Marta Esquerro Puerta is one of the FASFI volunteers who came to Bangladesh from August 1 to August 30, 2023, as a member of the Commission of Volunteers in FASFI.  She is a teacher at Hijas de Jesus School in Pamploma (Navarra).  We are lucky to have her since she can speak English fluently.

            For Marta, Love has no borders, reminding us that we are all interconnected no matter how far Spain is from Bangladesh.  Her presence and all the support of FASFI give the Garo girls hope to face bravely the uncertainties of their future, especially the young generation.  Her personal encounter with the St. Candida Hostel girls reminds us about the importance of inclusivity and diversity, and an all-embracing image of love, friendship, and fraternity.  During her stay. She was also exposed to the different apostolic works of the HIjas de Jesus like pastoral care for the sick and the aged, Don Bosco English Version, Xavier School, and Mo. Teresa Hostel and Spanish class with the Postulants.

            The girls were grateful to FASFI in the person of Marta for giving them space though they differ in many ways: culture, race, and language. FASFI through the presence of Marta symbolizes God’s promise to the young Garo girls, of a better time in the future.  Her oneness with the girls in their daily activities, struggles, and aspirations made them feel that they were not alone or isolated but always felt connected by the bond of God’s love in the way she related to and cared for them.

            The fraternal gestures that Marta showed in every encounter she had with the family of St. Candida grew and expanded in many places like Bangladesh, especially with the families she visited in the villages.  It symbolizes “fertility” as it always finds a way to keep growing, through the seeds of love, generosity, and spirit of solidarity which signifies the vitality of one Body and family under the one Fatherhood of God.

            FASFI’s love and concern through Marta are like a “flower”, which is often found in the most unlikely places like Bangladesh.  Yet, Marta opted to be one with those in the peripheries.  Although short the visit was, yet, somehow changed the girl's outlook on life.  It widens their horizons realizing that there are beautiful souls out there who are concerned about them and their future.  These simple and meaningful experiences have helped transform these Garo girls from their despair into hope, fears into courage, and doubts into trust.

       We are grateful to God for giving the hostel girls more hope even in the midst of the oppressive system and structures they are experiencing in society. “Blessed be God who loves us so dearly” through the fraternal collaboration of FASFI.

By Eufemia A. Pomado, FI

SEE PHOTOS BELOW

At the Hostel... a session with the Hostel girls

A pose with the two cooks at the Hostel

Taking a "Tipin" (snacks) with the girls after a cosmic walk

Visit to the Village

Taking lunch with Sr. Helen, Bangladesh-style

a pose with some village women

An Immersion

On the way to Don Bosco English Version

a visit to a sick villager

During Marta's Birthday celebration