LETTERS FROM SR. MARIE THERESE, SSND
August 7, 2009
My dearest family members and friends,
ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END!
This will be my final update as I complete my time of ministry in Nigeria! Thank you for your love, prayers and concern over these past four years! You and my time here are a blessing in my life!
While in the domestic airport on July 27, as I awaited my flight to Calabar and home I wrote some thoughts down so that I could quickly send this note to you the day after I returned. That did not happen and, as usual, I keep being amazed at how quickly time is passing. Here it is already August 6!
On July 26th, I went to Lagos with our three postulants to see them through the International Airport and off to Ghana, their Transition Program and Novitiate. That all went smoothly and, thanks to cell phones, I heard from them when they arrived that very evening. I stayed overnight with the Eucharistic Heart Sisters and returned on the 27th...to an empty house! But it was good to be alone for awhile and try to quiet myself after all too much activity! Then on Friday, August 31, we made a trip up to Mkar for the Mass of Thanksgiving and celebration with our four newly professed Nigerian Sisters and a few members of their families. Every journey has a story, they say here and this trip was no exception! Going, our 7 1/2 hr. trip took 12 1/2 hrs. due to bad roads and a serious traffic jam on the Calabar road, along with rain and later, night driving! Our trip home took 9 hrs. because of a detour! But, I arrived safely! I was with the Urua Edet Obo Community on the way going and alone with the driver on the way home. Our Sisters use this time when school is out to make their retreats and visit with their families. Some are also going to workshops and we have a gathering of interested girls meeting now at the Mkar house. Our Vocation Directors (2) are busy introducing some 17 young women to our Congregation.
As you know, I had hoped to leave Nigeria on July 26 when I took the postulants to Lagos, but was asked to remain in Nigeria through August so as to meet the new community coming to live in our house. At the moment I do not have a date for their arrival but I WILL LEAVE HERE on August 31 no matter who has finally come and gotten settled. One Sister is coming from Kenya and her arrival depends on getting her VISA; another Sister is coming from Ghana and needs to wait until her replacement comes from the States. She, too, is waiting for her VISA and getting on the Quota in Ghana. I am expecting that the other two will come near the last week of August.
God is very close in all these happenings and speaks loudly and clearly in many ways! I took the book SEEDS OF CONTEMPLATION by Thomas Merton with me to Lagos...where I read the following since my plan to leave for home was replaced by God's plan for me: "Here is the thing that God has willed for me. In this His love is found, and in accepting this I can give back His love to Him and give myself with it to Him, and grow up in His will to contemplation, which is life everlasting." As I reflect back over these past four years, I humbly admit to God's contant Love and Grace. The challenges were many in this culture so different from my own and what I experienced in Ghana. I have been stretched beyond anything I could have imagined! But all has been for my benefit...so I am grateful and leave with a deeper awareness of God in my life and love for our Sisters and the people who have been part of my life here!
May our loving God continue to bless and be with each of you! Be assured of my love and prayers...and know I am looking forward to seeing you and being with you soon!
All my love,
Sr. Marie Therese
December, 2007 - Christmas Letter
Dear Family, Sisters and Friends,
May we who look forward to the feast of Christ's birth
rejoice for ever in the wonder of his love...
(Prayer after Comm. Dec. 24)
We are already into the Second Week of Advent, which again this year, is a rather short season. We began Advent with the Blessing of the Advent Wreath at Vespers on December 1st. The use of the Jesse Tree has also become a tradition here in the Formation House in our preparation toward a meaningful experience of Advent and Christmas. There is an appropriate story and symbol for each day referring to people and/or events significant in the heritage of Jesus and Salvation History. The Readings begin with the Old Testament story of the anointing of David, Son of Jesse and end on Christmas Eve with the Prologue of John's Gospel. The beautiful Frangiapanni tree which loses all its leaves and flowers for having been cut from its life-source and will, by Christmas, be flowering once more on its own, having been planted in soil, is perfect for the Jesse Tree Symbols.
We have many such wonderful natural resources at our fingertips. Flowers are abundant this season and deep in color...pink, orange, yellow, red, blue, peach, white! Our fruits, too, are plentiful: shaddock, grapefruit, lemons, bananas and pineapple. We have been able to share some of these, along with plantain from our trees, with our workers, Sisters and friends.
Days are passing quickly with our busy schedule of classes and routine activities. The first term ends Dec. 14th. Next Monday our postulants will have a few days of Retreat. Right now they can't imagine spending an entire day, much less several days, in silence throughout..."no recreation?...no conversation at table?...no greeting one another?...no cooking? This is the time I'll be spending a lot of time in the kitchen preparing breakfast and the evening meal for them. Our cook, as usual, will prepare the noon meal soup and also help me by preparing ahead of time some of the dishes for supper. S. Sandy also gives a hand. I'm sure all will go well!
One quick story -- for recreation we have taught our postulants several table games. One of the postulants was having quite a time catching on to a particular card game. As she fingered each card in her hand, trying to decide which to lay down, the postulant next to her watched eagerly, saying "u-u, u-u, u-hu, u-u" and the one still concentrating intently said, "Which one was u-hu?" Sandy and I chuckled; it was too cute! The women are delightful and for sure we know we are blessed in this ministry!
A BLESSED AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Love always,
S.Marie Therese
October 31, 2007
Dear Ones: Family, Sisters and Friends,
Greetings and much love from Nigeria! This begins PART TWO of LIFE IN NIGERIA! And this letter begins with a hearty THANK YOU to each of you for showing me such a wonderful time while I was home. My poor humble words are just not enough to let you know how much I enjoyed being with and seeing you while home! I have to admit; I loved all the attention and LOVED being spoiled rotten! Now my love-tank is full and I am sailing along in ease! May our loving God bless and reward each and every one of you!
What I had wanted to do before leaving the U.S. was call each of you individually to say GOODBYE! Of course that was not possible...but I did it in my heart! I wanted to hear your voice just one more time. I was quite busy all throughout my stay but things got somehow more crowded as the final days approached. My family and Sister friends still wanted to see me and take me out to lunch or supper and/or just visit...but there were still things I needed to do and buy along with doing the necessary packing. Somehow all got done and S. Sandy and I left Elm Grove at 8:15 a.m. on Oct. 3 to get the bus to Chicago. It was a good way to begin my journey since the route was through the Milwaukee Downtown area and I had not had the opportunity to see all the marvelous improvements, particularly around the Marquette University Campus! I was delighted by all I saw! I was also amazed with improvements on the Freeway System! More work continues on that...
Our plane left Chicago for Frankfurt, Germany at 3:15, arriving there about 6:00 a.m. with a 7 hour time gap. This 5 hour wait for the plane to Lagos, Nigeria seemed VERY LONG. That I was tired and hadn't slept could be the reason. I was glad I was not alone. Sandy and I could while away the time together.
In Lagos it took a good hour to get through Passport check and more time to collect our baggage. I had no problem with the amount of luggage I had, and it was overweight, until I took the local flight out of Lagos...it was there I got charged! Doesn't surprise me!!! In Lagos we took a taxi to our destination where we would stay overnight to get to the American Embassy on Friday. I was surprised how efficiently that worked out...they put pages into our passports while we waited.
On Saturday we flew to Calabar, then got transportation home; a two-hour drive, getting us home around 5:00 p.m. It felt so good to be home! However, Sister Gabriel was not here to welcome us. Apparently, she became very ill -- first malaria, then a serious cold, then shingles; so on September 27th she had to fly home to Baltimore for proper medical care. I am glad for that -- BUT -- it now leaves Sandy and me to cover all the tracks! For me it means responsibility for house maintenance, for the men and their work, and the finances. I am certainly being stretched, so please keep me in your prayer! THANK YOU!
Everything else is normal so far! ...or so it seems. Time is speeding along, postulants have already joined us and we are very busy with our teaching schedule. The three, Esther, Gloria and Magdeline, seem to be "low-key" people and that is fine for me right now as I adjust to my new duties. If there is any one out there who would like to come and help...and be our sixth community member, know will be very welcome!
Weather-wise, it has rained practically every day since we arrived, though, rain did not interfere with our travels. I know I have God and your prayer to THANK!
This much for now...You will be hearing from again soon! Let us continue to be mindful of each other in prayer! God Bless You!
Know I love you very much!
S. Marie Therese
June 22, 2007
Dear Family and Friends,
Would you believe that in only 12 days I'll be on my way to the States! I started
counting days only today! Matters here have kept me incredibly busy -- but NOW,
evaluations are completed and the financial reports are in the hands of the Bursar
and I'm quite FREE to think about myself and begin the count-down for my home-visit!
It's an awesome feeling! And I can't wait to see you!
Having had the responsibility of relating to our workers in a different way, since
Sr. Gabe's absence, has given me a closer look at their lives and the financial difficulties
they experience. I've know that -- at a distance...but working with them and talking to them
one on one on a more personal basis has made quite a difference. To live in Nigeria is a
hardship--to be a common working Nigerian--is even more of a hardship! SO...I will NOT BE SHY
begging you for money to help, especially those who work for us. Whatever you can give me will
be GREATLY appreciated, even if it's the change in your pocket! Which reminds me!!! -there was
one special parishioner at St. Therese who used to do that...throw the change in his pocket into a
special "milk" tin container, which he thought appropriate since he knew I was from Wisconsin, and
periodically bring me the container to bank for my "AFRICAN FUND" I know YOU won't disappoint me!
My plans are to fly home July 4th , arrive Chicago July 5th via Calabar, Lagos, Frankfurt
-- Aero, Lufthansa, United. When I am not out and about, I'll be making my home at our
Retirement/Health Care Center in Elm Grove: Notre Dame of Elm Grove. In mid-July I'll head
for Ft. Wayne to visit friends and see my doctor, etc. I am also planning to make my retreat in
that area then come back to Wisconsin to be with my family and our Sisters.
I so look forward to seeing all of you and I want to personally thank you for being such a
wonderful support to me especially in these past two years. Your love, your prayers, letters, cards,
email have all strengthened and encouraged my missionary experience, making YOU a VITAL participant
in my journey/life/mission!
May our Loving Gracious God reward you!
Love always,
S. Marie Therese
April 02, 2007
Greetings from Nigeria!
A BLESSED AND JOYOUS EASTER TO EACH OF YOU!
It has been said, "We are an Easter People!" -- I pray that the ONE you love and WHO LOVES YOU unconditionally, will Easter in your heart!
I share with you two quotes that are consoling to me and I hope you find them useful. The first is from: Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ. She says, "I am more and more convinced that life is meant to be burdensome and toilsome and extraordinarily like traveling with an ox wagon in South Africa at the rate of about two miles a day...So I am more doubtful about things that go smoothly than when they are troublesome from morning till night. Never mind, the arrival will be worth it all, and it is not so far now--to see God's overflowing gladness of welcome as each poor battered heart-sick child comes home for the everlasting homecoming, and to see all that God thought of the struggles and troubles, and accidents of the way."
AND the second one is this from Pascaline Coff, OSB:
"Mindful now of our own rich tradition of meditation and contemplative prayer and eager to learn what is 'true and holy' in other religions, the time is right for us to learn from one another, from whatever culture and religion, all that is helpful in moving toward a simpler life, a deeper life, and a more authentic life in which the inner experience of God is primary and energizing and centering."
It seems to me there is meaning and purpose to everything we experience in this life. In our very being we live the paschal mystery -- the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Be attentive to God's word and action in your life!
Now that the rains are coming, people all around are working their land and planting yams, cassava, corn and greens: pumpkin leaf, bitter leaf and more. Everyone in the family takes part from smallest child to mother and father. They work very hard at it as it is their livelihood! And they use such simple tools!!! With the rains we do get some relief from the heat, if only for a few hours. But it is such a blessing!
Easter Week with bring a change of pace for us with some free time. On Thursday we will host a party for our workers. They along with their families will be with us for a meal and some fun/games/prizes for the children. We are planning the day and looking forward to enjoying ourselves with our good workers. Gifts of food will also be given them! We could not manage without our driver, Fabian, our watchmen/maintenance men, Okon and Goddy, our cook, Eno and our Laundress, Scholastica. Last year I took pictures but gave them all away; this year I will keep them so you can meet our friends and helpers!
I will close here because time is slipping away. Know you are close in my heart and in prayer, especially so during this coming Holy Week!
With much love,
S. Marie Therese
September 05, 2006
Dear Special People,
A heartfelt THANK YOU for making my Birthday such a memorable event! Your cards, notes and letters began arriving toward the end of July, came all through August and are still arriving! I so enjoyed opening each card with YOU in mind (though in a couple instances, I had to look to our Parish Directory only to realize you must be a "new" family), however, it could be my memory! I will need to get re-acquainted when I get home. Thank you for remembering me! As you know, I have a practice, which I picked up from a Sister friend of mine, of choosing a card from those received, placing it on my stand, and holding the sender in prayer and sacrifice for that day. You have really blessed me with your kindness and it is my way to say THANK YOU to you! Each card is so special...with some I chuckled aloud!...with others I was awed by the beauty of the card and message! Getting OLD this way is not all that bad!
These last months have been a time of change of pace from regular routine. Our postulants were at our other missions on their Apostolic Phase of the Program. Each one was in a different community and all their experiences were so different. We enjoyed all they had to share on their return! My, how they have grown from this experience! They learned how different life is "in action" as compared to having scheduled classes with their outreach activity only once a week! Balancing prayer, community life and ministry can really be a challenge!
While the postulants were gone, I made my Retreat, attended many celebrations including: the Silver Anniversay of our Parish Priest and of the Vicar of the Diocese (very festive parish celebrations), a farewell party for Sr. Anne (returning to the States because of health), a Final Vow celeabration of our Sr. Nentaweh and a parish celebration for one of our most recently Professed Sisters. She is the first Professed Religious from her parish and they wanted to celebrate that in a special way. It was a special experience--my FIRST of such kind--and I would compare it to the celebration given to a young man at his ordination. (Not all parishes acknowledge the FIRST PROFESSION of a Religious. Final Vows rather are celebrated in a BIG way...) There was Mass and all of us SSNDs there participated in the Entrance Procession, after which was a Reception which included a cultural dance by the youth, presentation of gifts and a meal...all done very "formally". This celebration was held in an outstation of a small village, really in the inner forest area, so I was thrilled to have this experience even though we travelled on a miserable road and could have used a canoe to get across the collected waters of this rainy season! I held my breath as we drove through some "small lakes". We also visited Sister's home and since we were not going to stay for the evening meal, her family gifted us with a leg of goat. Our postulants prepared it for yesterday's supper and I was reminded that I do not prefer goat meat!
In July, I also did a lot of travelling to our missions for the annual evaluations of our Temporary Professed Sisters. It was more travel than I had need of! I am so glad those trips are now behind me for awhile. In addition to the trip to Kenya in May and the one to Ghana at the end of August, I now feel travelled out! However, there were a lot of ADVENTURES included in these trips...like when we went to the Final Vow celebration and made a wrong turn taking us two hours out of the way with the added frustration of coming to our destination and not finding a room "available" in addition to not having light and running water when we did get a place to stay oernight; or finding the students at the University of one city we passed through engaged in a riot over the death of a student by a hit and run, and again we were forced to take the long way round which added another hour to our trip.
And life goes on one day at a time! All for the greater honor and glory of God! But, I'm sure you, too, have stories to tell of your summer experiences and I will be looking forward to hearing them from you! Write when you are able...I love getting snail mail!
Blessings and may our loving God keep you and provide your many needs!
Much love and peace,
Marie Therese
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