NEW ROUTE

The commitment to serve takes a long way and even to unknown destinations. If we could ever read the social teachings of the church, it sends us, impels us to preach and be both a herald and a witness to unknown paths, to be strong, trusting in the Lord, courageous and never faint along the way. St. Paul even asserts that our goal in life is to bring everything in Christ…

And so, we are sent, sent on a mission.

We are inserted in a community where most Christian people reside, but a kilometer further is a mix of cultures, traditions, and religions. It becomes a complex community of farmers, drivers, teachers, fisher folks, government employees, little shop owners, vendors, and rubber tappers. In this island, the reality where we live, speaks of human aspirations, frustrations, suffering and hope. It is what takes us to continue sowing the seeds of good amidst the challenges of sustainability, security hazards that may cross our paths.

We deal with families towards the protection of children and ensuring their participation to programs and services by being enrolled in schools. We seek the possibility of working together with other groups to achieve children’s educational completion. For we believe that the way to help and lead others to cross the bridge of indifference and even poverty is through education. Our Foundress Blessed Ascension Nicol Goñi exemplified the challenge of forming girls right in the jungles of Peru. How those years of living with some sisters in the community has changed the lives of many native families through their trust in the good to happen in that part of the globe. It must be the courage and ardent desire to do good that was implanted in the hearts of people, to move forward and take chances entrusting their lives to God’s providence.

Where should we be with this generation? In this very region of the Philippines, we continue to find ways reach out to remote places, to islanders who had never seen a religious touching ground in a school zone they belong. It used to be the haven and homes of lawless people, those who went wayward to the government then. However, these are the younger generation we want to share life with to bring glad tidings and to animate that there is another way to live lives. To be in school than on the shores watching or fishing, in every sense of the word.

Is there hope in engaging to such? Honestly, we see hope and continue to hope for love in the lives of children. We strive to venture on new route, build rapport and commit with its local leaders, other groups, network with other agencies and the community. We know that the road is narrow and long, but we believe that there is always a better way to live for everyone as the Lord accompanies us in these struggles to dignify human life. Calling to mind the mission we share as Pope Francis himself invites us to venture for the care and protection of minors. That, we are all family under heavens.

Nini Rebollos