THE JOURNEY NEVER ENDS

By Monica Alaisa Picayo

 

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:21

 

These are the lines that remind me how God can change my life in just a blink of an eye.

My name is Monica, and I’ve been a member of the Lector and Commentators’ Guild in Our Lady of Remedies Parish since I was in high school. A year ago, I felt I needed to find new ways to proclaim God’s words. 

Then one Sunday afternoon, I heard the homily of Columban Fr. Erl Dylan Tabaco. It was his story, helping our deaf brothers and sisters in the community through sign language.

I was amazed at how he learned to communicate with them and I thought to myself, “I want to be like him.” Father Erl’s story inspired me to connect with my deaf brothers and sisters. I want to help them grow their faith and to lead them closer to God. But I must be willing to learn their culture and their language.

So I decided to study Basic Sign Language Course offered by the Archdiocese of Manila Ministry on Persons with Disabilities (AMMPD) in June 2023. Here, my journey began.

Learning sign language has made me more aware and sensitive to my deaf brothers and sisters. Every time I meet and get to know more of them, I feel truly blessed. Not everyone can communicate with them or have the chance to be part of their lives. It is always an honor for me to provide them with pastoral care. Meeting them and being able to communicate with them is an experience filled with wonder and joy, especially when they express their gratitude for our efforts to learn sign language to help them. It makes them feel loved and heard.

Learning sign language gives me hope that one day I can use it to help more people in the wider deaf community. It has also helped me discover new things about myself and improve my social skills. It has tested my strengths and weaknesses, and I found gifts that I’m happy to share.

Learning sign language isn’t easy. It takes a lot of patience and hard work, but with God’s guidance, I was able to overcome the challenges with confidence.”

There were times when I thought about giving up. I felt like I couldn’t do it anymore. It’s hard to balance my personal life, family, career, and learning sign language. But whenever I feel like quitting, the first thought that comes to mind is, ‘How will I be able to help them?’

At this point in my life, I believe that helping the deaf community through sign language is my purpose. There are many things I know I can do, but this is my favorite. I also want to encourage the younger generation to find their purpose by learning it.

Life is challenging, especially for the deaf community, where opportunities are limited—many struggle to find jobs and cannot afford to go to school. Together with other volunteers, I am here to support them, offering help in every way we can, so they too can experience God’s grace, especially in times of trouble and despair.

I believe God has led me here because this is His plan for me—He wants me to help lead my deaf brothers and sisters closer to Him. I am more than willing to dedicate my heart and mind to this mission. I know that God will always walk with me, and even in times of trouble, He will carry me.

Monica (4th from right) with other volunteers of the Deaf Ministry in 

Our Lady of Remedies Parish, Malate

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