Mother

Today I went to the woman's prison for the second time.  The prison is one that has about 842 woman, around 400 are foreign woman (meaning not from Brazil).  I am told the capacity of the prison is 251 so these woman are faced with a number of challenges.The organization that we go to the jail with works to help explain their legal cases to them, advocate with medical issues, and helps them communicate with their family & friends.

We met with the foreign woman today so many speak English.  As I sat in the classroom in my desk I listened to the stories the woman told.  Today every story I heard was about a Mother.  Below I have tried to capture some of the stories.  I have taken the liberty to sum up the stories in my own words and understanding.  I have tried my best to get the information correct including the country the woman come from.  However, I have to admit some of the information may be an estimate based on my memory.

"My mother is dying and I need to send money....I am so far away from her now and she needs me.  Please help me find a way to save my mothers life."  (Indonesia)

"I am so worried about my mother, she is being mistreated by my father and I am not there to help her."  (South Africa) 

News delivered to a mother today...."I am so sorry to tell you while you have been in jail your daughter has died." (Nigeria)

"My daughter Carmen lives with my mother, I miss them very much.  I love my family but they are so far away." (Mexico)

With a great deal of pride a mother showed us an email and said, "This is my son, his name is Jason." (South Africa)

"I have seven children and I am a single mother, I had to risk smuggling drugs to feed my children." (Bolivia) 

No words were spoken but a mother's tears fell on her email.  Last week we learned she had needed money for a surgery for her pregnant daughter and so she had risked smuggling drugs, she would only have to do it once to pay for the surgery.  (Texas)

 A woman who had to be 8-9 months pregnant worked to squeeze her belly into the tiny desks.  I am not sure what she was asking for, however, I assume whatever it is has to do with her baby.  What will happen to her baby when it is born in the upcoming weeks? I am told the babies do not always have family to take them in or a good place to go. I wondered how uncomfortable she was trying to sleep in the prison beds.  (Bolivia)

"I always told my children not to get involved in drugs. I am not sure why I trusted the men who told me everything would be OK if a carried their package.  When I found out it was drugs I tried to back out but I was afraid they would hurt me and my family.  I have been in prison for 3 years and during that time I have developed endurance and a self love.  I only hope that my children will learn from my mistake and have a better life.  God gets me through each day because in here God is all I can rely on." (South Africa)

Most all of the woman we talk with have been used as drug mules.  They have been arrested at the airport for smuggling drugs.   So many of the woman have chosen to carry the drugs in order to help their families.  They have been convinced that they will be fine and have felt like it was the only choice they had left.  It does not make their crime OK, but it sheds light on why someone would risk getting caught smuggling drugs.  As Heidi says, we are not the judge we are only there to reach out to the person.  We are there in order to treat them with the inherent dignity every person deserves.

Today as I reflected on the theme of Mother, I was humbled by the love of a mother.  And reminded that no matter where we are in this life our mother remains an essential  part of our lives.

So tonight I pray for all the mothers of the prisoners and the prisoners who are mothers.  I ask you to pray with me and to also thank God for the mothers in your own life.

   

How to Catch a Bus in Brazil

The Maryknoll Brazil Mission Community finished their assembly today which was located an hour outside of Sao Paulo.  The following was my first lesson in how to catch a bus outside of the city (which in some ways felt like the middle of no where).  

First apply plenty of sun screen.

Carry your luggage out to main road.  

Locate missioner family waiting along side busy road.

Very carefully cross the busy highway.

Make your own bus stop.

Begin look out for bus.

See Bus coming.

Flag down bus.

Babies ride for free.

Enjoy bus ride.

Everyone safe & sound.

From bus catch the metro (subway).

Back in the city

First Days in Brazil

Samba Concert

My first days in Brazil have been a mixture of trying to recover from jet lag and to physically get use to a new environment as well as touring the city little by little.  My hosts Joanne and Heidi have been great showing me around, feeding me, and helping me to begin to understand my new home.

My first day I took a short walk with Joanne, Maryknoll Lay Missioners country coordinator in Brazil.  As we navigated the broken sidewalks we passed many small shops, a grocery store, a few restaurants, and the metro (subway) station.  I felt very comfortable on the streets, tons of people and a lot of similarities of places I have been before like Bolivia, Peru, and Mexico.  The first evening Joanne & Heidi took me to a museum for a free Samba Concert.  It was a fun way to spend my first day in Brazil.

On my second day Joanne and I went to the Cathedral and to walk around the city center a little.  However, our first stop was at a program that works with the homeless population in Sao Paulo.   The program has people go out to the streets and collect trash which they recycle and make some really awesome things which they sell.  The center helps the homeless get a job and also does some work with self esteem and has a process of moving people off the streets.  I wish I had pictures to show you however, the center is in a part of town which it is not good for us to take pictures.  The area of town has a lot of drug cartels and they are always watching to see who is in their area.  At one point Joanne said we would stop speaking English because we did not want to draw attention to ourselves.  Joanne had worked in the neighborhood for several years so I felt really comfortable.  As we walked down the streets we passed a house where one of the woman recognized Joanne.  We stopped and visited.  As I looked in the small home there were several woman and children.  The room was size of one of my very small apartment living rooms.  Apparently up to 20 people live there together and that is a common occurrence.

We see scenes like this everywhere.

What seems to have had the most impact on me thus far is the homeless on the streets. There are so many everywhere we go.  They seem to really suffer.  A few that I have seen up close have no shoes or just one shoe.  Their feet are so cracked, bruised, dirty and full of sores.  They sleep on little or nothing.  Many sleep under the by-pass to avoid getting rained on.  On either side of them a busy roadway passes by.

One of my major reflections for the past couple of days is how many things in my life have prepared me for my time in Brazil.  From trips to Mexico I learned how to throw my toilet paper in the trash so as not to clog the pipes, I also learned how to brush my teeth out of a cup instead of water from the tap.  My trip to South America  last summer introduced me to some of the issues in S. America.  My time in New York helps me travel on the subway.  All those little things I am putting to good use here.

Cathedral 

City Center Square

St. Paul (Sao Paulo)

Overall,  I feel really good here.  Sure there are moments of uncertainly but that goes away with the wonderful support of my fellow missioners.  And so I look forward to the days, weeks, months, and years ahead.

Joanne & Heidi's Apartment                

My Bedroom

Kitchen

YES

The final days of my orientation have arrived. For 11 weeks my new friends and I have been preparing for our lives as missioners.

We came to Maryknoll with the desire to answer the call to live the lives God is calling us to. It seems fitting that we sign our covenant at Mass on the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Today, Dec 8th we reflect on Mary's Yes. Mary's willingness to embrace the life as the mother of Jesus. The scripture readings today recall the angel telling Mary "do not be afraid."

As I say yes to living as a missioner I take comfort in these words. I am very excited about my life ahead. However, it comes with some fear and sacrifice. My greatest fear is learning a new language. And my greatest sacrifice is having to say goodbye to my family and friends. I know the days ahead will be filled with joy and some sadness. Saying goodbye is going to be very difficult. But I feel very    blessed to have so much support in my life. Today I say yes to a life as a missioner a way to live out my hearts desire.    
                                                                                                      

From the back row, left to right.            

Chris (Africa-TZ), Rick (El Salvador), Darren (El Salvador)
Katie (TZ), Dee (Cambodia)
David (TZ), Mabel (TZ), Hyun Jung (Brazil)
Caitlin (TZ), Carolyn (Brazil), Nena (Bolivia)
Gloria (Bolivia), Isabel (Brazil), Maria (Cambodia)
Sirikit (Brazil), Donna (Bolivia)

The Advent of My Life

When I arrived at the Maryknoll Lay Missioner Orientation program in September I really did not have any idea of what was in store for me.  Many people mistakenly think I am in language school and so they ask me about my Portuguese.  I have picked up one or two more words but I will not begin my language training until I arrive in Brazil in January.  Instead I have been going through a training that involves a variety of topics from practical issues for the every day life of a missioner to theological reflection.  


What I have found is that the MKLM Orientation Programs has evolved into a time of advent in my life.  Advent is a time of preparing, a time of dying to self, and a time to prepare for the coming of the Lord.  This season is a journey of waiting in prayer and anticipation for the coming of a new life.  I find myself in a season of advent.  I am preparing for a new beginning, a new adventure, a new way of living, a new reality, a new set of relationships, new struggles, new challenges, and new joys.  All of which I believe will lead me to prepare the kingdom of God.  Through the joys, pain and suffering of the poor in Brazil I will continue my journey in order to make my life in God and in order to answer the call to prepare the way of the Lord.


Advent is a time of waiting and preparing.  Here in New York I have been preparing for my mission to Brazil.  I have been waiting to be sent overseas.  In the waiting and in the preparing I have found a peace and a calmness. So this advent I have a new understanding of the season.  I am able to embrace the moment and enjoy my time here at Bethany.

FBI, Police, Security Guards, Visas...How Lucky Am I?

The life of a Maryknoll Lay Missioner is sure to come with some challenges and adventures.  Today I feel like I have faced my first set of challenges and succeed while having a few adventures along the way.

My journey to get a visa for Brazil began in early October.  Our first step was to get a FBI clearance and a letter of good conduct from the Police Department.  OK, that did not sound too difficult, however, when I asked about which police department I should go to for finger prints and the letter I was literally given 5 different answers.  So I started calling all five police departments, I finally talked to someone who sounded like they could help.  So my fellow Brazil missioners, Sirikit, Sr. Isabelle, and Sr. Hyun Jung and I jumped into the car and headed off to the police.  Only problem was we could not find the police department, just when we were not sure what to do I saw a police car, Hyun Jung flipped the car around and we pulled up along side the police car.  I rolled my window down and ask the cop where the police station was located.  He asked, "my police station"? and I said yes please.  He gave us directions and we were off.  When we arrived at the station they were not to happy to see us.  Somehow we convinced the officer to take our fingerprints even though he did not want too.  By the end of our time with him he was telling us how to commit the perfect crime.

The next day we needed to get our letter of conduct.  We went to see Jo at the police station.  Again she was not real excited to see us.  At first they told us they would not give us a letter.  This was a huge problem for me because if I did not get it from them I was going to have to go to the consulate in California, which had the potential of delaying my leaving the US.  Again we turned on the charm and an hour later we had our letters.  Which turned out too good to be true.  Jo confused Sirikit and I as Maryknoll Sisters and put the wrong address on our letter.  She told us they were closing so we needed to return the next day.  Which we did, again Jo worked on our letters and this time the zip code was wrong.  So while Jo typed our letters for the third time another police woman came to the window.  She asked if I was a nun.  I told her no I was not, she informed me I was to nice to not be a nun.  She then informed me this process was causing her to drink, I asked if I could join her.  She laughed and asked us more about our mission.  When we finally left with our letter in hand three police officers came out to wish us luck and to tell us "God Bless You".  With our FBI forms, fingerprints and police letter taken care of our next step was  to wait for our documents from Brazil to arrive.

Unfortunately, there was a strike in the Post Office in Brazil.  Our documents were delayed and so we had to go to Washington DC before they arrived, thus delaying our trip to the consulate.

Upon our return to New York we had almost everything in hand that we needed for the Visa.  The only thing missing was our FBI clearance.  That is not set to arrive until mid December.  By then I will be back in Oregon only adding to the complications.  So our regional coordinator Joanne told Sirikit and I to go the Brazilian consulate and see what happens.  Which we did last week.  We were nervous because we knew we could be turned down but still ready to take a chance.

We arrived at the consulate and lined up to have our ID checked and picture taken.  Once this was done we were able to pass through security to go to the elevators.  We rode to the 21st floor.  Once outside the elevator we got in a line of about 10 people.  There was a security guard checking information.  He seemed upset but I was determined to keep my head down and be as pleasant as I could.  He yelled at almost everyone in front of us.  When he came to us I smiled and said hello.  To my surprise he smiled back and said hello.  He told us to line up in side.  As turned the corner I saw another line of about 30 people.  I thought to myself this is like Disneyland, just when you think you are at the front of a line you get into another line.

As we waited in line the security guard came in and was yelling again.  He said that if anyone caused any problems he would shut this place down and none of us would be processed.  Sirikit said to me I wonder what that is all about.  The guy in front of us overheard her comment and began explaining to us what was going on.  At first I thought is he mumbling because I don't understand him.  Then I realized he was speaking Portuguese.  I was listening thinking maybe I will someday be able to understand him.  I thought I understand a little of what he was saying.  Then I thought why doesn't Sirikit tell him we do not understand him.  Apparently she was waiting for me to tell him.  Finally the man took a breath and I said I should tell you we don't speak Portuguese.  He laughed and began to speak English.  We never did understand what was going because we reached the end of that line, only to get a number to sit in chairs and wait.

I was sitting in the chair looking around the room at the other 100 restless people thinking none of you better misbehave, I need my visa.  At first I thought we would be there for hours but after 5 minutes I realized I was next.  My number was called and I presented my documents.  They told me they had to call a supervisor.  Sirikit joined me in line and we both held our breath and prayed as Fernando checked our documents.  He asked where is the police report.  I showed him waiting for questions about the FBI clearance but he never asked.  Fernando stamped our papers and handed us a receipt.  He told us to pick up our Visas in a week.  In shock and excitement we headed for the door.  As we left I felt the eyes of 100 people on us thinking how did we get through so fast.

So today was the moment of truth.  I boarded the train headed to the city with three receipts in my purse. I wondered if Fernando had worked his magic or if I would show up and be denied because I did not have my FBI info.  I weaved in and out of the umbrellas on the busy Manhattan streets praying that I would get what I had come for.  When I arrived I went through all the lines and security as before.  Finally my number was called I handed the woman my receipts and she said I don't have your visas take a seat.  So I sat back in the hard cold chairs.  She called a few more people then disappeared.   She came back to the window and motioned to me.  I presented my receipts again and to my great surprise and pleasure three passports came back through the window to me.  SUCCESS.......

As you can tell getting a visa to Brazil had it's challenges.  We had a lot of paperwork and hoops to jump through.  Through it all I kept thinking of two things, thank God I am doing this in English and not Portuguese; and I thought of all the millions of people around the world who today also where trying to get papers to travel.  I never doubted I would get a Visa, I just did not know what I would have to do to make it happen.  I am one of the lucky ones, as a US citizen I am blessed to have the freedom and power to travel.  I have the means and the ability to be accepted in most every country.  Not everyone is so blessed.  Many are trying to escape torture, poverty, war, etc. to find a better life.  They may not be as lucky as I was today.  My story presented challenges, however, my life was never in danger, and I always believed I would get what I wanted.  Not everyone is so lucky. So tonight I am grateful for my privilege and my freedom and I pray for all those around the world who do not have the same.

Sirikit, Carolyn, Sr. Isabelle, Joanne,  Sr. Hyun Jung

Lessons I Have Learned

During a class on journaling I wrote the following list.  I thought it was fun and so I share it with you.  I would love to hear from you some of the lessons you have learned in life.

Lessons I Have Learned

1. Always pack a snack when you are traveling
2. Tell people you love them
3. Take pictures
4. Laugh
5. Cry
6. Express your needs
7. Follow your heart
8. Share your passion
9. Live your passion
10. Ask questions
11. Listen
12. Dance
13. Smile
14. Pray
15. Face your fears
16. All things in moderation nothing in excess
17. Family means more than the people who live in your house
18. Celebrate seasons and holidays
19. Everyone has a story to tell
20. When in Rome.....
21. Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today
22. Care about others
23. Take medicine as soon as needed
24. Don't be bullied
25. Choose your words wisely
26. The sun is a healing force
27. Be intentional about relationships
28. Carry Kleenex in your pocket (you never know when the bathroom will be out of toilet paper)
29. Check your pocket for Kleenex before you do your laundry
30. Sing even if you don't have a good voice
31. Forgiveness frees us
32. Take time to sit on a bench
33. Play
34. Life can be hard
35. Don't put love in a box
36. There is more than one way to do things
37. Tradition is important
38. Life is an experience
39. Not everyone learns the same way
40. The world is both a small and big place
41. Hope gives way to a new reality
42. We all make mistakes
43. A loyal and loving family is a blessing
44. Real friends are one of the most important things a person can have
45. Try to always be on time
46. Dress for the occasion, when in doubt wear black pants
47. If you act like you know what you are doing everyone else thinks you do know what you are doing
48. If you have a relationship with Jesus, you are never alone
49. Life is full of changes
50. Travel whenever you get the chance