Chalice: Notes from the field...

How are Chalice families around the world doing these days? Here is a great update, highlighting both the struggles and the solidarity witnessed at our Sponsor Sites, as shared by MaryAnne McKinnon, Senior International Manager with Chalice:   View the update on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pqWVZP246Yo   Please join us in praying for all people who are struggling at this time: "Beloved Mother, help us realize that we are all members of one great family and to recognize the bond that unites us, so that, in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity, we can help to alleviate countless situations of poverty and need. Make us strong in faith, persevering in service, constant in prayer." This is an excerpt from a prayer Pope Francis has invited us to pray throughout the month of May, at the conclusion of praying the Rosary, as he encourages us "to rediscover the beauty of praying the Rosary at home in the month of May."  Our Holy Father's Letter to the Faithful

Our beautiful Tanzanian adventure is coming to an end. We have a long day on the road again so we leave Tandala in the early morning. We are heading back to Ununio Parish, the first location we visited on our mission. Many people in the group ordered dresses and shirts from the young dressmaking apprentices and they are now ready for pick up. How exciting to see the clothing they have made in so little time. African fabrics are absolutely gorgeous and vibrant! A Mass is celebrated, and we pray for our safe return to Canada. Afterwards we break bread and share some laughs with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters one last time.  It is time to head to the airport. Joanne has allowed plenty of time because we have learned that in Tanzania any delay can happen on the road. And sure enough, there is a major traffic jam due to a road block up ahead. But hakuna matata ~ because we have the best bus driver in the world, Samwel!

After a hearty breakfast we climb into three jeeps and head off to Ruaha. We drive through savannahs, dry bush lands and a dried out riverbed. We see amazing baobab trees that are hundreds of years old. We also have a very lucky day in terms of animal viewings. We see birds, elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, lions, zebras, impalas, kudus, baboons, wild pigs and even buffalos in the distance. And let’s not forget the leopard that walks right beside our jeep. That was scary!

This morning we are on the road very early, heading to Ruaha National Park. It will take us at least 14 hours by bus to get there. Our hosts have prepared breakfast and lunch boxes that we will eat on the road. Everyone is pretty quiet. No doubt reflecting on the past 15 days. I, for one, am reminiscing about my own precious moments, but also thinking about the poverty and suffering I have witnessed. I pray for all the beautiful souls I have met. The last few hours on the road are very bumpy. Someone says it is called a washboard road. Yes, I see what they mean!  At Tandala Tented Camps we  are greeted by the owners and two Maasai staff members. Strict rules are explained and we are told to go nowhere without a Maasai escort during the night and early morning! The Tandala camp is located just outside the un-fenced national park. All animals can be present here. In fact, from the open lounge we have a clear view of a large herd of elephants at the watering hole, ju