A Fun-filled Adventure

Iva Asutilla, a student of Assumption school in Antipolo, and a Focolare youth from Manila, answers a few questions about her experience at World Youth Day 2011, in Madrid, Spain from August 16-21, 2011.

What was your experience at the World Youth Day 2011, in Madrid?

I participated as a part of our school delegation (Assumption, Antipolo). Establishing a relationship with my fellow schoolmates was difficult because we were all different from one another. But in spite of this, it was an opportunity for me to discover the richness and uniqueness of everyone in the eyes of God. This made us feel closer to one another.

Did you face any cultural or social and language barriers?

Barriers of culture and of language were always present and unavoidable. Some delegates weren't as good in English as others, so there was some difficulty in communication. In terms of cultural barriers, Filipinos are very conservative and shy while foreigners are very outspoken and don’t mind what others will say. But trying to see each other as one’s brothers and sisters, has helped me to overcome these cultural barriers, even with simple gestures like a smile, a simple act of sharing drink or a sandwich. These concrete gestures of love and generosity indeed broke down barriers…

Your most memorable experience during the event?

Every single opportunity to love has been a memorable experience for me, but the most remarkable thing happened last August 16, 2011 right after our Catechism session about being firm in the faith. We had been in Spain for about a week and there were a lot of difficulties to overcome and face that day. While our teacher chaperones were looking for a restaurant where we could have lunch, two Americans approached me and asked if the session were over. We started a small conversation with the famous ice-breaker: "Where are you from?" The conversation lead to a number of topics and suddenly he asked me a few questions. I came to know that they were also living the life of unity in the United States, the spirituality which I am also living as a member of the Focolare youth. I asked him how he had known I was a part of the Focolare, to which he replied, “I could see it on your face, in the joy that I see in you.”
I hadn’t expected those words which came just when I needed them, for it assured me of his unity at that moment when I was experiencing difficulties and anxiety. During this simple conversation, I sensed the presence of Jesus among us – a strong and indescribable experience indeed!

What were the difficulties that you faced before going to Madrid? During or after the WYD?

Yes, we had many tests, a lot of rushing from one classroom to another, and projects in school. Eventually, I learned that difficulties were like my training and preparation for the WYD.

Then in Spain, they didn’t have any vehicles similar to a “jeepney,” like in the Philippines. We are so used to ride these jeepneys [or tricycles] just to get to any destination that I felt a bit of difficulty in taking long walks. But then I found that the walks we had in Spain were also fun!

Back home now, I’m faced with a pile of projects to be submitted this week! I have already missed two weeks of lessons and then our mid-quarter tests start on Monday. It's hard to balance everything because I'm still finishing some tasks from the past and studying for our current lessons.

But what helps me overcome this hardship is to see all these as a face of Jesus Forsaken on the cross whom I want to love and embrace – a chance to carry my cross daily in following Jesus whom I would encounter at WYD and in my everyday life.

How did the World Youth Day affect you as a youth?

The theme for this WYD was "Rooted and Built Up in Jesus Christ, Firm in the Faith” (cf Col 2:7) and this theme helped me, as a youth of today aiming at building unity, to take a firm stand and be rooted in Jesus Christ. Nowadays, it's very hard to go against the current of the world and sometimes, we are unconsciously carried away. With this WYD, however, we were challenged to remain firm in the faith despite the different hurdles also ahead, and also encouraged never to forget that we should always be grounded in Jesus and allow him to lead the way. Our life becomes fun-filled and amazing as Jesus is alongside us in this divine adventure.

Jose Arvin Miranda

http://www.newcityph.com/