What We Wish to Bring Home?

Excitement filled me as I was going to the second session. Our opening round of questions helped us to know more of our fellow participants as we were asked on what makes us happy. When asked, I immediately thought of three things – food, family, and music. These three comprise my whole being as of now.

And then I was led to the small groups with two Swedish participants namely: Ronja, who was assigned to the Philippines and William, who was assigned in Tanzania.

Host to Home Country

During the breakrooms, we were able to reflect and discuss on the certain aspects in the society we have visited during the exchange and that we think were interesting enough or important to bring back to our home countries.

The question awakened a dream I once had upon seeing the Swedish society, seven years ago, during the youth exchange program. Honestly, I dreamed of having a government like that of Sweden for my country, Philippines. It is not about it becoming wealthy as a country but its practice as a welfare state seemingly is the best feature, I dreamed that my country and its people would have someday, soon.

I could describe it as a society almost close to perfect. Why close to perfect? Because by the time that one is conceived in the womb, there is already an allotted budget up until one’s death. I really envy how the Swedish government takes care of its people especially in the aspect of healthcare and maternal benefits afforded from childbirth up to two years. When asked on what to bring to the Philippines? If it could be possible, I would love to bring the government specifically its welfare state policies. My long-time dream for the Philippines is a government that cares for its own people.

This pandemic has revealed the reality behind our Philippine government. Billions have been loaned from international organizations and yet, no concrete solutions have been offered. This is a sad reality for all of us Filipinos who are hard-pressed and distressed with the situation. Vaccination has begun but it is too slow to cover the 100 million people, the total population of the country. The situation seems so desperate.

Meanwhile, Ronja who has been to the Philippines, loved the welcoming and warmth of the Filipino people. She confessed that she was able to experience the generosity of my people as they would give, more than what they have, to guests even if we know for a fact that they also are not living abundantly. Also, she loved how Filipinos loved music and they have used this to serve as a means of connection among people in the community. Narrating her experience, she once played her ukulele in a school and the children began to sing along. And it made her feel good and happy.

On the other hand, William also shared his experiences in Tanzania. The welcoming feel was overwhelming for him. He was able to witness how the people of Tanzania would welcome people, not even those who are close to them, are being invited inside the home. From his home country, Sweden, William shared how they made the home as a private place for them and only a few may enter the said space.

Host to Home Church

For the second breakout room, Liv, another Swedish participant to Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania was with me and Ronja. She elaborated how she experienced the 5 to 6 hours of service during Sundays. Though she did not also want the long service, but she wanted her people to be more connected with church and will be able to express their faith publicly.

Added to that, Ronja’s exposure to the Iglesia Filipina Independiente gave her a glimpse of a church turned family. She was able to see how a church has gone beyond worship as many would stay and be in fellowship over food after the church services. The youth’s involvement, for her, was also commendable. Again, she felt the warmth among members of the church.

On my part, my exposure to the Church of Sweden, made me appreciate the short, concise yet very profound liturgies. It is not that I do not anymore love my church’s somewhat long liturgy which would reach until 2 hours but maybe time will come, we must adjust to the needs of our people. People nowadays are conscious about their time and time will come; lengthy services may arouse negative feedback from our congregations. If given the chance to bring something from my host church, it would be their brief services yet very profound. Also, music was very congregational though there was time for choirs to offer their talents, most of their hymn tunes were friendly to the worshipping faithful. Lastly, I fell in love with the use of candles during my stay in the Church of Sweden. I loved the gesture of lighting candles during the prayers for the people or the general intercessions. Those are only a few of the practices that I would like to bring and some, I have brought with me and harmonized with our own liturgical practices.

Dreams and Visions from the Exchange

The exchange experience, if taken seriously, would help one to dream for the better for one’s society. Looking at an ideal society that of Sweden and its government which cares for its people’s welfare, I was really frustrated looking back at how my own country’s government neglects the people. Even during this pandemic, their intentions are very clear that even community pantries which encourage sharing in the community for those who need most the necessities, are being tagged as work of those who want to destabilize the government. Kindness nowadays in the Philippines would mean going against the government. It is truly sad to look at how country’s people are going through.

In my country, people and even the authorities tend to demonize the poor for being poor. Referring to them as those who have not exerted so much effort to earn for a living. But in truth, the poor are more generous, and they are more understanding about situations. The problem with my country is the unequal distribution of wealth and opportunities to people.

But with all these that are happening, I still dream of a government that would care for the needs of my people and foregoing of their personal interests and greed that make the poor getting poorer and the rich becoming richer. I still dream of that day to come like the rising of the sun from the long night of difficulties and struggles.

/ Klein F. Emperado