Möt Carol: från Filippinerna till Malmö

I ett antal inlägg framöver presenterar årets internationella deltagare i Ung i den världsvida kyrkan sig själva. De är i Sverige under mars till maj. Här möter ni Carol från Filippinerna som har haft sin första församlingsperiod i Malmö.

Hej! I’m Carol, and I’m currently in Malmö as part of the Young in a World Wide Church exchange program between my church in the Philippines, the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, and the Church of Sweden.

These first few weeks have been a whirlwind. During Easter, I had a quiet moment to pause and reflect, and I found myself asking: How did I get here?

My journey isn’t something I carefully planned. It’s really a series of small moments where I chose to say yes, even when I didn’t fully understand what I was stepping into. Back home, I serve as the Youth President in my diocese and also work in our church’s National Office as part of the Program Staff. Most of our work focuses on diaconal ministry, supporting communities and those on the margins while engaging in efforts for justice and peace. It has shaped how I see life and faith.

My journey isn’t something I carefully planned. It’s really a series of small moments where I chose to say yes, even when I didn’t fully understand what I was stepping into.

Being here in Malmö has been eye-opening. We’ve visited churches, met people from the community, and spent time with those serving in the church. What has stayed with me is how welcoming people have been, inviting us into their homes, sharing meals, and exchanging stories about life in Sweden and the Philippines. These simple moments create real connection, even across very different cultures.

It reminded me that wherever we are, the church’s role is to be present, to care, and to stand with those who struggle.

Seeing the social work of the Church of Sweden has also left a mark. It shows a side of Sweden that many don’t see, the quiet struggles in a place that seems stable. It reminded me that wherever we are, the church’s role is to be present, to care, and to stand with those who struggle.

Looking back, I realize I didn’t get here by having everything figured out. I got here by saying yes, despite doubts and questions. Leadership isn’t about always being sure. It’s about being willing to grow, to listen, and to walk with others while still finding your own way. Growth happens when we step into the unfamiliar, the uncomfortable, and something bigger than our fears.

Looking back, I realize I didn’t get here by having everything figured out. I got here by saying yes, despite doubts and questions.

I’m still learning and growing every day. I’m grateful to be part of this community, even just for a while. Our journey continues to other parts of Sweden, and I’m excited to see how those experiences might be different and what new lessons they will bring. For now, I’ll keep saying yes—one step at a time.

– Carol