Faith That Does Justice

Above is a photo of me with my classmates and our foster families in Sitio Lower Kibalang where I have spent two Saturdays of immersion. Below the picture is a quote by a famous author Mitch Albom. It simply says that in order to get the meaning of one’s life, one must have devotion to himself and to others. I believe with what he has said because from the two days of being with the community of Sitio Kibalang, I have known a deeper meaning of my life. I have learned that I am not only living for myself but also for others. I have no idea that I am capable of making people, who come from a different world from mine, happy. Everything that happened last July 23 and 30 was really heart-warming.

Some people look at the immersion simply as a requirement to pass Theology 141. However, for me, it is not just a simple requirement to be accomplished but most especially, it is an experience worthwhile. I will always look back to what happened during those two special days. I will always remember the smiles at Ate Elsie’s face and her family’s laughers as we share moments together. I will always share the stories to other people of how extraordinary my experience was at Sitio Lower Kibalang. I will always be proud that I am one of the students of Ateneo de Davao University who have really shown what it means to be “men and women for others.”

The best part of my immersion was during the program on the last Saturday of our visit in the place. Everyone gathered in the basketball court and was so excited with what is about to happen. We were all standing under the scorching heat of the sun but no one complained about our situation. My classmates and I were busy preparing for the program while our foster families were waiting with smiles in their faces. On the program proper, everyone participated which made our culminating activity a successful one. The most touching part during the program was when our foster nanays sang for us a “Thank You” song in their own language. Below is their picture:

I was really moved hearing them sing a wonderful song and seeing them really happy. It was during that moment when I have proved that I am good person who has a faith that does justice. My experience with them is irreplaceable and priceless. I can now go on with my life bringing the happy and fun memories I have shared with the people of Lower Kibalang.

I am an Atenean because I am a woman for others. I am really happy knowing that in my simple acts, many people have been inspired and given more reasons to love their lives. The people of Kibalang will always be in my heart and I will always be proud of having met them even just for two days. I wasn’t expecting that people who used to be strangers for me would stay in my heart forever. I will be graduating soon in Ateneo de Davao University not only with a diploma but also with a happy story. All these, I owe, to the Theology department, to my classmates, to Josefa Segovia foundation and most especially, to the community of Sitio Lower Kibalang.

Here’s a link to all the pictures taken during our immersion:

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