A life-long commitment! Is that possible today? Yes, of course, it is! Wilma Jaldin, a young Bolivian MIC Sister is about to take that step. What motivates her to do so? In an interview, Wilma, with her brilliant eyes and radiant smile, reveals some of her secrets.
Interview by: Marie-Paule Sanfaçon, M.I.C.

Tell me a bit about your story

I was born in a countryside setting, in the Diocese of Cochabamba, Bolivia; my parents are non-practicing Catholics. I studied in Catholic and Adventist schools; then I attended the Institute of Rural Education (IER) run by the MIC Sisters. Later, I completed my studies as a health technician with the Sisters of Jesus and Mary.

After my studies, I went to the mountains and trained some agents in first-aid medical treatments. This work opened my eyes and heart to the great needs of the population. I felt the Lord was calling me, asking me to give my life to God.

Why have you chosen the mic Sisters?

While I was at the Institute, I had the opportunity to read the life of Délia Tétreault and I felt I had an affinity with her. Délia's universal heart corresponded to my desire; I also wanted to have a heart as big as the world. The international aspect of the MIC community and the joy of the Sisters impressed me deeply. When I observed them praying, I felt drawn. In 1999, at the age of 21, I decided to enter the convent, and I was sent to Chile for my training as a postulant.

How did you react when you heard that you had to leave your family and your country?

Oh! At that time I was willing to give up everything for the Lord. I was ready…

Today, is it not the same?

Today, I am more realistic: I realize that even though we give all our life to the Lord, we remain very human. However, with God's grace we can take up the challenges of community life… I keep my ideal alive and I am open to whatever may come my way: I am ready for anything and willing to share all my talents, all that I have. Every day, I continue learning about what it means to live fully, to be welcoming, and to give.

What have you done since you entered religious life?

At first, my mission work was in Peru, at Cajabamba. For almost three years I was in the mountains giving health-care training sessions to the local people. In our parish, I worked with the youth and I was involved in the vocational program. Later, I came to Canada to pursue my formation at the international scholasticate in Longueuil, QC.

You also went for a brief stay in Haiti and Cuba; do you want to talk about your experience?

Haiti! A country rich in faith but materially very poor! The nation suffers from many difficulties. However, the people's hope and moral strength can help them conquer their desperate plight. They are close to God and are thankful for what they have. They are joyful in spite of their misery; they love life and work very hard from morning until evening time. In Bolivia, we also come across such great poverty.

With the Sisters I have lived a very enriching experience. Their prayer life sustains their dynamism in the fields of education and health care. All of them are committed one way or another. The Sisters are courageous, good works fill their day. They want to respond as well as they possibly can to the urgent needs of the people.

In terms of spirituality, the training is different from that of Bolivia: it is more controlled even at the level of Church. The Haitian people call upon the Almighty God, the Great Master, He who hears their prayers and blesses them. He is the One who gives, they expect everything from Him; the people struggle with the help of God. What has touched me deeply is their joy notwithstanding their great difficulties.

You then went to Cuba, what are your impressions?

In Cuba, I somewhat felt at home because the people speak Spanish, but with an accent which is very different from ours; within a short time I adapted… In Cuba, I felt a Church that is a bit weary. Notwithstanding government restrictions, the image that comes to my mind is the one where much is done to extinguish the burning flame of faith… but the sparks keep shooting up from everywhere. The people are particularly heartwarming; after Mass, the elderly gathered and they came over to speak with me, to tell me their worries, their anxieties, but their coded language left me perplexed. Their greatest suffering is the lack of freedom. The generations that grew up during the revolution never heard of God. The people live in misery, meat and the basic foods are very rare. In order to survive people have to be ingenious.

For the Sisters, fraternal life is very important because church oriented activities are limited. They visit the families, encouraging them and sustaining them in their Christian faith. The life of the Sisters in Cuba is one of great simplicity. Their togetherness is their strength. Their loving God who is all mercy and tenderness brings them comfort. I also met our Madagascan and Filipina Sisters whose mission is in Cuba: they are happy to be among the Cuban people.

Soon you will be returning to Bolivia. What are your future projects?

Next February, I hope to take my final vows and to live a few years as a missionary in my own country. Then, I will be totally open to go where God will want to send me. But if I can make a wish, I would like to live my missionary life in Cuba. Why? Because life is very simple, there are no big schools like in Haiti. I want to live close to the people, I want to listen to them and encourage them in whatever ways I can. The adaptation would also be easier for me. However, I do not put on any restrictions. God can send me anywhere He wants; I will spread His Love wherever I happen to be.

Thank you Wilma for your simplicity and spontaneity! Your youthfulness and dynamism touch our lives like a refreshing breeze which brings us much joy and hope.