It has been great to spend this time at my mom's. She has a list of things for me to do - all of which are so easy for me - difficult for her - like pull out the stove so she can scrub behind it! All of my leftover possessions are stored neatly in "the shed". I have been struggling to pack everything for six months in one suitcase and a duffel bag (was that a movie?) I have a couple more opportunities to repack and see if I can cram all my stuff into them, and still be able to maneuver around London when I arrive.
I have a couple more dinners and gatherings to attend. It has been a great time and seems like I am leaving forever. I am told that 6 months goes very quickly! Not much else to report, now that the house has closed, all the related house things taken care of, and I left Kentucky for Milford. I CAN'T WAIT!
I'll try to update things a couple of times, either here (at Panera in Milford!) or from London or initially from Nairobi. Thank you - for everything ! !
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
anyone see my keys?
I use to loose my keys constantly. I could never find them. Then as I increased the number of keys needed at work, it became easier to find the big ring. Now the number of keys are dwindling to none! I gave away my work keys. Next go the car keys on Tuesday, the condo keys tomorrow, the mailbox keys tomorrow. That's about it. No worries, at least about loosing them.
Tonight is my last night sleeping in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The house closes tomorrow and then it is on to my mom's for the remaining days in the states. I'll have to do something symbolic tonight, though you would laugh if you saw my little bed (borrowed air mattress from Chris and Diane) and a pile of clothes. That's about all that remains. It looks pitiful but I love it. The place is calm, quiet, warm! and anticipating a new owner. I have lived here for five years. I remember friends back then, asking me what I would do with all my shoes, now that I moved to KY. It was a great space and served me and my kids very well. There are no regrets leaving it - none. I am so eager to get traveling and the excitement builds daily. God is good. Everything seems to be working out like clockwork and the timing is perfect.
The phone at the condo has been disconnected and my online connection will go dead tomorrow. I am hoping to hang at Panera, near my mom's, some mornings to get email updates until I go. I have some final "get-togethers" with people and am grateful for these last minute dinners and drinks. It is a sweet time in my life and I have only one word to describe my feelings - grateful.
Tonight is my last night sleeping in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The house closes tomorrow and then it is on to my mom's for the remaining days in the states. I'll have to do something symbolic tonight, though you would laugh if you saw my little bed (borrowed air mattress from Chris and Diane) and a pile of clothes. That's about all that remains. It looks pitiful but I love it. The place is calm, quiet, warm! and anticipating a new owner. I have lived here for five years. I remember friends back then, asking me what I would do with all my shoes, now that I moved to KY. It was a great space and served me and my kids very well. There are no regrets leaving it - none. I am so eager to get traveling and the excitement builds daily. God is good. Everything seems to be working out like clockwork and the timing is perfect.
The phone at the condo has been disconnected and my online connection will go dead tomorrow. I am hoping to hang at Panera, near my mom's, some mornings to get email updates until I go. I have some final "get-togethers" with people and am grateful for these last minute dinners and drinks. It is a sweet time in my life and I have only one word to describe my feelings - grateful.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Some Great Information
I received an email from a couple just returning from volunteering in Kitui. I can't tell you how excited I am to read of their experiences and advice. It was great information! I'll share excerpts below. I am also hoping to hear final word on the sale of the condo - hoping to close on Monday the 27th but, as always, there are a few glitches.
Here are some lines from the email:
"We had a great time in Kitui. Don’t worry if you get there and think you won’t be able to stick the basic conditions for 6 months, I arrived and decided I would challenge myself to do 1 month and then I was heading back to Nairobi! After a few days I felt completely at home and really enjoyed life there. We would both go back tomorrow.
Visits to Nairobi - You can get to Nairobi for a break away from the village whenever you decide to really as long as you organise a lift down there a week or so in advance with Nicholas, the project manager.
Water - When we were there we drank bottled water all the time and just used the standpipe water for washing. ( A drop of Dettol or similar in your washing water is a good idea just to kill any nasties!) We went through a 10 litre bottle of water every 2 days, but that was for two of us and that was when the weather was at its hottest. It wasn’t as hot when we left so we were changing the big water bottle every 3 days. Take as much water up there with you as you can physically fit in the truck because you can only buy it when you get a ride into Kitui town and as I said that isn’t guaranteed. The standpipe water up there has a very high salt content and we found it to be completely unpalatable, as did every other volunteer I know! The big water bottles when empty are also in big demand by the villagers as containers. As we left, the village was due to be connected to mains water which in theory should be drinkable, but I would still go prepared with bottled initially.
Phone - There is reception for cell phones in the Village so it won’t be a problem phoning your mum. You can also take your phone and charge it up at the administration block when you need to.
Work - I understand if you feel you might like a different experience to education which is exactly how I felt. However, it was my skills and experience in education which were very definitely needed and so that is what I did and I absolutely loved every minute of it. My role was as co-ordinator, not teaching, as kamba- speaking teachers are employed to teach. We met up with Sister Mary in England last week as she is over here at the moment on a visit and she tells me that they are about to double the number of classes at school as from September. I know they will desperately need a good organiser at school, and to me Ed you sound just the ticket! When the staff at school knew that you were coming to the village they became very excited at the thought of you being involved at school. We had just reached a point where we had nicely arranged all the current library books on new shelving we had the carpenter make, and 4,000 more were on their way over from America! One thing I hoped to establish before I left and didn’t have time to, was to put in place a proper library loan system where the children could borrow a book to take to their homes. (They absolutely love books but need training in the use and care of them.) The library was then going to be rehoused in the newly completed administration building that Jim built and which was only completed a few days before we left so there will be TONS of help needed at school. Have I done a good job selling it to you?! I hope so, it’s a wonderful place. To have such close contact with the children every day ( and Nyumbani is all about the children at the end of the day) is what the volunteers who worked on the farm etc. all said they wished they could have had more of. Jim and I loved the school and I make no apologies for giving you the hard sell, as it is very close to our hearts! The staff were lovely too, we had such good times together. Other types of work are general building and working on the farm in the main. Nicholas the project manager will advise you of any other projects they have in mind.
Stuff to Bring - Definitely a powerful flashlight and batteries, preferably back -up flashlights as well as you inevitably end up loaning them out to people. The quality of batteries you buy in Kitui is not great and they are expensive so either take them with you or buy them in Nakumat in Karen. Wind- up torches are really useful as the battery thing doesn’t matter then. It goes dark at around 6.30 to 7pm and it is DARK! We took candles and matches too which we found really helpful, you can get these in Karen. A mosquito net and anti -malarials of course as it is a malarial area. The food is plentiful but gets monotonous. We were never hungry and didn’t find it a problem, but we had taken some standby packet-pasta dishes, porridge oats and instant noodles etc. Chocolate and all kinds of goodies are available at the supermarket in Kitui should you get desperate! Breakfast tended to be just a slice of bread and margarine. If you want things like jam and peanut butter they are available in Kitui but you have to buy them yourself as thay are not provided in the guest house. Very milky tea is provided but not coffee so you’d need to take your own coffee and maybe tea bags. Fruit is available on the market in Kitui but again you have to buy it yourself if you want it. Shower is pour cold water over your head from a bucket, we bought our own plastic pouring jug and bucket in Nakumat and I am glad we did as buckets aren’t provided but come in very useful for all kinds of things, as do a couple of plastic washing up bowls. You are only supplied with one plastic bowl for washing. I’d take a few plastic clothes pegs and a length of clothes line. Also a pen knife and a knife for spreading eg peanut butter as you can’t find them anywhere in Kitui. A cup and plate and bowl is useful too. We bought a ccoking pot on the market which we found useful. Journal to record the amazing experiences you will have!
Clothes - It gets very hot so light cool clothes for the day plus a sweatshirt for night if it gets chilly or the mossies start to bite. The red dust gets everywhere so your whites won’t stay white for long! Hat essential. Gloves may be helpful if you are working on the farm. Comprehensive first aid kit including Cypro, and I’d recommend tea-tree oil as its great for fungal infections like ringworm, worked a treat for me. Toilet paper not provided, can buy in Kitui. Basically, everything is available in Nakumat, Karen which I wish I had known beforehand.
Critters! - There are snakes in Kitui which they don’t usually tell people about till they get there, but there are also snakes in Nairobi! It just means you ALWAYS need to use a flashlight at night as this is when they emerge and its not advisable to go walking through bush, stay to the paths. Scorpions are there, mainly encountered on the farm (but not in school!!). That’s about it for critters. There are lots of funny looking cricket spider things on the walls but they are completely harmless and quite cute.
Safari - You are advised to take a break maybe once a month, usually go down to Nairobi for the weekend. We did a trip to Masai Mara and Nakuru right at the end with them. Cheaper tented version which is quite basic but we loved Masai Mara, not sure I’d bother with Nakuru again.
You are going to have an amazing experience Ed. Enjoy every moment of it, it will go so quickly. The people in the village are so welcoming and friendly and the kids just great. Good luck with your final preparations Ed, it’s a busy old time isn’t it! Best wishes, Jean and Jim
Here are some lines from the email:
"We had a great time in Kitui. Don’t worry if you get there and think you won’t be able to stick the basic conditions for 6 months, I arrived and decided I would challenge myself to do 1 month and then I was heading back to Nairobi! After a few days I felt completely at home and really enjoyed life there. We would both go back tomorrow.
Visits to Nairobi - You can get to Nairobi for a break away from the village whenever you decide to really as long as you organise a lift down there a week or so in advance with Nicholas, the project manager.
Water - When we were there we drank bottled water all the time and just used the standpipe water for washing. ( A drop of Dettol or similar in your washing water is a good idea just to kill any nasties!) We went through a 10 litre bottle of water every 2 days, but that was for two of us and that was when the weather was at its hottest. It wasn’t as hot when we left so we were changing the big water bottle every 3 days. Take as much water up there with you as you can physically fit in the truck because you can only buy it when you get a ride into Kitui town and as I said that isn’t guaranteed. The standpipe water up there has a very high salt content and we found it to be completely unpalatable, as did every other volunteer I know! The big water bottles when empty are also in big demand by the villagers as containers. As we left, the village was due to be connected to mains water which in theory should be drinkable, but I would still go prepared with bottled initially.
Phone - There is reception for cell phones in the Village so it won’t be a problem phoning your mum. You can also take your phone and charge it up at the administration block when you need to.
Work - I understand if you feel you might like a different experience to education which is exactly how I felt. However, it was my skills and experience in education which were very definitely needed and so that is what I did and I absolutely loved every minute of it. My role was as co-ordinator, not teaching, as kamba- speaking teachers are employed to teach. We met up with Sister Mary in England last week as she is over here at the moment on a visit and she tells me that they are about to double the number of classes at school as from September. I know they will desperately need a good organiser at school, and to me Ed you sound just the ticket! When the staff at school knew that you were coming to the village they became very excited at the thought of you being involved at school. We had just reached a point where we had nicely arranged all the current library books on new shelving we had the carpenter make, and 4,000 more were on their way over from America! One thing I hoped to establish before I left and didn’t have time to, was to put in place a proper library loan system where the children could borrow a book to take to their homes. (They absolutely love books but need training in the use and care of them.) The library was then going to be rehoused in the newly completed administration building that Jim built and which was only completed a few days before we left so there will be TONS of help needed at school. Have I done a good job selling it to you?! I hope so, it’s a wonderful place. To have such close contact with the children every day ( and Nyumbani is all about the children at the end of the day) is what the volunteers who worked on the farm etc. all said they wished they could have had more of. Jim and I loved the school and I make no apologies for giving you the hard sell, as it is very close to our hearts! The staff were lovely too, we had such good times together. Other types of work are general building and working on the farm in the main. Nicholas the project manager will advise you of any other projects they have in mind.
Stuff to Bring - Definitely a powerful flashlight and batteries, preferably back -up flashlights as well as you inevitably end up loaning them out to people. The quality of batteries you buy in Kitui is not great and they are expensive so either take them with you or buy them in Nakumat in Karen. Wind- up torches are really useful as the battery thing doesn’t matter then. It goes dark at around 6.30 to 7pm and it is DARK! We took candles and matches too which we found really helpful, you can get these in Karen. A mosquito net and anti -malarials of course as it is a malarial area. The food is plentiful but gets monotonous. We were never hungry and didn’t find it a problem, but we had taken some standby packet-pasta dishes, porridge oats and instant noodles etc. Chocolate and all kinds of goodies are available at the supermarket in Kitui should you get desperate! Breakfast tended to be just a slice of bread and margarine. If you want things like jam and peanut butter they are available in Kitui but you have to buy them yourself as thay are not provided in the guest house. Very milky tea is provided but not coffee so you’d need to take your own coffee and maybe tea bags. Fruit is available on the market in Kitui but again you have to buy it yourself if you want it. Shower is pour cold water over your head from a bucket, we bought our own plastic pouring jug and bucket in Nakumat and I am glad we did as buckets aren’t provided but come in very useful for all kinds of things, as do a couple of plastic washing up bowls. You are only supplied with one plastic bowl for washing. I’d take a few plastic clothes pegs and a length of clothes line. Also a pen knife and a knife for spreading eg peanut butter as you can’t find them anywhere in Kitui. A cup and plate and bowl is useful too. We bought a ccoking pot on the market which we found useful. Journal to record the amazing experiences you will have!
Clothes - It gets very hot so light cool clothes for the day plus a sweatshirt for night if it gets chilly or the mossies start to bite. The red dust gets everywhere so your whites won’t stay white for long! Hat essential. Gloves may be helpful if you are working on the farm. Comprehensive first aid kit including Cypro, and I’d recommend tea-tree oil as its great for fungal infections like ringworm, worked a treat for me. Toilet paper not provided, can buy in Kitui. Basically, everything is available in Nakumat, Karen which I wish I had known beforehand.
Critters! - There are snakes in Kitui which they don’t usually tell people about till they get there, but there are also snakes in Nairobi! It just means you ALWAYS need to use a flashlight at night as this is when they emerge and its not advisable to go walking through bush, stay to the paths. Scorpions are there, mainly encountered on the farm (but not in school!!). That’s about it for critters. There are lots of funny looking cricket spider things on the walls but they are completely harmless and quite cute.
Safari - You are advised to take a break maybe once a month, usually go down to Nairobi for the weekend. We did a trip to Masai Mara and Nakuru right at the end with them. Cheaper tented version which is quite basic but we loved Masai Mara, not sure I’d bother with Nakuru again.
You are going to have an amazing experience Ed. Enjoy every moment of it, it will go so quickly. The people in the village are so welcoming and friendly and the kids just great. Good luck with your final preparations Ed, it’s a busy old time isn’t it! Best wishes, Jean and Jim
Friday, August 17, 2007
Audio Clips on Nyumbani's Beginnings
Sr. Mary Owens has worked in Kenya for 30 years, and has been a senior official at the Nyumbani Institute since its inception. She is now the Director and tells intriguing stories of the history of Nyumbani and helping these children to find hope. I hope you are able to listen to some of these clips from 2005. When Real Player prompts pop up - I cancel or exit and they play. Good luck.
Introduction & History of Nyumbani
The First Child
Life is Hope
Disclosure
Discrimination
Stories
Introduction & History of Nyumbani
The First Child
Life is Hope
Disclosure
Discrimination
Stories
Almost Two Weeks
I received a kind email from Jim and Jean Hunt, a couple who just returned to the UK from the Nyumbani Village. They offered their assistance with any questions and concerns I have as I pack up for Kenya. I sent a list of questions and can't wait for their response. They sound like fine people and they thoroughly enjoyed their time in the Village working with the school.
Here is an interesting article on Pollution Solutions in Kibera
I also made contact with a couple other folks in the UK - Jeremy Hunt MP - Member of Parliament and initiator of funding for the school in the Village via Hotcourses Foundation. I also got to hear from my British Airways pilot, who I met on my first trip. I hope to see both these English guys when they come on one of their visits to Nyumbani.
Here is an interesting article on Pollution Solutions in Kibera
I also made contact with a couple other folks in the UK - Jeremy Hunt MP - Member of Parliament and initiator of funding for the school in the Village via Hotcourses Foundation. I also got to hear from my British Airways pilot, who I met on my first trip. I hope to see both these English guys when they come on one of their visits to Nyumbani.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Treasure vs. Heart
The Sunday readings were perfect - once again.
"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance;he went out, not knowing where he was to go. By faith he sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise;for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and maker is God. " Hebrews 11:
"Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be." Luke 12:
OK so the Father is pleased to give us the Kingdom. A gift . . . . to be seen and experienced by selling belongings, going out and looking forward to coming upon a city whose architect and maker is God. Very cool.
"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance;he went out, not knowing where he was to go. By faith he sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise;for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and maker is God. " Hebrews 11:
"Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be." Luke 12:
OK so the Father is pleased to give us the Kingdom. A gift . . . . to be seen and experienced by selling belongings, going out and looking forward to coming upon a city whose architect and maker is God. Very cool.
By Thomas Merton:
"The Gospel is handed down from generation to generation but it must reach each one of us brand new, or not at all. If it is merely “tradition” and not news, it has not been preached or not heard - it is not Gospel…. If there is no risk in revelation, if there is no fear in it, if there is no challenge in it, if it is not a word which creates whole new worlds, and new beings, if it does not call into existence a new creature, our new self, then religion is dead and God is dead." Source: Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander
Interesting Web Info on Kenya HERE
Friday, August 10, 2007
Fun Friday
I had a great Friday. Not only was the temperature a little cooler but I got to talk with the Sisters at Holy Family Home - St. Anne's Convent. I also got to have lunch with my favorite Sister of Divine Providence! Thanks to all the sisters for their hospitality and support.
I received word that my condo passed the Whole Home Inspection - no fixes needed or written into the contract. The last hurtle will be the buyer's home, which also needs to pass an inspection for their buyers. So far so good and hope to hear the final answer soon.
Another bit of good news - my "favorite" insurance provider (which was going to charge me 8 co-pays for 30 malaria pills) had a computer glitch. After an hour and a half on the phone, the representative on the end of the line ok'd the prescription for one co-pay! Yeah! Every little bit helps. I threatened to catch malaria and then Anthem would be out some big bucks to heal me!
I received word that my condo passed the Whole Home Inspection - no fixes needed or written into the contract. The last hurtle will be the buyer's home, which also needs to pass an inspection for their buyers. So far so good and hope to hear the final answer soon.
Another bit of good news - my "favorite" insurance provider (which was going to charge me 8 co-pays for 30 malaria pills) had a computer glitch. After an hour and a half on the phone, the representative on the end of the line ok'd the prescription for one co-pay! Yeah! Every little bit helps. I threatened to catch malaria and then Anthem would be out some big bucks to heal me!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
It's hot!
Things are "moving" along. Today I had my last doctor's appointment - I hoped to get prescriptions squared with the insurance company. What a joke! I got a call saying they would not approve my 30 malaria pills (take one a week). Finally they approved it but I have to pay the co-pay 8 times instead of just the one time for 30 pills. I also went to some of the stores to use up some gift cards. It was so strange to see everyone school shopping and I was buying sunscreen, hat, sandals, insect repellent!
The inspection on the houses are tomorrow. I am assuming they will go well and things will be finalized for the closing on the 27th of this month. Now it is all about getting the furniture etc. moved out to friends and relatives. I hope to spend my last week in the country at my mom's. The cell phone goes off on the 13th - just so ya know.
I am also looking forward to getting some relief from the heat! Nairobi temps have been around 70 degrees in the day and 50 at night. Nairobi is a higher altitude. I know it will be hotter in the village in the months to come. This heat and lack of rain is good practice!
Sr. Mary, the Director of Nyumbani, wrote to congratulate me on the sale of the house. She will be traveling in various countries fundraising when I arrive. She will spend a couple months away, ending up in Washington D.C.
The inspection on the houses are tomorrow. I am assuming they will go well and things will be finalized for the closing on the 27th of this month. Now it is all about getting the furniture etc. moved out to friends and relatives. I hope to spend my last week in the country at my mom's. The cell phone goes off on the 13th - just so ya know.
I am also looking forward to getting some relief from the heat! Nairobi temps have been around 70 degrees in the day and 50 at night. Nairobi is a higher altitude. I know it will be hotter in the village in the months to come. This heat and lack of rain is good practice!
Sr. Mary, the Director of Nyumbani, wrote to congratulate me on the sale of the house. She will be traveling in various countries fundraising when I arrive. She will spend a couple months away, ending up in Washington D.C.
More to come.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Condo news
As of 8:30 pm last night, the sale of my condo is officially "pending"! That is great news but we all know the deal isn't done until the closing. There are contingencies and inspections on both my place and the buyer's. But . . .if all goes well, the condo will close on August 27th. I will need to be out by then. Great timing eh? Honestly I had no doubts that it would/will sell. It's a great place at a terrific price. So I head to early mass this morning to thank God for answering so many prayers. Thanks to friends and family too, for your prayers, St. Joseph statues, love and support!
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
34 Days
OK, got checked out at the dermatologist, got malaria pills to try out, got a tooth pulled (ouch), got health insurance, extended car lease until the beginning of September. I head to Dr. for final checkup on Thursday. I have my plane tickets etc. so I think I am set for September 4th departure. Still need to sell the condo. Tell your friends - Jane Aschraft-West with REMAX. There are some nibbles and the price is right so I am confident that it will eventually find a buyer.
I have laid around now for about a day and a half due to the tooth issue. Relaxing is getting old but the pain is getting better. I'll try to walk in the heat a bit today - gearing up for Kenya. I have also received some great cards and letters from friends and well-wishers. Eventually I will switch my mailing address to my mom or my daughter and the cell phone goes off in a couple of weeks. The Nyumbani address can be found HERE.
Nyumbani asks: ** Please do not send large parcels to Nyumbani through the post office. The Customs duties are cost prohibitive. Please send an email to info@nyumbani.org for more details on shipping to Nyumbani.
I will not be able to receive mail at the Village in Kitui but may be able to get cards, letters etc. sent to Nyumbani when I come back to the Children's Home in Nairobi to visit.
Donations are still needed and can still be made through IHM School. The school will forward them on to my daughter and then on to me. Thanks! More later.
INTERESTING ARTICLE on FARMING IN KENYA
I have laid around now for about a day and a half due to the tooth issue. Relaxing is getting old but the pain is getting better. I'll try to walk in the heat a bit today - gearing up for Kenya. I have also received some great cards and letters from friends and well-wishers. Eventually I will switch my mailing address to my mom or my daughter and the cell phone goes off in a couple of weeks. The Nyumbani address can be found HERE.
Nyumbani asks: ** Please do not send large parcels to Nyumbani through the post office. The Customs duties are cost prohibitive. Please send an email to info@nyumbani.org for more details on shipping to Nyumbani.
I will not be able to receive mail at the Village in Kitui but may be able to get cards, letters etc. sent to Nyumbani when I come back to the Children's Home in Nairobi to visit.
Donations are still needed and can still be made through IHM School. The school will forward them on to my daughter and then on to me. Thanks! More later.
INTERESTING ARTICLE on FARMING IN KENYA
Francis in a birdbath
"History eventually turns itself upside down. In the moment, the saint is never understood. So we had best be careful whom we name saint and devil. We had best listen because sometimes saints come in ways we are not prepared for. Francis wanted one thing above everything else: the poor Jesus. So he went to the caves, dressed in the ragged tunic and let the people call him foolish. Even in his age he saw the importance of being poor. He saw how the Church was being destroyed by its own riches. Above all else Francis stands for love, but love that empties itself, love that is so secure that it can be poor. It can let go of its reputation, securities, money. Francis in every age will be called the little poor man. He was free enough to be poor. He named his community “the brothers of the lower class” (friars minor). He changed sides intentionally: Today we call that taking a “preferential option for the poor.” We Americans stand for the upper class on this earth. Let us ask for ourselves and for our country the gift of poverty, the freedom to be poor. If we have not heard that, we have not heard Francis. All the rest is sentimentality – “birdbath Franciscanism.” On Pilgrimage - Richard Rohr
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