Embracing the Joy

Hello everyone! Well, we’ve made it to South Africa! I am currently in the Emaphetweleni Dominican Priory in Pietermaritzburg with the Dominican Brothers and Fathers, and I am feeling so welcomed! A lot of wonderful events have happened in the past few days and I have met so many new, beautiful people, so let’s back up a little bit and start with the flights on Wednesday/Thursday! Bright and early Wednesday morning, I left Boston with another Smith Fellow, Jake Whitney, who is currently serving up in Springs, South Africa. We had a short flight from Boston to JFK and then came the REAL flight: 14 hours from JFK to Johannesburg. While I am grateful to the bottom of my heart that we had such a direct flight and didn’t have to deal with any more connections, by hour six I honestly wanted off that airplane! Everything ended up working out great with the flight, and after saying goodbye to Jake in Johannesburg I had one more small flight down to Durban. There, I finally met Fr Martin, who is the person in Pietermaritzburg that I had been in contact with to plan my Fellowship.

Before leaving from Logan!

Saying goodbye in Johannesburg!

           After picking me up from the airport, Fr Martin was kind enough to bring me to the Mother House in Durban to meet Sister Antonia from the Montebello Sisters! I had been planning the Montebello part of my Fellowship with Sister Antonia since November, and it was so wonderful to finally meet both her and Fr Martin! After this meeting I went to the Priory in Pietermaritzburg and was introduced to all of the Brothers and Fathers here (there are 17 total Brothers). These people are so skilled at making everyone and anyone fell welcomed among them, and I have been spending time of the past three days getting to know them all better. Through speaking with them, I have realized that many of them still remember and cherish the time they spent with past Smith Fellows. It is amazing to witness the connection that Providence College already has with these communities, and I am so honored and excited to be able to take that relationship even deeper.

Arriving in Pietermaritzburg

The circular chapel at the Priory

            There was also a big event that happened earlier today that everyone was preparing for when I arrived: Brothers Kelvin and Isaac were taking their Solemn Vows. The mass ended up being incredibly beautiful! Everyone in the chapel was full of such joy, and during one of the final hymns a spontaneous dance party erupted where the Dominicans went up to dance with their Brothers who had just committed themselves to the Order. Hearing the upbeat music and watching the Brothers welcome their new members, I couldn’t help but be in awe of the Lord and how He has guided my footsteps to this specific place and time. That experience is one that I will never forget.

Having a braai (cookout) after the Solemn Vow mass!

            Before the night ended, all of the Brothers met in the common room for their weekly Saturday night “Recreation” where everyone came together, told stories, and continued to celebrate Brothers Kelvin and Isaac. This, too, turned into a little dance party (I am beginning to notice a theme here and I think I better get my dancing shoes on) where everyone was embracing and laughing with one another. Truly, the community and brotherhood among the Dominicans here is something so beautiful, and I am grateful to be able to witness it.

At Saturday night Recreation

When Recreation turned into a dance party

             I think that is everything for now! When I am back home and have a better  internet connection, I will be adding in some pictures as well! Thank you all so much for your prayers and thoughts throughout this Fellowship.

God Bless,

Jen