Beyond Bounderies

Beyond Boundaries

By: Themar

The characteristics of walls are protection, division, and defense. We may consider “The Great Wall” in China as the best example. A curious person has the tendency to learn new things, an adventurer in other words. Nothing stats from an easy thing! Knowledge cannot be gained by sitting and gazing from where we are. To go beyond our boundaries is to widen our perspectives, concepts, and ideas.

Let me share with you my journey towards unknown lands. On the 15^th of  December 2013, I departed from Myanmar to Macau. I had no idea how to go because it was my first time to fly alone and I am not familiar with Macau. Thank God! I arrived safely on the same day. Here comes a new environment, new faces, and new lifestyles. My first impression was the fraternal relationship that the community has. Sisters and candidates can freely make jokes and share their laughter. As I tried to adjust myself with the new community, I encountered many difficulties because I came with my narrow-minded that prevents my understanding of others. I also discovered many new things and challenges at the same time. Sometimes, shedding my tears without the knowledge of anyone. Despite all those peculiar sufferings, I challenged myself to go on. Gradually, I was able to cope up with my studies and gained friends at the same time. We did enjoy our learnings! We also shared moments of joy and pain, exchanged our cultures, sometimes there were disagreements though. To take it positively, our community in Macau was a wonderful one. We were composed of many nationalities: Viet Nam, Philippines, Myanmar, East-Timor, Hong Kong, Spain, Indonesia and India. It was a very challenging community, but with a positive result.

I am currently in the Philippines, journeying with my companions in the Novitiate. When I think back those years I’ve passed, I am proud of myself that I did it. Journeying alone will not give me any memorable moments because all the joy,  laughter and memories are composed of friends. Out of my own boundaries, I gained more knowledge which helps me to understand my own limitations. I won’t regret the path I have chosen because I trust in the person (Jesus) who has called me to follow him. There will be more challenges to come, but I have my sisters in the community to accompany me and share their fraternal love.

To be religious is to go beyond one’s own boundaries, to see the beauty of reality in another side of the fence. Learn from the uniqueness of others and grow by relating to others, it is difficult though. The formation is a time to know, to feel and to heal because knowing one’s own self is an essential aspect. We all are struggling to reach our goal. I learn to share, to love and to know others. In everything I do, may they be done for the glory of God.