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2007 World Social Forum updates from S. Sheila To view the first pictures of S. Sheila in Nairobi, click here. Sheila goes on to say that they are privileged to be in the midst of these Little Sisters as they work in the hospital, with street boys and refugees and also in the Spiritual Center right here on the grounds where they are meeting. Sheila was asked to present the reality of the United States addressing the social, political, economic and church influence. They all of Ten minutes, her comments were very much appreciates by many. On Sunday 100 Franciscans from the Nairobi area also joined us for the day. Two youth groups dramatized the effects of HIV/AIDS on their lives. They are educated about the cause and the need for prevention. She goes on the say that you are all in her thoughts and daily prayers. Tuesday January 16 pictures, click here. We had a very powerful session on the role of our Francisclarion Spirituality. Our presenter, Fr. Aldir Crocoli OFM Cap., integrated both St. Francis and St. Clare’s development of the Franciscan Spirituality. He discussed the psychological development of Francis and many of his events where he promoted peaceful reconciliation's to the Civil and Religious wars at that time. On our morning prayer on catching dreams; Sr. Mary Margaret Jackson, OSF, a Bernadine Franciscan, is leading us in prayer. The knots from the ribbons over the continents on the globe are untied symbolizing our desire for peace and reconciliation in our world. We also had an outing in Nairobi to enjoy the culture of the Kenyan. Some of us visited the giraffe sanctuary where they came up to be fed and are friendly with the visitors. In the assembly hall talented young people performed their dance and song. This picture is of the Masai tribe honoring the heroes of their people. Tomorrow we will visit specific ministries of our Franciscan Brothers and Sisters in the area. You were in my thoughts and prayers as you observed Martin Luther King's Birthday in the United States. Wednesday January 17 pictures, click here. Greetings from Nairobi! Today our prayer began with reflecting on the realities of our visits to a number of areas—the slums, HIV/AIDS programs, street children relational projects, rehabilitation schools, refugee projects and agricultural programs. We shared with other in the area, what was happening and why the situations existed. As Franciscan we considered what sort of assistance, care, action and nonviolent response would help to make this world a better place. I presented the report for our group. Of the three projects we visited. I would like to further describe the Hands of Love and Care Program which reaches children in primary and secondary schools. Thursday January 18 pictures, click here. The first picture shows us the entrance into the Primary Rehabilitation School in Kariobangi, were they all had to bend their heads to enter the school. The other pictures give us a glimpse of the structure of the school, their playground, the conditions of the streets and where their parents work and shop for food. The Behavior Change Process picture of Social worker Jane Mwaura displays charts for self awareness and behavior change, followed by a morning prayer reflecting The Canticle of the Creatures in the midst of the struggles of life. Monday January 22 pictures, click here. Dear Friends: Greetings from Kenya! Much has been happening these last few days. On Friday, we concluded our preparation for the World Social Forum with an interfaith group of religious leaders representing the Hindus, Moslems and Protestants. I was touched by how they presented their faiths and also tried to make correlations to the other’s beliefs about peace and compassion. The photo is of these ministers. For the evening social I was able to share the DVD on “The Prayer in Our Land.” The Franciscans enjoyed the DVD and were inspired by the ministries on the campus. They were delighted with the animals and the changes of seasons. The prayer brought them to a reflective stance. Saturday the World Social Forum official opened with processions to Nahuru Park. One was from the Cathedrals where Archbishop Desmond Tutu spoke. I participated in the other one which was from the Kibera, the worst slum area in Kenya. It was great to be a part of 2000 people walking about three miles with our banners and t-shirts with messages. There was much singing and playing of musical instruments. The photos are some of the scenes as we gathered near the Kibera area and processed to the park. The afternoon session in the park was filled with speakers, banners skits and music. La Bamba electrified the dancing. The photos catch a glimpse of the 30 thousand participants. There was some disappointment because they were expecting around 50 thousand people. On Sunday the World Social Forum began the session in the sports center. Our session “Embracing the Excluded of Africa” had about 100 very interested participants. Our presenters shared experiences about their work with HIV/AIDS and related this pandemic to poverty, healthcare and nutrition. The speakers spoke of their countries of Zambia, Uganda, and the efforts of Franciscan International, which addresses policies for human rights and right to life issues. Luckily, our dynamic speakers overcame the initial problem with lack of electricity until a generator could be connected for the PowerPoint slides and the sound system. Your concern for the people of Africa and your prayerful support mean much to me. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers these days. Dear Friends: Greetings from Nairobi and the World Social Forum! January 23, 2007 began with 150 people joining in prayer and reflections for persons who have died and who are living with HIV/AIDS. During this moving time, we heard witness stories of persons who have struggled against stigmas and discriminations. As a memory community action, participants were asked to write down on ribbons the names of individuals who have died from AIDS. We then processed to a tree that was secured by the Franciscan's booth. At this time and throughout these days people took some prayerful moments to remember their loved ones and to attach their names to the tree; which is pictured here. The forum is a blessed time. The events featured some very top notch speakers. I was particularly inspired by the Nobel Women's Initiative which was hosted in conjunction with the Green Belt Movement International. "Women Building a Better World," was an inspirational discussion by the three Nobel Prize Winners: Prof. Jody Williams of the United States, Prof. Wangari Maathai of Kenya and Dr. Shirin Ebadi of the Middle East. What an unforgettable event! These three women shared their vision to make this world free from the constant threat of violence against all of humanity and the environment. Afterwards they ceremonious planted fifteen trees on the complex to honor the Green Belt Movement. These dynamic women are pictured here. Another session for the day discussed whether or not Africa was a player or a spectator in the international trade market. Africa was described in both roles. On January 24, I received a paper from the Terravana, The Independent newspaper of the VII World Social Forum, only to find that I was quoted on the last page in an article "Curing Social ILLS": Have Faith in Faith. www.ipsterraviva.net. The article also pictures one of our young people from the Youth Alive Group sponsored by the Little Sisters of St. Francis. The Franciscans began the day at the forum with a prayer service in solidarity with the Green Belt Movement International. Persons were asked to make a commitment to plant 2 trees somewhere and to demonstrate that commitment by tying a green ribbon to the tree. Pictured here is the tree growing green with such promises. This day was exciting. In the sessions I participated in, I was impressed with how people challenged one another to take responsibility to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and to promote peace. Peace and all good, Sr. Sheila Kinsey, OSF Dear Friends, Greeting from Naivasha, Kenya and Upendo Village! These days have been full of good-byes and new beginnings. I would like to highlight some of these experiences. January 25. The World Social Forum (WSF) closed with much fanfare. The closing ceremony began with a procession from Kariobangi, the slum area I referred to in an earlier blog. It was at this park that Wangari Maathai, Nobel Peace Winner of Kenya, stopped the Kenyan government from converting this land into commercial property. The events included much singing, music and chanting for social concerns. In all 50, 000 persons participated in the WSF. Pictured here are some scenes from that closing. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and the challenges responsibilities we face in the United States. I understand different perspectives of our country from the experiences of this forum. For pictures, click here. January 26. The Franciscan Solidarity experience also concluded with memories of a good time shared by all. This was a rich time of bonding with one another and experiencing the culture of 23 different countries. We symbolized our solidarity with the blessing and the reception of the palm rings from Brazil. These trees are forever green because their roots are always able to find water. We also planted trees, which helped to create the sacred space for prayer and liturgy, on the property of the Little Sisters of St. Francis. Pictures show both the ring ceremony and the tree planting. January 27. Sr. Florence Muia, ASN, and Sr. Agnes took me to the construction site of the Upendo Village. I was amazed at the work being done. This will become a beautiful place for the persons living with HIV/AIDS and a gathering space for the local community and other visitors who desire to learn more about how to address the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Sr. Florence and the Sisters are recognized leaders in confronting this pandemic. The Wheaton Franciscans have been privileged to support the work of these Sisters. Pictures show the progress of the buildings. January 28. We visited the Hell’s Gate National Park located in Naivasha. Here we viewed the expansive power system that utilizes the power of the volcanic action underneath the surface of this area. Heat produces steam which in turn produces the water that helps to generate electricity. The park is also a place for wild animals. It was thrilling to see both a herd of giraffes and over two hundred zebras. Pictures show the park experience. Thanks for your prayers and support. You are so much a part of making this world a better place. Peace and all good, There have been many inspiring and touching moments while I visited the clients of Upendo Village. It was difficult to see the suffering but there were amazing stories of survival and hope because of the good care, ARV’s and nutritional supplements. Staff and clients are persons of deep faith. I will share only a few of these experiences. January 29. The day began with prayer which sustains the faith life and ministry of the staff. We prayed for the clients, especially the ones we were to see that day in the town area. We stopped by the nursery school where Patrick Losieku, age 5, was enrolled and stopped to talk with his teacher. We went onto contact Ann Mugure who has effectively monitored her health and has become a successful business woman. In the afternoon we visited Agnes Sialu, mother of two children who has been bed ridden since June of 2005. Prior to her current condition she worked in the local flower fields. (Pictures 1, 2, 3, 4). For pictures, click here. January 30. We had a delightful surprise with guests from the exhibit for the 1000 Women Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize who joined us for the day. Sr. Florence is one of these outstanding women. These people are doing a documentary on the nominees and wanted to take pictures and tape conversations of Sr. Florence’s work. Understandably, they were very moved by what they saw. On this day we traveled through very rural areas. We visited Susan Njeri, 37 years old, who is struggling to gain property rights of her mother’s land. We also stopped by the home of Michael Mwai and Zachery Mwai ages 24 and 22 respectively. They have been keeping the home together since the death of their father in 2001. Their mother died last June of AIDS as well. Three younger children are being supported by Upendo Village in a primary boarding school in Nairobi, directed by the Assumption Sisters of Nairobi. They come home to be with their brothers on their extended vacations. (Pictures 5, 6 and 7) January 31. This was a complete day of rest for me. Thank you for your prayerful support. Your interest in Upendo Village means a great deal to the staff and clients. Thursday February 8 pictures, click here. Dear Friends, Greetings from Kasarani, Kenya! I am in the midst of a very powerful experience with The Franciscans and Social Transformation Leadership Training Program being conducted in the Spiritual Center at Kasarani. Over 50 English speaking participants from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, Togo, Congo, China, India, Australia and the Philippines are engaged in this challenging and rewarding program. Our days are woven together in prayer and the sharing of our hopes and visions. On Thursday we will focus on responsible stewardship and Friday will conclude with our partnership and service of the world and creation. (Picture 8) Participants continue to remain enthused and ready to learn even with all of these full days. I think many good programs will result from these grace-filled days together. The time in Africa has been a specially gifted time for me. I am very grateful to my community, the Wheaton Franciscans for encouraging me to come to this continent. Peace and all good,
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