By Rosemary Taker

Rosemary Taker, from Merseyside, the region in North West England that includes Liverpool, the home of the Beatles, recently returned there after three years as a Columban lay missionary working in Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental, in the Archdiocese of Ozamiz. Here she shares her reflections before leaving Mindanao.

I worked with children and families in Britain as a social worker before becoming a Columban lay missionary. After three years in the Philippines I look at things from a different perspective. I feel privileged to have journeyed with the people who, despite their struggles, pain and hardships, always find the time to smile. Being here has not been without difficulties and challenges, but becoming vulnerable and powerless has brought me closer to God and strengthened my prayer life.