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KENYA/USA CHRISTIAN RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT, INC..

A FOLLOW-UP VISIT TO THE 2004 KENYA MISSION TRIP

The executive Director arrived in the country on the night of Saturday 18 June 2005 to a warm reception hosted overnight by KUSARD officials, friends and family members. The reception went on until Sunday evening when all the friends gathered at Spuds Place in south C where the Executive Director hosted a memorable party in which all participants ate to their full. Lots of roasted chickens including a new product of special chicken introduced by Kenchick were available and as usual refreshments were plentiful.
It was such a memorable get together night that would take some time to fade in our minds.

During this meeting, our advisor Peter noted the importance of giving our Executive Director some time to go and be with his family members as in the previous years he had been engaged in community activities without considering that he had also family members who needed to be with him. It was agreed that Simon's visit would be divided into three Phases as follows -:

• First week to be with the family members in upcountry,
• 2 weeks of full time participation in KUSARD work.
• Last week to remain with family members in upcountry and attend to personal matters.

There were however a few issues which needed to be addressed in good time in order to ensure that time set-aside for KUSARD work was properly utilized. Among the was the need to:

• Meet Kikolya, Kituku and the water engineers in order to verify on their costs.
• Plan for a meeting with DDS & CRS in order to plan for the launching of Linda Daghlian Memorial Water Project.
• Check on possibilities of seeing and involving The Bishop and Area MP in the launch
• Check on the progress of community training by the Kivulini Team.
• Check on the progress of Presbyterian outreach in both Machakos Town and Kithangathini market
• Arrange for Head Teachers' selection of the needy that could benefit from some donated clothing.
• Set Date for KUSARD officials meeting at CRS in order to
• Check on progress of registration for KUSARD as an International NGO
• Check on reports of finances, sponsorship, land acquisition, partnership and water launch including possible meeting with TARDA officials for the community sanitation training.

The following are short reports on specific meetings and events that took place thereafter.

KUSARD OFFICIALS MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 28 JUNE 2005 AT CRS OFFICES

• SIMON MAWEU KIMATU- CHIEF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
• REV. FR. DANIEL KITILA- COUNTRY DIRECTOR
• PETER KIMEU- NATIONAL ADVISOR
• THOMAS KIAMBA-PROJECT DEV CHAIRMAN
• SOSIMUS MUOLA- SECRETARY GENERAL
• APOLOGY:AGNES KITHIKII -GLOBAL SOLIDARITY OFFICER-CRS

The meeting started with a word of prayer by Rev. Fr. Daniel Kitila who had called for the meeting to finalize arrangements for the Linda Daghlian Memorial Water project launch and address all other matters, which the executive director had intended to handle during his visit.
During the meeting the following issues were handled: -

• Rt. Rev Martin Kivuva Bishop of Machakos was called during the meeting and to the surprise of everyone agreed to meet Simon & Fr. Daniel on Thursday 30th June 2005 earlier than anticipated.
• Hon. Gideon Ndambuki, who is the area MP, was also called during the meeting and despite his busy schedule requested the team to meet him in his Parliament Office the following day i.e. Wednesday 29th June 2005.
  The team felt so honored to get such an immediate and positive response considering that such personalities require at least one week's notice.
• The team was informed that arrangements for a meeting regarding land donation to KUSARD by members of the Ndolo family was set for Saturday 07 July.
• On women's Ciondos (baskets) for sale, it was reported that the Kivulini team had not met the expectations of KUSARD in training the entire community of Kyale, Kituiuni, Kyakitoo, Mwanya Mbevo on quality sisal and wood products for export. Rev Fr. Daniel and Peter undertook to introduce other groups like People to People Group with similar ventures to our communities to educate them on improving their products.
• The Machakos Baptist Outreach was reported to be doing very well, however the new Kithangathini Presbyterin outreach had very few activities going except some home visits. The team felt that there was need for Stephen, the local pastor to attend training in Machakos.where he could also acquaint himself with the doctrines of the Presbyterian church. Also the team felt the need to have a different pastor head the establishment of the Kithangathini outreach before Stephen could gain the experience and confidence to lead the church in the area.
• Simon confirmed that he had brought in about 100 pieces of clothes donated by Donna Dec of Wayne Presbyterian Church to be distributed among young children from poor families. The local school head teachers led by Francis Kilavi were organizing for the selection of the most deserving cases. The clothes together with other sports equipment were to be distributed on Friday 08 July 2005 at Kituiuni Primary School after the water launch.
• For the Registration of KUSARD locally as an NGO, Simon confirmed having brought with him all the required foreign registration credentials sought by the NGO Board and our lawyer was expected to advise on the date when we could hold a meeting with the said board.
• A detailed report on total receipts and expenses for the year 04/05 covering various projects was tabled in the meeting. The secretary was requested to submit specific reports on Susan's contribution and the Water account for accounting purposes. The Team confirmed that the Executive Directors records were in agreement with the local records.
• About Children's Educational SPONSORSHIP:Simon reported once again delay in this venture because our foreign coordinator little time to invest in the effort due to her studies and her father's illness. He however said that there were expectations of other pastors getting involved in the program. The Dev. Chairman reported that the community had started despairing on the scheme since the impression created in the data and photo capturing was for immediate children's sponsorship.
• PARTNERSHIP:Although Agnes could not attend this meeting due to some very pressing matters, the team noted her important role in Global Solidarity partnerships and how she appreciated the existing relationship between St. Cecilia and St. Therese through KUSARD's efforts and hoped it would lead to a wider partnership between the Diocese of Paterson and that of Machakos.
  The team agreed on the importance of inviting visitors from USA to come and identify the gaps in human existence and come up with some solutions after identifying the needs noting that experience should be the best teacher.
  Peter advised that there was a meeting over the partnership scheduled to be held in USA on 07 July 2005 and there was likelihood that Mr. Joe Duffy would give guidelines on the partnership.
• HIV/AIDS:Peter reported that CRS had identified some donors who could enable the Bishop's Hospital in Machakos start dispensing free ARV drugs to the poor and orphans. Mr. Kimeu also confirmed that Kikoko Hospital which is in our area and serving the Kamba and Maasai communities had received a grant from the Bush administration on HIV/AIDS and was in the process of constructing a storey building to cater for the AIDS victims. This will be of great help to the community and there was great need for the donated x-ray machine to be installed in the building under the HIV/AIDS program, as it would also serve a very important purpose of screening the infected. The community had however expressed the hope that the donor might wish to visit the country in the next Mission Trip in order to help set UP the system and train some local x-ray operators for continuity.
  Once again Peter appealed for the other officials to give support in compiling data for a major HIV/ AIDS proposal, which needed to be submitted to FHI for possible sponsorship by USAID. KYAP coordinator and another volunteer were appointed to do the necessary research and submit the details to Peter. The area targeted is along Nairobi-Mombassa Road in both Kilungu and Kilome Locations and KUSARD could serve as the NGO coordinating activities of other CBOs within the targeted area.
  Thomas reminded the officials on the Youth Alive annual HIV/AIDS workshop where we were expected to facilitate our 2 local AIDS groups participate while Simon undertook to meet cost of over 100 AIDS batches ordered from a local dealer.

KUSARD/MP MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY 29TH JUNE 2005 AT MP'S OFFICE

• HON GIDEON NDAMBUKI MP KAITI CONSTITUENCY
• SIMON MAWEU KIMATU- CHIEF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
• REV. FR. DANIEL KITILA- COUNTRY DIRECTOR
• THOMAS KIAMBA-PROJECT DEV CHAIRMAN
• SOSIMUS MUOLA- SECRETARY GENERAL APOLOGY:PETER KIMEU-NATIONAL ADVISOR

  Despite his busy schedule the area MP Hon. Gideon Ndambuki spared some time to meet with the team on this day at his Continental house office in Nairobi. The MP appeared busy organizing for a visit by his party members to a community in Machakos that had lost over 50 people in a local brew. He also seemed to be very occupied with continous phone calls, however this could not prevent him from listening to us and we were able to discuss the following: -
  

  • A GIFT FROM AMERICA :The MP was highly thanked for hosting the USA team in his prestigious hotel last year and for the memorable generosity, which he accorded those visitors and KUSARD. Simon presented Hon Gideon with a gift on behalf of one of the visitors named Sandra.
  • LAUNCH OF LINDA DAGHLIAN MEMORIAL WATER PROJECT:The team gave a brief report on the accomplishments made so far which included: - Total funds raised by the Wayne Presbyterian Community led by Rev. James Brassard, preparations for the commissioning of the project at Ikuma river, community sensitization and a request that was being made to the Bishop of Machakos Rt. Rev Martin Kivuva to commission the project.
  • PARTNERSHIP & 2006 VISIT:The team advised the MP about the other group of donors expected to visit the country in year 2006 and on the ongoing partnership arrangements being spearheaded by KUSARD organization through CRS- Kenya and Catholic Charities of Diocese of Paterson USA under Joe Duffy. The group will bring among other things an x-ray machine to be installed at Kikoko Cottage hospital.
  • MP's RESPONSE: In his response Hon Gideon appreciated our concern over the poor and our true commitment saying that he had a lot of trust on our activities as none of the projects we had undertaken in the constituency had failed.
    The MP once again thanked the US donor community and KUSARD officials for denying themselves in order to give to the poor. He also prayed for the year 2006 to find us well in order to work together in making the proposed visit a success. But before then, Hon Ndambuki confirmed that he will be visiting US sometimes in September and he would spare sometime to visit the KUSARD officials and the donor community in USA. The MP who seemed to appreciate our efforts very much also welcomed the idea of bringing an x-ray machine noting that it would help very much in easing the suffering the poor undergo, as the nearest x-ray was more than 100 miles away.
    He confirmed that he was in constant touch with Dr. Nzioki the head of Makueni District hospital over the provision of health personnel at Kituiuni Health Center although the same had delayed again due to firing of nurses after the recently unsuccessful civil servants strike.
    On administration, Hon Ndambuki shared with KUSARD officials his new method of ensuring total community involvement on matters of their development. He said that he met this by being in his constituency from Friday to Monday and having monthly leaders meeting in the constituency where community leaders including, business people, teachers, politicians, church leaders and others participate in open forums.
    In response to KUSARD's request on funds available in the CDF, which could help, replicate the donors efforts, Hon Ndambuki advised that allocation of Constituency Development Funds to various development projects was being done by committees made up by local community leaders.
    He confirmed that various allocations including those for water projects for the 2004/ 2005 financial year had been finalized including 600,000/= for the Ilovoto River and another 600,000/= for Ikuma - Ilima water project. Due to this our water project could not receive an immediate support from the CDF. Funds available were in Students Bursary for University & College students, HIV/ AIDS and KUSARD was requested to help in bringing this information to needy students in the community to apply for the bursary and at the same time submit AIDS proposals to the respective committees and give a copy to the MP.

    In the meantime Hon Ndambuki said he was in the process of conducting a major Participatory Rural Appraisal to determine the future development priorities for the Kaiti constituency community.
    He requested KUSARD to finalize with the Bishops office and get back to him for the launching of the water project.

    

    MEETING WITH RT. REV MARTIN KIVUVA-BISHOP OF MACHAKOS ON THURSDAY 30TH JUNE 2005 AT HIS OFFICES

    PRESENT:
    • RT. REV MARTIN KIVUVA- BISHOP OF MACHAKOS
    • SIMON MAWEU KIMATU- CHIEF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
    • REV. FR. DANIEL KITILA- COUNTRY DIRECTOR
    • MARIETTA MUVEA-KUSARD HIV/AIDS COORDINATOR

    Despite his busy schedule in preparing for an interdenominational service for the local brew victims, the bishop spared sometime in the morning hours to discuss the following maters with the KUSARD team.

    • WATER LAUNCH: The officials briefed the Bishop on the progress of arrangements for launching of The Linda Daghlian WATER LAUNCH The officials briefed the Bishop on the progress of arrangements for launching of The Linda Daghlian Memorial water project including the meeting held with Hon Ndambuki, the MP for the area. They also briefed him on the funds raised for completion of the first phase by the Presbyterian community and their wish to involve his office in the launching.
      In his response the Bishop first thanked KUSARD and the donor community for their continuous sacrifice in helping the needy noting that this was a call by God. Although the Bishop could not attend the function in person he offered special prayers and blessings for the project and appointed the head of the deanery Rev Fr. Dominic Malai to represent him during the launch.
    • PARTNERSHIP: The team advised the Bishop on the expected partnership spearheaded by Joe Duffy & KUSARD through CRS-Kenya and Catholic Charities of Diocese of Paterson and the expected US meeting in 07 July 2005. In his response the Bishop said he would be very pleased to support in establishing the partnership, as he was already aware that it would benefit many people in the diocese. CRS officials would assist him in initializing the partnership from Kenya by doing the introduction letter to the Bishop of Paterson.
    • YEAR 2006 VISIT: The team briefed the Bishop on the proposed visit by a bigger number of donors in year 2006 and the expected consignment of donations that included an x-ray machine meant for Kikoko Hospital. In his response the Bishop assured that he will accord us the support to make the visit a success and welcomed the idea to have the x-ray machine, which would ease the suffering of the poor in the rural. He advised that the issue of compatibility of American electronics in our country or availability of spare parts should not be taken as an hindrance noting that the world had advanced greatly in technology and had become a global village.

    The Linda Danghlian Memorial Water Project is Launched
    The following dignitaries graced the water opening event:

    • Rev Fr. Dominic Malai- Bishops representative
    • Hon Gideon Ndambuki- MP Kaiti constituency
    • Simon Maweu Kimatu- Executive Director-KUSARD
    • Agnes K Kithikii- Global Solidarity Officer-CRS
    • Rev. Fr. Daniel Kitila- Country Director KUSARD
    • Rev Fr. Paul Mutuku- Fr in Charge- Kyale
    • Councilors Muatha & D/ Man- area councilors
    • Thomas Kiamba- Project Development Chairman- KUSARD
    • Sosimus Muola- Secretary KUSARD
    • Stephen Kituku- DDS Machakos
    • Edward Kivuva- KUSARD Kituiuni Chapter Secretary
    • Marietta Wayua- KUSARD HIV/AIDS Program coordinator
    • Michael Maundu- Project Manager
    • John Mutheke-Chairman Water committee
    • A Water Engineer, masons & others.

    HON. GIDEON NDAMBUKI AND BISHOP MARTIN'S REPRESENTATIVE FR. DOMINIC OPENS THE LINDA DANGHLIAN WATER PROJECT July 8th 2005
    Fr. Dan makes Opening Speech	Water For Life	Beneficiaries witness the event
    Agnes of CRS Global Solidarity Speaks	The Crowd listens to opening speeches intently	Fr. Daniel gives a History of the Project
    Southern Kituiuni	Central Kituiuni	Northern Kituiuni
    THE LINDA DANGHLIAN WATER PROJECT WILL BENEFIT THE AREA OF: MUAMBANI; ITHUMA;KITUIUNI AND KITHANGATHINI

    Despite the heavy down pour which rendered the roads almost impassable, members of the community turned out early in large numbers to witness the launching of a water project intended to bring relief to women and children who have been suffering since time immemorial in ferrying water on their backs from distant streams down hill.
    The area MP Hon Gideon Ndambuki caught everyone by surprise by arriving at the exactly agreed time earlier than the other officials and invited guests who came almost an hour late. When all had arrived and assembled at Mandina's home, the area MP who is still recuperating from a dislocation injury incurred after slipping on the hills during community activities, once again to the surprise of the people, decided to lead all the people to the approved water source which was about 200 meters down hill walking on very slippery paths supported by walking sticks. This was one of the rare experiences where a senior official could be seen humbling himself so much just to serve the people.

    But why make the sacrifice?

    In his opening speech, Hon Ndambuki said that he was doing all this in appreciation of the trust the people had in him by electing him in year 2002 despite having vied in the most hated party by then. Noting that he had a duty to serve the people and pay back for their generosity, the MP confirmed that time for politics was over and it was time for serious work which he had clearly demonstrated by his nature of working with all other leaders irrespective of their political parties or believes.
    Various leaders gave speeches mostly sensitizing the community on the need to appreciate the sacrifice made by the donors and KUSARD in denying themselves comfort in order to come and help ease their suffering in accessing clean water.
    OF THE WATER PROJECT:It was recalled that, the USA team that visited the country in March 2004 led by Rev James Brassard noted how the community especially school children were suffering in getting safe water and agreed to sponsor a water project that would benefit the community, livestock, schools, churches and health centre.
    The project is sponsored by the Wayne Presbyterian Church New Jersey in memory of the late Linda Daghlian who left a will for her mourners to convert wreaths into a community project that could help ease the suffering in Africa.
    The project will cost about 2.5 Million and will be implemented in 3 Phases over a period of 2 to 3 years.

    COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION: All the leaders stressed on the need for the members of the community to turn up in large numbers at the sites when called for duties and actively participate in doing the manual work i.e. trench digging, transportation of materials including sand, cement etc.
    Still on the need for the community to identify the project as their own the leaders said that most donors facilitated implementation only and leave the management and running duties to the beneficiaries, the Bishops Representative gave an example of some of the projects which are still serving the community but were initiated by long gone and almost forgotten missionaries many years back.

    The project development chairman kept on reminding the people on their roles and by the end of the function they all appeared to have identified their duties and responsibilities as some even started contributing ideas in the process.

    ON WATER USAGE & SAFETY:Led by the Bishops representative, the leaders cautioned the community living in the upper stream against contaminating the water by either grazing or doing their washing directly in the river noting that it was their duty to maintain a clean environment. It was stressed that this would remain their responsibility and they all accepted to adhere.

    ON COMMUNITY HEALTH :The need for a healthy community was emphasized once more with the MP and councilors advising the communities to turn up in large numbers for 2 free medical camps that had been organized at Nunguni and Kalongo Markets. The camps were meant to handle all types of diseases including sight problems and the MP undertook to meet all medical costs for referral cases thus encouraging the community to take advantage of the free medical camps to get treatment for their long-term ailments.
    Councilor Muatha confirmed that he had traced the Ambulance donated to Nunguni Sub district hospital, which had been mysteriously taken to Makueni without consent. He promised to make follow-up to ensure that it was put to the intended use.
    Councilor Muatha also confirmed that he had set aside under LATIF KShs.300, 000 for construction of a nurses' residential house at Kituiuni Health Centre and renovations and requested KUSARD Project Development Chairman to make the follow up to ensure that the funds are released.
    Hon Ndambuki also confirmed that he had called Dr. Nzioki the head of Makueni District Hospital regarding provision of health personnel for Kituiuni Health Center to which he responded positively but quoted lack of enough health personnel caused by massive sacking of nurses in the failed civil servants strike as the greatest impediment in solving the problem.

    REGARDING THE DIOCESE TO DIOCESE PARTNERSHIP :The CRS Global Solidarity Official praised the community for being in the fore front in getting such a donor support and informed them on the partnership she was trying to establish which would see expansion of similar assistance to the entire community in Machakos Diocese.

    Hon Ndambuki confirmed that he will also be visiting US in September and will get in touch with Simon in order to arrange for a visit to the donor community and KUSARD officials in USA.
    ON JOINING EFFORTS:The area MP, having observed the trust and honesty shown by KUSARD officials in implementing projects requested them to consider partnering with the Ilima water project in constructing one intake and single piping to the first reservoir tank from where independent lines would flow. Both committees agreed to meet and work out the modalities.

    FUNDING:The area MP Hon Ndambuki gave a detailed account of the funds, which had been dispersed to the communities from the Constitutional Development Fund (CDF) for development covering mainly health, education, infrastructure, water and sanitation. Most of the allocations had already been exhausted and we could not therefore immediately get a token for our water project, how ever we were assured of consideration in future since this was long term project.
    The MP said that there were still funds for the HIV/AIDS and Bursary for needy university and college students programs and encouraged the people to advise those in need to submit their applications in the normal manner without delay. He promised to ensure that a greater allocation for the bursary is done in the 2005/2006 financial years.
    

    TOUCHING THE PEOPLE HEARTS :After standing in the rains for over 1 hour listening to the speeches from the leaders, the time for the auspicious occasion came and in a very humble manner, the area MP took the greatest risk of climbing a 7 ft slippery wooden ladder to unveil the inscription and officially declare the project officially launched. This touched the hearts of everyone and coincided with the love that Linda Daghlian must have had when she decided that her death would not be an end but a new beginning for a better life for a suffering African.

    Due to the down pour, driving back uphill on the slippery road was like a nightmare but unity of the community in pushing the cars uphill saved the day and all visitors had safe journeys back to their homes.

    We in KUSARD wish to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your support in making this day a success. We pray for the blessings of the good LORD to be upon you and your children as written in Isaiah 60

    

    For a complete account of the trip, please Click Here

    MY OPEN LETTER OF APPRECIATION "TO ALL WHO IN ONE WAY OR OTHER FACILITATED KUSARD's 2004 SPONSORED MISSION TRIP TO KENYA".

    Dear friends, Where does one start or end. And what words is one use to express one's deepest feelings of gratitude. And what about the risk of omitting someone who deserves a hearty thanks. However, since this is an important task, though imperfect it be, I guess I have to start somewhere. To this end, I believe the Catholic Relief Services World Solidarity Team, might be a good juncture to start this task, for having done the lion's share in the work of facilitating the Kenya Mission trip. I think we are unanimous in the fact that, without CRS intervention, we would have been at pains, to successfully accomplish all that we set out to do. Not far behind was the Machakos Diocesan team, led by Francis Kikolya, who, with Bishop Martin's blessings, played a crucial role in providing additional support and also of educating our visitors and familiarizing them with the Diocese and its initiatives in an effort to bring about social change in Machakos. The team accompanied the visitors to all the sites visited and tried to be there for the visitors to help every way, explaining about Diocesan programs and also trying to show KUSARD's relationship with the Diocese in our collaborative efforts. (They were our mobile resource center, so to speak!) The high point of this Diocesan connection was the liveliest meeting we held with Bishop Martin who, during the meeting, received greetings and messages from Mr. Joseph Duffy, the Executive Director of the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Paterson and he in turn, welcomed the visitors to his Diocese and directed his DDS staff to guide them and to make sure they felt at home. Afterward a luncheon was hosted in town by the Diocese in honor of the delegates; and later a splendid Dinner was held at the Bishop's residence. We were all overwhelmed with this hospitality and there was little hope we could ever return such a generosity. Then I must thank Joe Duffy who so kindly send a representative of the Diocese of Paterson on this trip to visit Kenya and view KUSARD's programs which have been started through a partnership with US friends and donors, Catholic Charities of Paterson being one of them. The Machakos Diocesan Development staff starting with Francis Kikolya-Program Coordianator, Stephen Kituku-the Capacity Building Coordinator, Beata Mulli-the Medical/Advocacy personel, Barnedette Kilonzo-the Small Homes Coordinator; Fr. Charles Kyalo-Bishop's secretary; Kuisya-the Microfinance guy and all the other DDS officers; they were all simply a marvelous lot who talked the talk and walked the walk to assure the seed of solidarity between KUSARD and the two Dioceses was sawn and would be nurtured. Let me pause here to say a word of condolences to Beatta whose mom was taken ill soon after the commencement of the program tour and who, few days later was gathered with the Lord. On behalf of the team, Beata, please accept our rather belated consolation; and pardon my bringing back sad memories. To Peter Kimeu and George Ndungu of CRS, I say thank you for working tirelessly to assure everything proceeded according to plan and were available every minute of the day, twenty four seven, for any contingencies throughout the whole period of the Mission. The two, plus Fr. Daniel, conveyed the delegates to the sites, guided and directed them every wherever sometimes acting as interpreters where it was called for so that the delegates understood everything that was going on and not be lost in a strange and obscure culture. And to KUSARD Development & Executive Committees officers who worked so hard in the days prior to the trip, planning and coordinating the upcoming trip in liaison with the Bishop and his Diocesan Staff in order to assure a complete and safe trip. Then of course there was our Member of Parliament (Kaiti Constituency) Hon. Gideon Ndambuki who bent over backwards in extending his hospitality to the delegates by offering full board and lodging at his luxurious Garden Hotel in Machakos where they stayed for a whole week and became a sort of a home away from home while they sojourned in Machakos Diocese. To Fr. Paul Mutuku of the new Kyale Parish and his assistant Fr. Ted and his parish workers, for hosting us so well and opening the Mission house to the guests for use of the facilities there whenever they needed them. The lunch was a five star hotel type! To Sister Goretta of Kikoko Mission Hospital and her nursing staff for arranging and facilitating the free clinic offered for two days, both at Kituiuni and Kikoko Health centers, through her collaboration with the delegate's medical team and the Mutungu Government Hospital staff who also participated in the undertaking at the behest of the area MP Hon. Gideon Ndambuki. (The latter is committed to helping KUSARD realize one of its dreams of making the Health Center of Kituiuni a fully operational health center by getting the government to provide a nurse to work there). I thank the Mutungu Government Hospital staff for following up with the MP's request and availing themselves on March 15th for the widely publicized free medical treatment at the Kituiuni Health Center. In this regard much credit is also due to Hon. Gideon for helping pull through this two-day event with minimal difficult and also helping in procurement of drugs from donor companies that he contacted. Thanks are also in order for the US Mission Team itself for the work it did in putting this long awaited trip together. Long hours of discussions and planning were spent and time was also put into canvassing for donations of medicines; medical supplies; toys; tools, etc. Moreover, the team's endurance during this grueling tour was a testimony of their commitment to bring light and relief to the needy in our Diocese of Machakos. They met and got to know some of their pains and hurts and it touched them. From the look and the feedback I got, I can say, this is a trip they will remember for a long time. Last and not least, one distinguished member of our community, Dr. Linge, deserves a pat on the back, because despite his tight medical schedule he found time to meet the delegates in the final leg of the trip. His glowing tribute to me as the founder of KUSARD left me humbled but also quite encouraged and determined to use every waking moment to think of ways how KUSARD could reach even new heights. He thanked the delegates (some in absentia since they were at Kikoko Mission Hospital that Thursday of 18th) and all those others that needed to be thanked on behalf of me and the community at large, for bringing free health services to the people of Kituiuni and the neighboring areas. His speech was brilliant and with a good sense of humor. Yet perhaps all these things would never have occurred; never happened; had not the community of St. Therese Succasunna, NJ agreed, in the early years when KUSARD was still trying to find its feet, to enter into a solidarity with its sister church, St. Cecilia Kituiuni and have remained in this relationship ever since. For this, I think they deserve the biggest tribute in this whole venture because but for their generosity, KUSARD would not be what it is today. I know I could go on and on, there being so many people to thank for one thing or another in the course of this trip. I mean like the schoolteachers, for allowing us into their schools; the school children for entertaining us so! Of these there were the likes of Mwanyambevo Primary children who entertained us a whole afternoon, with their Principal, the teachers and parents all present for the occasion. The songs and dances meant to depict the scourge of AIDS remain fresh in our memories and have made an impression on all of us. Thanks to the head teacher for organizing the event in collaboration with our Program Manager Mr. Maundu, who also did a wonderful job of coordinating all the groups in the region of Kyale and Kilungu Parishes to assure the activities were orderly and of high quality. To you people of Mwanyambevo, I can tell you, the bows and arrows you gave us emboldened us and made us feel prepared for any eventualities that might come our way, since, as we all know the world is no longer as it used to be and risks lurk everywhere, even in the US! Lucky no occasion necessitated our use of them while there, thank God! The bows and arrows will be good keepsakes and each time we see them we will always remember Mwanyambevo. The small home of the physically challenged deserve a special thank you for their performances and their warm welcome. Those children are angels on earth and I am convinced that, due to their prayers, we will accomplish many things. Their teachers have a noble job, and God will bless them for being the fathers and mothers of these children as they reside in their home of Kyale. If I leave out the experience of visiting the Kamba museum, this report will be incomplete. At a time when our children are at crossroads of their lives; a time of unprecentented change; of the internet and the World Wide Web, it takes a lot of courage for someone to depart from the ordinary and walk back in time! Such was what the person who thought up and started the Kamba Museum seems to have done. There are so many things we have forgotten about our culture and our children will remember even much less since their parents aren't well equipped culturally like the previous generation was. As such, I think the most innovative and creative part of the whole experience of the tour was the Kamba Museum and I would like to thank the Manager of the "Museum" for taking this bold move to preserve our cultural artifacts which will otherwise be lost if people of like minds don't do anything. However, even though the theme of the museum was to depict "Peace", I was of the mind that, it could be expanded to include all aspects of our culture, including the dark side of it like witchcraft etc. There is nothing wrong with this. Every culture including the west has its dark side. However, this is just an opinion. In my travels, if I stay away too long and I have not visited my home in Kenya for God knows how many years, still I would never have anyone to blame not finding my way back home from anywhere, for the people of St.Thadeus AthiRiver gave me a very special present; a detailed Map of Kilungu showing even the path I follow to my home in Kyakitau. What a present; and how thankful I am to the people of AthiRiver parish. I will work towards that promise I made to them to one day start a KUSARD Chapter there. So much transpired in the course of this trip that one can never possibly put it in a letter like this. One could write a book on this Mission tour. Not to be forgotten are the cooks and food servers who worked so hard volunteering their services; to all these and many others, I say, thank you so much for doing such a wonderful job of welcoming KUSARD's delegates and making them long to come back. By so doing, you promoted your communities and displayed our African culture, which believes that in welcoming a visitor nothing should be spared to make him or her feel at home. Although we luck so much, this African hospitality is our legacy, which should endure and never be abandoned. Most Sincerely Simon Kimatu Maweu Executive Director KUSARD-USA

    

    PLANNING FOR THE 2004 MISSION TOUR TO KENYA

    KUSARD's aim was to orgnize a tour for some of our sponsors to visit sites in Kenya and see the work going on there in communities. The reason for the tour is for some of its sponsors to visit and see for themselves some of the accomplishments, the communitie had realized through their partnership with the sponsors. It was to be a familiarization tour and also an opportunity for the delegates to meet face to face with the communities they have impacted with their generocity.
    Since this was to be the first tour organized by KUSARD, it would also serve as a learning experience for future Mission Trips. As it had been surmised, the Tour Company "African Hospitality Holidays" and the KUSARD Committee in Kenya coorperated to make the tour an experience to remember.
    In retrospect I can say, the trip exceeded all expectations and from it we will draw many ideas to incorporate in our next trip which is scheduled for Summer 2006
    Some of the Mission team who helped plan the 2004 trip are seen here at work before the commensement of the trip

    2004 IN PERSPECTIVE

    2004, A WATERSHED YEAR IN KUSARD's HISTORY
    Back in 2002 the idea to visit the Diocese of Machakos in Kenya was suggested by Simon to the Friends of Kenya Committee of the Wayne Presbyterian Church, a newly formed committee that had been started under the auspices of the then pastor of that church community, Rev. Brassard.
    At the time, the idea seemed nothing more than just a pipe-dream. Firstly, it looked too intricate to pull off; especially with KUSARD's limited resources and the fact that, then, just as today, KUSARD depends on volunteerism for its operations. It appeared then, that, the burden of engaging our volunteers in a complicated task like this one would be pushing the limit. Then September 11 came and everything changed. The prospect of a trip under the prevailing circumstances became a forlorn hope. It was hard to allay people's fears for their safety in travel. The events of September 11 had put great fear in the hearts and minds of travelers and many people did not want to travel, unless they had to, owing to the precariousness of the time.
    Then almost in defiance, the mission team, refusing to be held hostage by fear and wanting to stand up for a cause, decided to go ahead with the trip plan. Preparations started in the Summer of 2002. A series of meetings were convened to discuss strategies for the trip. The KUSARD committee in Kenya also started making arrangements on how they would receive the visitors who planned to stay and work in the community for a week. The Catholic Relief Services was requested to facilitate the visitors' trip as they toured and worked in the Machakos Diocese. Their Global Solidarity division responded favorably and provided all the transport needed for the duration of the stay in the Diocese. The Member of Parliament of that Constituency Hon. Gideon Ndambuki made a substantial contribution towards the initiative by providing full board and lodging for all the visitors for a week.
    From the USA, the Mission team, solicited for drugs, medical supplies, children's toys etc. from companies and individuals interested in donating items for the trip and the response was beyond expectations. A complete account of the trip can be found in the News Page of our website www.kenyausareliefservices.org . Cathyrn Weiss, one of the trip makers representing the Diocese of Paterson, wrote a comprehensive report of everything that happened from start to the end.
    The Diocese of Machakos hosted the team for one week, during which much was done and new project started. All the on going programs were visited; (i.e. food, health center, schools, water and AIDS campaign programs). The level of commitment on the part of KUSARD volunteer team and the dedication of the community in matters of development, despite the poverty, which drags them further and further down the road of poverty and destitution, surprised the delegates.
    In our very first meeting with Bishop Martin on our arrival in his Diocese, he assured us of his great desire to work with KENYA/USA CHRISTIAN RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT, INC in matters of development in his Diocese. He went on further and explained how he had been impressed by the community of St. Therese Succasunna in the Diocese of Paterson in New Jersey and how he did not know exactly the best way in which to express his gratitude to them and to let them know what their kindness and benevolence had come to mean to the lives of the parishioners of St. Cecilia. As he had an on coming trip planned for the USA to attend a Golden Jubilee of a priest friend of his, he felt, the least he could do was to include in his trip a visit to Succasunna to personally pay tribute to those special friends of St. Cecilia who had enabled such wonderful things to happen in Machakos Diocese.

    CALL TO SOLIDARITY
    Urged and promoted by US bishops, a trend is emerging whereby Dioceses form ties with other Dioceses in under-developed countries; to work out ways and means of enriching each other in various aspects of human developments; spiritual, cultural; economic, etc. To Bishop Martin, it appeared time was ripe for such solidarity between the Diocese of Machakos and that of Paterson; observing that the necessary and sufficient conditions were already in place in the existence of St. Therese and St. Cecilia's sisterhood.

    IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF BISHOP MARTIN
    Soon after Bishop Martin's return to Kenya, Fr. Daniel arrived in the United States as a guest of St. Therese Succasunna. He was to assist with this year's fund raiser at St.Therese which was to take place in weekend of September 25&26. His visit was as successful as his bosse's and did a lot to advance KUSARD's cause.
    At the end of his visit, a meeting with the Bishop of Paterson Diocese was arranged and it took place in October 01 2004 when Fr. Daniel Kitila, of Machakos Diocese and Simon Maweu-Kimatu, KUSARD founder, had the privilege to meet with Bishop Arthur Serratelli after he officiated in an early children's mass at the St. Therese Grammar School in Paterson. Present besides His Most Rev. Bishop Arthur was Fr. Luciano Cruz pastor of St. Therese Paterson and Deacon Mr. Nick Varsalona, Principal of the parochial school. In the early morning meeting the relationship of St. Therese Paterson & Succasunna and that of St. Cecilia was explained to bishop Arthur and in addition the issue of the possibility of the Diocese of Paterson forming a solidarity with that of Machakos was raised and he was so gracious as to embrace the idea and promised to follow up with Joe Duffy of the Catholic Charities who has been part and parcel in the formation of the sisterhood between St. Therese and St. Cecilia in Machakos which is now almost 5 years old.
    I am sure the Holy Spirit will bless and guide this noble process, which I know will be made whole in God's good time. And whenever this would happen, Joe Duffy said," It will start with a visit by a delegation from the Diocese of Paterson to the Diocese of Machakos as guests of Bishop Martin." For now, all that remains is just pray and hope while as the wheels of time turn and slowly grind towards solidarity.

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