This story started late in 2010 when the then Philippine Ambassador to Laos, Ms. Marilyn Alarilla, being the “mother hen” that she was to the Filipinos in Laos, expressed her desire to see a Filipino community that is bonded way beyond mere sports activities and social gatherings. The Ambassador had always longed to see the Filipinos being solidly anchored on the right sense of values and with a brotherly and sisterly regard for one another, being far from their family roots in the Philippines. And so it was that a decision was made to begin with a bonding type of activity and “feel the way” as to what else needs to be done.
And so, one Sunday morning after the usual once-a-month Filipino-sponsored English mass, the Ambassador invited the Filipino churchgoers to lunch in her residence. An impromptu “getting to know you” followed the sumptuous lunch, during which all those present were made to introduce themselves, the nature of their work, and whatever concerns they may have that may be helped with the prayers of their new found friends. The introductory activity turned out to be very touching as some attendees unabashedly allowed their tears to freely flow as they shared with the group the difficulties they were facing being away from their families. The affair was an eye-opener for everyone, who agreed that there indeed is a need for a support system where one could find a family to go to, where one could find brothers and sisters to laugh with, where one could find music, comfort and refuge.
Read more: CFC in Vientiane (Laos): God’s Hand at Work
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