Do not be afraid

As Jesus said, “come and See.” I have come to Rome not only to see but also to learn numerous spheres of life in general. After a swift change of environment from South Africa to this foreign land, but not just land but the core of the Catholic Church, as well as the heart of our congregation – the central government of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Unless you reside in an environment you will never understand the beauty of its core.

As Pope Francis said, let us not be afraid of change. It was a change full of fear and restlessness for me, not to mention anxiety that are brought as a result of change.

I understand that FEAR is part of human life as one of the emotions or feelings and as a human being I was engulfed by so many fears in life, for instance: fear of the new environment, of new people, new language, new culture and tradition, climate, to mention but a few.

However, almost nine months have passed and the reality of this new place is unveiling itself day in day out. The environment is becoming friendly, the community is full of life, and my brothers here are supportive and hospitable. I am getting used to the place. I thank God for all that he has done for me within these few months that I have been here. Now I am able to express myself in Italian something I did not expect, following and understanding lectures in Italian. I am finding my place in the community, something I longed and yearned for during the first six months after stepping onto this place. I know that I still have got long way to go; of learning, of experience, of challenges and of making mistakes here and there but, by the Grace of God I hope all shall be well.

By Moses Owino Odhiambo, OMI