Culture: Respect for Our Past as We Look to Our Future

As Maureen mentioned here are some additional pictures from yesterday.

Procession before the Liturgy of the Word

 

First Reading at Mass

 

Drums leading to the dedication of the Charles Howard Park

 

And pictures from our time at Bomas...

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is interesting to me that despite the colonization that took place in Africa, people retained their customs and language.  In Kenya we saw that there are even distinct regional dances and customs.  What is the message for us?  Perhaps as we look at what it means to be "new" we need to make sure that we respect and preserve the traditions that are at our core.

And here is a quote to consider as we continue our discussion of what it means to be "New Marists in Mission".

For it's not light that is needed, but fire; it's not the gentle shower, but thunder. We need the storm, the whirlwind and the earthquake in our hearts.

— Frederick Douglass

workday/rest dayI

Saturday here in Nairobi was a challenging work day, full of important questions about brothers and lay, working together in communion.  Presentations, small groups, and large group processing drained my brain.  All good stuff...just lots to think about.

After dinner, though, we headed out to the garden for the Hakuna Matata party - a chance to let off a little steam.

Today, Sunday, was a "rest day".  We had breakfast at 8 instead of 7:15, went to Mass at the MIC, which was quite a celebration with great music, drumming, dance.  We then took part in a tree planting ceremony there at the MIC, followed by a picnic lunch.

THEN, we went to Bomas of Kenya - a place to see traditional villages of the various tribes of Kenya, plus dance and acrobatic performances of the many cultures here.

I think Br. Steve will have some better photos of the dancers.  Plus you can check the champagnat.org website and click on assembly or go to facebook page nairobi2014 to see lots of good pix.

Our first week is complete - many great memories, lots of good work, great conversations, beautiful prayer services...Marists do it right!