Who is the giver?

Starting anew in mission and finding blessing in the people's love and sharing even as they struggle for life

By Sr. Joan Missiaen, O.L.M.
Summer 2005

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Thanksgiving weekend 2004 found me on my way to Guyana to join Srs. Cecile Turner and Doris MacDonell who have been missioned there since 1993.

On my journey I was aware of feelings of joy and excitement mixed in with anxiety. Since 1991 I had been in ministry in Canada. Now, starting out anew in overseas mission at 66 years of age, the burning question was, "What was I going to do?"

At the missioning service, a time of blessing as I prepared to embark on this journey, Scarboro missioner Fr. Ken MacAulay spoke of the importance of "being present" and allowing others "to be present" to me. Fr. Ken had served many years in Guyana, and his words continue to give me comfort and courage in the unsettling moments.

The Guyanese have been most welcoming, knowing that I am with Srs. Doris and Cecile who are well known and loved here in New Amsterdam. They are involved in the Parish of the Ascension. They also visit the sick and lonely in their homes, the seniors at the Missionary Sisters of Charity Residence and the Good Samaritan Home, as well as the women at the National Psychiatric Hospital.

In "finding my way" I've been accompanying Sr. Cecile on her visits, and two days a week I assist the classroom teacher at the School for Children with Special Needs. Spending time with the children is both a blessing and a challenge.

The weekly visit with members of the Legion of Mary, Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity and Scarboro missioner Kate O'Donnell to pray and chat with the women at the prison is also a blessing. At Christmas we carried gift packages and songbooks as bearers of joy. We came to bring joy and gifts, but in return we received so much more. We were the ones to receive the giftedness of the women who shared poems, songs or their own prayers thanking God for their lives even with their difficulties, and asking help for themselves and their loved ones. I was deeply touched and expressed our gratitude. Who is the giver? Who is the receiver?

Looking back over the past months there is so much to be grateful for – even with the adjustment to the extreme heat and learning to drive on the other side of the road. I am more aware of my own vulnerability and my oneness with seniors the world over who must leave their homes and start anew. No longer able to care for themselves, they face many challenges as they continue life's journey. Thank you God for the wonders of each moment.

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