By: Sr. Yolanda Cadavos

We finally did it!

We had to cancel our plans the first time around because of bad weather, but on April 23rd the sun was smiling on us as we left Fortaleza to begin our trip to the Serra. It was a beautiful drive going up to the mountains; the air was fresh and the trees were dark green. For those who remember the olden days when the road was filled with craters, now it is well-paved.

The Travellers
Srs. Lucy, Yol, Clarice & Mona

We went straight to Aratuba in three hours time and first looked for a place to have our lunch. Therese, there have been some changes since your day; you might be interested to know that there are now three restaurants in Aratuba. The food was good and tasty and we truly enjoyed it. While we were still eating, a man in his 20’s approached Clarice and introduced himself. He turned out to be the son of an old friend and, “Bingo!” – through him we got contact information for many of the people that Clarice had wanted to visit and he even phoned ahead to Mulungu to let the people there know we would be coming for a visit later in the day.

Church in Aratuba
Srs. Clarice, Mona & Lucy

We proceeded to Nazaré’s house where we received a very warm welcome from her and from Eranilda, the woman with Down Syndrome for whom she has lovingly cared for so many years now. Nazaré immediately prepared coffee and offered us the traditional Brazilian hospitality. Neighbours from all around were constantly dropping in to share their stories and to ask for news of Doris, Therese and Rosemary Hughes, and we all sensed Janet’s presence among us as well.

Srs. Yol, Mona, Eranilda, Clarice,
Nazare & Sr. Lucy

Then we got back on the road to head for Mulungu. Some people were already waiting for us at the plaza (town square). There were more hugs and stories and photos. We went to see Rita, a friend of Clarice who works in the hospital,

Mulungu Hospital
Rita & Sr. Clarice

and then on to Maria’s place. She said she is still missing you, Mary Hughes. We had a nice merienda (snack). Mona had earlier whispered that Maria and her sister usually served cake, and they did. What a treat! We also visited a second Rita whom Mary Hughes had often visited and who is still praying for Mary’s return.

Sr. Clarice & Maria

Mulungu Hospital
Sr. Clarice, Rita & Ernande

Ernande & Sr. Clarice

Mulungu
Fatima & Sr. Lucy

Next, we continued on to Palmacia, passing through the beautiful Guaramiranga, the highest point in the whole state of Ceará.

By then the rain started to come down heavily so it was decided it would be best to head back to Fortaleza. So, unfortunately we didn’t have much time to visit the people who are such dear friends of yours, Pauline and Noreen. This part of the road was not as good, so it was slow driving. Luckily, our driver was good. We arrived back home at exactly 7:00 pm.

Each time we arrived in a place, it was wonderful to see the people’s surprise and joy… and this was always followed by a string of “Do you remember….?” We are truly blessed by the people we encountered on our journey… they have become part of our story as we are a part of theirs. It is a privilege indeed to pass this way. And so our journey and story continue…

Blessings to each of you, especially those who feel “saudades” (lonesome) for friends and places that are mentioned in this letter.

Abraço de paz (Greetings of peace),

Yol