Les aventures d’une philippine pour arriver au 3ème An !

Our date of departure for the Third Year from the Philippines was set. We had our interviews in the French Embassy, late January and early February. We were assured by the Consular Officer that there would be no problems with our Visas. Sr. Sally was the first to receive her Visa and Sr. Marjo and I were confident ours would follow soon. But March 12, the date of departure was fast approaching and there was still no word from the French Embassy. In the communities of San Lorenzo where the French Embassy was expected to call when the Visas were ready, the use of the phone was discouraged from 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm : just in case, the Embassy would call. March 12 came and NO VISA for the two of us. Sr. Sally went off to Paris by herself to be in time for the Opening Session of the Third Year scheduled for March 15.

We inquired but the personnel in the French Embassy were helpless themselves to assist us since our papers were with the Ministry in France and so just like us all they could do was wait. Therefore, the caution about using the telephones in San Lorenzo from 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm remained. Sr. Marie Emmanuel and the rest of the Sisters in our communities and eventually in the Province began praying with us. We were certain the General Community and the Sisters in Auteuil and in the Third Year (especially Sr. Sally) were praying for us, as well.

Finally, on the 24th, the eve of the Feast of the Annunciation, the telephone rang at 3:45 pm to announce that my Visa would be ready the next day at 11:00 am. March 25, I left Assumption San Lorenzo at 10:15 am to walk to the French Embassy. I arrived at the embassy half an hour later. When I presented myself with my passport, the lady asked me, "Sister, where is the other Sister ? Her Visa is ready as well." We both received our Visas on the Feast of the Annunciation. A very significant Feast for both of us - Sr. Marjo’s Mystery is the Incarnation, while my Mystery is Mary, the Anawim.

March 27, we finally departed from the Philippines and arrived in Paris on March 28 ! What a WARM AND HEARTY WELCOME we received ! With Srs. Nicole, Myriam and, of course ! Sally meeting us at the airport and being welcomed at the Hall in Auteuil with warm hugs and kisses from all the Sisters. It is good to be Home !

In a few days time, it will be a month since we arrived. There was not much adjustment to be made since each and every Sister really made an effort to make us feel at home. Immediately, I felt accepted and loved by each of my sisters in the Third Year ; the General Council and the Sisters of the Auteuil Community. This is the gift of Internationality - the differences in background, in age, culture and personalities are overcome and surpassed by the bond of our being Sisters, daughters of Marie Eugenie living our religious life there where God has called us.

Indeed, it is a grace to be here ! Through the Sessions, our sharings and praying together, we rediscover the blessings God has given us. More than ever, I am grateful for my vocation to the Assumption. Indeed, we are blessed because God has called us and chosen each one of us. We can only continue to depend on His Fidelity and Love. And I cannot thank God enough for the person of Marie Eugenie : my Mother, Sister and Friend ! Indeed, everything is Gift !

Sr. Giselle Therese, ra
25 April 2004
Auteuil