Habari za Nairobi, Kenya? means What is the news in Nairobi, Kenya? or How was Nairobi, Kenya? (not Literal in meaning from the local dialect: Kiswahili). These words were asked several times to me by my fellow brothers in community, my spiritual fathers, missionaries who are working here in Kenya, the Filipino Community here in Kenya, the Locals and even the children with whom I do my weekend pastoral exposure. This question was really imprinted into my mind because even my confreres who are in different parts of the CRM missions around the world are asking me the same question. I am joyful that as a young religious, the love of Christ is being manifested to me by these people. I really feel the love and concern of God because of them.
My initial experience here was very challenging and not easy, because when living in a foreign country, you have to adopt the culture and customs, the food and the environment. Nevertheless, I was already use to some of the daily routine while in the seminary in the Philippines. My life revolves around waking up early in the morning for Mass, going to school, praying, studying, playing sports, gardening, cleaning the pig pen, collecting food for the pigs from the neighboring houses, helping at the hostels and universities and some other seminary activities. Even though I am struggling a lot, with the help of your prayers and support and by the grace of God, I am able to embrace more and more my new life.
My weekdays are totally spent in the morning up until afternoon in School for my Theological Classes at Don Bosco Utume Salesian Theological College an affiliate school of the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome.
My weekends are fruitfully spent at a rehabilitation center for children who were involved in crime, abuses and other illegal activities. I am very happy to be with them. One of the best things that I loved is when they asked me many questions about a Filipino drama that they watched every night on the Local television station here in Kenya. From them, I can see Christ is talking and communicating in my life by means of their presence.
Other weekends were spent in the seminary by having monthly recollections and Post- Novitiate Classes and Formation. Other Sundays were spent with the Filipino Community here in Nairobi. Through this experience, I can say that God is good all the time as the local dialect says: Munge ni mwema, kila wakati.
Pope Francis gave a Homily during the 23rd World Day for Consecrated Life last February 2, 2019. He stated that “Consecrated life is not about survival, it is not about preparing ourselves for ars bene moriendi (The art of dying well): this is the temptation of our days, in the face of declining vocations. No, it is not about survival, but new life. “But… there are only a few of us…” – it’s about new life. It is a living encounter with the Lord in his people. It is a call to the faithful obedience of daily life and to the unexpected surprises from the Spirit. It is a vision of what we need to embrace in order to experience joy: Jesus.”
My hope is that this new experience that I have now will truly be a living encounter with the Lord through His people in my life day by day in Nairobi.
(Liturgical Dance)
Br. Hanjam Habitan, CRM
Nairobi, Kenya