I am Lanyero Rhona

 

I have been living in Gulu for quite some time now.  It is time for me to have an Acholi name.  The Sister's of St. Monica came together and gave me a wonderful name.  My new name is "Lanyero Rhona".  Lanyero means "a happy person".  The reason I got this name is I am always making them laugh. I like to eat lunch with them every Sunday afternoon.  I tell them stories about my travels and adventures (the good and the scary), stories about my children growing up (good and bad), and experiences about guys I meet (good, but mostly bad).  I have had a lot of crazy stuff happen to me, so I always have a good story.  One Sister said, "When you aren't here, we talk about the bible and how many Hail Mary's we said today.  When you come, you make us laugh!"   That is a true compliment!

 

Sister Rosemary is the leader of this group of wonderful Sisters.  She has unlimited energy (unless she takes one little benadryl :). She is always thinking of new things to make, recycle, and sell to fund the girls at St Monica. She is always involved in so many acts of service and kindness.  Most of all though, she is full of wisdom and good advice. She has been a real blessing to my life.  Through her spirit, and the love of the other sisters, I am finding that my life is filling with more Peace.  Because of them, my relationship with my Heavenly Father is growing.

No party is complete without a cake!  Sister Betty made my cake, and it was the moistest cake I have ever eaten in Gulu.  (I once wrote a blog about how sweets are not very sweet here and cakes are crumbly and dry).  Well, not this one!  I LOVED it!  And, as you can see, I cut BIG pieces.  Normally, when cake is served here, they are cut into very thin bite size pieces and you just get one!

 

Music and dancing always come together, and the Sister's are no exception!  In fact, these ladies are some of the best dancers I have come across in Northern Uganda!  They can definitely out dance me.  In this picture, there are three volunteers/medical students who are staying at St Monica's for a bit this summer.  I have really enjoyed getting to know them and their sweet spirits.

The Sister's of Saint Monica's are more than just my friends.  They are my family. Since I am far away from my own family, they play an important role in my life.  When I was not well the other day, I went to a bed at St Monica; it is not fun to be sick alone. I felt like I was "home". 

 

This is Chris, another volunteer with St Monica.  He is building an eco toilet;  a toilet where the waste can be turned into fertilizer. I saw one once in Costa Rica.  I can't wait to see it when its complete.

 

Everyone is enjoying the popcorn, cake, soda and wine; the dancing, the music, the stories and the laughs. Thank you Sister's of St. Monica.  I am honored to be "Lanyero Rhona", and your friend.