"We plant the seed. Others water it, but only God can make the seed grow……."

These paraphrased words of St. Paul from 1 Corinthians capture the lived experience of my recent trip to visit our Sisters in Dumaguete. We know about the planting of the seed of the mission back in August of 2009. Going to the Philippines was now the time to observe how others are assisting us with the watering and how God is blessing the growth.

Architect’s blueprints for the convent: Another seed is planted!	Arriving at the ceremony
Sr. Armi makes final preparations at the groundbreaking	Bishop John Du, Sisters, friends, Ulymatiao family and contractor
Sr. Cristina enthusiastically greets the guests	Enjoying the delicious buffet generously provided by Lindai Chua

Sister and Friends Break Ground for the New Convent
After a cancelled flight in Manila and an unplanned overnight stay, I arrived the morning of October 17th to be warmly greeted by Srs. Cristina, Armi and Sol Quiambao, a friend and supporter. Time was brief as we planned for the groundbreaking ceremony for the new convent in the afternoon. The day was perfect for such an occasion: light blue skies with a slight wind, the presence of friends and supporters and a large tent that protected us from the intense sun.  Sr. Armi prepared a lovely program. In addition to the blessing by Bishop John Du, the local Ordinary, there were opportunities to hear from the architect, the Uymatiao family (that donated the land in memory of their Aunt Petra), words of gratitude from Sr. Cristina as local minister, and from myself as representative of the Congregation.

A special feature of the blessing was a large metal time capsule holding a medal and relic of Mother Frances, a copy of the local and national newspaper of the day, and a letter of dedication holding all the signatures of those present. This time capsule was cemented into the foundation with the assistance of everyone -- including the construction workers! Following the groundbreaking, everyone enjoyed a delicious buffet at the site, provided by Lindai Chua, another friend and supporter.

On the 18th, we were specially invited by the Bishop to join him for Liturgy and breakfast for his 57th birthday. Little did we know that we would be joined by a packed chapel filled with priests, seminarians,  religious and lay people -- especially at 6:30 in the morning! The breakfast buffet that followed proved to be a typical Filipino feast with endless food!

Words of gratitude from Sr. Marilyn

The time capsule is lowered into the ground ontaining a relic of Mother Frances

Srs. Cristina, Armi and Maria look toward the future!

A beautiful guest

Hopes and Dreams Come True Because of our SFP Mission
During the next several days there was a wide variety of encounters and events that made the time move swiftly. I would like to share a few highlights, beginning with meeting our Scholarship Student recipients. The Sisters recognized early on that many students had to drop out of school because of insufficient financial resources. Though the cost for schooling is very minimal, high unemployment and family circumstances often hinder further education. The Sisters have initiated a Scholarship Program for fifteen students, most of who are in college and working or volunteering. I had the pleasure of meeting them and hearing about their hopes and dreams. Many volunteers at our Shelter of Hope and are the extra hands and feet for Sr. Maria.

Another meaningful experience was partaking in events of the Foundation Week for the St. Paul Campus, which includes grade school, high school and a university -- all situated in one setting with a total enrollment of 3,000 students. It is here that Sr. Armi teaches university students and helps to shape minds, hearts and souls. This year was the 107th Anniversary of the school and there were events throughout the week. We observed the opening at the local mall where students expressed in dance many of the early traditions of their ancestors. One evening we were entertained by an incredible talent show with representatives from all the grade levels and even a few older alumni -- this brought the audience to their feet!

We received an invite to observe the Field Demonstration in which each grade presents an expressive exercise routine with each grade attempting to surpass the other. As one might suspect, what is any celebration without a parade?  From marching bands, to decorated floats, to students marching down the main avenue of Dumaguete throwing candy to viewers, this was indeed a fitting way to conclude the week.

Hopes and dreams being fulfilled: Scholarship students	Celebration Foundation Week at the St. Paul Campus
Ancestral dance at the local mall	Seminarian students of Sr. Armi
Distributing clothing at the Shelter of Hope	Special moments with the children

Children are welcomed and nurtured at the Shelter of Hope

Moments of Grace with Guests, Staff, Volunteers and Each Other 
Besides these opportunities of unusual happenings there was sufficient time to thrive in the “ordinary” occurrences of the everyday, for example, opportunities to engage with guests, staff and volunteers at the Shelter of Hope Soup Kitchen under the caring direction of Srs. Maria and Cristina. The Sisters have made a tremendous effort to secure stable settings for several of the street children. This is a major feat; too often they need to convince families and children that there is a better future ahead of them.

In the midst of all the activity, we found a space of three days to leave the all too busy residence at the Marian Center and find a spacious place to rest, pray and share together about the present and future hopes for the mission. The setting was graciously provided for us by yet another friend and supporter, Rosita Mendoza. Our time away was like an oasis, refreshing and renewing with open and honest exchange.

So what words would best describe this visit? First and foremost, the awe and wonder of God in our midst continues to fashion the seed of the mission. The “water” God has provided through the generosity of others, beginning with our own Sisters who continue to say “yes,” echoed in the hearts of local friends who have embraced us and our mission. Last yet first, the grace and love of God that assures the growth of the mission for today and all the tomorrows yet to be…….

Marilyn Trowbridge, sfp
Councilor - Liaison to the Philippines