Kutana Means Connection
We live in times characterized by a certain anxiety – culturally, politically, spiritually or existentially – tempting us to at times feel profoundly disconnected. We can respond by isolating, hoarding, “circling the wagons,” or, we can face the inescapable reality of the increasingly small world we live in and just how connected we truly are! More than ever, we are realizing that what happens “over there” affects us here and vice versa, whether “there” is in an adjacent neighborhood or state or across the world. Thank God there are examples among us of those who deal with that anxiety by anchoring themselves more firmly in the ethos of the Golden Rule!
During the last very busy six months, its precisely these people and partners that have animated our work, some of whom we’ve had the pleasure of accompanying to engage vulnerable communities in Kenya. Like knows like, and the effects of those encounters is profoundly satisfying.
Good Shepherd ACK, Daaba, launching point for Atulelo ICDC
Kutana means “to meet, encounter or engage with one another,” carrying with it the intention of reciprocity . Kutana forms both the basis of our participatory development methodology and the spirit of engagement between our partners and host communities.
In May and part of June, we had the pleasure of accompanying three partner groups in different arid and semi-arid communities where we primarily work. These were not tourists. These are folks with skin in the game who have pledged, sacrificed and followed through with commitments to help form sustainable partnerships for the benefit of children and communities in danger of being marginalized. The fruit of their commitments are communities in the Chalbi desert (Marsabit County), Nkaimurunya (Narok County) and Atulelo (Isiolo/Meru County line) that are one step closer to thriving as their youngest now attend purpose-built Integrated Child Development Centers that cater to their needs holistically.
Caring for children together, planting trees together, worshipping together, celebrating together, enjoying creation together – these actions tamp down runaway anxiety and locate us exactly where we need to be - together!
