I want to share with you my joy, excitement, and enthusiasm, along with a grateful heart, upon returning from the mission carried out by the Sisters of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus of Buea in Kumba, Cameroon. Natives of the English-speaking part of the country, they spread the Word of God in schools, parishes, and hospitals… learning to remain faithful to the Lord through both hardships and joys, beginning with their postulancy in Buea and continuing through their novitiate in Kumba. The novices lead a particularly hard life, but the joy that overflows from their sacrifice makes their vocation clear, and being with them is like being in heaven for a while—not to mention that they sing, play African instruments, and create… “heavenly music.” They addressed me as “Aunty Monic” (Aunt Monica), which made me feel right at home, with my nieces and their mother, my sister Virginia.
As I passed through the curtains in the hallway, the community of nuns—of all ages and backgrounds, hardworking and devout, “ora et labora”—made their way by. The 6 a.m. Mass was preceded by personal and communal prayer, and afterward, each went about her work: school, hospital, university…
At the back of the convent, a door opened to the garden, which connected to the adjacent garden—or soccer field—of Saint John’s Secondary School and, beyond that, the primary school.
Sister Christiana, the principal of the secondary school, had introduced me there two years ago to teach a few classes during summer sessions. Now I could confidently join the teaching staff and feel like one of them, having been welcomed and cherished from the very beginning. And I had the freedom to visit the preschool and elementary classes to teach the children songs in Spanish and learn songs in English.
They involved me so much in the teaching staff that they gave me the great opportunity to attend a course on Motivation for Secondary School Teachers, which we attended one Saturday morning in another city two hours away….
They (the teachers) were a clear example of the spirit of hard work and sacrifice, in a country where people want to thrive… to work, to improve… and they do so with joy, jokes, and laughter… (sometimes there are complaints, of course—we’re human, and the government doesn’t help)
And drinking beer… too much of it… that brings people together, relaxes them, fosters good humor, and builds community…
And the dancing!!! Whether at the nightclub, at school, or at church… and in the nuns’ community, of course!!! Dancing and music are the essence of their lives; through them, they give glory to God, pray, and have fun—it’s something innate.
The cadets also honored this reality of singing and dancing as an offering of praise to God, growing in faith and in the desire to follow God through the Virgin Mary, Queen of the Cadets.
Just like the SCC—the small Christian community of Saint Josephine Bakita—in which we participated, praying, singing, and uniting in our commitments… children and adults, all as one.
I also want to thank God for the guardian angels He has placed in my path, especially during times of difficulty and physical suffering—moments when I couldn’t see Him… and I complained… and wanted to turn back… but there was Sister Confort, in the darkness of the night… or Brother Malvis with his selfless dedication… and so much help… always Sister Christiana and, especially, Sister Genevieve, Sister Virginia, Sister Honorine, and Sister Polaine, my savior…
All of them, along with the doctors and nurses (Shina) who work with professionalism even without sufficient resources, caring for the sick with affection, respect, and kindness, and with great human warmth.
Both in Kumba and in the surrounding villages (Bake’s Village), they welcome you with great joy and helpfulness, offering you the best they have.
My heart burns, and I am moved by the overflowing love and the joy they radiate.
The beauty of the nature that surrounds them makes these places true earthly paradises… the wonders of the Creator… where the soul rejoices in thanksgiving and admiration…
Lifting My Gaze…
But when I look down a little… the contrast of seeing those little houses… without any European comforts… makes you wonder… and… are these children happy there? And one of the teachers answered me: “Of course.” And there they were, playing and jumping. The joy, wonder, and innocence of children who never stop playing, searching, asking… and finding…
God’s wonders at work!
I am grateful for all the prayers of so many people… which bear such fruit.
Monica B (CLM candidate in Spain).
