My Auntie Linda lives in a small northern town of Iowa, Webster City. A few years ago their town was blessed to receive some Sisters of the Holy Spirit from Tanzania. They came on mission to help the elderly in the nursing home. Aunt Linda brought them to meet our family in Des Moines when Uncle Fred was ill. They came down & sang for him & blessed both he & I for good health while they were here. They are a VIBRANT bunch with voices that could knock your socks off! I find their culture & their music fascinating! They have blessed the people of Webster City, those in the nursing homes, & our family immensely. S. Catherine, however, received news from her Mother Superior back in Tanzania that she will be sent to Pennsylvania to help set up another mission. The people of the Church in Webster City & S. Catherine (pictured in the right picture--front row, furthest on the right) are most upset as they have become very close. Also, on Monday two of the Sisters (Rosina & Beatta) will be returning to Tanzania for their first home visit in 3 years. They will be home for 2 months & will return to Iowa in August! Aunt Linda threw a farewell party tonight for Sister Catherine. I crashed the party!
It was a bittersweet party for all. Everyone was happy & grateful to have had S. Catherine in their lives, but most sad that she is being sent on another mission. The Sisters are very playful & sweet! They serenaded us with 4 songs & since they didn't have their drum, S. Catherine used a pot & spoon! It was wonderful! S. Rosina (who is the one I know the best) was telling us that she is anxious to get back home for her visit because her 5 year old nephew is suffering from seizures & doesn't know the prognosis. Please keep her & her family in your prayers. It was a great night with wonderful music & conversation.
The picture in the left picture is of the Sisters & some of the Webster City folk (Richard, Aunt Linda, Marie, & Karen) who were closest to the Sisters! *Aunt Linda is the short one in front* Tomorrow I will try to upload a couple of their songs I recorded for you all to see. It is quite amazing. Keep all the Sisters in your prayers that their missions be successful & their travels be safe!
I go see the nutritionist on Tuesday. I am hopeful she will be able to give me some creative ways to get nutrition to stay in me. Then we will venture back to the GI doc to see what's next on the list!
On Wednesday I traveled down to Atchison to attend the Vigil of S. Mariella & I stayed for the funeral the next morning. It, too, was a bittersweet event. I was grateful to see so many people, but so sad that, once again, I was visiting for a funeral. I had tried to get to Atchison before Mariella passed, but unfortunately I was unable to. She was a good woman. Always greeting me with a "Hey Toots" & blessing my notes to help me on tests. She was a very energetic woman--she was described during the storytelling (a tradition of the Mount after the Vigil is to all gather together & share stories of the Sister who passed) as the "energizer bunny." I think everyone found that rather fitting. She will be greatly missed, especially by her twin sister & her Community. Heaven is FULL of energy now she is there.
I was happy I was able to make the trip & glad I made it on my own, but I also realized how little it takes me to get tired. I crashed when I got home...however, I think it was so good for me, especially for my heart!! I have been so close to home & with my "security blanket" of people its different for me to hop in the car and go somewhere alone. I think I could do the 3 hour drive again, but I am not quite ready for a longer distance. Not out of fear by any means, but energy level. I cannot wait to get back to 100% when I can jump in the car & drive anywhere and not have to worry!
I am, however, incredibly grateful for all the wonderful friends & family I have in my life. I am constantly reminded of how lucky I am. And during these hard times, you really learn who your true friends are & who loves you unconditionally! :) Well...I'm off to bed. Hope the week treated all of you well!
Goodnight!
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I miss you...
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