Everywhere in Africa are trees. It is a part of life. In the burning sun, people sit under the tree and find shades and rest. Students learn under the tree; village meetings take place under the tree. It is the center of life in Africa.
Old in Africa are trees that wistness to sad, joyful, meaningful moments of the community. It seems to stand strong not to yield to the suffering and violence. It is quietly there and yet become a part of history. I often touch the trees, trying to feel it. It seems to tell the stories that happened long time ago and still linger in the people’s life. Trees witness to the history of the community in Africa.
Fruitful in Africa are trees that give so much fruit to feed people—banana, mango, paw paw, etc. People drink fruit juices—pineapple, passion fruit, organge, etc—and eat fruit as their staple. For instance, Ugndans eat everyday Matokee that is a smashed banana. Trees nurture people in Africa.
Useful in Africa are trees that provide necessities for people. Africans cook meals by burning branches that warm the house as well. They build the house with trees. Trees are tables, fences, beds, and arts. The decoration of the church is usually done with wooden arts—gorgeous wooden altars, ambors and tabernacles. Trees express African life.
With Dr. Monique and Sr. Rosemary, I went to Atiak the northern city three hours away from Gulu. The village has been suffering from civil war, drought, and femine last twenty years. However, since peace settled in several years ago, the village started growing. Nevertheless, the children are still in trouble because of malnurition and bad sanitation. Dr. Monique with the help of Sr. Rosemary has founded Tree of Wisdom the nonprofit organization that supports the children through a donation of $175 per year to provide a specific child with basic health care, food, clothing and hope for a future. It was Dr. Monique’s second visit since Tree of Wisdom launched in 2009. About hundred children and guardians gather under the tree in the center of the community. The tree seems to embrace the gathering as a loving mother. Dr. Monique said that the children were very different a year ago—sick and sad. But, on that day, I encountered joyful and life-filled children who sang, played and ran around the tree.
How often do I look up the trees, admiring its height, size and variety of shapes! I touch the trees and talk to them, asking them to share its life and wisdom. I climb the trees to look at people and villages from the different perspective. Trees are one of the greatest creatures in the world. Redwood I met in San Francisco lives more than two thousand years. It can contain the whole history of Christianity! I touched the redwood, trying to feel its life as well.
Everywhere in Africa is tree of life. It feeds and nurtures Africans and gives itself to be used to the end. What the trees become is nothing but loving. Growing and bearing fruits for people and giving shades and rest for them are similar to my vocation. As a priest, I want to grow and bear good fruit for the people of God. And if God allows, I am willing to being used to the end like the tree of life.