A trip to Africa |
God knows the ways of humans. Was it He who came to me already in elementary school with this desire to be a missionary “girl”. Year after year, thought after thought, prayer after prayer the same dream persisted until finally my moment finally arrived. I was thrilled with joy but others thought that this “child” become woman had gone crazy! However, I knew exactly what I wanted and I knew Who was calling me. And then… ……….the moment of departure ! I was so happy but those who remained behind were both proud and confused. The plane took off and in the air I was in the pleasant company of a Bosnian friar Ivica. He did not know who Duje Draganja was (Croatian Olympic swimmer). I was so cool! Then in my head I had all these questions about that far off Africa. Where is it? Who is expecting me down there? No answers although Ivica was here just next to Duje Draganja. People of all colours were there but I couldn’t quite say if everybody had white teeth!!! Some were talking. I was looking at them and they were looking at me. One could not really say we were strangers to one another any more but rather all one big family, whose members didn’t know one another very well. We had a guardian angel looking after our “iron bird”—the airplane, so we landed safely in Kigali, Rwanda. Then I had to finish this homework… Fra Miro Ancic (tennis player’s uncle) tried to save me from writing this article. He was always in good mood, optimistic, cheerful… As young people would say he was cool and ready to help. First I tried to talk Nikola into helping me. Nikola is already 3 and a half months in the Salesian center in Kigali working with our missionary priest, Danko Litric. He came with fra Miro to visit us in Kivumu. I am not very accustomed to describing my experiences, but I risk ….two of them. When Ivica first asked me to write, I tried to bribe Nikola to write in my place. However nothing worked, neither beer nor candies. Fra Miro was more merciful and little by little he helped me to compose a story based on what I told him during our times together.
I enjoy playing with the children. They are wonderful—sometimes dusty, sweaty , charming and always so cheerful and playful! I realize I need a little more patience since I got here. I will accept anything God offers me. |