To achieve these goals the FSPA representatives split up into three teams with sisters from the other communities, each traveling to a different region. After attending an international conference in Assisi where the topic of the meeting was the "many faces of Jesus," she wrote of the Common Venture meeting, "This particular gathering in Cameroon would be an opportunity to experience and celebrate the African face of Jesus an opportunity to be in the culture, to be taught by the culture and the Cameroonian sisters, and to interact with the Cameroonian people who have experienced the Common Venture relationship and to be simply with the sisters in relationship, to experience their liturgical expressions, and hear the testimony of what has been most effective in the Common Venture relationship." Sister Marlene says it's important to note why it was necessary to hold a meeting in Shisong, Cameroon, and she says Sister Alphonsa Kiven, TSSF provincial, framed the purpose of the meeting quite well. Sister Mary Kathryn Fogarty dances with the Cameroonians at one of their many performances during the sisters' visit. Common Venture partners typically meet twice a year in the United States, making November's meeting their first ever in Cameroon, and a unique opportunity for the U.S.-based communities. Representatives of the four congregations gathered not only to plot their future endeavors, but also to further develop the relationships between their communities. Francis of Assisi, Milwaukee, the Tertiary Sisters of St. That spirit is an enduring part of the Common Venture, a project which includes the combined efforts of four Franciscan congregations: Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, Meriden, Conn., the Sisters of St. My eyes were filled with tears because it was just a wonderful experience." The first school we went to, the children were out on the road with flowers and branches and singing and dancing and just ushered us in. "I remember the smiling faces and the eyes, especially of the children, and that feeling of being welcomed every place. "What stands out to me are always the sights and the sounds, the singing and the dancing, the colorful garments, the lushness of the landscape, the delicious, wonderful fruit," explained Sister Sharon. We were at least a mile out of the village, and there were people standing there waiting to lead us into the village with song and dance and to welcome us." I have never seen such welcomes in my life. "Even though they live on little or nothing-you know-people are very poor, but their spirit is wonderful. "The people are great," says Sister Lisa. Upon arrival in Shisong, Sister Sharon Berger, left, follows the Cameroonian custom for travelers of washing their hands and feet after their journey. "It made you feel noble, regal and special." Sister Marlene says the same hospitality was extended to them throughout their stay in Cameroon. "We were met by children, drums, costumes and singing as they led us into the village," reflected Sister Marlene. When Sisters Sharon Berger, Mary Kathryn Fogarty, Lisa Zmuda and Marlene Weisenbeck traveled to Cameroon last November as a part of the Common Venture, they were greeted with open arms and celebration wherever they went.
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