HOLY WEEK RETREAT

Since we closed Shaloom for Holy Week, I thought that would be a good time to get away from Mwanza for a short time. I decided Epheta Center in Makoko would be a great place to relax, visit a few friends and spend some quiet time with the Lord, so Monday morning I began my 3 ½ hour bus ride to Musoma. I arrived early afternoon and was greeted by Br. Jerome as I walked from the bus stand to the retreat center. Br. Jerome is one of the Capuchin friars who lives and takes care of the center. It felt so good to be back in Makoko, where I had studied Kiswahili for four months last year. I was glad that during this visit I wouldn't be burdened with language studies, and I could spend as much time as I wanted at the lake! I was given a very nice room overlooking the gardens with a view of the lake. The room contained a bathroom with a warm shower... quite a luxury in this country! 

My room

Since the center has a small library, I found a good spiritual book and spent most of my time reading on the lake front. The mass was celebrated each morning in the little chapel, located very close to my room. 

Windows behind the altar overlook the lake.

Outside of the chapel, overlooking the lake.

Brother Jerome working in the tomato garden

Workers in the corn field

The four friars at Epheta Center work very hard keeping pigs, cows, goats and chickens, as well as huge gardens containing field corn, tomatoes, cabbage and more. Everything is planted and cared for by hand. People from the nearby village come to Epheta to purchase eggs, vegetables and chickens at a very low cost. The friars employee workers from the nearby village, as well, to assist with the work in the gardens, the kitchen and the housekeeping.

Sr. Rosana & Br. Bernadine

While in Makoko, I visited with the teachers, students and staff at the language school. It was nice to see everyone again and meet a few new students. Sr. Rosana, from Peru, is a student at the language school but stays at Epheta Center. It was interesting to hear about her journey and the work she is doing. Br. Bernadine is one of the four friars living at Epheta. He is originally from Switzerland but has lived in Tanzania for 56 years.

Mapesa family (friends living near Makoko)

Br. Jerome with his new computer from generous US donor