There are many good and bad experiences that I had since I wrote an article with regards to my initial experience here in Nairobi, Kenya in 2019. One thing that I realized during those moments of experience is that “God is always in control; He will never abandon us. Trust Him fully, never doubt. Whether we have plans for our life, His plans for us is greater than ours.”
After I finished my 2nd year of theological studies, I planned to come back home to the Philippines for a year of break and spend more time with my family and have some pastoral immersion. However, due to certain circumstances, this plan did not push through.
God’s plan is perfect: Last July 2021, I was blessed to spend my summer holiday in a mission area called Kaaleng and Kaikor in Turkana County, Kenya, East Africa. It is a semi-desert place where there is no electricity, no proper road, lack of water, and the people are very far from civilization. I was happy to stay there with the Fidei Donum Clergies of the Archdiocese of Jaro, Diocese of San Jose de Antique and Mensa Domini Sisters. I witnessed firsthand how hard and difficult their work is, as they not only evangelized the people, but also strove to deal with and improve their livelihood. I was very happy to experience the life in the mission, helping the missionaries to conduct feeding programs, catechesis, faith sharing and walking almost 20 kilometers to visit far flung communities. It was really a great holiday from the world of consumerism and materialism. It gave me more time to reflect and meditate on God’s plan for my life. I have seen and come to realize that living in a simple life can also give you happiness and joy.
Those experiences that I had are great signs of God who is always with us, even when we are in the midst of challenges and difficulties in our life. God is only bringing out something that is best in our lives.
May this experience that I am sharing with you be a sign of inspiration and touch you to make a difference to the world.
Thank you for giving your time to read this. Please keep me in your prayers as I keep you in mine.
Ad Maiorem Resurgentis Gloriam!
Br. Eugene Habitan, CRM
Nairobi, Kenya, Africa
