Colombia: From a 19-year-old voluntary worker
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Hello, my name is Catalina Roa Alarcón. I’m 19, and I like Social Psychology. At present I’m a voluntary worker in the San José Workshop in Logos de Suba, a suburb of Aures (Bogota, Colombia). I would like to tell you about my experience over the 5 months in which I’ve been teaching people to read. I’ve discovered things I never imagined. |
| Sharing with people has been very beautiful, teaching them what I know. Well, I always wanted to help in any way at all the people who most need help, and kept thinking I didn’t have the financial resources. But through the Religious of the Sacred Heart I found the simplest and most beautiful way to do so is by teaching them how to read, write and paint. There are lots of things you can give to others, things that seem so simple to you, but are so important for those who have no opportunities. |  |
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I would also like to say that my life has taken another direction and that I feel something very strange in my heart, something hardly anyone understands; it’s like a call you hear to do things with a social dimension. It’s a different sort of lifestyle. I’ve learned to be more aware of my actions and to value each moment and each person that comes into my life. |
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Being in the workshop has made me grow a lot, both personally and for the mission that I hope to carry out next year. Finally I want to express the joy I feel at being able to help others. I want to say that you don’t need to have a lot of money or great possessions to help other people. You just have to want to do so, and to have love and patience. |
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Catalina Roa Alarcón, voluntary worker
Province of Colombia
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The young people's prayer
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Lord, make us people of peace At school and at home. If there is hate in our classrooms, Let us be there as love. If there are grievances among the students, Let us be there as forgiveness. If there are discords at class, Let us be there as harmony. If lies are making people sad Let us be there as truth. If people mistrust each other, Let us be there as trust. If there is much darkness around us And no one can find the way out, If sadness fills the minds of older people, May we young people bring joy to the city. May we young people not be wrapped up in ourselves. Instead let us be concerned about others - Not just asking their advice. Lord, let us always sow Counsel and peace As Francis of Assisi sowed them, He who was the humblest of us all. Amen. |
See other "Educational challenges"...
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|2010-02-25 Mary Totton rscj - England
English : Catalina, Thank you for sharing your understanding and experience of your life as you live it. It strikes me as being a true expression of our faith, our hope, and our love. Again... my gratitude.
Français : Catalina, Merci de partager ainsi avec nous comment tu relis et expérimentes ta vie telle que tu la vis. Cela me marque comme étant une véritable expression de notre foi, de notre espérance et de notre amour ? A nouveau… toute ma gratitude.
Castellano : Catalina, gracias por compartir la impresión y experiencia de tu propia vida, tal como la vives. Me impresiona porque es como la verdadera expresión de nuestra fe, nuestra esperanza y nuestro amor. De nuevo, todo mi agradecimiento.
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|2010-02-25 Sr. Nancy Morris, rscj - USA
English : I loved your story, dear Catalina. I know that one of my former students, a Colombian and a graduate of Sacred Heart here in Atherton (then known as "Menlo") would love to hear about your story, too, and possibly contact you. Here is her address (…) Good luck in what you are doing and best wishes for a Happy and healthy New Year! Affectionately, Sister Nancy Morris, rscj
Français : Ouah! J’apprécie ton récit, chère Catalina. Je sais qu’une de mes anciennes étudiantes, une Colombienne diplômée du Sacré-Cœur ici à Atherton (connue sous le nom de « Menlo ») aimerait connaître ton histoire et entrer en contact avec toi si c’est possible. Par rscjinternational je te communique ses coordonnées (…) Bonne chance dans ce que tu fais et mes meilleurs vœux pour une heureuse et bonne nouvelle année ! Affectueusement, Sœur Nancy Morris, rscj
Castellano : Me gustó tu historia querida Catalina. Sé que a una de mis antiguas estudiantes, una colombiana, diplomada aquí en Atherton (entonces conocido como Menlo), le gustaría oír tu historia y posiblemente contactarse contigo. Aquí te mando su dirección (...) Buena suerte en lo que estás haciendo y mis mejores deseos para un feliz y saludable Año Nuevo! Con afecto Hna. Nancy Morris rscj
Castellano: Querida Catalina, Mil gracias por tu compartir tan lindo. Espero que la misión que tienes para el próximo año la puedas realizar como el Señor te lo pide. Un abrazo.
Français: Chère Catalina, Mille mercis pour ton partage si touchant. J’espère que tu pourras réaliser ta mission de l’année prochaine comme le Seigneur te le demande. Je t’embrasse.