Hajja Salesjana November December 2017

1 3 Unfortunately, though our help and services were much needed in the area, we had to start our journey back to Addis Ababa. We traveled half way that night, and spent the night at the Bishop’s place. The next morning we continued on our way to Addis Ababa, stopping to visit the first school built by the Kilimanjaro Challenge. We managed to arrive in Addis Ababa just in time for lunch, and right after we had the opportunity to pay a short visit to the Cardinal of Ethiopia, Abune Berhaneyesus D. Souraphiel. He welcomed us and we discussed our work and the great needs of the people living in the area of Arramo and Sorsa. Afterwards we had the opportunity to walk through the open door of mercy and visit the Cathedral. We then visited an orphanage, run by a Maltese nun. We were greeted by the staff and welcomed to rest and refresh ourselves before going to the airport. Even though we were in the capital city of Ethiopia, which is very metropolitan compared to the villages, water and electrical supply were still limited. Infact, we had no running water and had to shower with a bottle of water each. Time flew by, and it was time for us to fly out of Africa too. A three week trip which literally bounced us around from one extreme to the other: from an extreme activity of living with the bare necessities and pushing yourself to the limit, to a luxurious touristy break, to the other end of the spectrum where we glimpsed into the heart-breaking, poorest of living conditions. It all passed by all too quickly. It was now time for me to face the reality of our luxurious society back home but with my heart and mind full of new experiences which have changed me once again. I am honestly grateful to have had the chance of going through this experience and I feel very privileged to have been given the chance to meet so many young children, future world citizens who at the moment are so neglected and forgotten, their potential all covered up, but who now have a better chance to let their potential shine through and hopefully be themselves, brighter and better citizens. I have also learnt many lessons from the mountain, but the biggest lessons I’ve learnt were from the people and nuns I met in Ethiopia. Their endurance of the hardships of life, going by with the barest of necessities not just for a few weeks, but for their whole life, inspire me to keep on looking at the positive side of life. Despite all their difficulties, they keep on working hard and passionately to offer the best they can to the society around them. At the end of the day, it is not about how much we talk about love and about helping others, but it is what we actually do in practice that matters. At the end of the day ‘It is not enough to love them, but they must know that they are loved!’ Don Bosco used to say. Quest for the Roof of Africa ( 8 ) by Claire Falzon We are pleased to bring to you the adventure of a lifetime Claire Falzon, a Physiotherapist, a Salesian Animator and SPYSmember, has recently embarked upon for a very noble cause. We will share with you her inspiring story bit by bit. Enjoy the climb to the breathtaking summit.