A new adventure

By Miriam Wheeler
October 2006

Return to Table of Contents
Print Article

Looking back over the past five months, my being embraces a full gamut of emotions. It seems such a short time ago that I unpacked my bags in Fraser Wing at Scarboro Missions, ready for a new adventure and the unfolding of another chapter of my story. As I reflect, I frequently fight back those tears so close to the surface. I am filled with deep gratitude for this life-altering, enriching experience at this time in my life.

Scarboro’s newest group of lay missioners, L-R: Gwen and Michael Westwell (Malawi), Sister of Sion Sylvia Obrigewitach, Miriam Wheeler (Guyana), and Anne and Glenn Harty (Thailand). Sr. Sylvia took Scarboro’s formation program to prepare her for mission with her community in Nicaragua.

The Scarboro lay preparation program embodied prayer, laughter, work, tears, and above all, learning. I learned not only from the wonderful presenters who shared their expertise, but also from the other candidates: Sr. Sylvia, Glenn, Anne, Gwen and Michael. And I learned valuable lessons from the Scarboro mission community who walked with us, particularly John and Jean MacInnis and Fr. Frank Hegel.

Each morning, prayer encircled us in the blanket of God’s love as we greeted each new day and new experience. These inspirational services enlivened my spirit. Gwen and Michael often enriched these mornings with their gift of music. As program facilitator, Sharon Willan in her quiet way had an awareness of the particular stage of our spiritual development and tapped into my longing with just the right prayerful experience. Fr. Frank taught me about the purpose of mission; he explained that I was not to look for results, but to be content with planting the seed that others may harvest. The Bible came alive with presenter Noel Cooper’s incites and interpretations. Discussion, frequently initiated by Michael or Sr. Sylvia, animated our Friday classes.

Sr. Sylvia had a gentle way of pointing out my foibles. I am grateful for her friendship, her truthfulness and her forthrightness. From Glenn we all received the gift of constancy. His patience and gentle manner brought serenity to our group endeavours and I am truly blessed to have been in the program with him. Anne, the compassionate one, blessed each of us with her gentle concern for our health and well-being. Above all I cherish Anne’s friendship.

As the lay mission coordinators, John and Jean were the constant givers. Jean taught me the value of flexibility in mission. I will carry with me the memory of her generous, fun-loving and always caring presence. John, too, was there in times of sadness, joy and need with his deep well of concern and caring. With their love and friendship I am a richer person.

And so it is with some sadness that I complete the program and prepare to journey to Guyana. I will repack my memories of laughter, friendship, music, gentleness, honesty, purpose, forthrightness and caring—valuable gifts I have witnessed. I thank God for showing me the path to Scarboro, a wonderful community of missioners.

Return to Table of Contents
Print Article