Fr. Seraphim and I have been in prayer during James' recent trip to Guinea. You may remember the difficult times he experienced in October (See Oct 2008 blog posts) last year. Crossing the border, etc. is not easy - Custom workers looking for bribes, etc.
James went to Kindia to escort Mama Marianna safely home from her final respects to her late husband, Pa Barrie. Her mourning is now officially ended, but her pain of the loss is not. I know how she feels, there is not a day that goes by that Fr. Seraphim doesn't mention Pa Barrie and misses him very much. Our time with him was too brief, but we are so thankful that we had the time that we did with him.
Fr. Seraphim promised Pa Barrie just days before his death, that we would take care of him and his family always. We hold to our promise and James' made sure his widow has returned safely to her home in Freetown.
To Pa Barrie, the most he could do, the best he could do, was to pray and pray without ceasing. He truly was a holy man, he is a saint by all definitions. Nazareth House is preparing the story of his life and will share this with you in time to come.
I am happy to report that I received word last night that James is home in Freetown, safe and sound. He is weathered (the trip always takes a toll on him) but okay. Thank you James, you are an honorable and wonderful man.
We love you, James. Tenki
