Completing the Circle in Ghana

 

Sr. Maura Cranney returned to Ireland from Ghana in September 1996. On Spetember 30th, Sr. Maura will return to Ghana to begin a new chapter in her missionary life as a member of the Formation Community in Brafu Yaw, Cape Coast. Below, Sr. Maura shares some thoughts ahead of her departure for West Africa.

Sr. Maura Cranney on Mission in Africa.jpg

Sr. Maura Cranney pictured with a child while previously on mission in Africa.

In April this year, I accepted the invitation to return on Mission in Ghana. Then, in July I joined the Sisters in Rostrevor to share their community life, visit family and relax in the restorative air, beauty, and peacefulness  that flows from the Mourne Mountains and off Carlingford Lough. Thanks to the Sisters for their hospitality, and the freedom to come and go as I needed.  I am now ready to meet with openness whatever the future holds.

 

Sr. Maura Cranney pictured with children from the Staff Quarters trying out a new bore hole beside OLA Secondary School Ho, Ghana in the mid 1980's. The borehole was gifted by World Vision. Picture taken by Adrian Skelton..jpg

Sr. Maura Cranney with members of the local community trying-out the new bore hole beside the OLA Secondary School in Ho, Ghana.

As if by coincidence or maybe Providence, I received an email with the above photo of a younger me and some children from the staff quarters trying out the bore hole gifted to the school by World Vision (taken in the mid 1980’s) .

The sender was Adrian Skelton, a VSO mathematics teacher who worked with us in OLA Secondary School, Ho in the mid 1980’s and is presently a Presbyterian Minister in New Zealand. Adrian used the above photo, with others in a presentation about his faith journey when becoming an advocate for Uniting Congregations of Aotearoa/New Zealand (UCANZ).

The photo and the contact from Adrian revived many wonderful memories from my previous Ministries in Ghana that nourished my spirit and soul for my return. While I know the Ghana I left in September 1996, when the Ghanaian Province was founded, is a very different place, I look forward to settling into that ‘newness’ and being enriched by the growth that has taken place in the intervening years and enjoying the opportunities that lie ahead of me.

Whatever the future holds I know that the God who has been my constant companion in the years behind me will be ever constant in the years ahead. Secondly, I know that the prayers and support of my OLA Sisters, my family and friends will also be constant and that certainty will sustain me. 

 

- Sr. Maura Cranney, OLA