By: Fr. Ching Espineda SVD

Fr. Ching Espineda comes from the Bicol area: Sorsogon. Sorsogon to be precise. He entered the SVD Seminary after Tagaytay and did some studies in Japan and Australia. Then he was sent off to worked in New Zealand among the Polynesians. We have called this article AOTEAROA because that is the old Polynesian name for New Zealand.

 Three of us volunteered to go the mission: Ghana, Ecuador, and New Zealand. We said then that were the “export” quality of the class. After some years, the missionary in Ecuador went back to the Philippines. The Ghanaian missionary, in the meantime, has become a world famous “Joker”. He is featured regularly in the Columbans Misyon Magazine, I am still here and have gotten used to the cold weather and marmite! (to me, our Bagoong).

Uprooted
I guess, there is always pain in being uprooted from your own culture and people. Dying...is a word that has become part of my life, it is no longer foreign and I am able to accept in with dignity. But, there is also joy in knowing that you are able to give birth to something new. And be challenged by something that is not familiar.

Hundredfold
The hundredfold is an experience I have encountered daily in my ministry. It is always a great blessing to be invented to homes and to sit at table for a meal. Much more, to walk-in and be offered hospitality... and a seat of comport after a day’s work.
What a grace to be called to a dying man’s bed... to be at the hospital, hospice, retirement home, school, park, gymnasium, and be entrusted with the lives of people. Happiness is when one chooses to give, to console... to be present...regardless of the cost.

Change
I have witnessed the face of Wellington and Lower Hutt changed. Buildings standing now are gone tomorrow. The money has also undergone a facelift. I have seen the change of governments in the last 8 years. And the arrival of food parcels in our church.

Cricket & Rugby
And yes, I have learned the mechanics of cricket and even find myself now glued to television when rugby is on.  Cricket and rugby are sports unknown to me prior to my arrival. Above all, the young boys and girls in the parish are now on their own, trying to live their lives and their Christianity out in the world. Some have grown much taller, and they “look down” on me now. they used to be altar servers. Now I look like the altar server! It has been beautiful and wonderful to watch them grow and to be part of their life and faith journey.

Golden Oldies
The number of our golden oldies and retired people has gone down during the years. I have been with them every month for their Eucharist, cup of tea, and fun raffle. I have been barred, on many occasions, from joining the raffle for my winning luck! We had enjoyed many bus outings and good speakers on interesting topics.

Grief
I experienced grief and sorrow when I buried some of them in the past. And yet, those who still with us continue to nourish our parish by their constant witness, prayer loyalty. Many are my good friends. To a few, I had occasions to pour out my tired self, my grumpiness, my frustrations...my family, my hopes, my dreams...

I Ask Forgiveness
This year marks the end of my ministry in New Zealand. In 1985 I landed in Auckland and was introduced to kiwi-life, in the parish of St. Anthony, Mangere Bridge. I have been in the country for 9 years, 8 of those in Wellington diocese and 7 years in Taita. It’s a good chapter to close.... to begin a new one.
I ask forgiveness for those I have hurt, wittingly or unwittingly.  in return I give forgiveness. In peace I came, in peace I go.