VISIT TO MISSIONARIES OF CHARITY HOME

Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa) is a Roman Catholic Religious Congregation located in Langata. The home cares for mentally and physically challenged.

On 12^th August, Nipe Sauti Africa team visited the home where the visit as scheduled to start at 8 am to 1 pm. Upon arrival we were warmly welcomed by some of the Mother Teresa sisters and little orientation was done before we were assigned various duties

Some of the duties included; washing clothes, cleaning around the home, helping in the preparation of meals and feeding the mentally and physically challenged. The feeding program started at around 11 which is their scheduled time for food.

Later on, there was entertainment which included singing and dancing led by the NSA team. We managed to involve some of them in the entertainment so that they do not feel left out. At around 12.30 pm we had to cut short the show since they had to go and sleep.

The NSA Team converged and presented a cheque of donation to one of the Sisters who received it on behalf of the entire organisation. She was so thankful in the name of the organization as a whole and briefly told us more about the home and other activities they have.

Our Chairman Mandela gave a brief vote of thanks and also introduced some new members. He also reminded us of the next charity event which is to take place on 20^th August at Nuru Day Care in Soweto Kibera.

It was a nice experience spending time at the home. We ended with a word of prayer and everyone left at their own pleasure.

By: Mandela C Sangura

BE REAL

They say it's darkest before dawn. I would like to tell you a story that I was told by a friend who was told by a friend  told by another."At the crack of dawn, the sun opens its eyes and it's dark....it is afraid of the dark too that  the more it raises the darkness goes away..." There, problem solved.

Now, I don't know how to put this across in a way that it doesn't sound like a cliche 'Be real, be yourself'.

Life gets messy sometimes, the going gets tough and tougher; Love gone sour,relationship and marriages issues, businesses ain't working right, loneliness, failure, demands and disappointments, sick,losing loved ones, just to mention but a few. 

 It is true, life gets messy but to all us, you not exceptional.

Some people gather strength and face their issues. I want to tell you that turning a blind eye on your issues won't help you neither will breaking down and crying do.

Pretending and being  unreal regarding your problem only worsens the situation.

Stop hiding behind that makeup, that bottle of beer, and behind that lie that  you have created in your mind.

Why am I telling you all these stories you might even forget where I started. The point is life won't be fair just because you are unrealistic reality will eventually slap you hard  in the face.

Start today open your eyes because inside you there is a solution. The first step to recovery is acceptance. Asking for help  doesn't mean you are a failure. Life is aGod's given gift.  Always be determine in cultivating your life because growth is a journey. Start now.

Be real, be yourself.

Author: Anne Muisyo

A HOME OF LOVE

A day like no other spend in a productive way is when you manage to see the sincere smile and laughter on the face of the less fortunate. They say its the little things that people do that matter the most, it's true.

Anne M. Muisyo

A cold rainy day at Langata Charity Missionary Center. I got there late though, joining Nipesauti Africa colleagues. Sarah, Diana and Susan are among the friends I made this day. Susan and 46 others are so excited to see us. They are so excited at the songs we sing and they laugh out loud. Thrilled despite being  restricted  to their wheelchairs some of them try to jump and clap. Looking at them can't help but see the sense of belonging, in fact, they are a family. My new friend Susan doesn't like her name " Susan si jina poa" she says. We chat a little and she is enchanting loves gospel music mostly Gloria Muliro's.

They all sing along the songs we sing and the laughter gets infectious.
We leave at 1am but a lot is in my mind and heart. Their warm welcome,
 constantly saying 'karibu', others asking when we will visit next and most importantly there sincerity and warmth in their laughter and hugs.
Charity missionary center Langata a kempt and peaceful place is the home for Susan,Sarah, Diana and the rest. A home of love and care.

By: Anne M. Muisyo

Experiences as told by a Volunteer

MY EXPERIENCE AT THE MISSIONARY OF CHARITY CENTRE LANGATA

My name is Mandela. Unlike other days, I woke up earlier than usual. My Bible was still in bed with me- at the same place I had left it the previous night. I scanned my eyes through the pages before my eyes rested on the book of 1st Peter 4:8 (KJV) ‘And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.’ "Is God speaking to me?" I thought out loudly. I realized that charity which is love covers very many sins. Man is fallible to sin. We can, therefore, erase these sins through acts of love or charity.  I want to share a story. I have organized and attended very many charity events. However I have found contentment and peace on the events I share stories, I do service or play.

Author: Mandela C Sangura

KITUI 
In March, I visited St Michaels' Primary School for the deaf school Kitui County. I learnt basic sign language but the problem came when we went for games. It took me time to adapt but the fun part was during the celebration, the screaming and the gestures involved.  The joy you see when they scored a goal could not be compared to the joy I had when I graduated. I wish I could clarify happiness, big or small.

MISSIONARY OF CHARITY
On 30th May, the Nipe Sauti Africa team visited the Missionary of Charity Centre in Langata. It was raining, but we had to attend the event. We were a group of 10 members including a 6yr and an 11yr old. We arrived at the centre at exactly 9:00am. The centre is located in the suburban of Nairobi City, Langata Constituency. It takes care of many handicapped people. I have been at this centre 4 times. The last time I assisted in the splitting firewood and kitchen chores.  I have never participated in the feeding. Because of the rains, there was little to do. The clothes had been washed, no splitting of firewood and a team that had been there and already cooked.

The dilemma was what would Nipe Sauti do? Only feeding? We were ready. We played games; Jump Rope/rope skipping we call it KATII. Some of the children joined us. It was fun because I could not even skip the rope 5 times while one of the disabled was able to skip more than ten times. They clapped happily as they cheered one of their own. When we realised they can clap happily we started singing. I was astonished to know that they knew a few Luhyia gospel songs. I sang my voice hoarse. You could think it was a competition. My prize was the happiness and joy they portrayed.  Some were struggling to clap, I went around helping them clap their hands. Some were just hitting their chairs using their backs. You could think it is painful but it was not. We sang until I could not lead anymore.

The most interesting part was feeding them. It was tough as what they did was smile, scream or shout. I picked one who had not shown any sign of screaming or clapping. She was totally handicapped. She could not move or talk. She was born like that. At first, I wanted to cry. I felt the pain and the disability. Born like that! I asked God within my heart, "How could you be unfair to them?" They could not move or feed themselves. The girl I was feeding could not chew her food. I felt like crying.

Next to me was Sister Emirata a Rwandese citizen. She could not communicate in Swahili. She told me that the kid I was feeding was called Nancy and that the children at that centre had a way of communicating to each other. They only understood each other. Whenever I did the wrong thing, Nancy's friend; Ann, corrected me. Sister Emirata was feeding Ann while I was feeding Nancy.

There are many things I have learnt and am a different person today. I will never forget my experience with Nancy and Ann. When you visit this centre at Langata pass my greetings to them.

Author:Mandela C Sangura
Edited by: Mwl. Nangabo