Sr. Tigist, a Cabrini Novice, went to Denver on January 21st to have a six month mission experience. Everyone was telling her how cold Denver would be. Coming from Ethiopia, where the climate is mild, she became a little apprehensive. On arriving in Denver we had some pretty good weather. But the third week we were hit by a snow storm that accumulated at least 22 in of snow in some areas and more in Golden where the Mother Cabrini Shrine is located. She was happy to see the beautiful wonderland of white snow-capped mountains, trees, houses and beautiful white fields. What a WONDERLAND!
Sr. Tigist is missioned as a volunteer aid at the Notre Dame Early Learning Center. She helps the teachers in early learning, pre-K and Kindergarten. She is a Montessori teacher in Ethiopia and loves working with the children in Notre Dame Catholic School.
She soon found out the bureaucracy she had to go through before she could volunteer. Security check, finger printing, and a safety course. When she had everything completed she could start her dream of being with children again. Her first day of school she needed to take the bus to come home. What an adventure! She fought with the snow since there were no pathways on the side walk but she did it and was proud of it. Yes, she got home safely.
On the weekends she is also missioned at Mother Cabrini Shrine to meet the pilgrims and to do odds and ends. She has shown her amazement at the people that come to the Shrine to visit and to fulfill promises made to St. Frances X. Cabrini for favors received. She was sharing that one woman was cured of cancer and came to fulfill her promise not by walking on her feet but by moving forward on her knees towards the Grotto. The woman told her story to Sr. Tigist and they both cried together. What a tender and touching experience.
On President’s Day, she was invited to have lunch with an Ethiopian family here in Denver. She was accompanied by Sr. Martha Lopez, MSC. Can you believe the happiness of meeting one of her country people and enjoying scrumptious Ethiopian food?! The Sisters are with the family enjoying themselves and sharing memories from their beloved country.