Journey in this wonderful gift of mission
Leo Genita Cebelleros,
from the Philippines, elementary teacher, is assigned in the Region of South America, with the local Group of Brazil, for a term of four years.
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How are you? It's been a long time that I never send you a message about my life situation, experiences and journey in this wonderful gift of mission in Brasil. Well, it's because I have gathered first all the gifts, stories, reflections, happiness and challenges that I have been encountered everyday.
For my 2 months of staying here, I have experienced the beauty of my journey with God. I have been trying always to put God in everyday's life from my action, smiles and simple touch in the life of my colleagues, classmates, teachers and friends. Our daily Eucharists and my prayers has always nourished and strengthened my faith, unity and love to our Father, Son and Spirit.
About my language and culture study, it's very challenging but interesting as well because this is a precious gift from God. I'm always trying to learn the language and put into practice around even I have always gotten mistakes. I have learned my own mistakes and for me it's normal for the learners in order to make things right and grow. At first, it was very difficult and when I keep moving on and ask the guidance of the Holy Spirit I can see the differences and have a little improvements of the language which I'm studying now and I'm very grateful for this. I'm learning slowly and with fun because I believe that learning a new languages it takes time, effort, patience, sacrifice, courage and most of all love.
Let me share it to you the love,courage and joy that I experienced 3 weeks ago that helps me more to improve my learning process in dealing the language, culture and reality of life in the place where I was staying. I spent 1 week to the family not so far away from the city of Brasilia. It is a part of the course in our school (Centro Cultural Missionario) where I am studying.
When we had arrived the community of Senhor Bom Jesus Parish the 7 families were waiting for us (7 missionaries) to welcome and pick up. It was very funny because most of the people always asking me about my age and said that " voce e muito jovem" "you are very young". I gave them a smiles and when I replied them about my age they never believed me and they had laughed because of my face and height that is very young looking. hehehe.. Well, that was always the beginning of our conversation and followed by some interesting questions and topics.
Most of the time it was very hard to explain and to talk with them in Portuguese because they spoke very fast. I had always said " por favor fale devagar porque eu nunca entender" "please talk slowly because I never understand". Through it, they respected me as a foreigner and newly learner of their language.They had taught me and they we're very happy that someone like me trying to speak their language.
When I was living there, I appreciated most how God enlightened my journey. His love and Spirit shined up always to all the people whom I encountered around especially to my new family. I had been making friends, praying together, eating, visiting, sharing, going to church and most of all doing together about their household chores. I have never forgotten this very wonderful gift of mine to have a new family and friends that loves me well and makes my journeys meaningful. I thank God always for this gift of life in the mission.
Thank you so much also for the support and prayers. We will keep on praying, sharing and loving for the greater Glory of God!
Always,
Leo leocebelleros@yahoo.com