jesus at Nazareth

Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

Reflection written by Peter Heller, Co-Chair, Travel Committee, traveled to Dandora 2007, 2009, and 2011, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro last year

We depart from Dandora and return to our native place. The physical phase of our African journey fades behind us in the contrails of our 777 and the impact phase begins. It's not so much the final day of our trip as it is the first day of the afterwards. We have not departed Kenya unaffected in some way, neither we nor Kenya. So completely filled with boundless enthusiasm today, tomorrow we will act to sustain our oneness with the people who have been described as the poorest of the poor.

For over a week, Dandora was our synagogue. Ask yourself, though, who were the teachers, who were the pupils. What wisdom has been bestowed on us? Humility, compassion, justice, love, to name a few. What wisdom have we, in turn, bestowed on our brothers and sisters with the grace of Dandora in our hearts? Hope, and faith and love, surely.

We were received in Dandora with curiosity, enthusiasm and hope that our presence could make their world a bit better. In addition to open arms, affection and acceptance, we may be welcomed home by a few family and friends who simply cannot understand our journey. We are grateful to be able to accept this walk with God’s people. Let us gladly embrace it all - we are true, living disciples now and there’s no turning back. 

God is great, indeed.

PILGRIMAGE JOURNAL FOR SATURDAY, JULY 7

SATURDAY, JULY 7: Departure from Nairobi

Matthew 9:14-17 – In the presence of the bridegroom

The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one patches an old cloak with a piece of unshrunken cloth, for its fullness pulls away from the cloak and the tear gets worse. People do not put new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise the skins burst, the wine spills out, and the skins are ruined. Rather, they pour new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.”

Reflection written by Erica Ahlin, Merchandise Co-Chair, traveled to Dandora 2009

I’m frequently asked the question, “what was your favorite part of the journey?” Nearly an impossible question to answer! When I reflect on our family of Dandora the most impactful thing for me is the way they celebrate life, love and support one another in challenging situations.

I think of the Sunday Mass and lunch we celebrated at the Phase 3 church where we were witness to Trevor and Anna renewing their wedding vows. The music from the choir and the way the sun reflected Father Andrew, Trevor and Anna was one of the most beautiful sights, one that I wish every bride and groom could experience. The immense amount of love that filled that church was overwhelming. After Mass, our lunch was not what we would consider a huge elaborate meal, but no doubt every ounce was prepared with love.

It’s not the amount that is spent on a celebration; it’s the people we are surrounded by who make it memorable and meaningful. Too often we get wrapped up in the monetary amount of what we think needs to be spent to make something wonderful. I think back to that special Sunday and even though very little money had been spent (little money in our eyes) on that celebration it was one of the most incredible events I have had the good fortune to be a part of.

PILGRIMAGE JOURNAL FOR FRIDAY, JULY 6

FRIDAY, JULY 6: Masai Mara Safari, Optional tour of a Masai Mara Village

Matthew 9:9-13 – The calling of Matthew

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

Reflection written by Kevyn Kurata, traveled with mother, Lynn in 2011 and climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro with Kristina, Peter, and Arthur

I felt like I had a lot to figure out after graduating from college last summer, so when my mom offered, I jumped at the opportunity to visit Africa and climb Mt. Kilimanjaro (like most recent graduates, I happily put off finding a job for another month or so). I hoped to return to the US with clarity on how I wanted to live post-college. Although my initial expectations were unrealistic, my experiences in Africa helped me to cope with a momentous transition in my life.

On Kilimanjaro, I remember a fellow climber explaining his reasons for coming to Africa, he pointed out “We are all here because we have our own mountains to climb. We will eventually have to go home.” This metaphor may sound cliché, but it resonated with me for the rest of the trip. While in Dandora, I was introduced to the systemic problems that the community deals with—no description or picture will ever convey my emotional response to the sounds and smells of the dumpsite. Despite political corruption, poverty, and health issues, the people I met were a part of a vibrant and thriving community that remained optimistic that they could affect positive change. Their resiliency gave me a better perspective on how to approach problems in my own life.

PILGRIMAGE JOURNAL FOR THURSDAY, JULY 5

THURSDAY, JULY 5: Masai Mara Safari

Matthew 9:1-8 – Jesus forgives and heals a paralyzed man

After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into his own town. And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.” At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, “Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk?’ But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins?” he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” He rose and went home. When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to men.

Reflection written by Maureen Gault, Hospitality Ministry at St. Monica, traveled in 2011

The Masai Mara has the largest concentration of wildlife in the world. Traveling through the beauty of the Rift Valley, we arrived to a place I can honestly call God’s country. To see the unspoiled, natural habitat of the “Big Five” (Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo and Leopard), the birth of a giraffe dropping to the ground from her mother and trying to get up and walk, the playfulness of baby lion cubs with their mother, the migration of thousands of Wildebeest and their constant companions, the Zebra, was breathtaking. We also visited the Masai Warriors’ village to see how they have lived for hundreds of years. We were out there in the wild in their world and words cannot express the wonder of it all.

Between sharing our life and love of our God with the people of Dandora, and seeing the beauty of God’s creation in the Masai Mara, my life was changed forever. We are truly one in God’s eyes across the universe. God has given me so much and I will be thankful each and every day of my life for that.

PILGRIMAGE JOURNAL FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 4

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4: Masai Mara Safari (US Independence Day)

Matthew 8:28-34 – Jesus has authority over the spiritual world

When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.” And he said to them, “Go then!” They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.

Reflection written by Anna Rodrigues, traveled with husband, Trevor in 2009 and again in 2012

I find myself asking why—in a land of great beauty—is there so much pain and suffering? The savannahs are heavenly, the animals roam in freedom. But Dandora, there is rubbish, prostitution, corruption and disease (I can really say the same about our great country). In this passage the demons pleaded with Jesus, to drive them out, and free the men. However, when the news of this wondrous act comes to the town, the people pleaded for Jesus to leave. Why?

I want to take time today, on this day of freedom, to thank God not only for our heavenly freedoms, but also for the freedoms given to our country from our forefathers and service men and women. We are given choices, and in America, there is opportunity. Holy Cross Parish also offers opportunity. I often hear other travelers notice how the parish represents a safe haven. People are fed spiritually and physically. There is a sense of peace and gratitude.

Salvation is a choice, do we invite Jesus to transform our lives, or do we ask him to leave? There are so many wonders in this world, things that blow me away, positively and negatively. How do I balance the two? In the lessons learned in Dandora, and from all the past travelers, there is one word – Gratitude. God bless America, God bless Africa, and God bless Dandora!

PILGRIMAGE JOURNAL FOR TUESDAY, JULY 3

TUESDAY, JULY 3: Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Giraffe Park & Nyumbani Orphanage

John 20:24-29 – Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Reflection written by Betty Ballmer, traveled to Dandora in 2011

For five humbling days, I experienced Jesus’ love shine through the joyful people of Dandora, Kibera, and the Boma Rescue Mission. In every moment, I was taught how to listen, love and be grateful. Then we left Dandora for a different experience. We came to witness Kenyans serving Jesus by humbly serving to their beautiful countryside and the ecosystem it contained.

Located just outside Nairobi, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust was established for the care of rescued elephants, whose parents were killed for their ivory tusks or “bushmeat” as the locals described. These orphaned calves, ages ranging from a month to up to 2 years, are found and rescued by Sheldrick employees who care for them, bathe them, and feed them milk in huge baby bottles, (the little ones every three hours). Some are covered with blankets for warmth and snuggled much like a mother would do. The young elephants also sleep in individual “rooms.”

It has been proven that elephants mourn for the loss of a loved one as acutely as we humans. An elephant’s memory is superior to humans (elephants never forget). They are capable of reasoning and emotions. Elephants can be found nurturing each other. We can certainly learn from God’s creation how to be nurturing, caring and loving!

Day 7 - Kenya Trip

On this day 7 (Monday, July 2) of our pilgrimage, we report that we are all blessed, touched, inspired, healthy, and safe. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts. There has been great care for us from our sister parish and from HCAM's trip leadership, with our safety being the highest priority.

We are all sad to hear about the attacks on two churches in Northern Kenya (near the Somalia boarder) on Sunday (July 1). We pray for those who died and those who were injured, and for peace and security in Kenya. Please know that we are in Nairobi, far away from the boarder. Nairobi and we are fine.

We cannot believe that today was our last day at Holy Cross Parish Dandora. It was another blessed day.

We started the day by visiting the Boma Rescue Mission. The Mission rescues children from the massive garbage dump in Dandora and neighboring estates. The Mission attempts to rehabilitate 80 children each year. The Mission attempts to reunite children with their families or find a home for them if reunification is not possible. After the one year program, the Mission attempts to place the children in schools or vocational training. Monsignor Torgerson and Fr. Andrew presided at a beautiful mass with the kids, with chickens walking nearby. The kids sang and danced, SING ALLELUIA! Monsignor described the Mission as a life saving station. Fabias (the Director) gave a talk about the Mission. Then we presented each child with a new outfit, and gave the children new balls and jump ropes.

We then enjoyed a lunch presentation by Karibo, an attorney from the Human Rights Office at our sister parish. She presented summary findings from recent interviews with Dandora residents. She presented what is bad in Dandora, what is good, and the action plans of her office. As we had seen in previous days, Karibo praised the parish Small Christian Communities and volunteer health workers.

We ended the day with faith sharing and a farwell dinner at the renowned Tamambo Karen Blixen Restaurant in Karen, a very nice part of Nairobi. We shared about our days in Dandora. We took lots of pictures with each other. We ate and drank.

Everyone looks to have developed great relationships within the travelers, but also with our brothers and sisters in Dandora. As we talked in our faith sharing meeting, we remembered the preparation meetings at St. Monica's when we first met. We remembered in gratitude Peter and Delis for all their work for our trip. We called Delis and wished her a happy birthday! We love you Delis!

On behalf of the Summer 2012 Pilgrims,

Love, Blessings, and Peace,


Trevor and Anna Rodrigues

PILGRIMAGE JOURNAL FOR MONDAY, JULY 2

MONDAY, JULY 2: Boma Rescue Center and Karen Blixen Coffee Garden

Matthew 8:18-22 – Following Jesus requires a willingness to pay the price

When Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other shore. A scribe approached and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But Jesus answered him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.”

Reflection written by Lynne Donahoe, Co-Chair, Education Committee, traveled to Dandora 2011

Throughout life we are called on to leave our comfort zone and walk an unknown path. It might be strange, uncomfortable or even painful, but God leads us where we need to go and we need to trust the way he leads.

Visiting Boma Rescue Mission last year was not “comfortable.” The area is very unsafe (we had guards with guns) and there was a consistent smell from the dump the entire visit. You could see the rescue children were also going down a new path. Leaving the precarious, but known, life of living on the dump, to trusting in the strange new world of the Boma mission, to lead them to a better life. And so we continue to go down the path that God has provided. At Boma, the discomfort and of being mutual “strangers,” in the beginning of the visit, started with us learning to pray together, lead us through a to a glorious time of dancing together, and culminated in playing raucous sports together while sharing lots of smiles and hugs.

PILGRIMAGE JOURNAL FOR SUNDAY, JULY 1

SUNDAY, JULY 1: Mass at Holy Cross and Lunch with Parish Council

Mark 5:21-43 – Where there’s death there’s hope

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.” He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him.

There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” But his disciples said to Jesus, “You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, ‘Who touched me?’” And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.”

While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?” Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

Reflection written by Trevor Rodrigues, 2012 Pilgrimage Co-Leader, traveled to Dandora 2005, 2006, 2009, and 2010

Dear Pilgrims, Happy Sunday! Arise, Arise, Arise! Today we celebrate a Mass in the Phase 1 Church and then a Mass in the Phase 3 Church. Today we celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the sisters, St. Monica Catholic Community and Holy Cross Parish Dandora. Today we celebrate that we means the people of both communities, united as one people in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit! Today’s Gospel is perfect for our celebration.

We, from both communities, are the people who feel the anguish and the torment in our lives. Santa Monica and Dandora are so different, but we both feel the poverty in our lives. We have a child whom we struggle to care for. We have an illness that brings us in tears to our knees. We need something and don’t have the money to pay for it.

We, from both communities, when we are at our best, are the people who fall down before Jesus and surrender. We place our hope and faith in Jesus. As Jesus told the sick woman and broken hearted father in the Gospel, Jesus tells us, “Go in peace and be cured of your affliction,” and “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” Watch and listen prayerfully to the people of Dandora as they celebrate Mass today. During this past week, you have experienced the anguish and torment in their lives. Experience them today, they are cured, not afraid, and so faithful. In their faith, God has turned their tears into dancing. We can say the same of the people of St. Monica at Sunday Mass. Jesus is telling us, from both communities, “Arise!”

For the people of both communities, our hope and faith in Jesus have grown as we have walked together in these past 10 years. Arise and celebrate!!!