It is May 2006. At Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau Airport in Montreal, Canada, four young women are about to fulfill their dream. Elaine, Annik, Anne and Stephanie are leaving for Bolivia after a year of missionary formation. In partnership with the MIC Sisters, they are about to achieve their goal.

by France Royer-Martel, m.i.c.

Working in Partnership

These young adults carried out their missionary commitment in partnership with the MIC Sisters.They offered their service to a foundation called Amenecer. It is located in Cochabamba, Bolivia,and was created by the Daughters of Charity, better known as the Vicentinas, whose founder is St.Vincent de Paul. There are 14 centres where religious and lay people from all cultures welcome young people who are searching for meaning in their life.A program with a variety of themes is offered to them. Children and adolescents who come to Amenecer are victims of drug and alcohol use. Like many other youths around the world, they end up on the market place at a very early age.They are the ones suffering from neglect, abandoned on city streets, or whose families know nothing but violence. These young adolescents without a home gladly accept a daily glass of milk and a shelter for the night.The staff of the centres also help them find jobs; once employed their guardians stay by their side, continuing to motivate them and encourage them to keep up the good work, their only means of earning a living. A corrupted adult world affects these youngsters. Moreover, the gap between rich and poor continues to widen.

Integration at Solomon Klein

With our partners in mission,we now take a look at the children age 0 to 5 living at Solomon Klein’s Orphanage, a centre sponsored by Amenecer. Some characteristics are common to the children: they are generally introverted, they speak little; at times we could even think they are speechless. Their language is limited, therefore good communication is hampered. They lack discipline and motivation. On the other hand, these little ones exhibit a thirst for affection: they search for open arms. A small loving gesture toward a child will trigger profound joy; unending smiles are the signs of appreciation. Since the number of staff is limited and the individuals working at the orphanage are inadequately trained, they cannot respond to all the demands.

Special Kinds of Joy

After their experience, Elaine, Annik, Anne and Stephanie brought back sunshine in their luggage.They especially keep in mind two cases that touched their hearts: one concerning Daisy, and the other the adoption of a baby. What was so special about Daisy? The expression of joy on this child’s face when she was gently approached, cared for and loved. One of the travellers explains: From time to time Daisy waited for me to sit down and then she would come near me. The photo (opposite page) reveals the child’s longing. As for the adoption of a baby, Elaine states: I witnessed the adoption of a 9 or 10 month old baby by a couple whose wish it was to have a child. The new parents came from Switzerland and had to stay in Cochabamba for six weeks because of formalities but also to give time to the baby to get used to the new parents. I was astonished to see how quickly the bonding of love and trust developed between the child and the parents. It’s an incredible story of love!

Fruits from our Commitment on Bolivian Soil

The apostolic travellers relate the outcome of their experience as follows: The first fruit received is the capacity to surpass oneself, the feeling of being useful and helpful to someone. When we approached the fragile children, we mirrored our love for the little ones. Secondly, we learned to be touched physically and emotionally. The four of us have come back changed, different from what we were before.We sense that there is a treasure deep within us.The commitment of the local people, in their service to others, awakened hope in us; we discovered a new and important value: that of human dignity.

Another fruit in our basket: an intense experience, a unique opportunity to discover oneself and explore other pathways. Our relationships with other human beings have become more complete and important to us; we are making headway on the road of humanity. During our apostolic journey abroad, teamwork and community living offered us golden opportunities to discover ourselves and others around us. It was demanding but also very enriching. As we got acquainted with the local people, shared their daily chores in all simplicity, and gave ourselves space to be questioned and preoccupied by their needs, our existence was interwoven through solidarity with the lives of the Bolivian people, the Vicentinas Sisters and the MICs, but most of all with the children.

Much More to Say…

Back home since June 2006, with a spark in their eyes and a smile on their face, Elaine,Annik,Anne and Stephanie radiate the joy of living.With enthusiasm and hearts overflowing with tender memories they say: We would have so much more to say about this great experience. But we will add just one more thing: this journey has given us an opportunity to reflect on the way we live in our country.We want to continue growing in our commitment to stand for the little ones and work for the well-being of others.We want to remain in the field of action, for our stay in Bolivia has given us wings.

MIC MISSION NEWS
January - February - March 2007

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