“When I am an OLD woman, I shall wear purple with a red hat.” Jenny Joseph
 When I am OLD? Sixty-two years and just begun! It all began with the love and strength given to me by my parents. Born and raised in Woonsocket, RI, family and Church were interwoven into the fabric of daily life. Therein was planted my desire and dream of missionary work in Africa.
As a member of a religious community, Sisters of the Presentation, BVM, for 27 years, I was educated and prepared for service to the poor. Having a master’s degree in mathematics from Boston College, I spent many years in secondary education. Also receiving the opportunity for a degree from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, I began another career serving my congregation as a pharmacist. In time, I was ready for service outside New England. Seeking a cross-cultural experience, and after participating in the Maryknoll Discernment Program, I moved to Appalachia.
In 1983, I was employed by Appalachia Regional Healthcare (ARH) to work as a pharmacist in eastern Kentucky. Here in the coal fields and mountains of Appalachia began a journey of 20 years. A simple life among loving people is a blessing that will be with me forever. Working in hospitals and clinics served by ARH enabled me to be touched by families of coal miners—from birth to death.
African mission life was a dream for me and once I made contact with Cabrini Mission Corps, it became a reality. I will serve in the clinic at Dubbo Catholic Mission in Ethiopia. All the roads traveled in this journey brought me to Cabrini. It is not alone that I come, for I bring my family, religious community and people of eastern Kentucky, all travelers, for “He does it all, we are merely spectators.
”Where’s my red hat? I’ve got to go! |
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