{"id":5592,"date":"2026-05-04T11:52:53","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T09:52:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogg.svenskakyrkan.se\/utbyte\/?p=5592"},"modified":"2026-05-12T12:30:16","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T10:30:16","slug":"mot-carol-fran-filippinerna-till-malmo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogg.svenskakyrkan.se\/utbyte\/2026\/05\/04\/mot-carol-fran-filippinerna-till-malmo\/","title":{"rendered":"M\u00f6t Carol: fr\u00e5n Filippinerna till Malm\u00f6"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I ett antal inl\u00e4gg fram\u00f6ver presenterar \u00e5rets internationella deltagare i Ung i den v\u00e4rldsvida kyrkan<\/em> sig sj\u00e4lva. De \u00e4r i Sverige under mars till maj. H\u00e4r m\u00f6ter ni Carol fr\u00e5n Filippinerna som har haft sin f\u00f6rsta f\u00f6rsamlingsperiod i Malm\u00f6.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Hej! I\u2019m Carol, and I\u2019m currently in Malm\u00f6 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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My journey isn\u2019t something I carefully planned. It\u2019s really a series of small moments where I chose to say yes, even when I didn\u2019t fully understand what I was stepping into. Back home, I serve as the Youth President in my diocese and also work in our church\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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My journey isn\u2019t something I carefully planned. It\u2019s really a series of small moments where I chose to say yes, even when I didn\u2019t fully understand what I was stepping into.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Being here in Malm\u00f6 has been eye-opening. We\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It reminded me that wherever we are, the church\u2019s role is to be present, to care, and to stand with those who struggle.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Seeing the social work of the Church of Sweden has also left a mark. It shows a side of Sweden that many don\u2019t see, the quiet struggles in a place that seems stable. It reminded me that wherever we are, the church\u2019s role is to be present, to care, and to stand with those who struggle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking back, I realize I didn\u2019t get here by having everything figured out. I got here by saying yes, despite doubts and questions. Leadership isn\u2019t about always being sure. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Looking back, I realize I didn\u2019t get here by having everything figured out. I got here by saying yes, despite doubts and questions. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m still learning and growing every day. I\u2019m grateful to be part of this community, even just for a while. Our journey continues to other parts of Sweden, and I\u2019m excited to see how those experiences might be different and what new lessons they will bring. For now, I\u2019ll keep saying yes\u2014one step at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Carol<\/p>\n\n\n