By Fr. Dominic Tmusiime,AJ
Dear parishioners of St. Ann's and friends
As days draw near for my vacation to Africa, I increasingly feel that, “I will miss you”
Being a missionary has challenges, such as missing home and friends, but also has its honey source, a sweetness in meeting other people, cultures and witnessing different environments. All these lead to a richer person with rich experience and diverse friends, all for which I am grateful. But I always loved to have my home vacation.
I recall my first missionary vacation in 1996 after a full three years in an Ethiopian mission. After three years in a very busy, poverty stricken but faithful and enduring mission, I felt so exhausted and in need of rest. But my vacation turned out to be another mission at home.
During my first early vacations I noticed a lot of suffering in the community. Situations such as the lack of clean drinking water and affordable lighting, among other factors brought about by acute poverty, prompted me to decide to do all I can to make a difference. This determination has left me with two mission fields; a field far way from home and that at home. Amazingly, I have seen both missions develop and grow, which reminds me that there is more joy in giving than in receiving. God needs us, especially when we are able to give our time for others.
And with this, I have put at the top of my vacation agenda the following: to upgrade my mom’s chicken house, to sit with the kids at school for religious and social formation, to construct a toilet and bathrooms for children with help from our friends in Europe and from Christmas gifts from some of our parishioners and friends here, to meeting parents and different community members and groups for sharing, evaluating and planning for a better future.
Last but most importantly, I wish to meet my family and friends and narrate the wonders God has shown me as a missionary priest, including those from Grants Pass. I know I can’t find enough words to put it right but all I can admit is that God has been good to me. He has always pointed his finger on where to go and pointed me to St Ann’s Catholic community. I know that I will find a better way to share in my mother’s tongue when the time comes.
You are so special to me and I will greatly miss all of you but confidently say, “If I did not go then they wouldn’t have a reason to miss me”.
Stay cool,
God Bless you all
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