Sunday, April 17, 2016

Spotlight: Michael Patrick Gordon

Today I would like to spotlight my site partner and fellow Salesian Lay Missioner: Mr. Michael Patrick Gordon! Today (post was written on Saturday 4/16/2016) is Michael's 23rd birthday, and I wanted to do something special for him by showing people how special he is and how important he is to the mission here in Gumbo, South Sudan.

Michael is a young man (younger than me) who is an ornithologist, and as such, has an obsession with birds (of course), with science and with nature. He is also an avid juggler, unicyclist, balloon artist, and orator of German poetry (he can do it perfectly)! Here in Gumbo, Michael works as a librarian, science teacher, and assistant administrator at the Don Bosco Secondary School (high school). His students really look up to him and turn to him for inspiration. After school, I always see Michael playing and enjoying himself surrounded by small children.

I have to say, I very much admire Michael for his patience, his care for his students, and his passion to serve the people of Gumbo. I am super proud of Michael for what he is doing here in Gumbo! I know that if he continues doing what he is doing, he will be successful and go far in life!

As you know from my previous posts, being on mission is not easy sometimes, and especially being far away from home, it is not just us, missioners, that are affected, but also our friends and family. I would like you all to join me in praying for Michael and his family on his year of mission.

Michael is not a man of many words, so like him, I will not talk so much and leave you with these pictures to enjoy his work here!


Cooking pumpkin on Thanksgiving with James: one of his sfrmertudents.

Cooking Thanksgiving dinner with fellow Salesian Lay Missioner and volunteer: Colleen Burns.

Enjoying himself on Christmas!
Making balloon animals for the children in the village of Mori!
 
Teaching us about a fish that a small boy caught in the Nile River.

Although he is an ornithologist (studies birds), Michael did study Wildlife Biology, and as such, knows a lot about fish too!.
 
With the children on his unicycle during oratory!

The children absolutely love it!

Some children even got a free ride from him!
 
Making balloon art for the winner of the St. Don Bosco Quiz on Don Bosco Sports Day.

The children enjoyed his balloon making skills!

Feasting with fellow Italian volunteer Margaret Dragone!

With his friend Lino!

Helping children make their palm crosses on Palm Sunday!

Reading and relaxing under on tree during our Salesian Easter outing!

I told him I might sell this picture to advertise libraries and reading more.

Photo was taken by one of the children if Gumbo.

With one of the boys from Gumbo!

Once again, this picture was taken by one of the children in Gumbo.

Monkeying around!

Lifting up another boy that also wants to to get lifted up!

These children really have strong arms!

Showing me what he thinks of rearranging and fixing the library at the DB Vocational Training Centre!  

But seriously, Michael is doing well in terms of helping out with the DBVTC library!
 
Lecturing about doves when we found a dead dove on our porch.

Happy Birthday Michael!
 

1 comment:

  1. Nice tribute, Nick. Way to go, Michael! God bless you both, and all your kids too.

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