By: Brother Ruben Caluyong, FSC
Final Profession
January 9, 1993 was a very significant day for me because it was then I made my final profession of vow as a De La Salle Brother. It was also the occasion when I was given a mission send off as I was about to embark on a missionary journey to Papua New Guinea, also known as the Land of the Unexpected.” On the day of my departure for Papua New Guinea, I did not feel anxious nor excited. Deep in my heart, I knew that the prayer of so many supporters accompanied me on my journey.
Bro. Raffy Reyes
I was met at the airport in the Highlands town of Mt. Hagen by Brother Raffy Reyes, a fellow Filipino missioner, and he brought me to the school where I was to work for the next two years. As I had imagined it to be, Rosary High School is a school out in the bush. Despite the fact that the school is an isolated valley surrounded by towering mountains, I was surprised to see that the school had its own satellite dish and new computers.
US English Versus Australian English
My first year in Kondiu was a difficult adjustment period into culture, that of the Australian Brothers I lived with and that of the Papua New Guinea Highland people. The school system is different from ours; it bases on the Australian system. I was also confused with the terms people were using. For instance, a notebook is called an exercise book,” to take a spin” means to drive around leisurely, the schools schedule is referred to as the “timetable” a pile of garbage or trash is called “rubbish,” the head of the school is referred to as “Headmaster.” And the athletic intramurals are known as “sport Carnivals” there were times when I though of just keeping my mouth shut.
I Needed Help
I was assigned to teach Religion to grade eight (or Second year) and English to grade seven (first year) students. There were other responsibilities given to me, such as, supervision of boarders and to be with the students when they worked in the school farm for “work parade.” At times, these new experiences made me feel like I was drowning in a totally different environment and I needed some help. I was grateful for the guidance and help that Brother Raffy provided. I was like a child learning to open to the guidance of those with more experiences.
Tribal Clashes
There was a times when the situation in the was unstable and difficult to cope with. Tribal fights may erupt any time between rival clans. If a teacher’s clan is involved in the tribal fight, he has to leave the school, and stay close to his people for protection. If he remains in school, there is a possibility that members from the other tribe may come and kill him. Fortunately, these fights have not resulted in the closure of the school. Events like these have made my stay here more challenging.
Loneliness
When Brother Raffy left for studies in Manila, everything became more difficult for me, I felt isolated living outside my own culture that was still a part of my “baggage.” I had no immediate Filipino contact in the area. My only source of consolation was the stream of letters I received from the Philippines. The feeling of loneliness taught me to appreciate letter writing.
Guitar Classes
After Brother Raffy left, I temporarily tool over his classes. Also took over the guitar and singing practiced for the students to prepare for the school Mass on Sundays. On a number of occasions, I volunteered to drive the school vehicle late at night to bring sick students to the town hospital. I found that to be a very fulfilling task. These experiences enabled me to gain more self confidence which allowed me to do more and to develop my God- given talents as well. I also began to realize that I was able to cope with the challenged of missionary life.
Tagalog for Pidgin
Learning to communicate in the local language called Pidgin was a revitalizing experience. It bridges me with the local people. A number of my students and some teachers volunteered to teach me in exchange for some Tagalog words which I taught them. Through this interaction, I realized that God was already in this place before I arrived and that I could learn more from this blessed land and people.
More Exciting Works
As I enter my second year here in Kondiu, I continue to be open and confident in the face of the many challenges to come. This school year, I was tasked to take charge of the school library I have already installed a more efficient system to make the library’s resourced more accessible to the students and teachers. I have also been asked by the Headmaster to help on the documentation of different school projects in preparation for the school’s conversion to becoming a senior high school with Grades 11 and 12.
Open Heart
I look back at my immersion in a new culture as a journey with the Lord. He taught me to have an open heart to the signs of the times, it is without a doubt that God is present at all times in my struggles and successes. Finally, this journey fulfills the promises I made when I said m final vows”... to procure Your glory as far as I shall be able and as You will require of me,”