Thursday – Friday: Divine Connections

Pictures of HCF Widows meeting and prayer meeting

Thursday is a big day at Homecare.  It’s the day that the HIV widows meet weekly to study the Bible, pray and encourage one another, and also cook up a large meal together.  It’s always a very special time to meet with them to listen, share and pray, and this time was no different.  Homecare began this special outreach to women in Kibera who are HIV positive to give them a safe place to come, to be loved, accepted, counseled, prayed with and come to know Jesus and who He says they are.  It is still surprising that with so many people, especially in Kibera, infected with the virus, there is still rejection, ostracism and stigma against those who are known to be infected.  So this is an important ministry.  The group stays together for four years – it takes a long time to build trust and community, so it’s important to give them that time.  They also have developed micro-enterprise programs so the women can generate some income to sustain themselves and their children.  Homecare also helps with their physical needs, including helping with school fees so their children can get an education.

This is a new group, just beginning in April, with a few from the previous group remaining to help.  It was great to meet these new ladies and hear them share about what Homecare has already meant to them.  Maureen shared a wonderful testimony of great encouragement with them, really touching their hearts.  She is also a nurse and spent time with Rose, their leader, discussing medical needs and answering questions the women had about their health. 

Then after lunch is the regular weekly Homecare prayer meeting.  What an incredible time of worship and prayer!  The Homecare staff and others lead the worship which is nothing short of celestial.  A few from our team were asked to share testimonies, and Diana and Rene shared tenderly from their hearts in ways that truly connected with those present.  Peter, the OVC leader, gave a powerful message about how we, as believers, are called to stand firm, unwavering to the enemy’s assaults, the world’s pressures or fleshly pulls that can make us cower and react rather than respond as His, empowered by and walking in the Spirit, to His glory.  What a message!  Wish each of you could hear this one.

After the prayer meeting we had another of our “divine appointments” with a young woman from El Salvador, Doris, who is a friend of our Latin American leader, Mercedes.  She met a Kenyan man in South Africa while attending a leadership school.  After a five year long distance relationship, she moved to Nairobi five months ago, and one month later they married.  Her husband works with Compassion in Kenya with leadership development; she is working with preschool children in Kibera, using art as a means of evangelism and discipleship.  We were delighted to get to meet her, share our common desires and work with the Kibera children, and get to connect her with the OVC staff at Homecare.

Since this would be our last time to really spend time with the Homecare staff, we were anxious to discuss further the possibilities of partnering together in outreach to the teens of Kibera.  Some years ago we began camps for younger children and a residential camp for teens.  Both were highly effective, and the Bible clubs were spawned from those camps.  We had to discontinue the teen camps for various reasons for the past few years, and Peter had told us that they really wanted to renew a program for the youth.  The program for the younger children is going strong, but they are losing ground with the teens.  After considering prayerfully what this could look like, we shared thoughts about a day camp for teens, highlighting Bible study, and then workshops on expressing faith through the arts, such as music, art, drama and dance.  As we shared these ideas, there was a meshing of hearts with the staff.  They, too, had been praying about a similar concept.  We also got to share with them about the apprenticeship group we had met at the retreat center, who were also excited about joining in such a program.  Only God!

So we have a great deal to pray over in terms of how this might develop for next summer.

Friday we were able to connect with a home for girls, Faith House, which a couple at our church helped establish in Nairobi for girls who are in homeless or vulnerable situations, to give them a safe, loving home, chance to go to school, learn about Jesus and His unconditional love for them and disciple them.  It was a sweet time to meet their home director, her newly adopted little girl, and several of the girls presently living there.  Since this is school break time for them, many had gone to visit relatives, but it was a joy to see how much this home ministers to young women.  Two young women from Faith House came to live with our friends who started the home so they could attend university here.  They are in their final year of nursing school and have become dear friends, so it was good to see where they had found a loving home and family at Faith House.

How quickly the time goes – it was time to have some team time, pack up and head to the airport.  Our dear Maureen had missed her flight early Friday morning; she was heading to Ethiopia to help a missionary couple with medical ministry for the next three months.  So unfortunately she had an all day stay at the airport, where she still was when we arrived there.  So we would up flying out about the same time to embark on the long journey home.

We safely arrived back in the states Saturday afternoon, pretty exhausted, but full of joy and thanksgiving for the incredible time we had in Kenya.  Each team is always uniquely designed by God; we are always awed by that, and this one was no exception.  Each one of our team members stepped out of their comfort zone to embrace, listen, share with, hug, hold the hand of and pray with so many people in the course of our stay.  They extended themselves in unselfish, loving ways to those often rejected and scorned.  We are so grateful for each one of them, for how God used them individually and as a group during this trip to bless and be blessed.  None of us will ever be the same.  We’ve experienced a precious time with the Lord, looking through His eyes, offering His hands, listening with His heart, and it has not only blessed us but brought us into greater intimacy with the Lord and connected us forever with our Kenyan brothers and sisters.

Special thanks to our team – Melissa, Nick, Maureen, Rene, Kitty, Kara, Diana – wonderful ambassadors of Christ.  And special thanks to all of you who prayed faithfully for the team and each of us as we prepared, went, and now return.  It’s a team effort – the Body working together – that brings lasting, meaningful ministry to those who give and those who receive. 

So now we process; we begin to unpack not only our suitcases, but our experiences, praying through them so the Lord can show each of us what He wants us to take away from this experience.  It takes time.  But we hope that many of you will have the opportunity to connect with our team members so they can share with you what this meant to them personally and about the amazing people we work with and serve in Kenya.

Please continue to pray for Homecare, for Judy Mbugua, our Kenyan ministry leader, the Homecare staff, the hundreds they serve, and for God’s continuing work there.  They need great encouragement.  The challenges are huge, but our God is greater!

We return with enlarged hearts, vision, hope and love.  May we all keep our eyes on Jesus, focusing on Him, His love and the life we have in Him, who is the author and finisher of our faith!

Bwana aisi fiwi – Praise the Lord!

Wednesday – And a little child will lead them……

Pictures of HCF visits and Giraffe Park

Today was our opportunity to visit in homes of the children in Kibera involved in the Bible clubs and their families.  Getting to know and love the children has opened doors for Homecare to get know their families, understand their needs, and minister to them in meaningful ways.

We broke up into three groups, each with one of the Homecare staff, so that we could visit as many families as possible, to encourage and pray with each of them. As we shared as a team tonight, each group had very special times with those they met.  Going into Kibera can be an overwhelming experience.  The environment is harsh.  With little or no sanitation, very little running water or electricity, the conditions are deplorable.  With houses constructed of mud and sticks, or cardboard and tin, with as many as ten or more living in a ten by ten space, life is a constant challenge.  And yet, in the midst of all this, God is greatly at work.

The stories we heard today were very similar.  Usually a mother left with children to care for by herself, with little or no education or skills to be able to find work to provide the most meager necessities.  The children would probably not be able to attend school if it were not for the help of Homecare to provide the needed school fees and uniforms required to go to school.  Often it is a relative who has taken the role of caretaker because the mother is ill, or a grandmother who is now raising her grandchildren due to the death of her children.  They carry heavy burdens…..but they have hope and encouragement because of what Homecare has done for them and recognize that it is because of God’s love expressed through Homecare.  Each one praised God for His goodness in connecting them with Homecare and were so appreciative of the help they and their children have received.

These children, and their families, have hopes and dreams for a better future, especially a renewed hope for their children.  One little boy shared that he wants to be a policeman when he grows up; another wants to be a doctor, dreams that not long ago would have been unthinkable now seem possible. 

The volunteers who work with these children every week are amazing.  They give so much of their time and love to build into the lives of boys and girls so that they can know and experience God’s unconditional love for them, which then continues into the family as a whole.  Though the environment and circumstances are harsh, they are trusting in God’s care.  What an encouragement this was to each of us.  How easy it is to be caught up in our own struggles and lose sight of God’s faithful work and continual blessing in our lives.  They teach us what a grateful heart looks like.

We so appreciate the hearts of the Homecare workers who give so much of themselves to reach out to the people of Kibera.  It is hard work; it is tireless and often discouraging, but they press on, faithfully loving and serving.

Everyone on the team has stepped outside themselves in significant ways to connect, embrace, listen, encourage and pray with the people we have met.  We are so grateful for each one and how they have connected with the people here.  This is the joy of serving together.  All are doing well and enjoying the Kenya experience.

A very special surprise today was a visit from two teens who had attended one of our youth camps in 2008.  We had not seen Fred and Valentine since that camp.  Now in 10^th and 11^th grade, they have grown up quite a bit since then.  We remembered Fred as a bright young man, Valentine as a gifted singer and songwriter, even back then.  What a joy to get to reconnect with them and hear how God has continued to work in their lives!  Fred recited a poignant poem about the struggles in Kenya following the 2007 elections.  Valentine sang one of her songs for us, her voice stronger and even more beautiful.  Both of them are involved in youth ministry with their peers, urging them against violence, drugs and risky behaviors.  Both are serious students.  Fred comes to Homecare every afternoon to study in the quiet of the library they have established.  It was very touching to hear Fred say how much the camp had meant to him, how it had inspired him in his walk with Jesus.  So often we never know what happens with the people we meet, so it is so encouraging to hear such a testimony and see the evidence of their spiritual growth.  Young people like these are the future and hope of Kenya.

On our way back to the retreat center we stopped at a giraffe sanctuary dedicated to protecting the Rothschild giraffes, an endangered species.  Here they encourage increased breeding of these amazing creatures and care for their young until they are two and can be released into their habitat in protected preserves.   They have a raised building that puts visitors at eye level with the giraffes, allowing them to feed the animals right out of their hands.  There were more people there today than we have ever seen before, bus loads of Asian tourists who swarmed the platform to feed and touch the giraffes.  By the time the crowds had thinned, the giraffes seemed fully fed and not as interested in taking the food pellets we offered them, but we did get to see them up close to admire their huge eyes, beautifully designed bodies and amazing size.

One of our teammates had to leave us tonight due to prior commitments. We hated to say goodbye to Kara; we so enjoyed having her as a part of this team.  We’re so thankful for each one on the team, for their willingness to serve and give of themselves.  Each day has been a joy.

Tomorrow we will return to Homecare Center to spend time with the AIDS widows and then join in the weekly time of praise and prayer open to all in the community.  We look forward to this special time with them.

Today was sobering, but encouraging.  Even in tough circumstances, God is at work.  He has His people placed where they can be His lights, and we’re thankful that we can join with them. 

Tuesday – “All creatures great and small”

Pictures on early morning walk around HCF retreat center where we stayed

Pictures of the Nairobi game park

Coming to Kenya would not be complete without appreciating the incredible landscape and magnificent animals native to the area.  So this morning we ventured to the Nairobi Game Preserve, which is actually right by downtown Nairobi, to take in God’s creation and grandeur.  As we travel down dusty roads, eyes peeled for animal sightings, the long neck of a giraffe appears, and we are drawn into its wonder.  Statuesque, first one giraffe and then another comes into focus, and we marvel at their size and unique colorations.  The further in we travel, the more animals emerge, from various types of antelopes to cape buffalo, then zebras and ostriches.  Each one beautiful in its design, as only God could create.  Just watching them graze and go about their daily business is fascinating.  We stop at the designated picnic area, which is now taken over by a large group of baboons, lounging on the benches, cooling themselves in the shade, carting their babies, and generally “chillin.”  Dozens of young ones swing from the rooftops covering picnic tables, pushing and shoving like preschoolers – some falling from the precipice (probably shoved by a playmate) and generally acting as kids will.  Their antics are comical……as well as the area signs.  “Watch out for baboons.  Enjoy your picnic.”  With the dozens lying in wait, it’s not what we would pick for a picnic location.

Further along we see two large objects ahead of us around one of the characteristic acacia trees.  As we come closer, we discover two large rhinos casually grazing on the hillside.  Unfazed by our intrusion, they graze on.  As we encounter ostriches  we’re surprised at their size, much larger than imagined, and when they spread their wings and begin to strut in their wobbling fashion, they are something to behold. Group after group of zebras with their stunning stripes gather, often along with elands, hart beasts, or gazelles.  The harmony of God’s creative design is awe inspiring.  It is somewhat surreal, though, to be watching a herd of antelope or group of giraffes in the grassland with the skyline of downtown Nairobi in the background.  As we are heading out of the park, we have an encounter of a very close kind; a large giraffe is literally within feet of the van, or the matatu, as they are called.  He isn’t at all disturbed and continues with his eating, allowing us to get a very up close and personal view of him.

After a wonderful adventure in the park, we had lunch at the Kenya version of Starbuck’s, Java House, which is also a restaurant.  It’s the perfect blend of US meets Africa and quite enjoyable.

Of course, we must do our part in boosting the Kenyan economy, so we make a visit to the City Market where local handicrafts are sold in row after row of small shops.  Carvings, baskets, jewelry, paintings depicting local scenes are there for the offering.  This necessitates bartering, and after the back and forth “game” of agreeing on a purchase price, we each gather our new found treasures to bring home as remembrances of our time in Kenya.

It’s been a beautiful day of appreciating the beauty of Kenya, from its majestic animals to the creativity of its people.  And now we prepare for entering the Kibera slum tomorrow, situated near downtown Nairobi, to visit in the homes of some of the families served by Homecare ministry.  The reality of Kibera will be harsh; we spent some time tonight preparing for what we will see, those we will encounter, focusing not on the horrid conditions as much as the people and their hearts and needs.  Pray that we will be good listeners and encouragers as we meet, encourage and pray with these families, that God will speak to us and show us what He desires for us to understand and process from the experience, and that it will be a blessing to those we meet.

****I must add a correction from yesterday’s blog.  Cucu is actually Kikuyu, not Swahili as I supposed, and I erred in the pronunciation with a typo…..it’s more like “show show.”  Someone following our blog caught my error…..so thank you for clarifying that for us.

Monday --"Cucus"

Pictures of meeting with Grandmothers and Rift Valley

I (Diane) am a cucu and proud of it.  Before you’re quick to agree on first glance, let me explain that cucu is Swahili for grandmother and is pronounced more like “shoe shoe,” and today we had the joy of meeting with more than 100 cucus in Limuru.  For moms and grandmoms there an instant connection, for we have the common love and concern for our children and grandchildren.  These are older women who have taken on the responsibility of raising yet another generation of children because they have lost their children to disease or abandonment, an increasing issue here and around the world.  They meet every Monday to pray for one another, their families, churches, and their nation.  It is so inspiring to hear them praying for Kenya and their upcoming elections in the spring.  They’ve already been praying and fasting for Godly leadership for their nation, a great reminder that we would do well to do more of the same for ours.  After a time of spirited singing and dancing, we heard a report about the result of our visit last year, which was a surprise to us.  Our time together last summer was videotaped and shown as part of the Christian TV program hosted by Judy Mbugua.  The minister of agriculture was watching this particular program and learned for the first time about the ministry in Limuru and their ministry to needy mothers and grandmothers who are desperately trying to provide for their families.  As a result, she contacted the leader of the Limuru center and told her that when the government issued a number of chickens given to the various districts as part of a government aid program, she was going to see to it that a good number were given to the Limuru Homecare Center for distribution to those they serve.  Imagine…..our visit produced chickens!

Ministry is all about relationship, and that is what is wonderful about our Tirzah network of partnerships.  We come alongside and form relationships with believers in countries all over the world so that together, we can do more than either could do alone; the body of Christ functioning together.  We share one another’s burdens and encourage one another, and that is what Rene and Kara did today as they shared from their hearts with the grandmothers.  Many of the particulars of Rene’s story resonated with them, having gone through similar challenges, so her testimony of God’s faithfulness encouraged them greatly.  Kara shared about the impact that her grandmothers have had on her life, their witness of God’s love and faithfulness, and what a blessing they are to her, again encouraging the women in their role as grandmothers.  In response, a number of the ladies shared their testimonies.  Just to give you a glimpse of some of them, one woman shared about how her daughter died, leaving seven children for her and her aging husband to care for.  Soon her husband and one of the grandchildren also died, at the same time, and she was overwhelmed with the thought of how she would even afford to bury them both.  She considered suicide in her despair.  But someone connected her with Homecare where she was embraced, loved, and provided for.  Even though it is still hard to provide for six children at her age, she praises God for His provision and love through Homecare.

Another woman shared how she and her children were ostracized by her family and friends when she discovered that she was HIV positive.  She was frightened and alone.  But again, someone told her about Homecare where she came to know the One who created her, loves her unconditionally, and provides for her.  Now she said she willingly shares about her condition, even if it means rejection by those she tells, for she knows she has family who love her at Homecare.

A young man had been sitting at the keyboard during the meeting and came forward to share.  He wanted to share about how hard his mother worked to provide for him to attend school, how difficult it was for him to attend high school because of school fees.  Homecare has assisted his mother in providing these fees so he can continue his education.  He praised God for his mother, Homecare, and the opportunity he has to pursue an education.  Afterward Rene and I went to talk with him and tell him how much we appreciated his testimony.  It isn’t often you hear teenagers share like that, especially in front of a large group of women and some strangers, so it touched us deeply.  As former teachers, we encouraged him to persevere in his education and got to pray for him.  What a sweet moment.

Josephine, the ministry leader, closed with praising God for His faithfulness, that through Homecare, these women have abandoned thoughts of suicide and have hope.  They no longer feel cast out, but experience real community.  Instead of despair, they are encouraged and have real hope……all because of Jesus!

Homecare tries to supplement the scarce supply of food for these grandmothers by bringing certain staples to help them, so today our team had the joy of providing bread, corn meal and sugar for them, which was received with great thanks to God for His faithful provision.

The lines in the faces of these older women exhibit the hard life they endure.  Many walk up to six miles to come to these prayer meetings, some with canes, crutches, stooped shoulders…..but they come.  They come to pray, to share, to encourage one another, and mostly, to praise God for His goodness.  Despite the burdens, they smile and give thanks…….because He IS GOOD.

Sunday – Bwana asi fiwi

Pictures of Sunday at Bomas after church

Bwana asi fiwi – that refrain was heard numerous times during this morning’s worship – Praise the Lord!  Songs of praise had already begun as we entered Judy Mbugua’s home church in Karen, many in Swahili and some in English.  You can’t remain still to this kind of exuberant worship!  A visiting Christian music group was leading the worship today, and they certainly had the joy of the Lord.  Praise and worship isn’t just the intro to the sermon here; it lasts a good full hour.  Then there was a beautiful time of child dedication where about a dozen families brought their children forward to be dedicated to the Lord.  After a congregational prayer time, each family had a time of prayer with one of the pastors, evidence of the importance of children in this church.  Then came the announcements of upcoming marriages, with prayer for those about to commit to one another.  All this seemed fitting as the pastor began his message about the importance of vows, promises, and the responsibility we have to fulfill them.  He cited Jacob and Hannah and the vows they made to the Lord – Jacob didn’t fulfill his right away, but Hannah did, even though it meant sacrifice and separating from the beloved son for whom she had long awaited.  It was a strong reminder to all of us about the promises we all make in our lives, whether to a spouse in marriage, promises to our children, friends, and especially our vows to God. These are not to be taken lightly.

Worship services in Africa are not confined to time schedules……it would be quite a jolt to most Americans for a service to go on two and a half hours as ours did today.  Would we be constantly checking our watches?  Wondering if the crowds were still heavy at the restaurants, or if we were missing the ball game?  These things don’t matter here; it is a time of worship and bringing glory to God.  It’s about Him.

However, since the service did go a bit longer than even usual here, we had to scurry through lunch in order to arrive at the BOMAS cultural show we had planned to attend this afternoon.  Various tribal dances, songs and costumes are demonstrated by a talented group of dancers and musicians.  Of course, drums are prominent.  Each one represented a particular tribe or region of Kenya, showing its great diversity of people groups.  Perhaps the highlight of the show was the acrobats who demonstrated great skill, shimmying under bars on fire, catapulting through metal hoops, and creating a number of intricate pyramids.  Quite the crowd pleaser!  It was a great time of appreciating more of the customs and culture of this beautiful country and its talented people.

Jet lag is still dogging us, I’m afraid.  We seem to fade as the afternoon wears on, so by the time we returned to the retreat center this evening, we were bushed.  It’ll get better as the days continue, but for now, we are all ready to call it a day and gear up for tomorrow when we will go to the neighboring community of Limuru to encourage and share with the women. They are mostly grandmothers, poor, in ill health, and desperately poor, but have taken on the responsibility of raising their grandchildren because their children have died of AIDS, other illnesses, or been unable to raise their own children.  Quite a challenge.

Internet is still sporadic, but we will try to get postings out daily if possible.  Pictures will have to follow when we can get better service….sorry.

So please continue to pray for us as we join in with our ministry partners to participate in their important ministries, that God will use us in a special way to bless and encourage those who are very much in need.

 Diane

Saturday – “Yes, we really are in Kenya!”

Pictures of Bible Clubs in Kibera

“Jambo! Karibou!”  Enthusiastic greetings of welcome from the time we walked through customs at the airport to our arrival at the retreat center.  Hospitality here makes you feel so very much at home.  After such a long journey, we all enjoyed a great night’s sleep, ready to see Kenya in the daylight this morning.  It always seems a bit surreal to leave one day in the US and wake up in Africa……to the sound of exotic birds and the sight of lush greenery and beautiful flowers that surround the center.  And there is perhaps no greater welcome than that of the voices of children as we made our way into Kibera, the largest slum in Africa, where more than one million people live within 600 acres.  Part of Homecare ministry is to minister to orphaned and vulnerable children (OVCs), of whom there are thousands in Kibera.  To reach out to these precious children, there are six Bible clubs situated throughout Kibera where children are invited, loved, introduced to Jesus and learn from His Word.  Volunteers faithfully love on these children every Saturday.  Knowing how little some of these children get to eat, part of the program involves a breakfast snack and a hearty lunch.  So these children are fed physically and spiritually on a regular basis.  Our team split into two groups so we could visit two clubs.  We arrived as the children were having their porridge snack, eagerly drinking it down and greetings us wide eyed and curious.  Club began with singing; I think nothing must thrill the heart of God like the praises of children!  When we entered our center, the teacher had already written Ephesians 6:1 on the blackboard, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right….”  As I planned to share the story of Jonah with them, this was a great opener to talk about what obey means and why we should obey God and our parents.  They listened intently, answered questions thoughtfully, revealing that many of them knew this story and what it meant.  It’s wonderful to see children being taught the scriptures, and importantly, understanding what they mean to their lives.  After more singing, we moved outside for some games and activities.  Our group returned to meet up with the rest of the team at the Salvation Army Center where they had been with their Bible club. Diana and Maureen had shared Bible lessons with the children and they had moved outside where Nick had become a human jungle gym with several little ones crawling up and down his back.  Each team member was instantly engaged with the children, loving, comforting, laughing, and singing.  It’s easy to connect with these sweet ones who so desperately want loving attention.  Somehow the surroundings of Kibera fade when you gaze into the their faces.  It’s not the abject poverty, muddy trails, mud and stick homes, lack of water, power, and sanitation that draws your attention.  Yes, it’s all there, but the eyes of these children, longing and anxious to feel loved and special, that connects. 

After Bible clubs, we had the privilege and joy of going to the home of Judy Mbugua, Tirzah’s director for Kenya and founder of Homecare Fellowship.  When I think of an open, welcoming center of hospitality, it is their home!  Day in and out, people move in and out, always welcome, shown gracious hospitality and served great food.  We had the joy of spending time with Judy, some of her family, and others who work at Homecare.  We’re grateful to have had that time with her since she has to leave tomorrow for a conference in South Africa, and it was the best orientation to Kenya one could have.

What a sweet introduction into ministry in Nairobi!  Our first day has been full, sweet, and full of new friendships.  We look forward to worship tomorrow, which is always a highlight of our time in Kenya.  We thank God for our safe journey here, for the gracious care we are receiving at Homecare Retreat Center, and our wonderful hosts.

We will try to update you daily, as internet is available.  If there is a gap, just know that sometimes there is no power or internet connection, but we are well, getting over jet lag, and anxious to experience all the Lord has for the coming week.  Thank you for praying for us!

Diane for the team

Heading off to Kenya

On Thursday, August 16th, a team of 9 will be heading to Kenya to work with HomeCare Fellowship, our partners in Nairobi.  We are excited to meet the new ladies in the sewing and micro- enterprise programs, all of the children in the Bible Clubs in Kibera,  and to see all of our wonderful friends and sisters that we have been missing.  Join us each day as we try and update you on all the exciting events that will be happening.

Please pray for us for the following:

1. Our 2 days of flying to Amsterdam and then Nairobi Kenya.
2.  Health and stamina for our team members, as most have never made this long of a trip before.
3.  Preparing those that we will be meeting during the next 9 days, and that we would effectively    fulfill God's plans for this time.
4.  Wonderful times of prayer and worship together.

Thanks!   We welcome your comments and encouragement via the blog during the trip as well.

The team:
Diana, Rene, Maureen, Kara, Kitty, Melissa, Nick, Diane and John