Journey to Hosororo

Visiting the Amerindian communities in Guyana’s interior brings feelings of rejuvenation and peace

By Miriam Wheeler
November/December 2008

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“Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Matthew 14:28

Scarboro missionary Miriam Wheeler in the Amerindian community of Hosororo where she recognizes God in the gentle smiles of the children and in the touch of a hand.

I love the water, which is frightening, as my swimming abilities are limited. Water has a soothing quality that can mesmerize and draw me into the deeper reaches of my being. The ripples and indeed the waves tell of a peace and oneness with creation. What adventures have those droplets experienced? What wonders have they caressed? What stories are they whispering to the rocks on the shore? What dreams await their journey?

I recently returned from the Northwest of Guyana. I spent a week in the Hosororo area visiting a few of the 30 Amerindian communities ministered to by Fr. Jaime. Travel was by water, then over rugged roads in the back of a pickup truck, and finally on foot. Because the journey to these communities takes a couple of hours both going and coming, one has ample time to witness the beauty of the landscape, to reconnect with one’s purpose, and to find a peace that will rejuvenate.

The Gospel readings from last Sunday were 1 Kings 19:9 and 11-13, and Matthew 14:22-33 in which Peter attempts to walk on water. Like Peter, I often doubt the value of my contribution here in Guyana, but my brief sojourn to the Amerindian community in the Guyana interior gave me the assurance that I am not alone.

When I am with the Amerindian people, I see a oneness with creation and am reminded that God is not always to be found in the spectacular. God is a soothing breeze. God comes in the gentle smiles of the children, in the touch of a hand, in the sweetness of the gift of one’s presence, and in the obvious pleasure of the elderly when asked about their community. But most of all God comes in the silence.

These two years in Guyana have served me with a plethora of experiences and memories that will no doubt provide me with contemplation for the rest of my life. And still the surprises continue to fascinate me.

And so as I approach another year here, I will continue to seek those moments of silence, and to thank God each day for my good health, for the gift of the people of Guyana, and for this beautiful land of many waters.

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