By: Sr. Victoria C. Lerin, FMM

Sr. Victoria tells us the difficulties of adopting to a new culture and how it means rediscovering who you yourself are...

Jungle Mission
My name is Sr. Victoria Lerin, I am a sister of the Marcesa Sisters working in Bolivia in Latin America.
We are four sisters here, two Spanish, a Brazilian and myself a Filipina. We Collaborate in the work of the Parish administers, the Maryknoll Fathers. As of now, we have only one Priest, so formation lay leaders helps a lot in our pastoral work and we can reach even the farthest communities in the midst of the jungles which is the main concern of the Parish. [I always believe that the God of Israel is the same God of Today who is one with His people in their struggle to live as Christians].

Misery
...Missionary work in Bolivia is being one with the poor in their struggle. Bolivia has always been difficult for missionaries. Some had to work on the treeless moonscape of the Altiplano between 12,000 and 14,000 feet above sea level, others in the jungles of Pando region where I and my sisters are inserted among congregations...to go as far as...to whom God is least known. In addition, there have frequently been political upheavals. Now, however, with the economy in the state of collapse, life has become so difficult. It is a marvel that the poor can survive. Being the poorest country of America, Bolivia actually has 46% of the children undernourished and every year 62 of 981 below 5 years old die. Alphabetization is one of the major problems of the country especially in rural areas. The lack of teachers and the risk to work in the jungles add the misery of the people.

Special Option
The vision of the Church of Bolivia is in line with the vision of the Universal Church which is “preferential option for the poor”. Thanks be to God that our Bishops are very conscious of the vision and ensure their support and help to all missionaries.

No Land Title
Pando is the northern part of Bolivia and the east side of Brazil. Being the poorest region, 90% of the people live in the jungles they called “selvas and rivers rios”. Their means of livelihood is extraction of rubber and “castanas” known as Brazil nuts exported to various countries especially in U.S. The majority don’t have potable water, no medicines, and don’t have titles of the land... only 10% of the population have titles of their land.

Rediscover Who You Are
The realities which I have seen and experienced within these months of my mission has been sometimes “surprising”, “heart-warming” and heart-breaking”. I have opened my eyes to “similarities, differences and uniqueness” of every culture. For me to adapt to another culture is not easy. It is a struggle with love and faith. I came to relinquish my own culture as a Filipino. Also a Francescan Missionary of Mary, we are minority here living the best way we can our Franciscan Charism. It is not that people are putting us down but you to rediscover who you are when you live in another culture. In entering into their culture, I come to understand their life and become sensitive their customs.

Once again, many thanks for everything and for remembering us missionaries. United always in prayers. GOD BLESS!

Missionary work in Bolivia is being one with the poor in their struggle.

“You have to rediscover who you are when you live in another culture.”