My Missionary Journey to Kazakhstan
"I will go, Lord, send me!" And He said, "Go to Kazakhstan."
As a little girl, I never could have imagined or thought about the life project the Lord had in store for me—how, where, or what it would be. Today, almost 14 years after leaving my original home and joining the Consolata missionary sisters' family, I am overwhelmed by the countless graces, blessings, and favors God has always shown to me and my loved ones. It is my greatest joy to share with you the sweetness of God's presence in my missionary experience in Kazakhstan, which is my first missionary mandate to date.
My arrival in Kazakhstan was filled with mixed emotions, but what was strongest in me was the joy of finally setting foot in the promised land of my first mission. There was a fresh, calm, and welcoming air, and a sky-blue dome filled with too much light for my eyes. I was finally in Kazakhstan!
On September 23, 2021, Sr. Claudia and Fr. Ladislav were waiting for me at the entrance with a big banner that read, "Welcome to Kazakhstan Sr. Hellen." I was heartily welcomed into the community, which included Sr. Claudia from Colombia and Sr. Zipporah (a fellow Kenyan). In the same building were two priests: Fr. Simon from Poland, the parish priest, and Fr. Ladislav from Korea, the assistant parish priest.
I had done a bit of research on the country and the Russian language, even memorizing a few words to get by, but living with the people and learning from their experience was entirely new. The people are very welcoming and outgoing.
I remember very well the day after my arrival: our neighbor, an elderly lady, had heard I was coming and brought me a pair of handmade woollen socks and some hot pancakes for breakfast early in the morning. This welcoming gesture made me feel at home far from my home country. Although we knew the highest percentage of Kazakhstani people are Muslims, facing this reality was a minor shock. My stay of almost two years in Kazakhstan taught me a lot about missionary life and about myself.
The missionary life is a call to sacrifice and total self-denial, just as Jesus told the disciples and continues to tell us: "If anyone wants to follow me, they should deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me." It is a sacrifice to be far from your own people, and from what we sometimes take for granted—our preferred dishes, our language, etc.
The people were very curious about us. For some, it was the first time seeing our different colours face-to-face, and especially us from Africa, which was something new for them. Old people, young people, and children had different reactions upon seeing us. Some would stop their cars on the road to take our photos, while others would gently ask to be photographed with us. When I started Russian classes in the city, I preferred using public transportation. Whenever I boarded a bus, all the passengers would react; some would come closer and try to ask simple questions in Russian. Some men would even ask if I was married, and if not, they would propose!
One might ask: What is our main missionary activity in Kazakhstan?
Well, in trying to answer this, I can say that, as a new mission, our main activity is to learn the language of the people and to integrate ourselves into their lives—in moments of joy, such as celebrations for birthdays and weddings, as well as in moments of sadness and grief. All of these occasions are opportunities for us to learn their different cultures and traditions. In such gatherings, we have come to understand how much they value social gatherings and being united.
What projects do we have? This is another common question I've been asked. As Consolata missionaries, when we begin a new mission, our first objective aligns with our charism. When Saint Joseph Allamano founded the Consolata Missionaries Institute, his desire was to have missionaries who would reach the peripheries, where no one else wanted to go and where the Gospel had not yet reached, and to be a testimony there in presence and in words.
In our small village of Djanashaar, our presence has been effective and noticeable in a very short time. This is evident in the number of people who flock to our compound seeking a word of comfort or a conversation, in children playing and feeling at home with us, and in our few Christians offering donations of clothes and food for the poor.
Given the extreme climate during winter, where temperatures can drop to minus 45 degrees Celsius, and knowing that many houses use carbon for heating due to the high cost of gas, we and the parish thought it best to build a small dispensary. Our villagers can access quick services here in times of emergency since the hospitals are quite far away. People voluntarily visit our dispensary, and it has also become a meeting point for dialogue and consolation.
After almost two years, I returned to Italy to prepare for my final vows, which I took in December 2023. Following this, I was asked to go back to school and have now completed a course in Missiology. I was eagerly waiting for a destination, unsure of God's will for me. I was glad and excited when I was asked to return to my mission in Kazakhstan!
As I write this short article, I am so happy that in just three weeks' time, I will be leaving for Kazakhstan to continue with the mission of Jesus!
Others ask: How can we help or participate in that mission, even from afar? That is a wise question!
We are all called to be missionaries of hope. Therefore, you can participate in different ways:
- Prayer: Praying for the missionary works and activities.
- Service: Offer yourself, your strengths, and your gifts by offering your services where you are to the people around you.
- Support: We are open to receiving material support in the form of donations for the poor people around us, and support for our different activities with the community.
In case you are convinced that God is calling you to become a Consolata missionary, do not hesitate to knock at our door, for as the Word says, "...The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few."
Let's become real missionaries of hope and consolation!
