Sr. Joy helps women and children find healing and hope in the Good God.
Sr. Joy Ambani remembers the day her life changed: "I had gone to Kisumu to see my brother and went to church on Sunday with him and his friends. I had never been in a Catholic church before. The Word was read and a lively and good choir sang many inspiring songs. There were even young girls dancing during part of the service. I decided right then I wanted to be a Catholic." Later during her Baptismal preparation, Sr. Joy saw a Sister teaching, singing and talking about Jesus and thought, "I want to do what that woman is doing." That desire was put on hold when Sr. Joy's father died shortly after she completed secondary school. Her mother encouraged her to get a secretarial job to help with the family finances. Sr. Joy did that for a time and then in 2004 she fulfilled her dream and entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
Stringing beads to build dexterity. Photo courtesy of Tim Constantino.
As a newer member of the SND community, Sr. Joy has spent time studying theology, learning the practical skills of preaching, teaching and counseling, and deepening her prayer life. After her first profession in September 2007, she was sent to serve with the St. Julie Programme for Disabled Children. Sr. Joy talks with parents about the nature of their child's disability, the possible causes, and ways to help. Help comes in the form of therapy at the St. Julie Center and home-based activities or resources at nearby schools or hospitals.
Getting stronger at the the St. Julie Center. Photo courtesy of Tim Constantino.
"It is very painful to see the children when they first come to the Centre, yet, after the first visit, children are happy, and after some time they become more open to others. I enjoy seeing such improvement," shares Sr. Joy. With a newly acquired driver's license, Sr. Joy also drives a pick-up truck over the bumpy dirt roads to visit the homes of many disabled children who can't make it to the Centre. These children may be "hidden" as some in the community still believe that disability results from a curse or the parents' sin. To help change this belief, Sr. Joy speaks at churches and schools to raise awareness and provide disability education. "My favorite part of ministry at St. Julie Centre is when I can fight for the rights of children." Recently, Sr. Joy brought her experience and dedication to a training seminar on Children's Rights in Kenya. She will now join her co-participants in organizing children's rights services within the district. Sr. Joy also introduces the Sisters of Notre Dame to Catholics in various parishes on Sundays and invites women considering religious life to correspond with the Sisters and attend vocation seminars. Recently she coordinated a weekend vocation seminar at the SND postulate in Malava. Thirty-two women learned about the life and charism of St. Julie, the ministries of the Sisters and ways to grow in prayer. Sr. Joy's love of laughter and dancing added zest to the evening socials. In a short time, Sr. Joy has caught the spirit of St. Julie and joins her Sisters in Kenya in helping women and children find healing and hope in the Good God.
Ideas for next steps: | 