MISSIONARIES STUDENTS SHARE LIFE

(By Sor Adriana Calzada, CCVI) For some

it was a very clear invitation; for others
the invitation gradually became clear as
time went by, and there are others who
discovered it surprisingly. This is how the
group for the UDEM International
Mission in Chimbote (Peru) was formed
this summer.
So far, the experience of almost two
weeks (and that will last a total of four
weeks) has been fantastic. We have had
the opportunity to accompany, through
different ministries, these people who
have welcomed us with open arms and
with the best willingness to share with us.
The group formed by three girl students, two boy students, two collaborators
and myself. From the formation process, it has been a challenge to understand
that the mission has to do mainly with being with the people, and not so much
with doing and transforming, and we understand that the transformation is
achieved through both activities and after living a process.
When we share our experience of God during this period, we have been able to
confirm that Gods action in us is evident, creative and very particular for each
one of us.
In our encounter with those who are in the last stage of their life at the
Hospice, we understand that in the situation of pain and uncertainty that they
live, the joy they transmit is the fruit of a life of the memories and experiences
that have accumulated.
This marks a great contrast with
what we have shared with the little
ones who are about to be born and
with those who are living their first
years. We accompany them in the
program
Sembrando
Infancia
[Sowing
Childhood].
We
concentrate our efforts in achieving
for them a more healthy life and focusing on the food they receive, which is
very important for their development at an early age.

In both cases, their condition of vulnerability is evident. Those who are about to
die know that their vulnerability will soon come to an end and they will have
their final encounter with Love. The children are just starting to understand
what happens around them and they cant imagine all that is ahead of them.
But we receive smiles from both groups.
Personally, I love to hear the missioners express how they gradually discover
new gifts and abilities, and also new fears and limitations. The greatest
learning experience is to continue to discover that the essential elements are
enough to feel fulfilled, that Gods calling has to do with loving and serving in
order to be free, that the road we follow may sometimes be frightening.
In any case, the calling always requires us to move to the other side, as Jesus
was telling us last Sunday. Chimbote has been, for each one of us, a profound
journey to the other side.
This experience has been very important for me because it has allowed more
people to know and love this magic country which is so meaningful to me and
which I love so much.