The dance of life
In memory of Sr. Maejanet MacDonell, O.L.M., 1931-2004
By Yolanda Cadavos, O.L.M.
Summer 2005
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Sr. Maejanet with a community elder during a village celebration in Ainaro situated in a mountainous region of East Timor.
Woman of courage
what led you to leave
your country of security
for a country of mystery
Your itchy feet
your adventurous heart
or that tiny voice that said, "Go"
"Where?" you asked
and the voice answered
"Come and I will show you"
And then you followed
to a country of soca, futebol
and carnaval
You went with enthusiasm
savouring the tastes and sounds
absorbing the culture and
language of the people
and yes, you loved their dance
You danced your way to Maternidade 1
with itchy feet you danced to las montanhas 2
and Palmacia
then to Aratuba
embracing others who also love to dance
the dance of justice
At times your step faltered
hearing different drums with
different rhythms
but dance you did
What courage to say "Yes"
to another faraway place
a slower dance this time
a dance of mourning and consolation
a dance of presence
By your touch you invited others
to join the dance
the dance of healing and joy
the dance of love and forgiveness
the dance of Resurrection
With faltering steps, you continued on
to Ainaro and Hebron
you joined in with people
who dance with hope
amidst rumbling rockets
and death machines
you danced with them
in search of peace
And now, woman of courage
"Dance with me," said Death
and dance you did
finding at last a fine Partner
Her name is Peace
Sr. Yolanda Cadavos who served with Sr. Maejanet MacDonell in Brazil and East Timor, honours and mourns her companion in mission. Sr. Maejanet died of cancer on June 18, 2004.
1 maternity hospital in Fortaleza, Brazil
2 the mountains
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