It’s been quite a while since the last update to the website; my apologies for the delay. Time seems to have flown by and this fact has given me pause for reflection – about the true value and meaning of time. Here in Europe or the USA and Asia with our fast paced life-styles, time is an absolute quantity – we accurately measure it to the minute or even second, plan it, organise it, anxiously wait for events to happen, complain that it is going by too quickly or too slowly; time seems like an uncontrollable force of nature constantly rushing towards us. The more we try to regulate and control it, the quicker time passes, often leaving us bemused or frustrated. Contrast this with the meaning and value of time in the African context.

In Africa, time is elastic and malleable – it is gently shaped and moulded as required. I have learned many fascinating cultural lessons about time from friends and colleagues across Africa. One wise old gentleman in a Tanzanian village explained how he recycled his whole life within one day – from dawn (birth) to dusk (death). And on the following day, he was reborn again, full of life, hope and optimism notwithstanding the struggles of daily life. I politely asked him how old he was – close to 100 years (!) he replied, although he did not look his many years. He still had a sparkle in his gentle eyes and a fire within to make the most of his remaining time: To ensure that each blessing and opportunity was appreciated and not missed within the inevitable march of time.

These important and profound life-lessons have come into strong focus today – the first birthday of my beloved baby daughter Gabryela. In many ways, her first year has embraced an entire lifetime of unique experiences, not least, her baptism on board the good ship MV Crystal Serenity in February. Within sight of the beautiful coastline of Tanzania near the island of Zanzibar, Gabryela Naima was baptised. I suppose she is now a child of Africa – as beloved and important as all the children there. Furthermore, she is now ‘Toto Mungu,’ in Swahili this means – child of God. This magical event and so many other experiences have made the past year – the precious time – our lives, so much more beautiful and meaningful, and for this and much more, we are grateful beyond words.

The recent months at St Gabriel Home and the St Gemma Galgani School have been both busy and fruitful. Time and events have not stood still. Following a generous donation from Rotary Club-Wawel in Krakow, Poland two classrooms were equipped with new chairs, desks and books – which from the photos, the children appreciate and enjoy! Future plans for the school include adding more classrooms as funds and resources allow, in the hope that eventually, an optimum number of students will be accommodated generating enough income from their modest school fees to maintain both the children resident in the home, and the school itself. But this is for the future....

More recently, Sister Flora undertook a wonderful and successful trip to the USA, which was quite an adventure. She managed to meet many friends and supporters of St. Gabriel Home and her fund-raising efforts were very successful contributing greatly to the future development of the children. Bravo Sister Flora!

I undertook a number of lecture cruises on the beautiful ship, the Crystal Serenity (www.crystalcruises.com). I have now completed about a dozen such cruises and every time, it is an honour and pleasure to meet wonderful, generous and kind hearted people who donate generously to the foundation. Many of these people wish to remain anonymous but I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the passengers and crew of the Crystal Serenity for their continued kindness and support. In 2011 together with my family, I will once again be cruising along the coast of East Africa. It will be a joy to inform the guests on-board about the beautiful places and people on the continent, including the magnificent work of St. Gabriel Home.

For the vast majority of people, everyday life in Tanzania and across Africa is hard, full of daily challenges and unexpected events, which test the strength and resilience of truly remarkable people. On June 20th 2010, our own Sister Flora was involved in a serious road accident. To compound this terrible event, she also had her cell phone and camera stolen – the very camera that records events at St. Gabriel Home and the St Gemma Galgani School. After a much-needed period of rest and recovery at home, we thank God that Sister Flora is back where she is most needed and beloved, caring for the children. She certainly needed some intense care herself during this difficult time. We wish Sister Flora and all the Sisters, carers and teachers all the very best – peace, good health and safe travels.

Overall, the children in the home and school are doing very well – learning, laughing, playing and enjoying life to the fullest, each and every day. However, amongst the joy there are always moments of sadness and reminders that life even for the littlest ones can indeed, be hard. One of the very first residents of St Gabriel Home, a little girl called Pascalina recently learned that her mother has received a life sentence in prison. Consequently, Pascalina, who is a most loving, caring and intelligent little girl will stay at St. Gabriel Home for the foreseeable future. In addition, 2 new children from the women’s prison have taken up residence. Their names are Damian and Hans. Damian is one year and seven months old while Hans is one year and four months; barely toddlers who will need a lot of love and attention. The demands of the home – now with 13 resident children, many of them very young, and the school are constant and ever increasing.

Consequently, we are most grateful for all the support – financial and otherwise- that we receive! In addition to funds from various individual donors, the organisation, Project Abroad has sent a number of volunteers to the home and school. They are working to install new water collectors at the school, which will also benefit the home and local community. There are also two volunteer teachers (from Germany and Italy) who teach children from Standard 1 level. Another volunteer from Poland supported by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs will assist at the school with a multitude of administrative tasks in the office.

In summary, both the home and school are thriving, slowly growing and full of dedicated people making sure that every day is full of new opportunities and joy for the children. It’s safe to say, that each day in Mateves sees the cycling of not just a single life but a multitude of young lives – each full of hope, potential and great promise for the future. That is cause for celebration and thanks.

Heartfelt thanks to Sister Flora, the other Sisters, teachers and volunteers, Father Leo from the Parish of Burka and of course, to all the resident children and students....asante sana! Thank you for your remarkable achievements – each and every day!! We are very proud of you!

Warmest wishes,
Roman Pryjomko,
St Gabriel Home Foundation, Poland
Co-Founder and Trustee, St. Gabriel Home, Mateves, Tanzania

More photos in Photo Gallery section