Another Chapter

After 18 months, I moved to another duty station in Congo.  I am still trying to cope with the changes.  I am now living with two housemates because rent is expensive in this area.  What I used to pay for a house can just pay for a small room here.

I spent eighteen months in this town.

Local produce are cheaper and there are more shops to buy what I need.  Although,  grocery items are still quite expensive.

Generally, I am less busy here compared to my past assignments.  So, as soon as I get my stuff moved , I intend to play tennis once again.  I have also been walking during weekends.  Then, maybe I'll get to post more often too...

Palm Sunday in Congo

Today marks the beginning of holy week.  This is my first time to attend the Palm Sunday mass in Congo.  Since the mass is in French, I did not fully grasp the announcement last Sunday concerning the program for this week.  So I had to ask a colleague to ask his Catholic friends.  I have only a few Catholic colleagues at work.  Except for one or two who I see at times in the same church, the others probably go to some other churches close to their residences.

The people came to church with their palm branches.  We were told the blessings will be done in the school behind the church where the procession will start.

 

Blessing of palm fronds

Procession to church

Saint Clement Parish

Someone noticed that I didn't have palm branches so he gave me one.  I took it home just like what we used to do back home in my country.  We put it by the window or by the door to signify that Christ is welcome in our homes.

The One Who Humbles Himself Will Be Exalted

That's a tough one!  The other day, I got news that my nephew was graduating from college.  After a day, my sister told me, he isn't.  How could that be?  She told me there was a problem with one subject.  At first, the professor already agreed that he will just do some make-up classes.  Then I think, they are supposed to go to an activity and my nephew was not able to reach the meeting place on time.  When he got there, the group was gone.  After that, my sister was informed that they are not letting him graduate.  Can you imagine how hard that can be for one who has already set his mind on the goal?  How can a simple mistake cost my nephew his graduation when all is already set?  I am sure this is something hard not only for him but for his parents and family as well.

I advised my sister to humbly ask whoever is the one in charge for another chance.  No matter how bad she felt she should not argue nor question their decision.  I know that some professors act like god.  I heard he even told my sister that anyway it would not be the end of the world if my nephew will not graduate.  I agree, but to him it may not be an issue but for my nephew and us, his families, it meant a lot.

A school in Africa

Today's readings from Hosea 6:1-6 said he has struck us, but he will bind our wounds.  He will revive us after two days; on the third day he will raise us up.

Nothing is impossible with God.  I put everything in His hands.  May God touch the heart of this professor to let my nephew graduate.  After all, just for a small mistake, will he ruin the life of a person?

"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."  Luke 18: 9-14.

Be holy because I am holy...

Tomorrow starts the season of Lent.  My colleagues have been giving me a lot of stress lately from unfinished tasks, assignments to sloppy work.  Last week, I told myself, I should start to be mindful of my reaction to these issues as it is not doing any good.  At the end of the day, I would just be very exhausted from things that I really cannot control.

So, I tried to be more patient.  I admit it was not easy.  There were some lapses in my self-control.  Everyday, I strengthen my resolve.  I hope to practice more virtues in the coming days.  Last month, I started reading a chapter of the book of Proverbs everyday in addition to the daily bible readings.

I am sharing with you below some good ideas for lent.  These are not my ideas.  A friend shared it, though I am not sure where he got it.  I hope this season of lent will be a meaningful one for all of us.