Home Away from Home

My Extended Malagasy Family

The first Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Mahajanga, Bishop Jean Claude and his wife, Neny Rogette, live in Mahajanga with their daughter and son-in-law. Bishop Jean Claude and Neny Rogette have been especially kind to me since my arrival in Madagascar. They and their children have become my extended family in Mahajanga. Neny Rogette and Neny Sarah are in constant communication by text and through social media and Neny Rogette has been a wonderful encouragement to Neny Sarah.

As most of you are aware Neny Sarah and Chase are in Canada so that Chase can attend high school there, which means, of course, that I am alone in Mahajanga for extended periods of time. Neny Rogette and her children have ensured that I am not lonely; they have become dear friends. I have had several meals at their house, and I'm especially grateful that my new house has allowed me to finally reciprocate. Last evening I hosted them and was able to thank them for their gracious welcome and hospitality.

As I adjust to being a Bishop, and especially within the Malagasy culture, I have found that it can be lonely. This, I think, would be true even if Neny Sarah and Chase were here. In my conversations with other Bishops, they have expressed similar experiences of feeling alone. This makes my relationship with Bishop Jean Claude's family that much more special. They uniquely understand the situation I am in as a Bishop. When I am with them, I don't feel like I am in the position as diocesan, rather, I feel like I am among friends… very kind and special friends.

God by his very nature, as the Holy Trinity, is a relationship. We have been created to live in relationship with God and in relationship with one another. Friends are important; in fact, friends are a gift from God! Our ability to love and to be loved and to enjoy one another's company is something for which we ought to give thanks both to God for the opportunity and to our friends simply because they are in our lives.