Christmas

 

Here i am again in Bozoum, after few weeks spent (again!) in Italy

I landed in Genova on the evening of the 15th of november, was a thursday, and first thing on Friday I was already in Cuneo for the pre-op examinations.
Saturday i managed to escape to Como, for a meeting with the Friends for Central Africa Association and the following Tuesday, the 20th i had my inguinal hernia surgery.

Few days of rest, then on the go again, between one thing and another....

From the 3rd and the 10th of December i visited with friends, Associations etc. In Savona (to assess the possible outcome for the surgery of Hippolyte, a palarised kid from Bozoum), then Arenzano. Following day in Milano, with friends that intend to help us with the solar panel installations, and in the afternoon i met few friends of Avvenire. The next day, eveninig with Parish of Cassina amata, which, since few years, supports faithfully the Arc en Ciel Centre (rainbow centre) for the orphans in Bozoum.

on Thursday a quick one in Rome, to meet with Caritas and Cei, and on the friday, i flew to Prague.

There i met the Carmelitans community, to the sanctuary of baby Jesus, and the Siriri association. in the evening we had a meeting and a dinner together. The following day, i met with architect Karol, to discuss the next projects ( the dormitory house for the middle and secondary school, improvement on the church). In the evening I received a beautiful present: the Aida ticket to the opera house!!!!  Celeste....

Sunday 9th we celebrated the christening of Josephina, Terezie's daughter. Terezie spent a year of volountary work here in Bozoum.

Monday morning i went to the castle uphill, where the Cathedral is. All was covered by snow...and it was 5.30! in Prague they have an ancient tradition: weeks before Christmas the celebrate mass very early in the mornings! i celbrated with Cardinal Vlk, whom very kindly translated my greetings and stayed with me.

Late morning i flew back to Bergamo, where i met Giorgio, mason, whom will come back in few weeks. In the evening i met with  Beppe e Enrica Tempesta, real good friends of Bozoum and  Maria Elena from Ferrara. 

On Tuesday the 5th on my way to Cuneo for a medical examination

I drop by to see Father Ivo and some friends of his parish and Few days after, i was in Arenzano, finally on Thursday the 20th i came back here in Bozoum, where Christmas preparations were already started.

These days passed by quickly, though i realised it's really great to meet with so many helpful and wiling people: people with jobs and families, with many difficulties to handle, though they are happy to help less fortunate people!

Even my sister's bar, called "Baramo" ( in sango means hi). they put together a ruffle and with the money we'll be able to buy few plows.

What to say? Life is beautiful!  a huge thanks....and merry Christmas!