When the Enhanced Community Quarantine was announced, we were still at school preparing for our Junior-Senior Prom, and outright, we were told to go home. What a shock it was!
At first, my reaction was positive because if it was for the protection of all, then why should I complain? However, upon hearing of thousands of deaths in Italy and other countries, I too became anxious.
I feared for my teenage daughter, my elderly mother-in-law, and my husband who is at higher risk among us four because he continues to go to work. I felt that that was the time to hold on to God more than ever before. Deep inside me, there was a cry of desperation for my family and for everyone around me. This coronavirus disease being highly contagious poses a real danger. Amid the outbreak, I saw in this cry, the face of Jesus Forsaken on the cross. So why should I be afraid? If the worst were to happen to me and my family, we were in God’s hands. This should not stop me from loving others concretely. Though I could not sleep, something else stirred inside me, and I knew something had to be done.
Inspired by the experience of the Focolare community in Dumaguete,1 I talked to my husband Felmer and told him of my great desire to do something for the frontliners. Since it was the call of the moment, I proposed to him that I wanted to put in common 1,000 pesos (US$20). He agreed and happily said that he would also give 1,000 pesos. After which we agreed to call other members of the Focolare in Sigma (Capiz). They, too, were happy to contribute, and later posted on our community group chat where everyone responded, giving their share in this initiative.
In three days, our small community was able to raise 18 thousand pesos (US$340)! This gave us the possibility to serve our frontliners, providing bottles of water, rewashable masks, gloves, improvised sanitizers and snacks to those manning the different checkpoints along the national highway, to the two district hospitals, our health center, police station and bureau of fire protection. This was repeated several times, and God’s providence was overflowing, because some of us also received financial assistance from other countries for they too were happy to share grocery items and rice with those most in need.
I believe that, truly, “it only takes a spark to get a fire going.” It doesn’t take long for everyone to see how they can also contribute in helping other members of the community.
After the suspension of classes, my only contact with my students was via call, text, and social media, simply asking them how they were doing. When they shared their problems or worries with me, I tried to listen and encourage them, telling them that all this will end one day and that the Father in heaven will always watch over us and provide for our needs. Myself being forced to stay home, I can understand how they feel bored and stressed out. I try to share my own positive outlook saying, “We can overcome this… finding ways of doing something concrete that can make others happy.” I continued to be in touch with my students, sharing what we had in our hearts.
In the lockdown, we have seen, more than ever, how social media can make a positive impact, helping people in isolation connect with others. However, this means of communication can also bring negative effects, if not used properly. I agreed with my students to never promote fake and bad news, and not speak harsh words to others. Later, I was happy to see their posts.
Many of them promised not to bully others anymore, or use bad language which before seemed so normal for them. From time to time, we exchange smileys and send virtual hugs to assure oneness and care among us.
I realize that the sufferings caused by the pandemic are to be embraced. This is my small share in the many sufferings of this world. I felt also called to live this word: “Courage!” Staying home may seem an easy arrangement but this is not the case. All the more in these difficult times, being together 24/7 at home may spark irritation and agitation among family members.
The struggle is real. I myself have to wrestle with a lot of stress which could have adversely affected my relationship with different members of our family. At times, I found myself arguing with my 85-year-old mother-in-law. She loves to wash the dishes every day, and no one could stop her. The problem is, sometimes, she forgets to close the kitchen. Since our kitchen is made of bamboo, cockroaches and other insects get inside easily. Once, I asked my daughter to help me cook by preparing the carrots and potatoes to be used for Pork Tinola (stew), but I was later surprised to see how she had sliced them so finely they looked more suitable for Picadilla or Giniling (ground meat dishes)! It is really hard for me when things don’t turn out the way I want. Lastly, there’s also my husband who makes me wonder why he always loves to watch martial arts and horror movies.
Nevertheless, I should move ahead with life, loving each member of my family who also tries to reciprocate in their own way. Yes, we don’t always agree and we sometimes fight over small and stupid things. Yet it made me realize that when there is interaction among us, there is much life at home, and that, because of our differences, we have much to learn from one another.
On a personal note, my offering to God every action and saying “For you, Jesus” as Chiara Lubich encouraged us to do, has helped give meaning to my daily life in quarantine. I have tried to be creative and productive by planting coconut saplings, cultivating vegetables, and trying out new dishes and desserts to be cooked and baked… doing all these things out of love for Jesus. In the end, found myself regenerated and excited again to love each passing day.
This pandemic has also brought our family to a closer relationship with God. We were able to make a promise to Jesus and Mary that we will not sleep unless we were able to hear Mass on TV or on social media and to recite the rosary and our evening prayer together.
I can say that our experiences in this period have bound us even closer and made us more open to one another. They have increased our faith and deepened our personal and collective relationship with God. Indeed, with a renewed love among us, and experiencing God’s presence in our midst, we can truly say that “home is where the family is.”
Liezel Ponsaran
1 See Villegas, E., Faith over Fear. Rays of Hope in the Time of COVID-19, New City, Vol. 56., No. 4-5, pp. 11-12.
