Humbling & Life Changing

A reflection from Anawim Home Team member, Jess Brown, on her time serving at Anawim Home:

There is humbling evidence throughout Nigeria that God’s love and compassion shines through the simplicity of life. The daily works of Sr. Oresoa and the Sisters of the Poorest of the Poor are predictably modest and self-sacrificing. Without fear or complaint, the sisters live a meager existence, rising early each day for Mass, serving as best they can the needs of so many and giving of themselves in every awe-inspiring way.

It was heartwarming and almost discomforting to see the tears of joy and overwhelming thanks from Sr. Julie who had toiled in the kitchen to prepare our meals each day when our Anawim Team presented her with a simple set of knives which we had purchased for her in the city.

But it was in the eyes of the children that God’s grace was so evident. In some ways, their lives were so very different from mine and the friends that I have in the U.S. These children lived without the distractions of technology, without the comfort of regular electricity and running water, without the guarantee of a next meal. And yet, they smiled with dignity in the simplest of pleasures – receiving pencil sharpeners and erasers from our team, reading ethnically rich novels, playing soccer on the front lawn, performing daily chores, and merely sharing a conversation with someone who really cared about them in the moment.

Daily visits to the Infant Jesus School allowed us to share in the laughs and cries of the primary students. Sister Oresoa insisted that we teach the students American songs and games. The boys and girls welcomed the opportunity to learn the words “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little star” and “Jesus Loves Me.” They were eager to dance in a conga line, play “Duck, Duck, Goose,” or follow the directions to “Simon Says.” I was particularly honored to take part in their joys of graduation. For a week I shared laughs with the primary students while learning and practicing a cultural dance to be performed at the promotion ceremonies. My life-changing experience has truly taught me how similar we all are as God’s children in Jesus’ image. We all have hopes and dreams and fears and needs. We all desire to be heard and to be appreciated and to be hugged.

The mission efforts of Nativity reach well beyond the boundaries of Timonium and Abuja and Jos. I am forever grateful to my many family members and friends of all faiths and backgrounds who have supported me and the team in our journey. Without the prayers, support and contributions from so many who also believe in the awesome power of God’s presence across the globe, this experience would not have been possible for me. I am humbled and privileged to have had the opportunity to serve as an equal to all in the world, which is truly one family in God’s eyes.

Photos:
1. Graduation dance at Infant Jesus School
2. Conga line
3. Adrienne, Sister Julie, Jess, & Kathi
4. "Simon Says"
5. Nursery and primary school student with Jess
6. Dance practice