Sad news to report: I'm not feeling well; I had to leave Fr.'s party early last night and I still felt crummy this morning, so I didn't feel comfortable going to the Ordination (where there isn't a toilet in sight). Bummer. I hope resting today helps so that I am fine to travel tomorrow.
Although I felt pretty wretched yesterday, even my shoulder has been troubling me, I was able to give one of my rosaries to Rhoda, the 4 yr. old with sickle cell and her face was worth any sickness I'll have the whole time I'm here. It's the little things that mean the most :)
At Father's birthday party, many came to celebrate, but most only spoke Swahili. His priest friends can, but they all wanted to socialize together and I wasn't going to bog Fr. down on his birthday! Let him celebrate the Swahili/Tanzania way! So, instead, I played with Paula, Cassie, and Lucas all night and that was very enjoyable, but again, draining. I purchased $18 worth of clothes for my brother, Lucas, because he wears mostly his sisters hand-me-downs.. That is a lot of money here (30,000 shillings), but, if you would have seen how much I got, you'd be amazed. I think about 8-9 shirts, 2 baby boxer things that go over their cloth diapers here, 5 pairs of pants/shorts, and a hoodie! Now, the quality isn't the same we'd expect our kids to have in America, but, still! I was pretty excited about that all!
During my rest/nap today, I had a dream about my great-aunt who passed away many years ago, Sr. Cornelia. She and I were very close while she lived in Altoona and my mom and Gram went over to see her when her and her sister, Sr. Clementine, moved into their retirement home in Greensburg. She was always very proud of the person I was becoming, even though she passed when I believe I was only 14? maybe 15.. Regardless, she was here in Tanzania with me and didn't say anything, we just walked and I showed her around. In the end, Riley was there and Sr. just lit up. I can't recall if she ever met Ri, but I don't think so. Upon waking, it really gave me a sense of her support and encouragement, even from heaven and I needed that today. (If she didn't go straight to heaven, then there is no such place, because that beautiful woman endured such turbulent suffering on earth, she wouldn't have needed purgatory.) Thank you to everyone for your emails, fb comments, or inboxes; it truly does put a little gas in my tank when I'm feeling empty.
Pax.
3 comments:
Your constant writing ability amazes me and it makes me cry. I am so glad that Sr. Cornelia was there to comfort you, for I could not be. I love you Erin, your life amazes me.
Sr. Cornelia left us in mid May, 2006. I have felt her presence in times of turmoil in my life too. She certainly must be close to God in heaven. It really touched me that you spent your own money to buy Lucas so many clothes. You're a real bargain shopper -- your Aunt Jane would be proud! Keep safe and stay well. I hope you are feeling much better.
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