What we learned in the Arayat Workcamp

by Jose Jhester M. Sta. Ana

Perhaps if there�€™s one event that I consider a milestone in my life aside from graduating from college this year, it would be my decision to join and participate in the K25 ARAYAT Work Camp 2009 last April 3-11, 2009 in Magalang, Pampanga.

To be one of the volunteers installing trail signs along the trek towards the peak of the mountain, cleaning the trail along the way, participating in a tree planting activity and the like for the town of Magalang, Pampanga to be of service to this community is a fulfilling experience especially that I am a native of this province. This work camp has given me opportunities to learn and discover things about myself, my homeland, and life in general.

QUECA CU. CACU CA. (I�€™m yours. You�€™re mine.) The first Kapampangan statements the guys learned during the camp. These are words uttered to express love to the beloved. Recalling the guys on how would they say these words was humorous yet with the mere repetition of them made me realize how meaningful these statements are. As a Kapampangan, it made me realize that putting up trail signs up in the mountain and cleaning its path in my homeland is like a son saying to his father , �€œQueca Cu.�€  And it�€™s in these small things that I do for the community that gives it that sense of saying like a father to his son, �€œCacu Ca.�€  How fulfilling it is to show how grateful one is to his fatherland�€�.

MEN AT WORK. (Subsidiarity and Solidarity) There�€™s a great work ahead of us and how great it is to see that the group exercised these principles throughout the endeavor. Understanding that a particular body system performing well (Subsidiarity) is important in achieving a healthy body (Solidarity), which is composed of organ systems. Recognizing that one�€™s part is essential in order to achieve a common goal is the key to be effective and efficient towards that desired end. This was visible as how each and every subgroup attended to their assigned tasks during the work camp and this was the secret of how we accomplished our work even we lack skills and manpower. Seeing these guys would make you really say that order is possible even in the midst of chaos. We just have to make that decision then act on it.

THE CROSS. (Cheerfulness and Happiness) Considering that we were not really trained to do the things that we did, everyone put their best foot forward in all the things they did with a smile in their faces (Cheerfulness). Well, I guess there were times that some lost their temper at some point yet what�€™s important is they were able to compose themselves. I�€™m sure there were those moments of like giving up but that passion inside (Happiness) made the difference. Isn�€™t it the happiest man was nailed on the cross?

GIFT OF LIFE. (A Shared Gift) 21 years of existence and I was given this opportunity to celebrate my birthday at the peak of Mt. Arayat! God has blessed me with so many things in life and to share these to my native land, friends and other people is a humbling experience--the best gift I received so to speak. The opportunity to participate in this work camp is one of the realizations of my passion to serve. Moreover, I experienced all of these with great people around. I got to know my CEFA, K25 fellows and the Kapuluan staff better. Living and relating to them and to other people as well within the days of the workcamp are recollections that will be treasured. Life is meant to be shared as they say. Life starts to find its meaning when one starts to get out of himself and try to reach out to be of worth and to be of service to his environment and fellowmen.

QUECA LA SA REN. (These would have been yours.) Who would forget the hilarious joke of the priest in one of the mass the group attended? I guess this will be God�€™s words to me if ever I didn�€™t go to this workcamp. Perhaps if I didn�€™t choose to join, I would have missed all the things that I learned from this experience. I would have find myself saying, �€œQueca la sa reng experience a ren.�€ There�€™s a lesson from these words. Life is about making decisions, of choices. And making these decisions entails sacrifices though there are benefits from them. We have a great God that knows our sacrifices and what�€™s best for us. Therefore, to whatever decisions that we will make in the future let us offer them up to Him. As stated in the bible, �€œDelight in the Lord your God and he will give the desires of your heart.�€

Who would have said that I lost in joining the Arayat Work Camp? There might have been things we have sacrificed to take part in this endeavor yet, I can earnestly say that I learned a lot and have given some help in my own way. Mt. Arayat is one of the communities that need protection and care. St. Josemaria Escriva said, �€œTo begin is easy, but to persevere is sanctity.�€ The challenge in each and every one of us youth today is how we will be able continue what has been started--to preserve the environment that our forefathers have protected for us to benefit from. Now is our time to return what we owe to our ancestors and to give the next generation their chance to experience what we have today. Let us discover more of ourselves to be of service in our own little ways.