Me (Trying my best to) Finding You as You Always Find Me

The King welcoming me back :)

It felt surreal, stepping out of Kenyatta airport and driving by the once familiar animal sculptures as we head towards the city centre.  I thought that had things worked out as they should, this would have been home for the family for the past 4 years – just what my contract then had stipulated.  This year, could have been “review” year to check if it would still be relevant as a work-base.  But then, pandemic happened and the rest is history. 

Yesterday was Pentecost Sunday. Before coming here, I knew I would have to try to attend an actual Mass.  I’ve reminded the children to make sure to do so as well.  Was happy they did. In my case, it was a bit eventful.  As seems to be my usual when traveling. 

Despite traveling for more than 24 hours, I immediately checked for Catholic churches near me and the schedule of Masses. I thought I could go to Kileleshwa, as I did in the past but the website advised it is already closed.  I came across The Holy Family Basilica which is 27 minutes away by foot but just 3 mins by car.  For some reason, my data roaming wasn’t working so I could not access Bolt or Uber.  I settled to just have an online Mass and started listening to the Ateneo Davao one. Still, it did not feel the same.  I rushed to wash up, change and asked front desk to help me get a ride.  They said it will cost me 10 USD.  I was happy to pay for it.  Eventually though, Bridgette, the hotel receptionist booked me an uber ride for just 200 KSh.  She also offered to change my big bills so I would not have trouble when paying for the fare.  The problem then was how to get back. She told me that I could ask someone from church to help me get a ride back.  I’m not sure I could do it and Bridgette told me to just text her “done” after Mass and she would text me back the plate number of the taxi.  We found out my SMS was working.

I was quite happy to have made it to church.  I’ve never been to the Cathedral in the time I was based here.  I’ve been to Westland’s Mother of Perpetual Help Parish several times.  The Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Kileleshwa was another one I frequented. In fact, it was the last Mass I attended before leaving Nairobi for the UK.  I was asked to do the First Reading at that time and I felt so blessed.  It was also a Filipino community celebration of Sinulog. 

It was supposed to just be a GHT-KMEAL meeting for a week in Oxford.  Then I had to be in Serbia to lead a Learning Review.  After a week there, I flew straight to Manila and then to Cotabato back home for another workshop.  Yes, not even Davao.  I was back home after a week, in time to celebrate Mama’s 1^st year death anniversary.  I would have left back for Nairobi, the day after.  And come back a month after to take Tatay and the children all the way to Nairobi and our apartment waiting for them.  (It took me awhile to find and furnish one).

But things have a way of turning out. On the day of my scheduled flight, Covid was declared a pandemic and all countries closed their doors. Technically, I was a returning resident of Kenya but would not have wanted to sit Covid down, on my own in the apartment while my entire family was back home.  Ah, all the uncertainties at that time.  And now, everything seems to be back to normal.  Like that particular period did not happen at all.  (Really hoping the lessons learned, insights and reflections arrived at, at that time would not be forgotten at all!  Like how fragile life is… how things could change in an instant… how one does not really have control over anything, no matter how much we obsess about doing so…)

Anyhow, I digress… so after the Mass, I tried to send a text to Bridgette but even that was not working a bit. I mustered by courage and approached someone. I tried 3 times but always lose my nerve.  It was dark already and I remember security guidance for Nairobi. Good thing someone helped me and got me an Uber.  Still, I was fretful inside while taking the ride.  The hotel was quite “interior” and a bit challenging to find.  As I was looking at the buildings we were passing by, I tired to recall if I’ve went past them earlier.  I only felt relieved when I was back at the hotel’s entrance.  Whew!

I know it was a foolish thing to  have risked it but yeah, having had Communion and heard Mass felt like coming full circle.  Mass when I was last here, Mass when I got back.  It’s just that I always feel thoroughly blessed and that He always finds me wherever I may be.  I am just returning the favour… that and the fact that I always feel on a drift and anchorless if I don’t start my week right…

Here in Nairobi for a week… Looking forward to all the learning and the experience. Thank you, Abba, for all the favours and the grace, each and every time.  Extremely grateful.