In 2004, we (Lorne & Maria Raymond) were blessed to host Galileu in our home for three months (he was part of a group of 18 young Mozambican, South African & Canadian “Canada World Youth” exchange students) during which time we learned of his dream to become a doctor to serve his people in rural Mozambique. As a young Mozambican of very limited means, he viewed his dream as somewhat impossible. However, we, our local parish & broader community took on the challenge and fundraised sufficient monies to support Galileu financially, morally & spiritually through 10 years of university & medical school at the Catholic University of Beira in Mozambique. Having promised him in 2004 that we would be there on his graduation day to celebrate his incredible journey, we had saved our pennies and were able to travel to Mozambique to attend his graduation ceremony in June 2016…an unforgettable trip and experience! Since that time, Galileu has been practicing as a physician in his country’s public health care system and is currently in charge of the ER & ICU at the Hospital Central de Quelimane. Galileu’s dream to be a “country doctor” remains strong and he has been working towards setting up a rural practice in the Chimoio region in the interior of Mozambique.
Galileu has been saving his money since he became a doctor to make a return trip to Penticton to personally thank all the folks who contributed in any way to his successful journey. That trip was planned to happen in time for Christmas 2019 but delays in obtaining all of the supporting documents for his visa application has caused his visit to be pushed back by almost two months. However, he has persisted once again in overcoming major obstacles and thanks to God’s blessings, he finally arrived in Vancouver on Monday, February 10th. We are so looking forward to welcoming him once again into our home & parish community and he will be taking whatever opportunity he can to voice his appreciation for the many blessings that have come his way thanks to his relationship with so many of you.
Please join us in welcoming Galileu back to Penticton as well as St. John Vianney & St. Ann’s Parishes!