By Bro. Raul, FC

Pakistan is a country of extreme temperatures from fabulous snow up to a scorching 50 degree centigrade. Bro. Raul, FC tells us how he had and his companions manage to survive away from the Philippines.

On the Roof

Its summers time again in Pakistan. Since the heat and humidity make our room like and oven, we sleep on the rooftop. Nowadays we (brothers and novices) call ourselves “Sleepers on the Roof”. I enjoy being with my brothers and novices on the roof. When we are all on the rooftop we support one another and laugh together at this terrible summer. Its’ not easy though, but life must go on. We have to wake up early, so our prayers, studies and apostolate. We take a long rest after lunch. Nobody can go out at noontime when the temperature is almost fifty degrees centigrade!

Becoming Mature

May is the month when I landed for the second time in the “Land of the Pure” (Pakistan) I first came to Pakistan in December 1992. However I had to leave after two months due to a visa problem. It is in this land where I learned more of becoming mature, being able to stand on my own feet, making decisions, being detached and attached, becoming loving and forgiving, becoming broadminded, being able to laugh and cry when it is necessary and to become a good missionary.

My experiences in this country could never be bought with money. I have rally found my treasure in Pakistan, I can say that nobody can stay indifferent to Pakistan, it is like a watershed: this way or that way. Though there are no discos, no parties, no dancing, no night life; even if women are hardly visible in the street, no smiles, one would love Pakistan.

Land of Extremes

Pakistan is a country of extremes. It has the highest mountains and the deepest seas, it has the most fertile plains and the biggest deserts. There are landscapes of moonlike barrenness where the juiciest fruit grows. It has snow and it has 150 days of uninterrupted heat in a year. It knows the Seven Years of Drought – as well as monsoon floods that inundate thousands of villages most summers. Its holds ever increasing massed of hungry people as well as those who are – or become - unspeakably rich; the greatest materialist next to the pious, mystical souls in plenty. It can show the face of immense tolerance and, the next, the grimace of deadly hate. It has ht strictest code of honor and religious rules and commits the most heinous crimes. Pakistan is not a country for lightweights. Think of the majestic Himalayan Mountains at whose feet the country sprawls; this is its mood, even its beauty is grave or mighty.

Culture shock is certainly experience by all who visit Pakistan for the first time. The customs, climate, language and foodstuff are completely different from what they are used to at home. But with a little help and effort, you can adapt to what Pakistan has to offer.

I need to take an Urdu language course this summer because learning the language of the local people in Pakistan is essential to my mission, the venue of the language course is in the northern part of Pakistan – 345 kilometers away from Lahore.

Murree in the Mountain

A month from now I shall be moving to my new environment called “Murree Hills” (height 7,500 feet). Murree is in the mountains where people go during summer to refresh themselves, I am already looking forward to going to Murree. My flat in Murree is located in the highest part of the hills called “Pindi Point”. The flat is overlooking the Himalayan Mountains, what a lovely view! The owner of the house is a Muslim family, they are very friendly people. They love me and respect me. Indeed I have found a new friendly family whom I consider as my “extended family” in Pakistan which I consider as my “second home”.