It seems incredible that we are so near completion of this unit of CPE. I have found myself in the paradox of time passing quickly and slowly at the same time. It hardly seems possible that the coming week will include Final Evaluations and Graduation. And it seems like a very long time since I arrived here on January 13th. 
Regardless, there is both sadness and excitement in the group. Evaluations have been turned in to Martha, the CPE secretary, for typing and copying. They will be shared in the group beginning Wednesday.
It has continued raining. I thought you might like to have a look at the muddy, red road. The first photo actually shows Alice (lady who does my laundry) making her way up the road from Rafiki to work at the Dykstras’ – in the rain. The second photo is the view coming home from the hospital. I had Joseph take the final shot (below) during a brief pause in the rain. It shows this old muzungo (Kiswahili for white man) preparing to enjoy tea and a mendazi.
I did manage to collect the remaining three students’ notes on their experience. I am hoping to have some excerpts of their evaluations in a subsequent post, assuming I receive permission.
Susan Kamwara has also just completed her BTh and
is awaiting assignment at the end of CPE. She and Daniel are both members of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa. She writes: “First of all I would like to thank all the organizers of this program – everybody who has participated for the well being of the program. This program of CPE Level 1 has been of very great importance to me both to me as a person and for my ministry. I feel that the program has really helped me a lot in many ways.
To start with the program has enabled me to meet both my personal and professional goals. I feel that I have grown in these areas. Again, I have gone through different didactic seminars which were very important to me. These seminars have shed light to me in a great way. More than this, I have had a humble time to be with patients and this has given me experience on how to give pastoral care to patients and listen to them. Anyway, I would like to say that the program is very important. I thank God for my supervisors including Cal, who is always with us and of a great help to our group. I am looking forward if God can open another chance to do CPE Level 2, and I can be grateful. May God bless you mightily.”
Patrick Kinuanjui is a 60 year old lay minister of pastoral care in a large paris
h in Nakuru. He writes: “When I consider what I have learned in CPE I would want to say frankly that it is a very commendable course for all clergy. It is a ver resourceful endeavor meant to help people who are going through many crises in life. It is a very objective and timely especially this time that I have a big congregation that is beset with all kinds of responsibilities. Life is stressful so much that we need to equip ourselves with enough knowledge to handle the emerging situations which are very threatening. I am confident that armed with this knowledge, I will be useful to someone.
I would wish to relate my gratitude to everyone who participated either materially or spiritually in the CPE program. It has been a source of spiritual growth to me and my family, and more importantly to those whom I wll be able to serve. Thank you. Patrick”
Daniel Njenga was a school teacher, then a career soldier prior to receiving a call to the ministry. Daniel is awaiting assignment to a parish when CPE is concluded. He writes: “I have learned a lot (in CPE). The program has been quite helpful as far as my pastoral programme is concerned . . . we have benefited a lot as a group through the intensive programme. When I reflect back (over) the course, I am well equipped as far as pastoral care is concerned. I would call all ministers to enroll with the programme and they will experience a great difference in the services they render (to their parishioners). I would like to thank Rev. Cal Brand for offering his wealth of knowledge to come and supervise Rev. Mothaly, the only single supervisor-in-making in Kenya. I would humbly request many others to be enabled (to become supervisors) so that they can be of help to others who need to learn CPE. May God bless all those who promote the CPE pr
ogrammes.”
Now you have heard from all six of our students. They are very enthusiastic in there appreciation of and endorsement for CPE. Hopes for seeing the program succeed and expand are frequently expressed. I share those hopes and will follow future developments with interest. Peace, Cal Brand 
