By Sr. Nelida op

A Filipino Dominican Sister works in Kenya. Sr. Nelida tells us of a scary adventure she had with an elephant.

I suppose the scariest moment in my whole life was the time I was driving through the jungle when suddenly a wild elephant appeared before me and began to charge straight at me like a mad dog. And would you believe it, I drove for a full 30 kilometers, backwards, with the elephant chasing me. Every time I stopped for a moment to try and get an easier route, it seemed that the whole world was turning upside down. Luckily, the jeep was faster than the elephant which was chasing me and screaming – yes, elephant do scream. At that moment I thought I would never see the light of another day. But thanks be to God I survived to tell you the story her in Misyon.

Jungle life

But how did I ever get inside the jungle? Well, you see, myself and my two Filipino companions have been working in this interesting, rough and dangerous bush for quite a long time. The Catholic Mission, which is right at the middle of the forest, is 270 kms away from the city. But the gazelles, ostriches, hippos, buffalos, giraffes, grazing peacefully at the foreground eased the difficult situation of our life.

Among the nomads

Generally, the people are poor because the weather is unpredictable. They couldn’t plant. But this is not a threat to the people of the Maasai tribe which is nomad by nature. As long as they have their cows, they survive. Most of the people are living in a boma house, made of cow dung mixed with mud. Indeed, livestock means life for the Maasai.

Main apostolate

Our main apostolate here in Kenya is teaching and we also administer the home for the handicapped children and the catechetical and clerical work of the parish. The difficult task includes the domestic supervision and the physiotherapy needs of the little ones.

As the Religious Education Advisor of Loitokitok Division, I am in-charge of the Programme of Pastoral Instruction and Christian Religious Education of all primary schools. My area of responsibility includes three big towns with 43 primary schools and five high schools. With this I have to give enrichment seminars for the teachers so that the knowledge they share with the students will be illuminated by the light of faith.

If you are a natural beauty seeker, come!

You wont regret it.