Living inter-culturally and inter-congregationally and working cross-culturally is an experience filled with many gifts and blessings.  I learn a lot everyday, about others, about myself, about life, about perspectives.    

It is also at times challenging and there are difficult occasionally painfully difficult moments.  Misunderstandings and mistakes can occur so easily when there are cultural and linguistic differences.    

Still I believe it is well worth the struggle.  The gifts far outweigh the challenges.  


A couple of people complimented me on last week's blog post; thank you.  I don't expect a response from this brief and somewhat vague entry; perhaps I will be more inspired to write a little more creatively next week.  Thanks for being interested enough to read this.  Have a good week.  Take care.        

Mango Anko

This is not my first blog post about mangoes (http://kmnhaiti.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-04-03T10:39:00-05:00&max-results=10 .)  I decided to revisit the subject since they are coming into season here in Cap Haitian.  Actually because there are so many varieties of mangoes in this region of the country, we have had them intermittently since I arrived, however soon we will have an abundance.

There are many mango trees on our property. Here is a sampling:
 

My appreciation for Mango trees has only grown.  I have enjoyed watching the trees flower, the blossoms wilt and then after then soon after the wind wisps them away, the smallest of mangoes appear in their place.  Sometimes on on the same tree one can find each of these stages at the same time.  In addition to the fruit nourishing my body, reflecting upon the transformation that takes place in the process by which the flower dies and the fruit is produced has provided spiritual nourishment for me as well. 

   In case you are wondering, I have only improved slightly since my previous mango blog entry (over four years ago now) regarding my ability to eat a mango without making a mess!  

  

Pak Easter

On Easter Sunday during the liturgy held here in our little chapel seven children were baptized.  Following the mass we had a party, which everyone seemed to enjoy.  Later that evening  a group of Canadian students who are visiting Haiti to do volunteer work came to meet the children and bring them Easter candy.  The young people have come every afternoon this week to do activities and assist children with homework.

The paschal mystery is certainly all around us here on the grounds of the orphanage.  Just a couple of weeks ago a cow was killed for meat; I did not offer to help or even watch.  On Holy Saturday another one of our cows gave birth.  One of the cats that hangs around the convent gave birth to three kittens on Easter Sunday.  We are surrounded by suffering, injustice, death in many forms, and we are surrounded by new life, birth, joy, resurrection and hope.  

I hope that you had a joy-filled Easter and will continue to celebrate the hope and new life that the season brings.  Many blessings!