Loyola @ Loyola

Today, I had the opportunity to meet someone that I have been corresponding with for the last year: Fr. Pete Henriot, SJ, who is directing the development of Loyola High School in Malawi.

Fr. Henriot's story is an inspiring one and it was good to hear him share it with those of us who gathered for lunch at Ignatius House here at Loyola University Chicago. After starting the Center of Concern in DC and working for almost two decades there, he moved to Zambia to begin work. Among the fruits of his labours is the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection. Among the projects that has most impressed me is the basic needs basket project.

As I mentioned, we've been in email correspondence about how to manage to infuse a Jesuit ethos in new schools. With a vision like his, they won't have such a difficult time in Lilongwe, I'm sure. Not sure how it is said in Chichewa, but given common Bantu origins it can't be so different from Kiswahili: Mungu akubariki! God bless you, Pete.

My Kinda Town...

Chicago is. I arrived early this evening at O'Hare, where I was greeted by my novice classmate, Fr. Brian Paulson, SJ, the rector of the Jesuits at Loyola University Chicago.

A new chapter begins.

Transition

I am enjoying a week's sojourn in London as I make my way back to the United States.

The Jesuits here at the Clapham residence (Garnet House) have been very welcoming. On Tuesday night I had a chance to meet 3 of the 4 Heythrop students who will be visiting Dodoma this summer, and last night I had a chance to catch up with Martin Waweru Kamau, who had been a Jesuit regent at SPCHS and his now completing a degree in educational leadership here in London.

A lot of time just spent walking around. I did try to go to the Damian Hirst exhibtion at the Tate Modern but judged the crowds of middle school students from the Continent as not providing the best conditions for viewing, so I'll return there tomorrow.

Today I head to catch up with folks at Heythrop College.

Mungu ni Mwema!

Those were the words of Sister Maria, the director of boarding at SPCHS, when she wrote to inform me that Veronica the lost cow had been found. Indeed, God is good. It seems that Veronica found some companions and joined up with them -- a few kilometres in a direction that we did not imagine she had travelled.

May she have a long and healthy life at SPCHS/OLQP!

Moo!

Our cow Mary had a calf, named Irish, at 6 a.m. on Tuesday. Irish is very healthy -- she was on her feet in moments and was soon hopping about. There are three more on the way! Thanks to all who were part of the Holy Cows! fundraiser in Toledo -- you've made a great difference!

mzima kabisa!

Parents of St. Peter Claver High School

There is now a school website (still partially under construction).

Heri ya Pasaka!

Happy Easter. Here is one of the most poignant depictions of the victory of our God. It is a mosaic of the resurrection at San Marco, Venice.

Sharing the Burden

Please take a few moments to read this on-line article about the "white man's burden."

The author concludes thusly:

But the trick for aid organizations that want to sustain commitment and work effectively with the developing world is to ensure that the sense of empowerment among their supporters doesn't involve a feeling that aid recipients are powerless. The message -- and the truth -- is that aid works when it supports people in the developing world in their immense, ongoing, and incredibly successful efforts to make their own lives better.

I am proud of the Eastern Africa Jesuits and proud to have been part of the inauguration of a school that truly captures the best sort of empowerment here.

Snake Obsession

I've probably posted more stories about snakes here than anyone wants to read! But I cannot let this one go, for it is truly amazing.

As I found out yesterday: Not only do we have cobras and puff adders, we also have pythons. Big pythons.

Ng'ombe amepotea

I was wrong in referring to the lost cow as Crystal. Crystal had the naming rights and she did not name the cow after her self! She named the cow Veronica.

And Veronica is still missing. We hope she didn't cross the road on to the military base, Flamingo Camp, because if she did, she is at this point quite literally dead meat.

Her friend Mary is ready to deliver any day -- I am hoping it is before Thursday when I will be leaving Dodoma. Her udder is full, so I am guessing it will be in the next day or so.

Ng'ombe Wamefika!

The cows have arrived!

This is a great "going away gift" for me because the agricultural aspect of our project is important to me because it will help us to be self-sufficient.

The cow shed is being built with help benefactors of the Upper Midwest Jesuits and my Connell cousins, and the funds for the livestock (not only the five cows we've started with but -- soon -- pigs, chickens, and rabbits were provided by my siblings and friends).

Moo!


This last picture foretold what was to follow. Those are two students who are staying on during the break because they'll be attending a Catholic youth congress here in Dodoma. I enlisted their help when the cows ran this afternoon. There is one, Crystal by name, who is high-strung -- if she hears any unfamiliar noise, she bolts. This afternoon the other followed her, ending up near the Jesuit residence, where Moses and Methodius were eating with us.

I say it foretold what was to follow because Crystal bolted this evening -- REALLY BOLTED. Our Maasai cow tender and his friend who had JUST arrived to start the job raced after her, but after an 1.5 hours and darkness falling failed to get her. We've reported the missing cow to the village, and will check tomorrow.

(Incidentally, that's Crystal in the first picture looking a little on edge.) Wish us luck on the capture!