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We are beginning a new mission in Homa Bay in Western Kenya. This used to be a busy port, but 9 years ago much of the shoreline became hemmed in by thick green water hyacinths, reducing the income of the people. 2 million residents live in the area; 400,000 are Catholic. Sisters Gaudencia Wanyoni, Christine Kivungi, and Mien Leistra have been studying the local language. They are focusing on community-based health care, and working with women and youth. They also plan to offer Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) services for HIV/AIDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Two of our Sisters in Peru are reaching out in a special way to mentally and physically challenged children and their families. In Arequipa, Sister Pat Gootee has been working mainly with children with cerebral palsy. In Bocanegra, Sister Christianne Gadiot, along with a volunteer in her parish, has been trying to bring the families of special needs children together. Now, most of the children can go to a special school and receive adequate treatment. The parents meet once a month to share their problems, and help each other to identify solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saturday, April 22nd, is the 36th celebration of Earth Day. In every nation in which we are in mission, Medical Mission Sisters are now more conscious of the ecological dimension of health and healing, and more aware of the impact of our choices and decisions on the well-being of the community of life. The Earth Day Network is launching a 3-year "Climate Change Solutions Campaign." For more information, please visit: www.earthday.net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sister Lucy Kavukatt operates the herbal department at Holy Family Hospital in Mandar, Jharkand, India. She lives among the indigenous people in Kamati village, where a rich diversity of foods, herbs, and fruits are available. She is active in the Gram Sabha (village assembly) movement for self-rule, and is part of the National Campaign for Survival and Dignity to empower indigenous communities to reclaim ownership over natural resources.
April 15,
2006
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