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Immersing the Reality

By :Ngan, pCB
That was my first time to have ten-day immersion to experience of living with the
poor. In my part, its so challenging but beautiful and meaningful. Im proud to say I
enjoyed all of those experiences, especially the area I was assigned.
When ever I recall and reflect on the experience that I had gone through, the image
of small village always got my attention. It helped me to know myself, my position
and its driving me to go deeper to the reality of life.
As we arrived the area, people were so crowded. At first, I was a bit trembling upon
looking at them. There were different style of people: men and women, old and
young, parents and children, they played basketball, cards and other games sort of
gambling. As I continued looking around, the people caught my attention, some of
them stopped playing cards and gave me their smile. I realized at that moment I
was nervous and asked myself, Am I safe? then I tried to calm myself by Gods
word, Dont be afraid, for I am with you.
I lived in a very simple family living in a small house which is closed to the lake and
houses so congested. I have six siblings plus three nephews who lived with us. I am
thankful to God because He gave me courage and strength to go beyond my
comfort zone, my fear to mingle with my foster family. Im happy for I was opened
enough to adjust and relate with those strangest things to me in a short time. I
really treated them as my real family, Tatay, Nanay and bunso . In turn, they also
treated me as dear daughter. Before, I worried because I talked to myself. How can I
live alone with the place I have never been, the people I have never met. Now when
I met them, I no longer see them as strangest. Theyre already my new family. I had
never thought that I would have had a new family in the Philippines.
For ten-day being with them I became part of their life. I went to the market with my
Nanay sold the pata and buto. I never care to what I should look like. Even
somebody told me You are beautiful. Why you have to do that?. I just emptied
myself and let the situation be. I ate and drunk the same with them, resting and
caring the same with them, walking and working the same with them, talking and
laughing the same them.. Yes, I felt hurt and I cried because the experience

brought out pain. But then, I was consoled by the word Love endures everything.
God loves me and He wanted me to think and feel with the poor. Love drove me to
immerse myself. Im proud of being myself, because I did it, indeed. I was able to let
the situations be my partner. Yes! The people are not rich but their life full of
happiness and joy. They are facing a lot of difficulties and challenges but they
enjoyed life. Aside from the time I was with my foster family, I was able to chat and
bond with my neighbors. They taught me a song Isang kahik isang tuka. Ganyan
kami mga dukha. I begun to appreciate how simple they were, I admired their
kindness, generosity and hospital . They lived simple life. Its really striking to me to
understand what it is meant to be a poor! Hearing their pains and struggles,
aspirations and failures, I became a Filipina by heart. I could feel the presence of
God among the people, I will never forget these experiences. Because this is my
most memorable and significant experience that I have encountered in my life and
journey. My immersion gave me strong motivation to move on from my weaknesses,
trials and struggles. God has opened my mind and heart for me to know deeply my
purpose in life.
The program for exposure was ended but the feelings and the images still remain in
me with grateful heart. This encouraged me to concentrate with my vocation. Im
also glad and thankful for those who guided and lead me tp prepare myself well for
my immersion. Above all, I thank the Lord for his protection and guidance. I hope
through these memorable experiences , I may have the endurance to endure the
challenges, hurts and so

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