Reflections on Internationality Experience
Before coming to the Philippines, I was filled with both excitement and anxiety about adapting to a new culture and environment. But upon arrival, I was warmly welcomed by the sisters, which made me feel immediately at home. Over time, I came to appreciate the deep hospitality and harmony of the people here. I found another family — grandmothers, mothers, and sisters who serve as role models in my spiritual life and relationships. Despite coming from different countries and cultures, we share the same ideals, joys, and sorrows, and together, we create a diverse and beautiful world. Here, I learned what love truly is — to both give and receive it. The love I experienced felt like sunlight, warm and constant, transcending our differences.
Initially, I struggled with loneliness due to language barriers, but gradually, I overcame my fears and found that love bridges these gaps. I realized that love speaks louder than words, and through actions, like teaching others how to arrange flowers, I was able to connect deeply. Our success was not in words but in the effort and presence we shared. Nature, too, has its own language — one that communicates through care and love, just as we do.
The past year has been marked by personal loss, including the death of several relatives and my father’s illness. I struggled with not being able to be with my family, but God reminded me that I didn’t need to fix everything. My role is simply to trust in God’s plan. Losing loved ones taught me that no one can stay forever, but God is eternal. Life is full of challenges, but what matters is how we accept them and trust that God will complete the work we start. Even in difficult times, I have learned to feel God’s warmth and light, like the sun shining after a storm.
Through this experience, I have become freer, emotionally and spiritually. I’ve learned to live fully, embracing my emotions and being present with others. Like a bird leaving its nest, I now live without fear of judgment, sharing love and joy with those around me. I no longer ask why people behave a certain way, but rather, “Do I love them enough?” I’ve come to understand that just being myself is enough — some will accept me, some won’t, but that doesn’t change who I am.
The world around us is always changing, and I’ve learned to embrace these transformations. I see everything with a positive perspective and have learned to give myself and others opportunities to grow. Through the little things I do daily, I am committed to living with love, like a wildflower that blooms regardless of recognition or praise. I believe that love is the most powerful force for transformation.
The example of the sisters here has shown me the meaning of true devotion — putting others first and responding with peace. The closer we are to God, the more peaceful our hearts become, and that peace flows to everyone we meet. This peace is a sign of God at work in our lives, even when we don’t understand His ways.
As I prepare to return home, I know that the circumstances will be the same, but I will have a new perspective. I will live with faith in my own change and share the love I’ve received here. Like water in a river, I will continue to flow, bringing life to everything around me. I will bring with me the love of the Good Shepherd — gentle, flexible, and patient — and the spirit of responsibility and dedication to the mission. By living out my role, I hope to spread this love and transform the world around me.
Sr Augustina stayed in the Philippines for a year of internationality experience as part of her formation as a temporary professed sister. She returned to Vietnam last Sep 30, 2024.
