The sun sets over the lush landscape of Leda, Ruteng, an area of the Manggarai regency on the island of Flores, Indonesia, casting long shadows over huge mountains and painting the sky with dazzling hues. As the three of us sisters sit together in our humble home, a sense of peace comes over us. It has been months since we arrived on this beautiful Indonesian island, and we are filled with gratitude for the warmth and generosity we have encountered especially with the Manggarai people who live in a land rich in culture.
We remember how we were greeted by the smiles of the local people with their eyes shining with genuine kindness when we first arrived here. The Manggarai, known for their strong Christian faith, welcomed us with open arms. Since then, they have shown us unwavering support, offering us their homes, food and time. We are honored by their generosity and willingness to help us learn the unfamiliar terrain of a new language and culture.
The first few weeks were a whirlwind of adjustments. The language barrier proved to be a major challenge, but the Manggarai’s patience and willingness to communicate through gestures and smiles made the experience comforting. We found ourselves immersed in a vibrant world of traditions and customs, a world we are slowly learning to understand and appreciate.
Our days are spent in the rhythm of community life, praying, reflecting, seeking guidance and strength for the day ahead . Afternoons are spent learning the language and culture, engaging in conversation with the local people and sharing our stories with them . We have also been fortunate to make friends with other religious congregations . Each encounter with them has enriched our understanding of this beautiful land.
The journey has not been without its difficulties. The first few weeks were marked by a sense of loneliness and boredom, a natural response to being so far from our familiar surroundings, but the love and support of the people have helped us overcome these obstacles . We have learned that true connection transcends language and culture, and is rooted in shared humanity and compassion.
As we look back on our first month here, we are filled with a sense of hope and excitement . We have found a home in this dynamic community, a place where our faith and commitment to service can flourish. We are eager to learn more, to contribute to the well-being of people and to share the love that has been so generously bestowed upon us.
Our journey to Flores Island in Manggarai Regency has only just begun and we are eager to know how God’s call for us to be here will unfold.
Young hearts, strong faith:
This is how we describe our aspirants. Part of our journey here includes the presence of four young aspirants drawn to a life of service and dedicated to deepening their faith . These young women, all members of the Manggarai tribe, have decided to embark on a journey of spiritual growth and commitment. Their decision to embrace a life dedicated to God and others speaks to their strength and desire to positively impact their community.
What led them down this path? It is a combination of factors. The examples of the religious guided by the life of St. Candida, her dedication and compassion, have been an inspiration. And, perhaps most importantly, the yearning to live a life of purpose, to contribute to the welfare of others, has guided them toward this vocation. These aspirants are still new, but their enthusiasm and dedication are evident . They are eager to learn, to grow in their faith and to find ways to serve the community. As they go through the challenges and joys of this new journey, we, their guides, are filled with pride and hope. We see in them the future of our mission in Indonesia.
