Departure Reflections

It is hard to believe that I am in my final week in Zambia. I will head back to Seattle on Thursday morning and be in Seattle on Friday evening. I was asked this morning, if the experience had met my expectations. I arrived wanting to have an experience of Zambia and of a new culture. I hoped to be able to learn from others and to use some of my gifts in service to others. I leave with a deep appreciation for what I have learned, how I have been touched and for the gift it is to be part of the Society of Jesus. In the next couple days, I will write some of my reflections on the experience as a way to draw the blog to a conclusion. The above picture is of the road in the front of the Church. On the right hand side is the campus of the legal institute and on the left hand side is one of offices of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.

I leave with a powerful experience of the Church and of the work of the Jesuits in Africa. The faith is alive and it is growing. I sensed that the Church has a priviliged place in society, primarily because it has always been on the side of the poor and dispossed. In so many places, the Church is the loud voice for the poor. Christianity is relatively new in the African culture but it has helped create vibrant communities of people who serve one another, who take real interest in practicing their faith, and who encourage vocations.

I have been touched by the Jesuits and their work in Africa and I am impressed with the ways that the Society is more and more reflective of Africa. I had a chance to work with the young men considering vocations and seven of them will likely enter in July. The work begun by Jesuit missionaries over 100 years ago will continue with a new vitality. Men want to be of service to the Church and to Zambia and Malawi. The opportunity to live with committed men of great talent and diversity has been an honor. I am pleased that I leave with some good friendships.

I am hopeful that the future will have more opportunities for collaboration where we can learn from each other and help each other in our ministries. Africa is not well-known to the US church, or if it is, it is only known for its struggles and problems. But Africa has much to teach us about collaboration, involvement of the laity and the formation of community.