Sunday: We live the Holy Trinity!

It is Sunday evening here, and we are filled with admiration for the Sisters in Africa and all they do.

They feed the poor, give shelter, teach the villagers farming and how to care for chickens.

Our day started at the parish Church. Fr. Benjamin, SDS was presiding. Two Sisters were Eucharistic ministers. After church we met the women in Sister Trojestina's group. They meet each week for prayer, crafts, and gardening. They were proud to show us their crafts: sewing, rugs, furniture making, etc.

They also showed us their garden. The group was full of joy and empowerment.

Sister Maxensia showing part of the  harvest.

Then, we drove to Makulani to visit the Novitiate. Sister Sophia joined us and Sister Felisiana drove. 

Novitiate House

During Novitiate, the Sisters learn to cook, garden and raise chickens and pigs. This is important because most of the convents and missions involve farming to be self-sufficient.

The tractor works great!

We heard many stories about ways the Sisters reach out to the poor villagers. They have helped them in so many ways. One time, many in the village would have starved if the Sisters hadn't shared their food and taught them how to grow crops.

Sister Sophia, Sister Maxensia, and Sister Jenada
learning about bio-gas.

The Sisters use solar power for electricity and bio-gas from their pigs to power their stove. They live the Salvatorian mission in a concrete, life-giving way!

Practice, practice and practice!

Today, being Saturday, we had only one class. The sisters cleaned, did laundry, and did other projects.

S. Jenada and I spent time planning lessons. It looks like we will have two groups, beginner and advanced.

In our dining room there are two long tables. Our English class sits together at one and speaks English during meals. they are trying very hard and they remind each other "English only!"

First Day of Class

Today was our first day of class. We have 10 students, seven from Tanzania and three from the Congo.

Sue teaching.

It was a joyful day with singing and questions and lots of reading, writing, and working together.

S. Jenada teaching: First Day of Class

Skill levels vary, and everyone is trying hard and speaking some English already.

We are impressed with how well they work together and help one another. It is going to be a great experience for all of us.

Sisters working together.

Mgongo and More

Teachers at Mgongo, including Sister Felisiana, SDS (left)

Thursday: after Mass and breakfast, we visited the grade school near the mission. Sister Felisiana, SDS teaches there. There are over 600 students and 15 teachers. The children were happy and well behaved.

Sue and the lead teacher at Mgongo
Grade School

We planned for class and met the sisters from throughout Tanzania and the Congo who are arriving for the class. We start on Friday- can't wait!!

This afternoon we were given a tour of the gardens. The sisters grow many fruits and vegetables for themselves and to sell -  bananas, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, oranges, tangerines, and much more!

S. Maria Trojestina Abela in her garden.
That's a banana plant behind her!

It's Wednesday!

We began our day celebrating Mass in English- the custom on Wednesdays. It is great to hear the improvement in the Sisters' English!

We spent time doing our laundry. Everything gets ironed, as you can see in the picture.

Next came planning time in the classroom. We are eager to get started!

We are happy to hear that there are 17 sisters who are presently students in high school, college, and advanced degree programs. 

Sister Jenada has been meeting with individual sisters, inviting each to share their reflections on the impact of their educational experiences.

The Roof!

Isn't this exciting!

They are assembling the roof on the school at Buyuni!

Arrived in Masasi

Here we are in Masasi!!

We are having dinner at the regional house with Sister Sophia, Sister Seselia, and Sister Paula.

Lots of fresh fruit: mango, banana, payaya, avocado- yum!

Our bus ride to Masasi took only 8 hours. The road is paved all the way.

We have settled into our rooms and are ready to start preparations for classes, which start on Friday.

It is great to see so many friendly faces. What a welcome! A fine reunion!