Experience in my New Mission

“The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

I would like to share my experience right after our Canonical novitiate in Manila, Philippines where we also made our temporal profession last 8 of September 2020. Prior to our profession, we were told by our Provincial as to what would be our assigned task. It so happened that, my assignment would also be in the Philippines as well. Hence, I started to question myself, will I be able to survive? Can I do a particular mission that will be entrusted to me?

Many questions coming crossed my mind. Then, I realized that it was just my fear and anxiety. Yet, I hold on to this time this biblical verse: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5). I prayed and kept reflecting on it over, again and again. Thus, I am grateful to my sisters, above all my formators who were always ready to help and sustain my courage.  Thus, by the grace of God, I was able to conquer those fears in me and affirmed myself that, I can do it because this mission is not mine, it is indeed, a mission of God.

Secondly, it is about my new life, new journey, new environment, new mission etc. Indeed, everything is new to me now. On 5 October 2020 we began our new journey with one of my companions to Zamboanga (our new Community) in a mission land. We know so well that in this time of pandemic, it is difficult to move about and to travel. But we made it, thanks be to God we were able to reach our destination safely.

We were quarantined for 14 days thereafter, we joined Reina De la Paz Community, Baliwasan on 19 October. Two days later, we explored around St. Joseph School. When we started our mission, we were having hard time to cope with the situation. There are challenges that I encountered because of following reasons: no idea of what to teach because it’s my first time, and also my first time to face new normal education (virtual/online) with the students.

Moreover, it is not only the students who listen but the parents and guardians, too who are there, so sometimes I feel insecure.  Another reason is I don’t even know how to make module, difficult to use online learning platform like uploading the materials in the classroom and use of Quipper.  Yet, we were thankful to our sisters, those who work at St Joseph School, to Sr. Josephine (School Principal) who gave us an opportunity to observe the teachers, to learn to make our modules, attending webinar and so forth. I treasured it so much because it helps us a lot. Even we are still adjusting this new normal situation, but we try our best to reach out to them as much as we can.

Sr. Fely Santos, op

Reina de la Paz Community