The Nerve

Call it guts, bravery, courage, or spirit. Whatever it may be, the thing is, everyone in the group was just ecstatic and, of course, so grateful to God for it. For it made them carry their mission through, while remaining positive and disposed.

Despite limited knowledge, exposure, and resources, the facilitators of the Pastoral Program on HIV/AIDS of the Philippine Province took off February last year. For the uninitiated team, what an overwhelming 2009 flight it was! Thus, bliss and gratitude blended with the crisp scent of pine trees during their evaluation and planning last 09 January 2010 at the St. Camillus Novitiate (temporarily a retreat house until May this year), in, where else, the Philippines’ Pine City, Baguio!

Photos of the different activities launched last year were projected on the wall and served as the stimulator at the start of the evaluation. By looking at the pictures, memories of the challenges and the successes of last year’s efforts flowed freely from the facilitators’ minds and hearts. Hearty was then the best word to describe the evaluation process. Each one was very open and articulate in their ideas and feelings regarding the group’s relationship and performance and of the activities’ outcomes and impacts. Majority of them said: “We were creative and competent despite our limitations and we really showed teamwork.” Because of that, they added: “We were able to develop and expand our HIV/AIDS advocacy in less than a year. And to note, our humble attempt made a mark and gained appreciation in the HIV/AIDS world in the Greater Manila Area (or in the Philippines).”

The weaknesses of and the threats for the group and the program were, of course, also extensively presented and discussed. There were quite a number but these never dampened their spirits. Instead, these challenged and inspired them all the more to improve themselves and the program for the benefit of the people they are serving. Along with the opportunities this endeavor gives them, they “Think Positive.” Resolute to continue and enrich what they have started, they eventually drafted their plans for 2010.

With commitment, hard work, charity, and faith, they believe God will continue to bless them and their mission. “With God’s grace and the invaluable support from the people and institutions who believe in this noble mission for the people living with HIV/AIDS, for sure we can do it,” they said. Now, that’s the nerve!