Recently we received this letter of gratitude from a young student nurse. We are grateful that MMM hospitality is still alive and active!

“Hello, my name is Claire Whyte from Lawrencetown, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, grandniece of Sr. Edel Tanner (Strokestown, Co. Roscommon). I am a third-year general nursing student in the University of Galway. As part of my studies, I volunteered with three other students in my course at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Arusha, and Simanjiro Health Centre, Tanzania for the month of June 2024. The girls who also volunteered were: Grace Haugh from Clarinbridge, Co. Galway, Caoimhe Kenny from Craughwell, Co. Galway, and Ruth Kelly from Castlebar, Co. Mayo. It was an incredible, once in a lifetime experience that allowed us to witness both the challenges and the inspiring strength of the people in Tanzania. Tanzania is a country rich in culture and beauty and upon our arrival, we were immediately struck by the warmth of the people and the community.
As we were finding our feet, we visited the Medical Missionaries of Mary’s Convent where we were greeted with open arms. As we were all missing home, the nuns had prepared homemade scones, raspberry jam, and a hot cup of tea reminding us of home. They shared their stories of when they visited Ireland putting a massive smile on our faces. Sr. Protagia lived with my great aunt, Sr. Edel, for 15 years in São Paulo, Brazil. They showed us their gardens and the fantastic facilities they provide for the students in the school of Pharmacy.

We will be forever grateful for the kindness they showed us that afternoon.

With that in mind, I choose to donate the remaining money from my fundraiser to the Medical Missionaries of Mary, specifically for educational purposes in Tanzania.”