Thank you Monika F for taking 8 suitcases and a Defibrilator to Madagascar. – NJTT
“Three weeks in Madagascar was quite the adventure!
Driving over 24 hours to get from the capital, Antananarivo to the West Coast city of Morondava in a bus was the first major culture shock!
Although it was only 300km, the road conditions did not allow for high speeds to get there in a 3 hour window like we would in Ontario. We drove out to the desert town of Befasy in 5 off road SUV’s to visit a mission.
Each location had dramatically different environmental conditions.
The first Mission in Morondava was near the Mozambique Straight, where the beaches were as far as the eye could see.
Befasy, was in the desert which offers a much harsher reality. Sand and shrubs greeted us in the town and surrounding area.
Our group did have a chance to visit the Baobab National Park before leaving to the East Coast!
Mahanoro on the East Coat is situated on the Indian Ocean. Incredibly beautiful views but deadly waves ! We could only admire the water from the shore.
We hiked 15km through the jungle where we were able to drop off a portion of the medical supplies to the only clinic in the surrounding area.
To cross the river we used canoes carved out of trees taking to us approx. 15-20 minutes to cross to the other side.
On our way back to the main town; we used a larger engine powered boat that roared down the river; stopping at over river side villages to pick up and drop off other passengers !!
It felt like a movie being on that boat, admiring the views on a sunny day !!
Our last mission we visited was in Toamasina a port city; where more international economic activity can be observed.
The clinic was very clean, had a special unit for tuberculosis patients. Had multiple buildings for patients of various ailments.
The greenery surrounding the clinic compound provided a serene atmosphere.
It was very important to bring 8 suitcases to Madagascar to support the medical initiatives that the Oblates have started throughout the country over the last 40 years.
Since it is one the poorest countries in the world; bringing these medical supplies meant they would not have to purchase them.
It also provides a sense of dignity and respect for the local people who live in remote areas where they cannot easily access supplies for themselves or their facilities.
It also shows them that people care to come all the way from Canada to offer them a token of charity.
Thank you so much for your efforts to support our group ! We would be happy to take more suitcases in the future !”
