“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves” (Mt 11:29). Mother Teresa stated: “We do not need to be great in the eyes of the world to make a difference. God uses the weak to show his strength. We too can make a difference by loving Christ passionately in all we do. ”

As we embark on our second journey to Tanzania, we found ourselves, that is, Pam, Sherry, Sarah and myself, Jehane, joined by 6 ladies who wanted to partake in the experience of living a “mission trip. ”

Once again, we were hosted by the ALCP – Holy Spirit Fathers in Sanya Juu, Tanzania. We came loaded with 8 suitcases filled with medical and school supplies. We actually needed 2 vans to see us back to our “home” in Sabuko. It was great to rekindle our friendships from last year as well as meet new faces, whether it be priests or lay people.

Since our group was so big this time around, we divided ourselves between Sabuko area and Kiraeni/Rombo area. In essence, we had two groups who lived two different experiences during our two weeks stay in Tanzania.

We attended Sunday Mass at Ngarenairobi Parish where we were able to visit with our friends from last year and make some new acquaintances. Mary taught the choir the Electric Slide after the service. It was quite a site! ;We were also able to donate some rosaries at the end of Mass and then took some time to visit the dispensary, after which Father Urbanus hosted us for lunch.

The following day, the Kiraeni/Rombo group, consisting of Sherry, Carol, Celeste and Sarah departed for Kiraeni Girls Secondary School. They were excited to participate in mingling, teaching, debating and sharing experiences with the high school students, teachers and sisters. They also visited the dispensary and gifted the Nuns with a fetal heart doppler as well as a one touch machine, which tests blood glucose levels. The nuns were so elated and overjoyed to receive such gifts, enabling them to provide better and more consistent care for the population they serve.

The same group of four went to visit two primary government schools:; Kiraeni Primary School and Kirachi Primary School. They were the same schools we visited last year, so it was nice to reconnect with the students and teachers again. Once there, the group distributed two suitcases full of school supplies enabling the students as well as the teachers to continue expanding their learning process, by making it easier, fun and enjoyable to all involved.

The sisters at Kiraeni School invited the foursome to a thank you dinner one night. It was definitely a night to be remembered by all. They keep fond memories of this particular meal, shared with the community of nuns. There was a sense of connection, belonging and togetherness.

Back at Sabuko, the group consisted of Pam, Anny, Dexter, Mary, Linda and Jehane. We helped in dividing and packaging the medical supplies brought from the U. S. into three piles for each dispensary we were sponsoring. Once we purchased the requested medications from the government store, we helped the nuns divide them into three piles according to each dispensary’s medication list.

On another day, we visited the Kindergarten students at Sabuko and Molangi, where we enjoyed some singing & clapping, making artwork projects as well as teaching the kids the use of toothbrush and toothpaste. We visited Bomangombe Vocational Training Center sponsored by our friend Eberhard Leitz. What an accomplishment in a year’s time. It opened its’ doors on February 4th to new students.

With the help of Eli Bariki, we had the privilege to see firsthand the dreams of one person who wished to make a difference in the lives of young children by providing them with an education. Eli’s friend has started an orphanage where he teaches the kids to speak not only Swahili, but English as well. Starting at a young age, we find no barrier in the learning process, our minds are so flexible and open to broadening our horizons. The same is true for those orphans we met in a remote area on the way to Arusha. They were full of life and so eager to learn as well as to meet new friends. We donated the hand knitted hats to them as well as some toys and learning tools. They touched us to the core of our beings as they were in dire need of basic necessities needed to run this school for orphans.

On Friday, February 1st, both groups, that is, the ten of us, met in Moshi town were we joined each other again for lunch, catching up with each other’s details of lived experiences. We finished the day with shopping in town for souvenirs, as well as stopping at the internet shop to write a few words to our loved ones.

That night we joined the seminarians for dinner with two couples from Italy, visiting Father Beatus. A great time was had by all. We had a singing night with some performances. Mary composed a beautiful poem that the group sang to the tune of “ In the Jungle” from the Walt Disney movie, The Lion King. In return, the seminarians sang many songs in English and Swahili- they have such great voices and sing in harmony, they are truly gifted. We finished the night by giving thanks to our hosts and by them praying over Mary, Linda, Dexter and Anny as they were leaving in the morning for safari and then to South Africa for the remainder of their trip. It is customary for the Holy Spirit Fathers to part with their guests by blessing and praying over them, asking the Holy Spirit to guide their friends throughout their trip and to make a safe journey home.

On Saturday, seven ladies left for a safari organized by Emmanuel Mavumilio who provided the group with a wonderful driver/guide/translator by the name of Deo. It was a memorable trip. A great time was had by all during this relaxing 3 days / 2 night safari trip.

During that time, Pam, Sarah and Jehane stayed behind at Sabuko to attend to some of THE Mission’s work. We had a chance to visit the ALCP Primary and Secondary Schools in Soweto. It is there that we met with Father Innocent who was very eager to invite us to be his guest next year to help teach computer to students in primary/secondary levels.

We also met Father Amadeus Macha who pointed out to us that the Chapel at their community was built with the help of Archbishop George Niederauer, then Bishop of Salt Lake City. It is with amazement that we were able to see the good works from another parish across the United States and how we are interconnected within the Mystical Body of Christ.

Last but not least we visited the Massai community. We were able to visit them in their village as well as attend Mass, as it was Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season. After our Mass celebration, they performed a traditional Massai song and dance and in return we distributed handmade rosaries and shared lots of pictures, smiles and handshakes.

While making our return to Sabuko, we came across three Massai men walking along the same road. To our surprise, Sarah recognized the elder as the chief whose village we visited last year. We stopped our van and proceeded to share our fond memories with them, as we had pictures of last year’s trip with us to share. Two of the men jumped in our van for a ride that would take them who knows where, all they knew is they were getting a lift and they would make the best of that journey as it would shorten their walk to whatever their destination would be!!!; They enjoyed looking at the album, noticing and pointing out one acquaintance or another. Father Calistus was very kind in providing a lift to three young kids. They felt so privileged to be in a van, riding and enjoying the scenery, instead of making their way in the conventional way (walking) to Church.

As we near the end of our trip we enjoyed our last night sharing our thoughts and thanksgiving with the priests at Sabuko as well as the helpers:; Jonas, Pasiani, Immaculata, Sofia and Aloysius. We were also prayed over for our safe return home. It was a very touching and moving moment.

During our stay, we have accomplished much:

1. Bought $9,000. 00 worth of medications for the 3 dispensaries
2. Purchased $1,500. 00 worth of basic food staples, ie:; beans, rice and corn (maize) for three parish communities. Rainfall was inadequate this year, therefore, the harvest was very poor. People were struggling with hunger.
3. Selection and sponsorship of four students in secondary education.
4. Sponsorship of two nuns for training as laboratory technicians.
5. Delivery of two suitcases full of school supplies to two rural primary schools.
6. Delivery of six suitcases full of medical supplies to three dispensaries.
7. Purchase and delivery of three fetal heart dopplers to three dispensaries.
8. Purchase and delivery of two one-touch machines with strips to two dispensaries. Last year we provided the third dispensary with the same one-touch machine.
9. Purchase and delivery of two automatic blood pressure machines to two dispensaries. Last year we provided the third dispensary with the same automatic blood pressure machine.

We have accomplished much, yet it seems little in comparison to what still needs to be done. They still need clean running water. The basic necessities of life; roof over their heads, daily meals, medical help, education, etc. , all the things we take for granted.

We were handed a “wish list” of different items needed for the dispensaries for our return trip next year. As we work in connection with the different communities of priests and nuns, we notice how free spirited they are and how they are not afraid to ask for help when it benefits the poor and needy.

It is with this simple spirit of giving of ourselves that we will be able to make a difference, one step at a time, one child at a time. To make an impact not only in our lives but to those whom we minister to as well. We are all on a “mission” as we go through life. What is yours?

We were blessed this year to have a dynamic and empowering group of women who joined us on this mission trip. Each came with an open mind willing to take time off from their daily routine to immerse themselves in the unknown and adventurous African life. Much laughter, tears and memories were shared and treasured during our short time together. Thank you to all who participated with us to make this a great trip.

On behalf of THE Mission, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the ALCP community of priests at Sabuko, Ngarenairobi, Soweto and Molangi, for opening their homes to us and making us feel welcomed. Thank you to the nuns at Kiraeni School and dispensary for taking us under their wings and sharing their lives with us. Thank you to Emmanuel, Deo and Eli for sharing your time and talents with us.

Most of all thank you to our participants who traveled with us and made this trip a reality: Mary Jansen, Linda Cloney, Anny Lee, Dexter Borrowman, Celeste Catalli and Carol Marsh. On behalf of THE Mission group: Pam Sullivan, Sherry Cassedy, Sarah and Jehane Jones, we are grateful to all.