Viriditas2: Soul Greening
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
I grew up in Tanzania, East Africa, in a small village with no electricity or books. We played outside during the day, but in the evenings, while waiting for dinner, we would gather around the fire and tell stories.
These stories carried deep values, many of which I later recognized as similar to Catholic social teaching. From a young age, I felt something stirring inside me: “I need to help other people.”
I’m the eighth of nine children. My older sister is a Maryknoll sister who has served in Brazil for many years, training others in trauma-informed care.
Inspired by her example and my own desire to serve, I began studying to become a physical therapist. While I was in school, I would join the priest to distribute Communion to patients at the hospital. It often took three hours to visit everyone, and though I didn’t know anything about chaplaincy back then, I felt completely fulfilled.
Seeing so much suffering, I once prayed, “God, can you give me more than two hands so I can help more people?” Then I met the Maryknoll Sisters.
I thought, “If I join them, there will be many hands helping.” That’s how I became a missionary — many hands make light work.
My first mission was in the mountains of North Carolina, working with autistic children for 10 years. It was a challenge, but those children taught me how to see the world with honest eyes.
One day, while playing outside, I asked the kids to stretch and look at their shadows. A little blind girl asked, “Miss Becky, what does a shadow look like?” She had never seen one.
I paused, then said gently, “I am blind too — spiritually blind.” That was a precious moment.
Now I serve as a spiritual care provider at
Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children in Honolulu. Every day I listen to stories, share tears and laughter, and pray with families.
One 9-year-old, frustrated with his iPad, asked me, “What are you doing here if you can’t help me with my toy?” I said, “Were you good yesterday?” He answered, “No.” I replied, “So you’re like me — some days we’re good, and some days we’re not.” That led to deeper conversation and laughter.
With adults, we often sit with unanswerable questions. I remember one woman repeatedly asking, “Why did he have to die?” I told her, “You’re right to ask. God also asks with us. The question lives in our hearts because we loved.”
She paused, then said, “OK, I’ll stop asking.” But I encouraged her, “No, keep asking — and also, listen.”
Each morning, I begin my day outside, calling to Jesus, “Come with me, I need you.” I never know what the day will bring, but I trust. It’s an adventure with God.
And along the way, I carry the stories I’ve heard and the stories I’ve lived — each one a thread in this tapestry of compassion, mystery and love.
Sister Rebecca Nyaki is a Maryknoll Sister. She arrived in Hawaii two years ago and is 21 years professed.
