Saying “goodbye” to Portugal

Re-entry: A reflection

A. Saying “goodbye” to Portugal

Surface feelings about leaving, saying “goodbye”. Feelings are usually mixed. (+) and
(-). – anxiety, excitement, pain, joy, regrets, gratitude, sorrow, etc.

Awareness/ acceptance / conscious, realistic handling of such feelings is important. I allow this feelings to surface with out reasoning about them. I try to simply accept these feelings as they are, without guilt, without shame for any feeling I may have. I do not cut them short but allow myself to FEEL. I stay for sometime with these feelings, no matter how painful they may be.

Give yourself sufficient time for reflection / prayer, to be in touch with what is happening in your inner self.
Where do these feelings come from?
Evaluate them in the light of reality, in the light of faith.

Example; Feeling: sadness of separation
Origin: - reality of saying “good bye”, returning to my home province
- my own previous experiences of separation, healthy or traumatic

Reality of life: - hellos and good – byes
- need for letting go.

Faith: How did Jesus handle separation? Letting go?
What is the Spirit telling me?

B. Saying “hello” (to Indonesia)
1. Surface feelings about going back to your home and to your home province. Feelings are usually mixed. Refer to the above.

2. Role play: possible scenarios upon returning (anticipate varied attitude of family members and community religious members and their reactions).

3. Some things to consider:
a. There have some changes back home, in your absence.
b. There have been some changes in yourself – some disorientation upon return.
c. How do you cope with the changes positively?

Cultivate helpful attitudes like:
-Showing interest in each member of the family/ life and ministries, not just your own. Have an interest in what happened while you were away, interest in the family/in your province, its development and concerns.
- Being open to establish new or to renew old relationships.
- Avoiding imposing your learning on others. Avoid expressions like: “…in the Portugal…” While recognizing differences and being objective with both cultures: positive and negative aspects, avoid making comparisons between the home province/country/ and the province/country you are leaving, and try to accept things/situations as they are.


Flory and Kenz

This is a blessing for you

May your God be someone you can lean on in your weak or painful moments.
May your know God as your rock, your shelter, your strength, your wing of comfort and support. (Ps 94:18)

May your friendship with God be strong and healthy. May that love be both a comfort and a challenge to you in your daily journey (Jn 21:15-19)

May your spirit be open and perceptive in discovering the will of God for you. May your prayer be that of wisdom, guidance, and a deeper understanding of God´s way for you. (Lk 1:26-38)++

Ini adalah doa yang akan menyertai saudara berdua untuk berjalan menuju ke tanah air Indonesia.

God bless you

(Ir. Ma. Mendes, SSpS)