While I am settled down here and feel at home, my body and mind are still adapting to the country and culture. The weather here is hot (in the 90’s everyday with a scorching sun) despite it being the “winter” here. In fact, it was so “cold” one of the mornings after Mass, that one of the locals thought it might snow (it was maybe in the mid 60’s). Arabic classes are also continuing, and though I am becoming more competent speaking to others, the best communication I do is still through a smile.
Last Sunday, a group of us traveled to Mogri (one of the sub-center parishes nearby) to celebrate the Eucharist. During the bumpy, hour and a half drive we passed through a few military checkpoints, saw a demining effort in progress, and even witnessed a couple monkeys in the middle of the road. We finally arrived at the “hanging church,” which was a small dirt area underneath a tree. To let the town know the Mass was about to begin, the “church bell” was rung, by hitting half of a bombshell with a hammer. During the Mass, dogs and chicken would occasionally walk in front of the alter, as herds of goats and cattle passed behind us 100 feet away. A little bit different than my usual Sunday mornings back in Sylvania, OH as you can imagine.
The week flew by once again. In addition to teaching, my website duties, and playing with the kids, I spent Tuesday morning with several others planting over 100 trees at the new Priests’ House and Wednesday hand washing my clothes. Yesterday, I went to the Preschool’s show, and heard them sing songs and tell stories of the animals in the jungle. It was such a joy to see these little ones, and reminded me of the shows of my younger siblings back home. Today, during a three hour-long celebration, I witnessed 44 beautiful children enter the Church through the sacrament of Baptism. Again, it was such a joy to share in such a special moment with the community, despite understanding few of the words spoken.
And despite all these somewhat difficult adaptations I am making, and noticing all these differences that are so apparent though my physical senses, I feel completely at ease and at home. Why? Because of the welcoming community and grace of God! While normally the change would be daunting, the feelings calmness and comfort fill me, and the presence of Christ strong knowing I am called to be here.
Goodbye until next time!
Last Sunday, a group of us traveled to Mogri (one of the sub-center parishes nearby) to celebrate the Eucharist. During the bumpy, hour and a half drive we passed through a few military checkpoints, saw a demining effort in progress, and even witnessed a couple monkeys in the middle of the road. We finally arrived at the “hanging church,” which was a small dirt area underneath a tree. To let the town know the Mass was about to begin, the “church bell” was rung, by hitting half of a bombshell with a hammer. During the Mass, dogs and chicken would occasionally walk in front of the alter, as herds of goats and cattle passed behind us 100 feet away. A little bit different than my usual Sunday mornings back in Sylvania, OH as you can imagine.
The week flew by once again. In addition to teaching, my website duties, and playing with the kids, I spent Tuesday morning with several others planting over 100 trees at the new Priests’ House and Wednesday hand washing my clothes. Yesterday, I went to the Preschool’s show, and heard them sing songs and tell stories of the animals in the jungle. It was such a joy to see these little ones, and reminded me of the shows of my younger siblings back home. Today, during a three hour-long celebration, I witnessed 44 beautiful children enter the Church through the sacrament of Baptism. Again, it was such a joy to share in such a special moment with the community, despite understanding few of the words spoken.
And despite all these somewhat difficult adaptations I am making, and noticing all these differences that are so apparent though my physical senses, I feel completely at ease and at home. Why? Because of the welcoming community and grace of God! While normally the change would be daunting, the feelings calmness and comfort fill me, and the presence of Christ strong knowing I am called to be here.
Goodbye until next time!
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