Missionary brings culture here, learning American way

1. How did you end up in Ottawa?

I was ordained in 1998 in Tanzania. In November, I was given the news that I had been transferred to the Missionaries of the Precious Blood in the United States. In February, I came here [to the United States], and then in March, I moved to Ottawa. I will be here for four years. ... When I became a missionary, that was my first ambition, to go out of my country and spread the Gospel. When I was told, ‘You are going to the United States,' although I was kind of scared, of course I saw it as the fulfillment of my ambition.

2. How different is it being here compared to back home?

The major difference especially at first was the climate. When I came, it was winter, too cold really. In Tanzania, usually someone would prepare food for me. Here, it is quite different. I have to cook myself. That has been a very big challenge for me to learn how to go into the kitchen and prepare. I try to cook a little bit of rice. I'm still learning.

3. What have been some of the other challenges?

The language itself. Now, English is the first language for me, and I have struggled a little bit. The English that I am talking and the English people are using are quite different. ... The people here are so generous, but I was worried that perhaps they would not accept me, or not understand me. I am trying to do my best to perfect especially my language.

4. Has it been strange moving into a predominately white community?

Being the only black man here, of course I know eyes are upon me. But the people, they are so friendly. They make me not feel so strange or homesick.

5. Did you know much about Ottawa before coming here?

I did not know anything. When I came here, I did not know where they would send me. I'm still learning [about the village], sometimes by foot, sometimes on bike.

6. Do they worship differently here than back home?

In Tanzania, we have ceremonies or celebrations for two hours or much more. But here, only one hour for Sunday Mass. And I have to squeeze myself, especially on the homilies. For us, our congregations are a mixture of people, therefore you have to make sure each one goes out with something. It takes time, about 40, 45 minutes. Here I have to squeeze myself to five minutes. I've been going through some workshops to learn how to shorten my homilies.

7. What do you hope to pass on to the people here from your culture?

I know that my presence will help them. When I meet people, they ask me many questions, like what does Tanzania look like, the culture. Of course, I am just sharing with them. There is a lot to learn about the culture, about their hardships.