ともに歩む会～シエラレオネとともに～: 2024

2024年12月7日土曜日

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Caminando Juntos Resumen de Boletín No. 46

Tomoni Ayumu Kai – Caminando Juntos - Resumen de Boletín No 46

Página 1

Mensaje de la Madre Martha, titulado Cristo Misionero Paz y Esperanza

26 de octubre de 2024

Muy estimado Prof. Kanno y miembros todos de “Caminando Juntos”:

¡Paz y esperanza en Cristo misionero! Los saludo una vez más, agradeciéndoles las noticias misioneras que constantemente nos comparten por medio del Boletín, un modo muy hermoso de hacernos partícipes de los milagros que el Señor realiza a través de la generosidad de tantas personas que reconocen en los demás, en particular en los frágiles y pequeños, un hermano a quien darle la mano para caminar juntos hacia un futuro de luz y esperanza.

La sonrisa de los niños es sin duda expresión de gratitud ante “pequeños” detalles que hacen en sus vidas una gran diferencia; en efecto, la unión de esfuerzos por parte de todos los miembros de “Caminando juntos” continúa siendo para nuestra misión en Sierra Leona manifestación del amor providente de Dios que multiplica y hace fructificar todo gesto de generosidad. Así mismo, las bolsas “Momoyo”, elaboradas bajo la dirección de la profesora Kaori Murakami de la Universidad de Hiroshima, y las diversas iniciativas que constantemente se realizan, son al mismo tiempo expresión de gratitud y signo de fraternidad entre dos pueblos.

Continuamos recordando en nuestra oración a todos los habitantes de la península de Noto, tan golpeada por las calamidades naturales, donde una de nuestras hermanas, Sara Elena Santos, estará prestando un servicio de tres semanas para acompañar a aquella población que en estos momentos se encuentra necesitada de apoyo y cercanía.

Una vez más agradecemos de todo corazón a cuántos siguen haciendo posible el que Japón y Sierra Leona caminen juntos, con la certeza de que el Señor, fiel a su Palabra, será Él mismo su recompensa.

Con renovada confianza, desde el Corazón Inmaculado de María”

Página 2 (izquierda)

Mensaje de la Superiora regional Hermana Josefina Kamara

"Construcción de una nación a través de la educación de las niñas"

4 de noviembre de 2024

Misión Misionera de la Eucaristía hermana Josefina Kamara, Directora Regional de las Hermanas Clarisas de Sierra Leona. El 9 de septiembre de este año las escuelas reabrieron para el nuevo año escolar 2024-2025, y ya han pasado ocho semanas. Nuestras actividades educativas incluyen no sólo la parte académica, sino también la religión, la cultura social, deportes, etc., todo con el objetivo de brindar una educación integral a las niñas que son futuras líderes y madres. El futuro del país está en sus manos, por eso queremos prepararlos bien para que puedan marcar la diferencia en el futuro.

Como colegio y como hermanas orientamos a nuestras niñas a comprender que todo en la vida requiere esfuerzo y autodisciplina. Al hacerlo, nuestros sueños se harán realidad y el futuro de este país será más brillante.

Gracias por caminar siempre con nosotros.

Página 2 (derecha)

Mensaje de la hermana Bernardita Shirahata

“A todos y cada uno de los miembros de Caminando Juntos, a los que siempre recuerdo.”

22 de octubre de 2024

Me gustaría escribir a todos y cada uno de los miembros del grupo Caminando Juntos de este lejano lugar de África. A principios de febrero, comencé a sentirme mal del estómago y de repente me pidieron que fuera a la clínica en Mile 91. Como de costumbre, tenía intención de regresar a Lunsar en una semana o dos. Casi al mismo tiempo, la hermana Esmeralda, directora del Jardín Infantil Tamagawa Shirayuri, también regresó a México. El estado de su rodilla se había deteriorado después de un accidente de tráfico y tuvo que someterse a una cirugía de rodilla. Sin embargo, por diversas circunstancias, la cirugía fue pospuesta.

No pude ingresar en la clínica. Esto se debe a que hay muchos pacientes con tuberculosis. Estaba en el cercano Monasterio Yonibana, haciendo un trabajo que podía realizar sentada. Dedicaba mi tiempo a bordar y trabajar en el templo.

Regresé a Lunsar el 23 de septiembre y pude trabajar en el jardín Infantil. La Hermana Elisabeth actúa como directora interina en lugar de hermana Esmeralda. Enseño música como antes, y también dibujo ilustraciones de lo que enseñan los profesores.

No puedo ir sola a ningún lado, pero una hermana siempre viene conmigo y me ayuda. A las 12 en punto regreso al monasterio y hago algunos trabajos de costura. Se me dice que no debo trabajar en mi habitación después de cenar.

Página 3

Mensaje de la srta Marian Kamara enfermera

Estudiante Universitaria Becada (Enfermería)

“Mi Sueño Hecho Realidad”

Ser enfermera siempre ha sido mi sueño desde que era una niña.

Mi camino para convertirme en enfermera no fue fácil. Tuve que superar muchos obstáculos y desafíos en el camino; gracias a las hermanas que a través de Caminando Juntos me ayudaron y apoyaron en el camino.

Finalmente, después de años de estudiar y trabajar para alcanzar mi meta, me gradué de la escuela de enfermería con un buen resultado. Gracias a Dios, ahora estoy trabajando en el Hospital de mi comunidad, propiedad de las Hermanas; mientras espero mi licencia del gobierno. Mi primer trabajo fue en la sala de maternidad.

He tenido la oportunidad de trabajar en muchas áreas diferentes de la enfermería, desde maternidad hasta pediatría. Cada experiencia ha sido gratificante a su manera y he aprendido mucho de cada paciente que he tenido el privilegio de cuidar. La enfermería no es sólo un trabajo para mí, es una vocación y me siento honrada de poder hacer lo que amo todos los días.

Página 4

Mensaje de Zainab M. Conteh

Niña estudiante grado 3º de la Escuela Secundaria Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.

“Lo Que Me Hace Feliz”

Mi nombre es Zainab M. Conteh, soy una orgullosa alumna de la Escuela Secundaria Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Lunsar. Estoy en el 3er grado de la Escuela Secundaria Básica y me quedo en el internado durante el año escolar, ya que mis padres viven en Freetown. En primer lugar, soy feliz cuando estoy con mi familia porque me dan mucha alegría y atención

En segundo lugar, soy feliz cuando estoy con mis compañeros de clase en la escuela, porque compartimos conocimientos e intercambiamos ideas, aprendiendo así cada día unos de otros.

Una tercera cosa que me hace feliz es ayudar a los pobres y necesitados,

Por último, pero no por ello menos importante, me siento feliz cuando estoy con mi modelo a seguir, ella me ayuda a hablar mejor inglés, corrigiéndome cuando cometo errores. Tengo la bendición de estudiar en la escuela secundaria Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Lunsar.

Gracias.

Página 4

Mensaje de Elsie Sesay

Niña estudiante grado 3º de la Escuela Primaria Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.

“Mi Familia”

Mi nombre es Elsie Sesay. Tengo 9 años y estoy 3º grado. Vivo con mi madre, mi hermano y mi hermana. Nuestro padre nos abandonó cuando yo tenía 4 años.

Mi madre consiguió un trabajo con las hermanas religiosas en la Escuela Secundaria Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Lunsar, donde ayuda a lavar platos en el internado para ganar un salario.

Mi madre es una mujer muy trabajadora, trabaja día y noche para asegurarse de que podamos asistir a la escuela. Mi hermano mayor tiene 13 años y está en la escuela secundaria y tengo una hermana menor en 2º grado.

Amo mucho a mi familia y le pido a Dios que los bendiga.

Página 5

"Primera vez en ciudad local y 8 días de alojamiento en familia"

Escuela de Graduados en Artes y Ciencias, Universidad de Tokio

Yuka Matsubara, estudiante de doctorado

Después de mi viaje del pasado mes de septiembre, pude regresar a Sierra Leona durante la temporada de lluvias en Sierra Leona que alcanza su punto máximo en agosto.

Después de pasar 8 días allí, en la casa de una amiga lo primero que me llamó la atención fue el sentido de familia de Sierra Leona. En la casa había un total de siete sobrinas y sobrinos del matrimonio de la casa.

Parece que los niños pasan su tiempo yendo y viniendo entre las casas de sus padres y las de los hermanos de sus padres debido a la relación. Por ejemplo, si ambos padres trabajan y no pueden cuidar a sus hijos, toda la familia, incluidos los parientes cuidan de ellos.

También me sorprendió descubrir que los niños eran los principales responsables de las tareas del hogar. Como nuestra estancia coincidió con las vacaciones escolares, los siete niños de la casa, desde estudiantes de primaria hasta estudiantes universitarios, pasaban todo el día limpiando, lavando y cocinando desde las 6 de la mañana.

Esta fue mi segunda estadía aquí y pude ver un lado nuevo de Sierra Leona que no había podido ver durante mi estadía anterior.

Página 5

Voces de los benefactores de todo Japón

· Gracias por enviarnos siempre el boletín de la “Caminando Juntos”. Desde entonces, he estado haciendo pequeñas donaciones con la esperanza de poder ayudar en los esfuerzos de apoyo de Sierra Leona.

· Cada vez que veo las brillantes sonrisas de los jóvenes de Sierra Leona en el boletín, me siento profundamente agradecido por la paz que llego a su país.

· Gracias por el boletín. Estamos orando por la recuperación de la hermana Bernardita. Nunca olvidaré que mi pequeña colaboración para las comidas diarias brinda un apoyo importante.

· Gracias por el boletín. Deseamos a la hermana Bernardita buena salud. Y oro para que las bendiciones de Dios estén sobre todos los que los apoyan.

· Estamos orando por la recuperación de la hermana Bernardita y la hermana Esmeralda. Es fantástico saber que un colegio de mayoría musulmana celebran la festividad de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.

· La Paz del Señor esté con ustedes. Gracias por el boletín. La hermana Yoshida trabaja fuertemente en el convento. Creo que la hermana Leticia Negishi estaba feliz con la visita en su tumba, gracias por la amabilidad en sus corazones. A medida que cambian las estaciones, cuídense. Estoy orando por ustedes.

Hermana Chieko Kamoi, Directora del Distrito Japón de las Hermanas Misioneras Clarisas Representante

Fotos

Página 1: las niñas en clase y en el recreo

Página 2: la hermana Bernardita, efectuando el control de salud a los niños

Página 3 y 4: srta. Marian Kamara, la niña S. Conte, la niña E. Sesei

Página 5 y 6: fotos tomadas por la srta. Matsubara

Página 8: Foto superior-hermana Josefina Kamara, directora y estudiantes de escuela secundaria OLG

Foto media-Hermana Bernardita Sirahata tocando la melódica

Fotos inferior-Salón de clases de la escuela primaria y secundaria

＜Traducción por Marta Tanaka＞

Summary of Walking Together Bulletin No. 46

Walking Together Bulletin No. 46

P.1 DEAR REPRESENTATIVE KANNO AND SUPPORTERS OF THE "WALKING TOGETHER ASSOCIATION" 　

By Mother Marta G. Hernández Martín del Campos, Superintendent of the Clarissan Missionary　　October 26, 2024

“For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ, will by no means lose his reward." (Mark 9:41)

Peace and hope in Christ the Missionary! I greet you all once again and thank you for always keeping us informed of your activities through your newsletter. This is a wonderful way to make us participate in the miracles that the Lord performs through the generosity of so many people, which is recognized in the fellowship of people. In the midst of their fragile and small existence, we have brothers who join hands and walk together towards a future of light and hope. The smiles of the children are undoubtedly an expression of gratitude for the "small" daily steps that make a big difference in their lives. In fact, the efforts and unity of all the members of the "Walking Together Association" continue to be a manifestation of the love of God's Providence for our mission in Sierra Leone, which multiplies and bears fruit in every act of generosity. Similarly, the various initiatives that are carried out every day, such as the Momoyo pouches made under the guidance of Professor Kaori Murakami of Hiroshima University, are both a sign of gratitude and a testimony of the brotherly love between our two countries.
　We continue to remember and pray for all the inhabitants of the Noto Peninsula affected by the natural disasters, where one of our sisters, Sara Elena Santos (Mexican, member of the Tokyo Convent), will offer three weeks of service to accompany those who are currently in need of assistance. Once again, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who continue to make it possible for Japan and Sierra Leone to walk together, with the certainty that the Lord Himself, faithful to His Word, will reward them.

Tow pictures of Children. "The smiles on the children's faces are undoubtedly an expression of gratitude for the steps we take every day to make a difference in their lives."

P.2 “BUILDING OUR NATION BY EDUCATING THE GIRL – CHILD” 　By Sr. Josephine Kamara, Regional Superior　　Novenber 4 2024
　Throughout its mission in the country of Sierra Leone, the Congregation of the Clarissan Missionary Sisters has dedicated her time and energy to the education of the Girl-child in this part of the world.

This Academic year we have embarked on it once more with renewed enthusiasm and hope. On 9th September of the present year, Schools reopened for the 2024-2025 Academic Year, we have therefore run through 8 weeks. Our activities include not only academics but also the religious, socio-cultural, and sports/athletics, all is aimed at giving the girls an integral education; since they are the future leaders and mothers. In their hands lie the tomorrow of our nation, therefore, we would like to prepare them well so they can make a difference in the future.

Most of the girls have high aspirations and are enthusiastic about achieving their goals and dreams in life. In spite of all the difficulties, most of them push forward to obtain the best in the teaching and learning process. One important aspect we try to promote among our pupils is self-motivation, so that they can make it in life, because most of their parents do not have formal education nor the means of helping them get a higher education in life.

As a school and as religious women, we help the girls understand that everything in life requires effort and self-discipline, with it our dreams can come true and the future of the country is brighter. Thank you (in the original)

P.2 TO EVERYONE AT THE "TOMO NI AYUMU KAI" (WALKING TOGETHER ) , WHICH I MISS VERY MUCH　

By Sr. Bernadette Kazuko Shirahata 　 October 22, 2024

I am writing to each and every member of the "Walking Together" group from faraway Africa. In early February, I had stomach problems and was suddenly told to go to the Mile 91 clinic. I was planning to return to Lunsar in a week or two, as usual. Around the same time, Sister Esmeralda, the principal of Tamagawa Shirayuri Kindergarten, also returned to Mexico. Her knee condition had worsened after a traffic accident, so she was undergoing surgery on her knee and other parts of her body. However, due to various circumstances, the surgery was postponed. But I couldn't be admitted to the clinic because there were many tuberculosis patients there. I stayed at the nearby Yonibana Monastery and did work that I could do sitting down. I spent my time doing embroidery and church work.

Also, in early February, the Rector and Vice Rector visited us and we had a very precious time together. The Rector met with each of us and also went to a mass at a church 20 minutes away from Mile 91 and Yonibana Monastery. The Rector was very kind and took great care of each of the members. In September, we had a mass to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the convent life of the director, Sister Patricia, and the nurse, Sister Adriana.

I returned to Lunsar on September 23rd and was able to work at the kindergarten. Sister Elisabeth is now acting as the director instead of Sister Esmeralda. I teach music as before, but I also draw illustrations of what the teachers have taught me. I can't go anywhere by myself, but the sisters always come with me and help me. I go back to the monastery at 12 o'clock to do sewing work. I'm told not to do any work in my room after dinner.

The people here still live very difficult lives. We religious also feel anxious about today's society. However, just like Mary, I think it is important to always trust in the Lord and pray for His guidance.

The Pope says, "There is no true worship that does not lead to service to others." Like the Good Samaritan, God does not ignore us. He knows our pain. He knows how much we need His help and comfort. He draws close to us and heals us. Pope Francis says:

"He knows our pain. He knows how much we need His help and comfort. He comes to us and embraces us. He waits even when we refuse." I will not be jealous when I see young people walking the path of God with energy, I will humbly seek the help of others even when I am unable to work for them, and I will always be kind and gentle even when I am weak and can no longer be of use to others.

The burden of old age is a gift from God, and I think it is a precious task to be grateful for everything I have experienced, to reflect on myself, and to slowly remove the chains that bind me to this world and the sadness that will allow me to return to my hometown (heaven).

Thanks to all of you, our children are able to enjoy delicious school lunches every day this year. We are truly grateful. We appreciate your continued support. We sincerely pray that God's protection will be with each and every one of you and your families.

Picture Sister Bernadette Shirahata checks the health of the children every morning.

P.3 “MY DREAM COME TRUE”　

BY Marian Adamsay Kamara, University Scholarship Student (Nurse)

Becoming a nurse has always been my dream since I was a young child. I was inspired by the nurses (Religious Sisters) who took care of the sick people in our local community – Mile 91 and I knew that I wanted to make a difference in people's lives just as like they did. After years of hard work and dedication, I finally achieved my dream of becoming a nurse and it has been the most fulfilling experience of my life.

My journey to becoming a nurse was not easy. I had to overcome many obstacles and challenges along the way; I would like to thank the people and sisters who supported me through the "Walking Together Association". I had to study long hours to pass my exams, but through it all, I never lost sight of my dream and I knew that all of the hard work would worth it in the end. Finally, after years of studying and working towards my goal, I graduated from nursing school with a good result. I was filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment as I walked across the stage to receive my diploma. I knew that I had finally achieved my dream and I was ready to begin my career as a nurse and to save as many lives as possible. Thanks be to God, I am now working at the Hospital in my community, owned by the Sisters; whilst waiting for my license from the government. My first job was at the maternity room (ward). I was nervous at first, but as soon as I started working, I knew that I had found my calling. I was able to use my skills and knowledge to help people in their time of need and I felt like I was making a real difference in the world. I have had the opportunity to work in many different areas of Nursing, from Maternity to Pediatrics. Each experience has been rewarding in its own way and I have learned so much from each patient that I have had the privilege of caring for. One of the most memorable moments was when a patient who had been in a coma for weeks woke up and thanked me for taking care of him.

It was a moment that I will never forget and it reminded me of why I became a nurse in the first place - to help people and make a difference in their lives. Becoming a nurse has been a dream come true for me. I am so grateful for the opportunity to care for others and make a positive impact in my community and the world at large.

Nursing is not just a job for me, it is a calling and I am honored to be able to do what I love every day. (in the original)

P.4 “WHAT MAKES ME HAPPY”

By Zainab M. Conteh, Girl from Guadalupe Secondary School3rd Grade of Junior Secondary School

My name is Zainab M. Conteh, a proud pupil of Our Lady of Guadalupe Secondary School, Lunsar. I am in the 3rd Grade of Junior Secondary School and I stay in the Boarding Home during the school year, since my parents live in Freetown.

I would like to share with you what makes me happy in life. First and foremost, I’m happy when I'm with my family because they give me a lot of joy and attention, we have fun together, especially with my two sisters – one elder and the other younger than me.

Secondly, I am happy when I am with my classmates in school, because we share knowledge and exchange ideas, thereby learning each day from one another. Secondly, I am happy when I am with my classmates in school, because we share knowledge and exchange ideas, thereby learning each day from one another.

A third thing that makes me happy is helping the poor and needy, example, assisting them, giving them food or cleaning for them. We have a neighbor who is handicapped, so I like helping her do the house chores whenever I go for holidays.

Last but not the least, I feel happy when I am with my role model, she helps me to speak English better, by correcting me when I make mistakes.

I am blest to be at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Secondary School, Lunsar. Thank you. (in the original)

P.4 “MY FAMILY”

By Elsie Sesay A girl from Guadalupe Elementary School, Class 3 　　

My name is Elsie Sesay. I am 9 years old and I am in Class 3. I live with my mother, my brother and sister. Our father left us when I was 4 years old, so my mother came to a town called Lunsar to search for a job and so help us get food and education.

My mother got a job with the religious Sisters at Our Lady of Guadalupe Secondary School Lunsar, where she helps to wash dishes in the Boarding Home to gain a salary.

My mother is a very hard working woman, she works day and night to see that we get a living and go to school. My big brother is 13 years old and in Secondary school and I have a younger Sister in Class 2. I love my family very much and I ask God to bless them. (in the original)

P.5 MY FIRST TIME IN A REGIONAL CITY AND 8-DAY HOMESTAY 　　　　　　　　　

By Yuka Matsubara, doctoral course enrollment, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo

Following my visit last September, I was able to visit Sierra Leone again for a month from the end of June to the end of July.　 Last year was my first visit to Sierra Leone, and the purpose was to get to know the city and prepare for my research. 　The main purpose of this second trip was to visit Bo, the second largest city in the country, and to carry out research for my doctoral thesis. Last time, I was looked after by a local acquaintance all the time, but this time I set a goal to be able to move around on my own, so I tried to go to the research site and buy the necessary daily necessities on my own. Before I knew it, I was crossing the main road by myself, memorizing the way to the research site, and by the last week, I was giving directions to the driver of a keke (three-wheeled motorcycle). Unfortunately, due to the tight schedule, I was not able to visit Lunsar, but I had many exciting days in Bo and Freetown. In this article, I would like to introduce the most memorable experience, the difficulty of the rainy season, and my 8-day homestay in Bo.

The rainy season in Sierra Leone peaks in August. Therefore, while my previous trip was towards the end of the rainy season, this trip was between the beginning and middle of the rainy season. Before I left, a Sierra Leone friend warned me that it would be better to return home before August, because the rain would prevent me from going anywhere. However, I hadn't been bothered by the rain during my stay last year, so I thought it would be fine, but I realized the meaning of that advice from the first week of my stay.

Immediately after arriving, even though it was still June, there was heavy rain, strong winds, and thunder every night, more intense than a direct hit from a typhoon, something I had never experienced in Japan. In mid-July, the rain continued to fall during the day, and at the end of July, the last week of my stay, a heavy rain warning was issued in Freetown, and there were days when I could not leave the hotel at all. The time I spent listening to the thunder in a hotel room during the power outage caused by the storm and thunder strangely aroused anxiety and loneliness... Every morning, I drove my keke through the flooded roads to the research site, but on days when it continued to rain during the day, appointments were often canceled because the rain made it impossible to go to work. I wondered what would happen with the rain in August, and how the people living in Sierra Leone would spend the year... It was the rainy season, but it seems that the rain does not continue all over Sierra Leone. I stayed in Bo for 8 days from July 4th to 12th, and it hardly rained during my stay, and it seemed that the rainy days finally increased at the end of July. Therefore, I was able to carry out my research smoothly in Bo compared to Freetown.

During the eight days in Bo, I stayed with a Sierra Leone acquaintance. The house was about a 15-minute drive from the center of Bo, on a side street off the main road that connects regional cities. While there were mud-walled houses around, it was a fine concrete house surrounded by a sturdy wall. However, the infrastructure development was still lagging behind compared to the capital, Freetown, and there were power outages every day, cooking was done over charcoal instead of gas, and showers every night were done with a bucket of boiled water drawn from a well.

The first thing that surprised me during my eight days there was the Sierra Leone's view of family. There were a total of seven nephews and nieces of the couple who owned the house. In Sierra Leone, the relationship is "siblings, including cousins," and children spend their time going back and forth between their parents' and their parents' siblings' houses. For example, if both parents work and are unable to take care of their children, they can be looked after by their parents' parents or siblings for a few months. It is common for the whole "family," including relatives, to raise children. When I think about it, the family that I looked after in Freetown also lived with their nephews and nieces. This custom is said to be fading in the capital, Freetown, but I think it is still deeply rooted. I was also surprised to see that the other hand, they were very surprised that I was living alone, and that in Japan, many people live alone after graduating from high school to continue their education or get a job. I was bombarded with questions about why I was living alone, leaving my family and relatives, whether I was lonely, whether I could live alone, etc. From the perspective of the people of Sierra Leone, I think that even if you leave your parents' home to go to school or work, you can just go to a reliable relative's house. Thinking about it, I realized that the fact that I only go back to my parents' house a few times a year and my parents' parents' house once every few years may be weakening my ties with my family.

I was also surprised to find that it was the children who were primarily responsible for the housework. As the school holidays were happening during my stay, the seven children at home, ranging from elementary school students to university students, were cleaning, doing laundry, and cooking all day long, starting at around 6am.
I was also surprised to find that it was the children who were primarily responsible for the housework. As the school holidays were happening during my stay, the seven children at home, ranging from elementary school students to university students, cleaned, washed, and cooked all day, starting at around 6:00 in the morning. This custom seems to still exist in the capital, Freetown, and when I stayed with a host family for two days there, the children were in charge of the housework while their parents were at work. The reason it took a whole day to do the housework was because they didn't have washing machines, so they washed the clothes by hand using well water, and cooked over charcoal. Each household chore took a lot of time. For example, preparing dinner started around 3:00 p.m. and took 4-5 hours. Instead, they used the time they spent doing the housework to play, and while the ingredients were heating up, they played card games, played music, danced, played tag, and watched Nigerian movies together. After finishing my daytime research, I also went to the kitchen to play with the children and learn their ethnic language.

This was my second visit, and I was able to see new aspects of Sierra Leone that I had not seen during my previous visit. My research also went smoothly, with results exceeding my expectations at the city councils, district councils, and ministries I visited for my research. I have not yet decided when I will return, but I hope to return as soon as possible. I would like to plan to meet the sisters again when I do so.

P.6 COMMENTS FROM SUPPORTERS (EXCERPTS)

*Every time I see the bright smiling faces of young people in Sierra Leone in the newsletter, I feel a deep gratitude for peace. Thank you as always.

*Momoyo" means "Thank you" in the local language. It's so cute. I pray that Sister Shirahata and Sister Esmeralda will recover as soon as possible.

*Thank you for the newsletter. Through the newsletter, I have learned that no matter what the situation, "learning" enriches life. The power of education is "great."
* We are always grateful for your work. Thank you for sending us the 45th issue of our newsletter the other day. Sister Yoshida is also working hard at the monastery work she has been asked to do while being careful about her health. Also, thank you for visiting the grave. I think Sister Negishi is also happy. We are grateful for your kindness. Please take care of yourself as the seasons change... We are praying for Representative Kanno and everyone else. 　Sr. Chieko Kamoi, Superior of the Japanese Region of the Clarissan Missionary

P.８　Pictures 　（Top） Happy faces of OLG high school students walking with Sister Josephine Kamara　（Middle） Sr. Shirahata playing the melodica for children.　　　（Bottom） “I always encourage my students to have high aspirations and to study independently. The future of this country rests on these students ”(Principal Josephine Kamara)