HOSPITALITY BY THE LAKE

During 2013 our community at the novitiate got to know the Jesus, Mary and Joseph Sisters (or JMJ for short), especially because two of them came here for two weeks in September for the Training for Transformation workshop.  They have their four communities in Ghana some distance from us, but after Christmas we were happy to accept their invitation to visit two of the communities near Lake Volta.

Lake Volta is the largest man-made lake in the world, so the trip to the lake and crossing on the ferry was an exciting experience for us all.  It was even more exciting for some of us who had never been on such a vast body of water or on a vessel as large as the ferry, which accommodates trucks and other vehicles.

Our stay in the JMJ communities at Yeji and Atebubu was most enjoyable.  The Sisters’ hospitality was lavish, to put it mildly, and we all came home a little heavier.  The spirit of Christmas celebration was happily prolonged, as the photos suggest.

Waiting Impatiently for the Ferry???

Ferry - here at last and unloading.

Novices happily on board the Ferry!

Novitiate Bus safely parked on the Ferry!

Donation or Draining Out! Martin donating blood!

After Novices have donated blood, a pose with Sr Laura JMJ (Lab Technician) and her team - to remember that time they were almost out of blood!

Another big meal just before leaving the JMJ Community at Yeji!

Superior of Atebubu JMJ Community, Sr Scholastica - takes novices around the the 90 acres of land!

JMJ Novice and CFC Novices posing with Sr Scholastica in front of the newly built Shrine.

Novices amazed by the environment - different from their home town, Tamale.



Celebrating the Feast of the Holy Family with the JMJ Sisters. Also the JMJ Feast Day!



JMJ Regional Superior cuts the Feast Day Cake!

JMJ Sisters, Christian Brothers and their Novices.

Departing Atebubu - with a little gain of weight.

Farewell wave from the JMJ Sisters.

SHARING CHRISTMAS WITH THE POOR

Christmas in Tamale, a predominantly Muslim city, has a different feel to it.  One of the features of Christmas here is the way in which Dr. David Abdulai shares Christmas with thousands of others.  Dr. Abdulai is famous as the founder of the Shekhinah clinics and Food Programme.  The two clinics offer free basic medical treatment to anyone who comes.  In a similar spirit, the Food Programme provides a meal every day of the year for hundreds of prisoners and destitute and mentally challenged people in Tamale.

On Christmas Day several thousand of the poor in Tamale are invited to come to Dr. Abdulai’s residence where every person receives food and drink, as well as a gift of clothing items.  The logistics of distributing the food, drink and gifts are formidable.  Volunteers start the cooking well before dawn.  Many others help out during the day with transport, crowd control, giving out food and so on.

Once again this Christmas the novices had the privilege of spending over three hours helping as part of the volunteer force, which included local people, as well as friends of Shekhinah from other parts of Ghana and other parts of the world – including Canada, the UK and Europe.  It was a very special and touching way to share Christmas with others, and it made the meaning of Christmas very real for us all.

Br Tony, with keen eyes. checks out the clothes for girls before giving out.

Francis checks out the boys' clothes before handing out.

Big Martin tries on the hats before recommending them to the young boys.

Desmond checks out the long que to make sure everyone has a sachet of water while waiting to be served.

Lawrence looks on as little Charlie waits to be served.

From left: Philip, Cephas and Paul giving out lunch packs.

Desmond distributes water as  sign of welcome.

Other Volunteers from Ghana and Netherlands - giving a helping hand.

From left: Philip, Dominic and Volunteer, Margaret serving lunch packs. 

 

 

 

 

A SEA CHANGE

After ten months of Tamale and the north of Ghana, it was time for a change, a sea change, in fact.  At the end of November the novitiate community travelled to Cape Coast, on the Atlantic coast of Ghana, for a short holiday.  The lush, green hills of the south, the rain forest at Kakum National Park and, of course, the ocean were so different to the drier savannah country of the north.  The contrast was refreshing and lifted spirits and energy levels.

 

The week had something for everyone.  For some, such as those from land-locked countries like Zambia, it was the first time to see the ocean, and the vastness and power of the sea were a revelation.  Even the taste and feel of sea water was something new.  For others, like those from Sierra Leone and Papua New Guinea, who have spent most of their lives near the sea, and for whom living so far inland is a new experience, it was a happy return to a familiar environment.

The Canopy Walk in the rain forest at Kakum National Park was a challenge for everyone.  Walking on the swaying suspension footbridges, so far above the ground and amidst the tree-tops, tested our nerves, but all of us (except for one of the team, who shall remain anonymous) survived!

Highlights for everyone were the visits to two of the historical castles along the coast – at Cape Coast itself, and Elmina Castle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Seeing such mighty structures that have been there for over 500 years was impressive, but this was overshadowed by the impact of the story of these castles and the international slave trade.  Standing in the dungeons that once held thousands of men and women on their way to the Americas as slaves; hearing of the physical and sexual abuse and degradation of the slaves; seeing the “Door of No Return” through which the slaves passed to board the waiting ships – all of this provoked sadness and a painful awareness of humanity’s capacity for inhumanity!

There were also chances to wander the old town centre of Cape Coast and to meet some of the local people.  At our gathering for reflection and prayer each evening, we shared many different experiences – awe, wonder, sadness, pain, warmth and gratitude, among others.

 

After this refreshing and eye-opening time away we are now turning our thoughts and energies to preparation for the three-month Community Pastoral Placement, which gets under way early in January.

 



On the way - Seawards.





First Visit...after some bargaining...inside Cape Coast Castle, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean



Br Con admires the Cannons! Hope he doesn't use one on his Novices.

Swim Time!

Zambia finally at Sea - Paul (left) and Emmanuel (right).

"Too Salty!" Emmanuel tasting some salt water - Zambian Novices: Cephas (back) and Emmanuel (front).

Always good to get proper instructions from professionals! Desmond (middle) giving swimming instructions to Emmanuel and Paul.

Enjoying the wonders of the Ocean.
Standing, from left to right: Lawrence and Martin.
Front, from left to right: Philip, Desmond and Dominic.

A visit to Kakum Park.

Desmond and Br Tony on the swinging bridge!

Lawrence, Emmanuel and Cephas - getting used to the swaying!

The Big Man! You don't want to walk on a swinging bridge with Martin.

Visit to Elmina Castle - side view

Left to Right: Emmanuel, Cephas and Dominic waiting impatiently for the bus to roam Cape Coast town.

First Stop on the way back to Beautiful Tamale!

 

 



Sun and Sunson in November

Lawrence, Francis, Dominic and Desmond are smiling - the fruits of the reteat maybe?

Somewhere around mid-October, someone threw a switch and the rains stopped in Tamale.  By November the hot sun was back, and things were drying out.  The end of the year was in sight, and the time had come for some 'time out' to be with the Lord and to reflect on the journey that had brought each of our nine novices thus far.  Br. Con was also part of the retreat group - he had a longer journey to reflect on!

We were fortunate to have the peace and quiet of the SVD Pastoral Centre near Sunson village, about two hours east of Tamale.  Our retreat was led by Fr. Jesus-Maria of the Missionaries of Africa.  A Spanish missionary with much experience of Africa, especially in Zambia, Fr. Jesus had a great fund of stories to go with his depth of biblical knowledge.  His presentations opened up new perspectives on familiar scripture passages, while his stories and anecdotes grounded the teaching in real life.

Whether in personal prayer time, in celebrating Eucharist and Reconciliation, or in the quiet reflection of the retreat days, it was a rich and energising time with its own special meaning and significance for each one.

As the first year of novitiate came to an end, and as the three-month pastoral placement in early 2014 loomed, it was a good moment to have this time aside.

Fr. Jesus-Maria (r.), breaking the Word with the novices.

 

TRAINING FOR TRANSFORMATION

Our novitiate community was transformed in several ways during a recent two-week workshop on “Training for Transformation”, an approach to social development based on the work of the Brazilian educator, Paolo Freire.  For a start, the population here doubled as our nine novices and Brother Conrad were joined by members of three other religious communities – novices and Brothers from the Presentation Brothers; postulants from the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary; and two Sisters of the Jesus, Mary and Joseph congregation.

The facilitators included Ntombi Nyathi of the Grail Institute in South Africa, and two of our Brothers from Kenya, Sunday Otieno and Paul Mutuku.  Their “full on” and creative approach ensured that everyone was actively involved and participating.  Their message emphasized that the transformation we want for the society has to start with each of us as individuals, and then move out to the local community and the wider society.  

So the experience of the workshop was in itself an experience of personal transformation.  We began the workshop by stepping into our sacred personal stories.  We planted a variety of seeds during the opening ritual, and by the end of the workshop these were sprouting vigorously, reflecting the growth and flowering that was occurring in us. 

One area of transformation was in the assumptions and unquestioned beliefs that we often have about “the poor” and their problems.  We were challenged to see each person as a SUBJECT, with gifts and the capacity to play a part in solving his or her own problems, and not just as the OBJECT of the well-meaning efforts of people like us.  They are not empty vessels to be filled with our expertise!  We had to make our own shift from a NAÏVE consciousness to AWAKENING in understanding this.

This awakening needs us to see things as the people themselves see and experience them, so we have to be with the people, listen to them, and understand their perspective on the world and the society.  This will be the beginning of identifying the root problem, which, in turn, opens the way to find solutions and take action.

To assist people in this way demands skills – so learning the skills of observing and listening, and practicing the six steps of “digging deeper” into a community or social issue, were central in the workshop.  We practiced some of these with visits to the markets and interaction with the market sellers in Tamale and in Kintampo, south of Tamale.

Making our group presentations in the final days of the workshop continued the process of our personal transformations, as we called on our gifts and took risks to inform, stimulate and engage our companions.  The two weeks were full and demanding, but also energizing and full of new insights and awareness.

The workshop is over – but only for now.  We carry with us new ideas and skills which will be applied in the coming months.  For us Christian Brother novices, the three-month Community Pastoral Placement at the start of 2014 will provide an opportunity for us to practice what we have learned in a more extended way.  Most of the participants from this workshop will then gather again in May, 2014, for a follow-up workshop to consolidate and deepen the transformation that has started so memorably and inspiringly.

 

 

 

From Right: Br Paul cfc, Ntombi, Sr Laura jmj, and Francis - resting after lthe istening survey at the Market Streets of Kintampo

TFT Trainees posing out for a photo at Kintampo Market after the Listening Survey!

 6 steps of Digging Deeper explored!

After the presentation of how to put into action the 6 steps of digging deeper and then Taking all that Energy Back!

Lighting the fire! Demonstrating how important a Code is in helping people in the society identify their own problems. The code identifies the root cause and it  ignites from there outwards like buring a fire!

 

Group Photo of all the Trainiees and the three Facilitators before departures!

 

 

OCEANIA COMES CALLING

One of the challenges of life in a place for those of us who are not Ghanaian, which is all of us, is the isolation.  Tamale is not on any tourist trails and travel within Africa is expensive, if you come by air, or slow and uncertain if you choose any other means of transport.  So we very much appreciate here the number of visitors we have from the other Districts within Africa, and from other Provinces beyond Africa.  There is something in face-to-face interaction and having someone living with you for a while that email, Facebook and phone-calls can’t match.

We were especially delighted earlier this year to have Br. Vince Duggan, the Province Leader of Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and the Philippines), with us for nearly two weeks.  The fact that we have had two novices from Oceania in 2011-12, and again this year (Desmond and Francis from Papua New Guinea), is the main reason that Vince has given priority to visiting us. 

We have not only benefited from Vince’s willingness to take some classes (some very colourful excursions into Church History), but even more from his presence.  Despite his responsible position and status in the congregation, his warm and humble (check out the photo below at the wash-up!) way of being among us underlined what brotherhood and leadership mean for us Christian Brothers.

Vince shows that he hasn’t forgotten what to do at a wash-up

 

Vince and the three natives of Oceania – novices Desmond and Francis, and Br. Tony.

 

Vince (far right) with almost all the novices and Team.  Can you pick which novice is not there?

 

FACTS OF LIFE AT TAMALE ‘REHAB’ CENTRE

It is almost 6 months down the line that I have been going for my weekly ministry at the Rehabilitation Centre. The ‘Rehab’ is a training Institution that offers vocational courses such as tailoring and dressmaking, shoe making and repairs (leather work), weaving and knitting, for physically challenged young men and women both from both within and beyond Tamale.

Spending time with them every            Thursday has been a great opportunity in my life.  I have witnessed what it feels to be both poor and physically challenged. It is indeed a challenging life for the students, but the centre is also encountering a number of challenges.  One of the major ones that faces the institution year in year out is a lack of funds to operate.

 It is quite surprising that, although it is a government institution, very little support comes from the government itself, and if it does, the money passes through a chain of hands such that, by the time it reaches the Rehab, it is just a token. Hence, it is not enough to cater for basic needs and this has made them highly dependent on donations by individuals or churches, religious congregations and NGOs. These alternatives, too, are not consistent.

Nevertheless, I have been encouraged by the way the students, teachers and managers face this reality very boldly and enthusiastically. Their faces are always full of joy, hope and faith.

I have experienced enormous love from these people of God. It made me feel energized while working with them. I have also developed a compassionate heart. Each day I shared with them, there was something new in me. Their kindness is another thing that I cherish.

On the other hand, I also encountered some challenges at this place, e.g. my lack of special communication skills (sign language) in communicating with the students, especially those with a hearing disability. I found it hard to accommodate all of them during various activities such as the weekly hour for devotion and in class time. You can imagine working with the dumb, blind, cripples and deaf under the same roof at the same time!  However, I managed to learn a few basic skills in sign language.

I feel my presence at the ‘Rehab’ has been of mutual benefit, to the centre and certainly to me. It enabled me work with zeal. I will always remember their amazing phrase, “Because we are his children, God loves us too. He will always provide for us our daily needs.”

 I have many reasons to appreciate these marvellous experiences. I feel they have boosted my emotional, social and spiritual growth.  I am looking forward to a new challenge when we change ministries next month.

 

Teaching Mathematics!

Lawrence solves the problem!

Lawrence (Standing - First from Right),
last day with students from the Rehabilitation Centre!

 

 

 Lawrence Agalo

My Experience at the Tamale Children’s Home

Shortly after our arrival in Tamale, Brothers Tony and Con took us novices around Tamale to see the ministry sites, and I was deeply touched when we came to the Children’s Home. These delightful children captured my attention and led me to request this as my regular ministry. 

My experience there has been enriching. The home has children of various ages, but I have been involved mainly with the infants and toddlers, while the older ones go off to school.  At first it was not easy. I had to learn the mother’s gentle art of changing the nappies and washing the children. I helped in cleaning the house, playing with the children and engaging them in different activities to keep them active. By lunchtime they will all be sleeping. Sometimes I find myself among them having a siesta as well.

Volunteers from overseas also come and spend some time in helping look after the children. Men and women, youths, students and various organisations also take time to visit and donate what they can, in food or in other supplies.  The administration is short of the funds needed for renovations and looking after the children’s basic needs, like clothes and food. They depend heavily on donations from generous individuals and organisations, in Ghana and abroad.

One challenge at the orphanage is the small number of staff. The number of children at the orphanage is greater than the number of staff and this makes it a difficult for the staff, especially to give the individual attention that children want and need. However, when visitors come, the children run up to them to greet these visitors without fear. This shows how they have been well looked after by the few staff, but also how much they respond to some extra attention from visitors and volunteers.

PAUL  KAKULUNDA

Developing skills that are not usually taught in the novitiate!

There are always plenty of little ones needing care and attention.

By the end of the morning, some children are drifting towards siesta.

 

A WONDERFUL WORKSHOP ON AFRICAN SPIRITUALITY

Who would deny the fact that we Africans have invested so much faith in western religions to the extent of disowning our own!

Well, perhaps it is as a result of the way it has been passed on to us.  Most of us generally perceive African Traditional Religion (ATR) from a negative perspective only, so we tend to associate it with superstition and harmful practices such as witchcraft. This shallow perception has indeed led us to misunderstand the real meaning and significance of ATR, generation after generation.

However, from the workshop we had in July with Br. Amandi Mboya, from the East Africa District, I realised that ATR is more of good than ‘evil’.  The workshop helped us first-year novices to understand some of the challenging areas and issues within African Tradition Spirituality.

During the discussions, we discovered that there are some similarities between ATR and the western religions, such as Christianity. The similarity came out quite vividly especially in relation to the belief in one transcendent creator/supreme being; the use of rituals and sacrifices during important occasions; the belief in a spiritual world; and the interconnectedness of humankind and the rest of creation. Because of this, there has been some adoption of customs and practices from ATR in Christian life.

We finally reflected on the possibilities of incorporating some of the helpful traditional practices during our community prayer and liturgies (e.g. Eucharistic celebrations). This was clearly taken as a challenge.

It was indeed a fruitful workshop which, I believe, brought a more holistic growth and vision.

We sincerely express our gratitude to ‘professor’ Amandi for this fabulous contribution to our ongoing formation programme.

Amandi’s visit coincided with short visits from two other “distinguished” guests – Br. Richard Walsh from Lusaka, our Africa Province Leader, and Br. Pious Conteh, the West Africa District Mission Development Officer.   As the photos show, their visit was not all work, and they enjoyed the hospitality of our Brothers in the Choggu community here in Tamale.

Lawrence Agalo



Br. Amandi and the nine novices,

 looking smart in their “CB Novices” shirts.

Three visitors to Tamale enjoying a social evening

with the Choggu community. 

(From left): Br. Pious Conteh, West Africa’s Province Mission Development Officer; Br. Conrad from the novitiate team; Br. Amandi; Br. Andrew, Choggu Community Leader and Principal of Kanvili School; Br. Richard Walsh, Africa Province Leader; and Bros. Paul Yalla and Boniface Adagiyele of the Choggu community.