For the 12th year in a row, parishioners from St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Santa Monica, California have traveled in July on a Ministry Trip to their sister parish Holy Cross Parish in Dandora – Nairobi, Kenya. The past four years the dynamic  Monsignor Lloyd Torgerson and his group have taken dollies and teddy bears made by Dollies Making A Difference to the children at St. James Parish’s Baby Class (age 3 and 4). Here is what one parishioner had to say about the visit:
“We had a very busy and fun-filled day today! St. James Parish School was celebrating their Feast Day and had many celebrations planned. Mass was an extravaganza! There were dancers, instruments, singing, clapping, and everything you could imagine. Three different groups of children had choreographed dancing up and down the aisles during specified times. Even the little nursery school students did some dancing, with the help of their teachers of course. Many of the songs were in Swahili or a combination of Swahili and English. Even without knowing the words it is a joyful experience.
After mass we were treated to a show by the students. Different grades had prepared an assortment of entertainment pieces for us. Some students played drums, others sang or recited poems, and many danced. Several times the children came into our area and guided us to the middle where we danced with them. I’m sure trying to dance their traditional Kenyan dances amused the older children.
Once lunch was over, Chris, Monsignor, and I handed out fabric dollies and teddy bears to the Baby Class. Wow, are they precious! These little three- and four-year olds basically mobbed Monsignor and me as they clambered over and grabbed at their new toys. I wish I could have stayed longer and played dollies with them, but there were more festivities to attend.”
Of note, Dollie Ambassador Jill Tabit, who has taken dollies in years past to Dandora, had something very special to celebrate on this trip. Her proud husband Mark tells us:
“In three years since Jill first walked through the slums and garbage dumps of the Dandora area of Nairobi, Kenya, ground was finally broken to build a maternity ward, so that babies can be born into a clean environment and mothers will not be subjected to disease.
Today was the ribbon cutting and groundbreaking for the new Brother Andre Maternity Ward. Jill has been instrumental in getting this project going and it was extra special for her to share the ribbon cutting with our son Justin, and Monsignor Torgerson. Next, instead of a symbolic shovel for the groundbreaking, Jill went into the front loader and scooped up the dirt. No one needed to worry about Jill being at the wheel of such a powerful machine – she did great!”
 “To Give is to Receive”
Should you be interested in learning more about St. Monica’s 2014 Mission Trip to Kenya, visit the wonderful blogpost: http://smcckenya.blogspot.com/