By Immaculate Tusingwire, MMS…………………
After 37 years of dedicated service in Uganda and 15 Years based in Kenya, Sr. Janet Harbauer, a Medical Mission Sister, now prepares to return to the United States, entering a new and unfamiliar chapter of life. This moment of transition offers a fitting time to reflect on her journey that began in Ohio and unfolded across continents in response to a deep missionary calling. Her story, shared here, is a gift, not only as a record of faithful service in healthcare, formation, and vocation animation, but as a witness to a life shaped by courage, adaptability, and an enduring “YES” to God. As she leaves behind a community she has served and loved for many years, her journey invites us to appreciate both the impact of her work and the quiet strength required to begin again.
Though it has been now 37 years in Uganda, Sr. Janet 1st came to Uganda 55 years ago. We know that her impact and story cannot be told in a few pages. But it still gives us a glimpse of the life of service and dedication she has lived. As we read her story below in her own words, may it inspire us on our own life journey.
Early Life and First Encounters with Faith
I was born in 1946 and grew up in a small town in Ohio, USA, and the first born of four children. The first religious sister I ever saw was when I was in first grade (P.1) when I went to Sunday school. In my eyes, the sister wore clothes that were very strange and scary. My father had driven me there and I was crying and refused to get out of the car. However, her kindness in approaching me afterward changed my perception. With my father’s support, I returned the following week and gradually became comfortable. That small moment marked the beginning of a lifelong openness to religious life.
By fourth grade, I transferred to St. Rose Catholic School, where I discovered a deep love for learning, especially in religion. I excelled in the subject and even scored 100% on a diocesan religion exam. From an early age, I felt that understanding faith and spirituality came naturally to me.
In 7th grade, our teacher promoted religious life by giving a name and address of a congregation to each boy and girl. I was assigned to learn about the Medical Mission Sisters. Their response, including a letter from Sr. Mary Janet, who decades later was the one who received my perpetual vows.
A Growing Calling
Another experience towards my missionary vocation was in eighth grade when a missionary priest showed a film about the Divine Word Missionary work in Papua New Guinea. I thought that was the most extreme type of religious life and if I were ever a sister, I would have to be a missionary in a faraway land because I thought that if I loved Christ and gave my life to Him, I would have to give the most.
I wanted to be a marine biologist since I liked science, especially biology. From investigating the requirements, one had to have a master’s degree in marine biology. I didn’t even know if my family would have the money for the university let alone a masters in a faraway university on an ocean coast. Instead, I enrolled at Ohio State University to study physical therapy. While university life offered many freedoms, I chose to deepen my faith, attending daily Mass at the Newman Center.
During my second year, a decisive moment came while studying French. I was translating a passage about the North American Martyrs when the word “missionary” struck me deeply. I could not continue studying. As I walked back to my residence, I made a decision: I said “yes” to God. I would become a missionary; I would join the Medical Mission Sisters.
Mission in Uganda
After completing my degree, I worked for a year in a Catholic hospital in Toledo to gain experience. In 1969, I entered the Medical Mission Sisters, and in 1971, I was assigned to Kampala, Uganda, to work at Nsambya Hospital as its first physiotherapist. I was responsible for starting the department from scratch, a challenging but fulfilling task.
I quickly grew to love the Ugandan people and adapted well to the culture. Although I did not become fluent in Luganda, I learned enough to communicate with patients. These were the years of Idi Amin’s rule, a time of instability and fear. I witnessed the expulsion of Asians and the departure of many professionals, which left major gaps in healthcare.
After one year, I moved to Mulago Hospital, where I was urgently needed. As the only physiotherapist working across the wards, I treated many complex and unusual cases. This experience strengthened both my professional skills and my sense of mission.
Formation and Service in East Africa
Before taking my perpetual vows, I returned to the United States for further studies, earning a master’s degree having studied theology, scripture, counselling, and Ignation spirituality. I was then assigned to Kenya, where I worked in Nairobi as Assistant Director of a formation program for religious sisters. The program aimed to deepen their spiritual and theological understanding.
However, the program was unexpectedly closed due to false rumors and misunderstandings. Though difficult, this experience taught me important lessons about leadership and the realities of working within institutions.
Afterward, I dedicated many years to promoting vocations in East Africa. I traveled widely across Kenya and Uganda, speaking to girls in secondary and nursing schools. My message focused on helping them know Jesus, as I believed that a vocation begins with Him. I organized gatherings, created materials, and kept in contact with many young women. Over time, some joined and became strong members of the Medical Mission Sisters, helping to build a lasting foundation in the region.
A Lifetime of Service and a New Chapter
In 1992, I returned to Kampala and began working at Rubaga Hospital. Over the next 34 years, I served in many roles, responding to whatever needs arose. One of my final responsibilities was managing staff housing and overseeing the hospital’s keys, which required me to be available at all hours.
Living within the hospital compound allowed me to serve closely and build lasting relationships with staff and patients. I witnessed many changes over the years and saw generations grow.
Now, at the age of 80, I am preparing to return to the United States, where many American Medical Mission Sisters live in retirement. I leave Uganda with gratitude, knowing that the mission has grown and that East African sisters are continuing and expanding the work.
As I begin this new chapter, I remain open to God’s call, just as I was when I first said “YES” many years ago.
