My friend, Angela Harris, and I had the great fortune to spend 9 weeks volunteering with the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ (PHJC) in Igoji, Kenya this summer.  Angela’s skills with logistics made her a perfect fit to work in the procurement section of St. Anne Mission Hospital.  My proposed task was to teach English in the local school.  However, since school was on break, I was able to contribute by folding hospital laundry, helping the Aspirants improve their English, and researching possible funding sources for the hospital’s goals.

During my time there, I frequently heard this phrase: “Let us appreciate _______.”  That meant that someone would be thanked or honored by a round of applause.  Daily, we appreciated God, but often it was another staff member.  So, at this point, I would like you to help me appreciate, in a Kenyan manner, those I’d like to thank.

First, let us appreciate the Poor Handmaids in Kenya for their humble service to God, their community, and for their amazing hospitality.  What an inspiring group of women I’ve met! 

Let us also appreciate the staff at St. Anne, who tirelessly provide care to their patients, and lovingly accepted Angela and me as part of their community…and didn’t laugh when I called them the wrong name and mispronounced the few Swahili words I tried to learn.

In addition, let us appreciate the beautiful people of Kenya, who so warmly greeted me on my daily walks, returned my waves, offered me rides and helped me buy supplies at the local stands.  I was usually the only mzungu (white person) around, so I got quite a bit of attention.

Finally, let us appreciate the PHJC Volunteer Program and Sr. Connie.  This was an experience I’ll never forget.  Along with that appreciation, I’d also like to encourage others to become involved.  The Volunteer Program has provided me with so many life-changing and thought-provoking experiences, and I’ve been able to meet and watch an incredible group of women following their charism. The opportunity is available to others, and I so appreciate that it was given to me.