“I Think I Just Met Myself.”
Mother Amy Heimerl on Hosting Rev. Dr. Brenda Through KARIBU Ministries
By Mother Amy Heimerl
“Have you ever met someone and thought, ‘I think I just met myself?’
That’s exactly how I felt the first time I met Rev. Dr. Brenda—and, as it turns out, she felt the same way.”
Rev. Brenda arrived in Wisconsin from Kenya late in the evening, completely exhausted after days of travel. But despite the long journey and the hour, we talked the entire two-hour drive home after I picked her up from St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Sleep could wait. Something meaningful—and holy—was unfolding.
A few days into her stay, I texted Rob Davis, the U.S. Coordinator for KARIBU Ministries, and said, “We’re having a fantastic time. Turns out we are basically the same person—just on opposite sides of the globe.”
His response made me laugh: “Yeah. We knew that already. That’s why we placed Brenda with you!”
A Shared Heart for Ministry
KARIBU Ministries is a Wisconsin-based Episcopal partnership that builds long-term, mutual relationships between churches and leaders in the United States and Kenya. It’s rooted in accompaniment, hospitality, and shared ministry—walking together rather than “doing for” one another.
That spirit was evident from the moment Brenda arrived.
The similarities between us were remarkable—not just physically, or even relationally (we’re still convinced our husbands might be the same person), but emotionally and spiritually. We share a heart for those many consider “the least of these.” We share a vision of bringing Christ’s love to everyone. We both love children deeply, and we both feel called to serve others with everything we have.
During our short three weeks together, we blended ministry with adventure and lived like long-lost sisters. Rev. Brenda has a gift for bringing out the best in others, and her presence filled our home and our church with joy. We miss her deeply.
Walking Together—Across the Globe
Later this year, my husband and I plan to travel to Kenya to experience firsthand the ministry Brenda lives out every day. We hope to listen, to learn, and to bring whatever support we can to the people she serves—continuing this relationship as companions in Christ.
Before returning home, Brenda gathered several items to take back with her, including bras for women who have undergone mastectomies. This effort is especially close to my heart.
I am a breast cancer survivor. In Kenya, reconstructive surgery and implants are not common, leaving women with few options following mastectomies. These bras—especially those designed to hold prosthetics—offer dignity and comfort where resources are limited.
If you feel moved to help, donations of mastectomy bras or bras with side openings for prosthetics are welcome. Back-clasp bras are especially helpful, though all donations make a difference. These items are simply not widely available in Kenya.
A God-Orchestrated Beginning
When I reflect on how this connection began, I’m still amazed.
For nearly five years, I’ve shared live prayers and scripture readings on Facebook most days. About a year ago, I received a message from a man in Kenya. I was cautious at first—but after a few conversations, I realized he was very much the real deal: Martin Olando Wesonga, Rev. Brenda’s professor and the KARIBU Coordinator in Kenya.
When he later visited the United States with Father Rob and stopped by Ascension Episcopal Church, I mentioned that I would love to host someone someday. And so, through prayer, trust, and God’s impeccable timing, Brenda came to stay with us.
The connection that formed is hard to put into words. It was deeply spiritual—so much so that we even shared the same dream on the same night. That story is for another time. But what I know for certain is this:
God is bringing life to something far bigger than we can imagine.
All glory to God.
