Closing Chapter: Love Has No Boundaries

When I began my journey to be a missionary I said it was the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Now it is time to end that chapter and begin a new one.

My three-year commitment to serve the Catholic Diocese of Damongo turned into five years of Love. Love of the village and the villagers. Love knowing that I was not just a “missionary” but someone’s granny, mama, auntie, sister, mentor. Love of the National Forest and the safaris I took; all ten of them. Love of St. Anne’s Girls Catholic Senior High School and all the girls who’s lives I touched. Sharing with them the importance of education; reading, writing, working and living together in harmony. Most importantly, sharing with them the Love I have for Christ, Mary his Mother, the Eucharist, the Rosary. 

As I bid farewell to the place that became my second home, and the anticipation of the next chapter to be written, I leave behind not just memories but the enduring belief that LOVE has no boundaries.

My adopted family: Annette, mother Paulina, Anne, Nathan and father, Francis Awose

My Grandchildren. Nathan, Anne, and Annette

Gogu family: Evans, Vivian, and sons Malvin and Mathias. They and the Awose family are truly my Ghanaian sons, daughters and grandchildren.

Reading with the girls

My Ghanaian son Cletus 

My favorite bread lady

Mole National Forest Safari

Mole National Forest Residents

Running Water

Not everyone in my village has access to running water. The Catholic Diocese has financed many bore holes for the local communities but they can’t supply water to everyone.

This morning as I was driving to the village to audit the local Catholic Church I saw women and children on the side of the road using the water that was gathered to wash pots, clothes and their children.

These women and children are part of the Fulani tribe. Fulani’s are a nomadic tribe; however,  those here in Damongo have built huts and seem to have settled here. 

When I got out of my pick-up truck they were more than happy to welcome me and let me take pictures.

It is sad to know that 1/2 of the cases of Typhoid fever in Ghana is contracted by children under the age of 15; this is a good reason why.

May God bless them and their mothers who do the best they can with what they have.

Auditing Adventure

One of my assignments while serving here in Damongo is to conduct internal audits of the Parishes in the Diocese. In the spring of 2022 I visited 12 of the 13 parishes. At that time I realized that what was needed was not an audit but guidance in establishing the procedures needed to properly record and safeguard the finances of the parish. 

During the past two weeks I returned to 8 of the 13 parishes to check on the progress made. I was happy to see that the parishes are working hard to put in place the procedures I helped them establish on my first visit.

Some of the parishes are not close to Damongo and it is necessary that I stay overnight at the parishes’ guesthouse. Below are pictures of my last audit.

I am almost always greeted my children in the area.

Members of the finance committee are asked to be present for the audit.

It is not uncommon to conduct the audits outside.

I was distracted by the goat standing on its hind legs eating leaves off of a tree.

At the end of the audit a meal is provided, ending in many cases with a cold beer.

I must say I do enjoy my work here. 

Ghanaian Dresses

I was never one to be concerned about my collection of dresses when living in the USA. Actually, I don’t think I ever owned enough to say I had a “collection”! I was pretty “blah” when it came to what I wore. I hated to shop for clothing and as far as I was concerned, the less the better. 

Here in Ghana, however, for some reason that has changed. It could be that I realize cotton dresses are remarkably comfortable, or maybe it is that clothing here is very affordable, or maybe that I just love the colors. Whatever the reason, I can now say that I have an amazing collection of beautiful colorful dresses that I love and although they are not the normal Western Pennsylvania style, I plan on wearing them when I get back. Everyone who sees me will be asking themselves “where in the world does that lady shop”.

Bakita Night

Each year at St. Anne’s Senior High School (SAGISS) an event known as Bakita Night takes place. This is where the Freshman girls compete for the title of Queen. The girls model, perform (sing, dance, act), and speak on a subject of their choice. Pregnancy before marriage, the importance of family, and female genital mutilation are examples of topics the girls spoke about this year.

The Senior class coordinates the entire event, therefore, no Bakita Night is ever the same. Each year the atmosphere tends to take on a different tone. What is the same, however, is that the celebration is always enjoyable, full of laughter, and entertaining; culminating with a Queen and her Court being chosen and making three girls extremely happy. 

Sacraments

 There are seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the sick, Ordination and Matrimony. While living here in Damongo I have been Blessed to be present at five of the seven.

I attended the Baptism of my Ghanaian granddaughter, Annette (I adopted my neighbors, Paulina, Francis and their three children as my Ghanaian family). I also attended as Evan’s, another adopted son’s, second child Mathias, was Baptized. Yes, I have become Mama Karen/Granny Karen to many during my four years serving here in Damongo.

I experienced the Diaconate Ordination of 17 men whose main objective was to be ordained Priests. This most beautiful ceremony took place at a Seminary two hours from Damongo. Two of these young men are from my diocese. I missed their ordination to priesthood because of traveling to the USA when Covid-19 first hit, but was later able to experience three young men from the Damongo Diocese be ordained.

Shortly after I arrived in Damongo a group wedding was performed at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish. I was present as 13 couples took the vows of marriage. Quite different, I know, to have 13 married at the same time, but quite exciting as the entire church was filled with dancing and singing with joy.

Also at St. Theresa’s Parish I watched as several children received the Sacrament of Confirmation. This Sacrament, performed by our Bishop, The Most Rev. Peter Paul Y. Angykier, is were the gifts of the Holy Spirit strengthen the newly confirmed. A group of young children performed during the Confirmation Mass.

As for me, I receive the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist several times a week while attending Mass. This enables me to be filled with God’s abundant Graces and unites me more closely with Christ. Living my life as a missionary in Damongo IS TRULY A BLESSING!

Birthday Blessings

I knew someone would do something for me on my birthday but this I never imagined. What a surprise when I got to my office.

Blessings In Small Packages

One of the blessings of serving God’s people in the Diocese of Damongo comes in small packages; it’s the children. Although my services as a missionary are geared to all ages, life here without children would be less colorful and definitely less rewarding. I am Blessed!

 

Parish Audit and Other News

 

This may be my fourth year on mission here in Damongo but the excitement of my journey has not stopped. As acting Bursar at the school I am privileged to be around the girls daily, and being that I am part of the Administrative staff, I also have a part in decision making. I am honored.

My other position with the Diocese of Damongo is that of auditor, assigned to visit all 13 of the Diocesan Parishes to ensure proper financial practices are being followed. So far the findings have been positive. The ability to meet new people and visit different villages is amazing.

Maria Josefina A Cruz, one of Lay Mission-Helpers new missionaries, has finally arrived in Damongo. Josie and I share a bungalow. I enjoy helping her through the culture shock experienced when moving to such a different environment. More about this incredible woman will come in my next blog.

God has blessed me with this unbelievable journey I am on. I praise you, Lord, and thank you for enriching my life.

New Assignment

 

After a short visit to the USA to celebrate the Holidays with my family I am excited to be back in Damongo, Ghana to begin my fourth year serving God’s children as a Lay Mission-Helper.

There have been many changes since I arrived back to the place I have called home for the past three years. My adopted Ghanaian family was blessed with their third child. Parents Paulina and Francis are both teachers at St. Anne’s Girls’ Senior High School (SAGISS) where I live. I am so happy that the family recently moved into the bungalow next door. What a joy it is to have my Ghanaian family so close and to be able to hold a baby any time I wish.

Since my return I have taken on different responsibilities. I am now the Bursar at SAGISS. As Bursar I act as the accountant at the school, and I oversee food supplies. I will, however, continue to work for the Catholic Diocese of Damongo. Using my knowledge as an auditor, I will travel to many of the thirteen parishes to ensure finances are accounted for properly. This is an exciting assignment for I will experience the lifestyles of different tribes and villages throughout the Diocese.

What a joy it is to know I will be helping the Diocese of Damongo in different ways my fourth year in mission, giving me the ability to learn more about the beautiful people this Diocese serves. I am truly Blessed!

Mission Presence

On November 14, 2021, I boarded a plane for my trip back to the USA. It has been over 3 years since the start of my missionary journey. In August, 2018, I began my four-month formation program in Los Angeles, CA. Shortly after completion I flew off to Ghana to begin what has been an amazing journey.

Prior to leaving Ghana I watched as 30 exceptional girls from the class of 2021 graduated from St. Anne’s Girls’ Senior High School. I had the privilege of organizing their graduation ceremony. These girls were first year students when I arrived in January, 2019. It was a blessing to be able to watch as they went from giggly girls to serious young women. Many of the girls have shared with me their desire to be teachers, nurses, and lawyers. Two girls from the Home Economics class told me they plan on opening their own pastry shop. Accomplishing these goals will not be easy given the economic situation most are facing but I believe with God’s grace anything is possible.

Here is a portion of the message I gave them before saying my good-byes:

"Always remember your GOD! Remember the Holy Spirit. He is with you, wanting to guide you. Pray to him.  Ask him for his assistance, especially in times of uncertainty.

Remember God’s son, Jesus, and how he lived his live here on earth. Whenever you are challenged to make a decision, especially one involving morality; right versus wrong, good versus bad, ask yourself “What would Jesus do?”

Also remember Mary, our Blessed Mother. No one has a more special connection to Christ, her son, than she does. Pray the rosary daily; not just in May and October. Carry it with you as much as possible. The rosary is powerful. It is a weapon in our battle with the evil one. When you feel tempted put the rosary in your hand, and ask that Mary will guide you."

I pray to God that I have made a difference in at least one of these girls’ lives. I have decided to extend my mission work for one more year. On January 19,2022, I will once again board a plane. This will be the beginning of my fourth year as a missionary in Damongo, Ghana. I pray that my presence will have a positive influence on at least one more person with whom I will be living amongst.

This post is dedicated to Diane Yonga. She and I arrived in Ghana together in 2019 to begin our 3-year commitment as missionaries. I know I would not have been able to survive without her support. She and I learned together how to live in an environment foreign to us both. Diane’s journey was cut short because of a cancer diagnosis. Her condition is now very serious. Please pray for her. 

Recycling With A Purpose

 “Good garbage breaks down as it goes. That’s why it smells bad to your nose. Bad garbage grows and grows and grows. Garbage is s’posed to decompose” These are lyrics of a song by Tom Chapin, an incredible children’s song writer (google the song Good Garbage. You will love it).  In order not to add to the bad garbage problem here in my village, I put my empty water bottles to good use. Last Christmas I made a Christmas tree out of empty plastic bottles.

Now I am using plastic water bottles to grow vegetables.  The process begins by cutting an empty bottle in half and inserting a sponge in the top section.  I invert it and place it on top of the bottom half which is filled with water.

Next I add soil to the top and plant a seed. The sponge continuously absorbs water from the bottom and keeps the dirt moist. My first plants to germinate were zucchini.

I also make planters out of empty plastic bottles and once the seedlings are large enough they are transplanted. Pigs, goats, sheep and chicken roaming around my bungalow keep me from having a conventional garden outdoors, therefore my “water bottle garden” is located inside my gated courtyard.

The zucchini fruit on my plants have yet to be plentiful but the flowers are beautiful.

I am also growing cucumbers and green beans.

Although it does not seem that recycling a few water bottles will make a difference, if we all do our small part it will. And let us not forget that God gave us this beautiful planet. He is the Creator. We must show God that we love Him by stopping and even reversing the destruction we have already caused.  To quote again from another Tom Chapin song: “This pretty planet spinning through space, you’re a garden, you’re a harbor, you’re a holy place”.