Posts Tagged ‘friends’

Continuing his journey in Pennsylvania,  Father Riwa visited in Philadelphia.  While in Philadelphia, Father Riwa visited Old St. Joseph Parish, the oldest parish in the United States.  Father wanted to learn about the Friends, Faith and Food Program where Old St. Joseph Parish provides a hot meal for people caught in difficult times.   Father was so impressed with the manner with which the guests of the program were treated “with dignity.”    Old St. Joseph Parish, with Walt Clayton running the program, organizes the Friends, Faith and Food program.  Behind the scenes, is Merridi (pictured above with Father Riwa), who is the manager and all around up-front, “hands on guy.”     

Father Riwa is joined by John Trombore (a very active member of Old. St. Joseph,who traveled with Bud and Sue Ozar the first year they took a group to Kenya) , and Mike Connolly whose family prepared a supper the night before.

On his last evening in “Philly” Father Riwa spent his time at Old St. Joseph Parish where 40-50 people attended.  Many of those attending are present donors plus new people interested in hearing about the miracle of St. Clare Centre also came.  A spirited evening, it included several good questions and a great deal of interest in St. Clare Centre.  In addition, the Old St. Joe’s Young Adult Community from the parish made a commitment to assist in some way.  Their youthful spirit and energy added a level of excitement.  Pictured below are Father Riwa, and Mike and Peggy Connolly who hosted the travelers at their home in Philadelphia and who provided the hospitality, food and beverages for the evening.

St. Clare lost a friend and a benefactor this week when Beatrice Antonietti died in a car accident in Switzerland.

Mama Beatrice was a woman of extraordinary energy and compassion. Each year she visited the Children’s Village and spent her time with the children.  She treated them to adventures such as trips to the Indian Ocean, camping and to game parks, a treat which most Kenyans never enjoy.  She was the sponsor for many of the children and encouraged her friends and family in Switzerland to become sponsors.

At the time of her death, her bags were packed and her ticket purchased for a return to the Children’s Village.

We and the children will remember her as a powerful woman whose infectious smile and sense of humor were enjoyed by all.

Mama Beatrice, we know you have returned home to theLord. No longer is distance a problem for you. No obstacle can impede your love and commitment to the children at the Children’s Village. We will miss your encompassing smile, your warmth, your hugs and your understanding. But we know you are not far and we can always turn to you.

Sarah Wachiru is the administrator at St. Clare and she writes:

“Its really  a great loss to us and especially to the girls, She had a personal touch with the girls, and whenever she was visiting, she would bring with her gifts  like dolls, teddy bears, caps, candies and spend all her days with the girls, chatting, giving them stories. She would wait under the Mango tree for hours until the girls were out of their classes and the little ones sat on her laps. the girls were always assured of a trip every time she visited. She had planned to visit this September but God had his plans. We know that she is resting with the Lord.”

With you at our side as our patron and guide, we will do great things. Mama Beatrice, rest in peace.

The 6^th grade students at Seneca Middle School in Clinton Township, Michigan heard a presentation about the Children’s Village and decided they could help. They brainstormed ideas and decided selling snacks and accessories at school would be the most effective. They were able to raise $480 to sponsor a young girl at St. Clare.

                                                     They wrote:

“Since Mrs. Ozar visited our school and shared the many stories of Fr. Riwa’s schools, we have been collecting and raising funds to help out. We are continuing to raise more funds, but we wished to send our first contribution so that you know that you have a new group of friends United States who are working to assist you. Sincerely, Your Seneca Middle School Friends.”

Mrs. Karen Lizza, a teacher at Seneca commented: “It is amazing how many ideas and creations our students continue to come up with to earn money for the girls’ school. From candy sales to bows, bags, purses, and wallets made from duct tape, to locker decorations, they have spent much time at home and on their lunch periods creating things to sell. It has been wonderful to watch!”

Sue Morgan, a California school teacher, visited St. Clare last year and noticed “they had a library room but very few books.” Morgan returned home to inspire the Glenview and Joaquin Miller Elementary Schools in Oakland CA to gather books “extra books at home” for the St. Clare library.

Morgan was thrilled with the results but saw a hurdle when she realized how much it would cost to ship the books. To solve this problem, she turned to Jeff Funk, Oakland operations manager for DHL, a company with a commitment to charitable contributions.

DHL liked the idea and agreed to cover the $1,500 in shipping costs. “It helped the morale of our people because it came out of Oakland and it fit our global initiative which is to Go Teach,” Funk said. “It was an opportunity to help spread some knowledge with a book drive and we felt we’d like to be a part of that.”

After the boxes were loaded on the truck, the children were told that the books would arrive in Kenya “in just two or three days.”

We are pleased to announce a re-release of our website.  Our goals are to provide current information on all that is happening at the Children’s Village and to encourage your continued support. Enjoy the new website.

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