"Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man." Ecclesiastes 9:15
The Three Day Mourning of Pa Barrie that Nazareth House Apostolate observed has now ended. Our love and respect for this Holy, Humble and Gentle man will never cease. We understand death and see it as a "journey on" rather than an end. Having much experience with those as they "drop the body" (especially in Sierra Leone) we are able to deal with it. Not that losing someone ever gets easy, or something you are used to, yet, with each passing, you become better equipped with the understanding of it all... However, Pa Barrie's transition from life on earth has affected us like no other. It is a very discomforting thought that we will not talk with him, visit with him, or walk with him again in this life. He has become so much a part of Nazareth House and we are all experiencing a great loss.
I have just received word that James has now returned to Freetown from Guinea where he escorted Pa Barrie's wife for the burial/mourning of her husband. He tells me it was the most terrible journey he has ever made, horrible roads. Both coming and going he had to wait the night at the border before entering the country. It was raining, he was cold and hungry. I cannot begin to tell you how proud we are of James and thankful for his dedication and love. NHA is truly blessed to have him as our director in Sierra Leone. Fr. Seraphim and I are most blessed to call him our son!
When James was suffering ulcers, we knew Pa Barrie was praying. When troubles were brewing during the Presidential Elections last year, we knew Pa Barrie was praying. When Fr. Seraphim and I are attacked with malaria, we knew Pa Barrie was praying. At all times, at all situations, he prayed.
Nazareth House Apostolate is committed to supporting his family. We have already paid the rent on the house for 2009, this Pa Barrie knew about. We want to complete his daughter's schooling and continue to provide for his wife. Marianna, his wife, works cleaning the Central Mosque. The income she receives is not enough to survive.
There are many other families that depend on Nazareth House to boost them up and help them along. You've met many of them through our photos. Each donation to Nazareth House makes possible their ongoing existence. There is so much to do and we are on such a limited budget. The needs are great and we must not turn our heads to them.
Now that we've opened the school, we cannot leave them hanging with no way to function. We must provide for the teachers and the teaching supplies.
YOU are Nazareth House and it is through you that the work is made possible. Please invite others to become a part of Nazareth House. The more involved, the more we can do.
In March 2009, St. Laurence House lease will expire. The landlord says he will rent to us NO MORE, having relatives who wish to move into the house. 5 months from now, James, Kadijah, Lucy, Ann Marie and little Roo will be out on the streets, homeless. Our distribution supplies and all, no where to store. It is now that we must establish permanent residency in Sierra Leone. Many foreigners are purchasing property and the housing marking will soon be cost prohibitive. We are down to the wire.
Nazareth House supporters are all over the United States and a few in Europe. It has been suggested that people form groups in their areas to raise money (i.e. Nazareth House Chapter). Example: Nazareth House: Breeding, Kentucky takes responsibilty raising $10,000 through fundraising methods of their choice. Another group would be responsible for additional amount. All working together, through grassroot efforts... wow... knowing all of you...we can accomplish anything...and have fun doing it. I know how creative this bunch is...
To secure a compound that will accomodate the storage of supplies to be distributed, house our staff, supply an area to aid the dying (Lazarus House), and provide guest housing for those wishing to experience life on the mission field; we estimate the costs to be around $250,000. We are in process of looking at property currently.
Those interested in starting a group, NHA Chapter, to support the work in Sierra Leone, please contact us through the email on our website www.nazarethhouseap.org.
