20 January, 2007
I am home at last in my new Province [ I mean Region]. I reached Bamako on 16th at midnight. I was warned by the sisters in Paris to take care not to be tricked by any taxi driver who force themselves on you and literally take your luggage from you. So when a dark, grey headed, deaf-mute approached me, gesticulating that he would take care of my luggage, I point blank refused but he was so insistent and he kept touching my cross and pointing outside, I wondered if the sisters had sent him in to help me and I let myself trust him. I had to wait long for my luggage and he was most helpful and finally when I came out of the airport, two sisters of my new community were waiting for me and they embraced me and thanked the man.
That was my first lesson here. I learnt that the people of Mali are caring, loving, welcoming and helpful. After a visit to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, I unpacked and handed over the huge 3 Kg piece of cheese that the sisters of Paris had sent with me for our sisters here. I went to bed at nearly 3.00 a.m. (Each of us have an individual room with a sink and shower inside but the toilets are common.) but I could not sleep out of sheer excitement I think.
This morning after a simple breakfast, I spent time in the chapel with Jesus. It is situated in a separate little place where one breathes in peace. The Jesus on the cross is African and so is Mary. The stained glass makes colourful patterns on the floor because of the bright sunlight.
It is quite warm, like in India. The house is simple. It reminded me so much our house of Jaghadia in Gujerat in India. The mud is red and the garden is full of bougainvilleas. Young girls dressed colourfully, with their curly hair all braided are all over the place, greeting me with their bright smiles.
It feels good to be here and I thank God for choosing me to work here with these simple poor things. The four sisters who form this community are Antonia the Regional superior as well as superior of this house, Candida, Felci ( but she was away on work) and the junior Maria who is from Mali.
Thanks for your prayers and support during my stay in Paris and I am sure you are with me now too.
I assure you of my love & especially my prayers
Sr. Margaret Correa.
with love,
Sr. Margaret Correa
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YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Vincenta Maria Social Services Society
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