A Dominican Walk Through Kenya (Part 1)

“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:23

In Africa, stories have been used for centuries to teach and pass down life lessons. As I think about the ways I encountered God’s goodness and mercy in Kenya, I naturally want to tell you a story. Spoken from my lived experience with my Dominican brothers, I hope this story will help you see some wonderful examples of God’s truth, purity, and graciousness. Life is a journey, an adventure with Christ, and I am glad to recount some of that for you now.

After planning for months back at the House of Studies (Studium) in St. Louis, getting a passport, vaccines, and all the rest, I was assured that the trek from my home in Texas to Kenya was finally underway when the plane lifted into the air. My packed bag was somewhere in the cargo, as I sat with a sense of expectation at what was to come. Africa. Wow! It is a very long way away, I thought, as I prepared for the journey across the ocean, still fresh from the end of the semester in St. Louis at the Studium and my time at home with my family. The plan was to meet Br. Peter Lewitzke, O.P. and Br. Augustine Santoro, O.P. at the London Airport before flying together to Nairobi, Kenya. Sure enough, Peter walked up to me from among the crowd as I was sipping some British tea at a local shop. Fast forward through a long flight with details too mundane for this journal and soon enough, we were driving up to the front gate of the Priory, located outside of Nairobi.

With “Hakuna Matata” as one of our only Swahili phrases coming into the trip, “Karibu” (meaning welcome) was, perhaps, the next word we learned. As Augustine, Peter, and I made the adjustment to a new land, the brothers poured out a generous amount of hospitality upon us. It is fascinating how little things can make someone feel appreciated.

For example, we felt welcomed when Fr. Tesha offered us food and talked with us at the table after picking us up late from the airport. We were assured that the brothers were willing to teach us to be Kenyans when Br. Charbel brought us out to the local market. We knew that our brothers were looking out for us when Br. Andama told us how much to pay for a fair rate on the public matatu bus system (and for watermelons). We felt included in the endeavors at the house when Br. Kawooya took time to show us his art projects. We also knew that we would meet many wonderful people when Br. Wataka, Br. Sese, Br. Alfred, and Br. Benedict began taking us to their respective ministry sites.

There are many moments, as I am just selecting a few highlights now. Let’s see. Fr. Joseph Mary going together to visit the giraffes, buffalo, ostriches, and impalas of the National Park. Fr. Wiseman sharing his love for hatching chickens. Br. Bram and Br. Richard taking time to chat with us around the halls of the Priory. Br. Jordan and Br. Feliciano staying up to watch the historic lunar eclipse with us in July. Fr. John sharing many lively conversations around the table. And these, just to name a few. The fact that little acts of generosity make a big impact is something that I knew coming in, but I am thankful that it was confirmed for me in so many ways through the generosity of my brothers here.