National Catholic Forester

Spring 2018 — www.ncsf.com 23 PHILANTHROPY COURT EFFORTS REACH KENYA St. Bernadette Court 1041 from Abbotsford, Wisconsin made a donation of $400 to Fr. Larry Daniels, O.C.D. in Kiserian, Kenya. Funds were used to fix and maintain the borehole (well) that provides water to the monastery/retreat house. Fr. Larry wrote about the trials in fixing the water issue: "Your generous donation is greatly appreciated. As you know, our borehole (well) gave out in this prolonged drought. So the pipe and motor was pulled (240 feet!!!) and the pipe was lengthened to 300 feet. Now we have water again. Fortunately, someone stepped up to the plate and paid for the fixing. But then the trouble began in our monastery/retreat house. Air locks. It was crazy. We have 15 self-contained rooms for retreats and five for Carmelite Friars. Two rooms next to each other, one would have water, and the next one not. We called a plumber. He worked all day, paid of course, but gave up. We called another who works all day, paid, and gave up. Finally we called the drilling company. They sent their top two plumbers and forced water backward into the pipe. Now some rooms have water except three at MY end of the monastery and two upstairs. Called another plumber who repeated the back-flow of forced water, and only two rooms upstairs are still without water. Finally one of our own groundsman tried his hand, and now we have water in all rooms. Without your help, four of our rooms probably would not yet have water. Our gratitude is enormous, for plumbed water is so convenient, might I say necessary? With our hearts full of prayerful thanks, you are remembered in our prayers. Words fail me, I guess 'Thank You!' will have to suffice for as long as I'm above the grass here in Kiserian, Kenya, East Africa." Our Lady Court 1211 from Portland, Oregon sponsored "An Evening in Paradise – Luau Dinner" to benefit the Ladies in Red International. Members and guests wore their favorite Hawaiian outfit – they are beautiful! Court 1211 raised $1,800 and NCSF matched $1,500. Ladies in Red International is committed to many outreach programs that help women in need of shelter, food, medicines, and health screening. AN EVENING IN PARADISE

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