By Auring Luceno

A young Columban lay missionary from the Philippines tells of the difficulties of being a woman in Muslim Pakistan.

Wherever I have new experiences here in Pakistan I always think of home, and that gives me a lot of strength and encouragement. At the same time, the people in the barrios have become a source of life for me and the visits to the families are the things I always look forward to. As ever, I thank God for my own family at home in the Philippines – from whom I first came to know what trusting and real loving means: the same love and trust brought me here and keeps me going.

Discernment

We’re back in Lahore after a language course in Muree. The rest of the month was spent on exposures to the different missionary programs, places of interest here in Lahore, as well as in the two parishes. This was to help us in our discernment as to which parish we would go to. I found it a bit difficult to decide, especially when I came to love both places, found the need of workers in both places and was seeing lots of things I’d love to do in both parishes. I’m beginning to feel my way with the people in Shadbagh. I have made a lot of friends and I am learning a lot about the culture.

A Filipino Pakistani

Often I’m mistaken for a Pakistani and enjoy chatting with my limited Punjabi. One time when the late Pilar Tilos and I waited for a ride I stood at the roadside while she negotiated with a driver, and we had the biggest laugh when the driver called and asked for my assistance to translate what Pilar was saying, thinking I was a Pakistani.

Being Small Makes a Difference

Being small I can easily pass as a Pakistani girl, as women here can be really big in build. This gives me a little freedom to move around, which is difficult for most women to do here. I’ve tried moving and taking the public transportation on my own, going to the shops alone, and going to choir practice every Saturday in the school parish alone.

Learning is an Act of Humanity

I’m trying to learn the Punjabi and Urdu hymns; and I’ve experienced humility not being able to read the script as fast as necessary – seeing the surprise in the children’s faces realizing I couldn’t even read the way hey do, and their sympathy and eagerness to help me gives me a lot of encouragement.

Tears of Joy

After my first three Sunday visits in the parish a group of young girls just pulled me aside after Mass, led me to the side of the school and surrounded me. I was bit scared and didn’t understand what was happening, although most of their faces were familiar. Then they took turns placing bangles on my arm which they told me was a symbol of friendship and acceptance. I was so touched by the gesture that I couldn’t help but cry.

Deep Option

Pakistanis is very different. Being a woman, single and a foreigner my pose some difficulties, but I’m seeing these with deep optimism after experiencing the support and acceptance among the Columbans and from the other missionaries in Pakistan.