Sister Kathryn, one of the Adrian Dominican sisters, at St. Clare (pictured above with one of the St. Clare girls) offers some wonderful thoughts about the girls at St. Clare.  She says, “They are the heart of this thriving community.  They embody the love and trust that continues to call forth the best that each of us [the four Adrian Dominican sisters] has to offer.  In response to them, Sister Christa counsels individuals, small groups and teachers to work through their pain and troubled spots.  Sister Maurine has drawn from their souls incredible works of art with the simplest of materials and even when they and others think that real art is not possible.  Sister Renee, along with a group, “the garden club,” has created a beautiful and productive shamba (garden) that surrounds our home.  These girls who have endured such suffering, such deprivation and poverty in their lives, have learned to expect nothing, demand nothing, and yet their very presence invites people into their lives even if for just a little while.  They have accepted and loved us, though we are white.  They love in spite of all the abandonment they have faced.  They also have learned to hope and believe that if they can focus, study, get an education, they will be able to make a better life for themselves and for Kenya.  They talk of being the future leaders of Kenya, and it thrills my heart, for I believe that some of them will be just that.”

Pictured from left to right are Sisters Christa, Renee and Maurine.