The sisters who make the Nazareth Home for God's Children are some of the most peacefilled, loving women I have ever met.
Sister Augustina is about 30 years old. She is from Nigeria, as all three of the sisters are. She met Sister Stan in Nigeria when Sister Stan was working in an order there. Sister Augustina has the most beautiful singing voice. When she leads morning prayer, her voice rings out her fervent joyfullness in the Lord. Sister Augustina is in charge now that Sister Stan is away. She is a caring and loving leader who the children love and listen to attentively. She leads the rosary and the Divine Mercy chaplet each day. She is full of laughter and joy, and that is evident in her work. She trusts fully in God, and is singing through each of her tasks each day. She neither complains about her work nor does her work begrudgingly, but gives praise to God in each job she does. Picture coming soon...sorry!
Sister Carolina is also Nigerian. She was telling us of how she received her call. She had a dream, and in the dream, God told her she had to go on a journey, and He took her over lands and water to show her children. At the time, she was a physical therapist. She had to make the decision to give up everything, her family, her job, her money and home. She said it was hard, but now she has more joy in her life than she ever had before. Sister Carolina is the one who takes care of the childrens daily medical needs. She is a joyful soul with a sweet high voice. She is not loud, but the children hear her little voice, and they listen. She was amazing at the hospital yesterday, never becoming frustrated or annoyed with the situations we encountered, but always calm, with a certainty that God would not forsake her and the children.
Sister Euphemia is the youngest sister. She is 21 and is also Nigerian. She is always laughing at the stories we tell about Americans...naming and treating our pets as one of the family, how much time we spend watching sports and television, etc. She always has a smile on her face and is always ready to play with and help the children. Sister Euphemia knew from a young age that she wanted to be a sister. Her family is so supportive of her, although it has been a long time since she has seen them. Sister has been here for three months, but you would never know it. She is fun and assertive, prayerful and loving.
These women are amazing, having given up whatever the world offers, to live here amongst the condemned of Ghana. Living in a land that seems to have been forgotten by God, but they know better. They see God in each of the children they attend to, they see God in each stranger and beggar that comes to their door. They know God is here, helping them and they know He is so pleased with the work that they do. These women arise each morning at 4:30 for morning prayer and adoration, then mass at 6:30. After breakfast, the children are bathed and sent to school. During school time, they are cleaning, washing clothes by hand and taking care of babies. The children come home at noon and are served lunch. They spend the afternoon with the children, playing with them and keeping them busy. The children are bathed again, and put in clean clothes, which doesn't last long!! Divine Mercy is at 3pm, followed by the Rosary and songs of praise. Dinner is served shortly after. At 6:30, the sisters say evening prayer then take their supper. Since the children do not stay in their beds, they are up with the children until they fall asleep. Then, the next day it starts all over again. It is a grueling life to me. To them, it is life, one to be spent joyfully praising God in all they do.
Please keep them and Sister Stan in your prayers. Thank you!!
May God bless you, and give us all the grace to find Him in all the people we meet, and in all the tasks that we do!! Love, Sarah
