Sch Agustinus Tanudjaja, SJ, spent 5 days living with the urban poor in Navotas, Philippines in October. Navotas, the former dump site of Metro Manila, is today home to about 2,000 poor Filipino families. He is presently studying Philosophy in the Jesuit-run Ateneo de Manila University. His reflection follows:

“Blessed are those who share with the meek and poor in spirit.” Blessed are those who share their struggles and their imperfections to enrich each others. These words became reality during my stay with Vinas family during our Navotas 2003 exposure. The Vinas family shared their love, care and hospitality with me, enriching my life and formation.

There are eight members in the Vinas family and they stay at Daang Hari, ‘Tabing Dagat’ (sea side) Navotas. They stay in a simple and small home, built on stilts above Manila Bay’s water. Their home has three small rooms: a kitchen/dining room with a tiny bathroom no bigger than an average bathtub, a bedroom that has a queen-size bed, and a common room for hosting guests, recreation, studies. The latter is also a bedroom at night.

Living with Vinas family was an excellent time for me. I ate the local Filipino food and enjoyed Filipino culture. I also learned about my personal limitations in communication. In spite of all of these, I was challenged to be more creative in order to communicate with others. Indeed, this exposure evoked a deeper appreciation of the Vinas’ care, generosity and hospitality even in the face of poverty. One thing I learned most is that we are called to share what little things we have with others.

I am grateful to God for this wonderful opportunity to stay with and be comforted by the Vinas family. In fact, God is always journeying with us. Indeed, when I look at my life, I see He was, He is and He will be present in my daily activities. I pray that all of us will be always be ready to respond to God’s daily invitation to share His love with others, at anytime and to any place. I am grateful to the Vinas family and the neighborhood who shared their generosity, simplicity of life — enriching my life with gospel values.

The "juniors" with their adopted families in Navotas.

Francis David, SJ giving a day of recollection to students.