I was very nervous about coming to Irundu and if I'm honest I wasn't looking forward to it. This of course was due to Mummy dying 2 weeks prior to our departure. But Daddy and Fr James encouraged me that Mummy would have wanted me to still go, and if anything it would certainly take my mind off things.
As soon as we arrived in Irundu, a very rural community well off the beaten track, I was made to feel loved and supported. Fr Stephen ( I wish I could have taken him home with me!) was so kind, immediately telling me how sorry he was and how he had been saying prayers and would continue to do so. Sr Julian was also very kind offering her prayers.
Having already spent 4 months in Kenya with a project for HIV orphans in an orphanage in Nairobi and 1 month in a rural project where I was the only 'Mzungo' (white person) I thought I knew what to expect. However I was wrong. Fr Stephen was so much more than I had expected from my previous experiences of African clergy. He was and is a truly inspiring and faithful person 100% committed to his flock. He has so many ideas on how to better the lives of those in his parish and is utterly selfless in his approach.
We experienced so many joyful aspects of the parishioners' lives. What struck me (as in Kenya) was how happy everyone was even though they had almost nothing. Such strong, unquestioning faith.
I now stay on with Zoe for a week to see a bit more of Uganda. Having been very protected in Irundu I now find myself back in reality and am daunted. Zoe has been my rock in this difficult time away from home, making me laugh, giving me hugs and lending a listening ear. Thankyou Zoe you are a wonderful friend.
On my return to the UK I look forward to taking on the challenge of supporting Irundu for the long term, feeling guided by Mummy in the way that she gave everything to others. Her famous coffee mornings will live on!
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