Möt Shema: från Filippinerna till Västerås

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 Shema från Filippinerna som har haft sin första församlingsperiod i Västerås.

My name is Shema Kyn B. Batoy. I am 27 years old, and I come from the southern part of the Philippines, Mindanao, and a place rich in culture, faith, and resilience.

Life of faith always present

Until now, I continue to live with my parents, a choice that reflects not only family closeness but also the values I was raised with. I grew up in a deeply religious household, where faith was not just practiced it was lived every day. My father serves as a Bishop, a role that shaped the rhythm of our family life. Our home often felt like an extension of the Church, filled with prayers, visitors seeking guidance, and quiet moments of reflection.

Faith was never forced, but it was always present, guiding our decisions and shaping our character.

From a young age, I learned the meaning of discipline, humility, and service to others. Faith was never forced, but it was always present, guiding our decisions and shaping our character. My brother followed a similar path and is now a priest in our diocese. Watching him answer his calling strengthened my understanding of devotion and sacrifice. While our family is rooted in religion, we are also grounded in everyday realities. One of my parents works at an Electric Cooperative, a reminder that service comes in many forms not only through the Church, but also through honest work that supports the community.

Finding my path

My life experiences have been shaped by expectations, curiosity, and the constant search for my own path. Growing up, many people around me expected me to be the best at everything and always be in the spotlight. Coming from a family known for leadership and service, it felt natural for others to assume I would follow the same direction. However, deep inside, I did not want to live in the limelight of my family. That pressure became a struggle, and instead of following what was expected, I often found myself drawn toward things that were different from what those around me did.

Because of this desire to carve out my own identity, I chose a path that challenged me in a new way. I pursued law. One of my proudest achievements is passing the law school entrance exam of a prestigious school in our place. It was a moment that proved to me that I was capable, even when I doubted myself. Unfortunately, my law school journey was paused during my third year due to personal reasons. Although it was difficult to step away from something I worked hard for, that experience taught me resilience and self-awareness. I am looking forward to getting back on track with that dream in the future and finish what I started.

Memorable impressions from Västerås

When I first arrived at my parish i Västerås, I didn’t quite know what to expect. Being new, I carried a mix of curiosity and nervousness. I had also heard and assumed that Swedish people tend to be reserved and quiet, which made me wonder how I would fit in and connect with the congregation. But from the very beginning, my experience turned out to be something completely different and honestly, something much better than I expected.

One of the first things that stood out to me was how warm and welcoming the congregation is. It wasn’t just polite greetings; it felt genuine. People took the time to notice me, to ask how I was doing, and to show real concern not only for me but also for how we were adjusting. That kind of care made a big difference, especially in a new environment where everything can feel unfamiliar.

People took the time to notice me, to ask how I was doing, and to show real concern not only for me but also for how we were adjusting.

Even the simple act of saying “Hej” became meaningful. I expected quiet nods or distant responses, but instead, people greeted us back with warmth. There was a sense of openness that I hadn’t anticipated. It made each interaction feel human and personal, not just routine or formal. This experience has slowly changed my perspective. While it is true that people here may not always be loud or expressive at first, I’ve learned that warmth doesn’t always come in obvious ways. Sometimes, it shows in small gestures in consistent kindness, in thoughtful questions, and in the effort to make someone feel included.

Being part of this parish, even at this early stage, has been comforting. It reminds me that community can be found in unexpected places, and that connection often begins with the simplest things a greeting, a smile, or someone taking a moment to care.
Looking back, I realize how wrong my initial assumptions were. And I’m grateful for that.
Because what I’ve found here is not distance, but quiet warmth and that has made all thedifference in my journey so far.

– Shema