Sister Gertrude Mosenene’s San Diego Visit

This October, Joy to the World Namibia brought something truly special to San Diego—Sister Gertrude Mosenene. As the founder of Joy to the World English Private Primary School in Namibia, Sister Gertrude has devoted the last 17 years to changing the lives of more than one thousand children through education. Her visit was a chance to meet the heart behind the mission, share stories, and celebrate everything our community has helped make possible.

Bringing Our Communities Together

Sister Gertrude’s visit was about connecting to our community here. Her energy and passion were on full display during three wonderful community gatherings:

  • Good Samaritan Episcopal Church: Parishioners listened as Sister Gertrude shared stories of hope and resilience, then spent time chatting with her over refreshments.
  • La Costa Glen: In the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Catalina Hall, attendees heard about the school’s impact and made new connections.
  • St. Peter’s Episcopal Church: The Del Mar community embraced Sister Gertrude with open arms, building even stronger ties to her mission.

Each event was a celebration of how much we can accomplish when we work together to make a difference.

Exploring San Diego: Fun, Food, and Friendship

When Sister Gertrude wasn’t inspiring audiences, she was soaking up the San Diego experience. She enjoyed wading in the Pacific Ocean, trying a big, juicy American hamburger, and even braving a roller coaster! Other highlights included a boat ride on the bay and a visit to the Fleet Science Center’s IMAX theater, where she was fascinated by the larger-than-life visuals.

She also visited:

  • Coastal Roots Farm, where she saw the beauty of sustainable farming and its connection to education.
  • Carmel Creek Elementary, where she observed the curiosity and creativity of bright-eyed Kindergarteners.
  • The Bishop’s School, where she shared stories with middle and high school students, creating a bridge between their world and her students in Namibia.
  • These moments were filled with joy, connection, and a shared appreciation for education and community.

A Big Thank You

None of this would’ve been possible without our incredible supporters. A heartfelt thank you to Sherryl Parks, Anne and Alan Clopine, and Fran Friesen and Chris Miller for hosting Sister Gertrude and making her stay so special. We’re also endlessly grateful to Alison Royle for building the connections that make everything we do possible.
To everyone who came out to an event, shared words of encouragement, or supported us in any way—thank you. You’re the reason we’re able to change lives in Namibia.