I have been surprised to realize that this has been my third consecutive year of coming to volunteer at Instituto São João de Brito (ISJB) in Kasait. It has become my yearly mission since 2024 to come to ISJB and report for work through ISJB’s Rector, Amu Isaias Caldas. I have tried to render services needed by the Institute to the best of my ability and knowledge.  I started in 2024 volunteering within the months of June and July, striving to accomplish my tasks within 30 days each time so that the period falls within this two-month teacher’s break in the Philippines. I am so glad that full-time faculty members of public universities in my country are granted this long break which has made it possible for me to come to ISJB.        

My recent stint with ISJB from June 16 to July 15, 2026, involved the preparation of the Institute’s financial projection, financial plan, performance management system, and Administrative Manual.

Every day, before preparing for work, I would take my early morning walks because I learned from a study that seniors like me need sunlight more than ever. I would walk along the road of Kasait feeling the cool morning breeze and the soft warmth of the sun on my face. ISJB is right in front of the house where I usually stay, and the road is right outside ISJB going towards the highway to Dili.  One day, during one of these walks, I realized that I found deep joy in working with ISJB staff, and that being at ISJB was one of the grace-filled moments where I felt closest to God.

I think this is because volunteering at ISJB has given me the opportunity to offer myself with whatever skills and knowledge God has blessed me with. Every time I worked on the tasks Amu Isaias assigned to me, I felt energized and excited. Sometimes I worked in the office, sometimes at the volunteers’ guest house. But the inspiration and enthusiasm were always there. And before I knew it, the 30 days were almost over and I had to prepare to go back home.

Image: The Rector of ISJB (Fr. Isaías, SJ) next to Dr. Berna accompany her together with ISJb staff before departure back to Philippine in Nicolau Lobato International Airport , Dili.

I am deeply grateful to Amu Isaias and the ISJB lovely ladies for the thoughtful send-off they organised for me. We had dinner together at the volunteers’ guest house the night before I flew back to the Philippines. During the send-off I joked “I’ll be back again next year, whether you like it or not!” I remarked then that it was a joke, but I would say now that I believe I meant it. Once I finish my contract with my university in the Philippines, I will be able to stay longer in Timor Leste like 60 or 90 days, or even 120 days. And definitely, I will learn Tetun then! 

ISJB has become another home for me and the people there have become another group of friends and family. My volunteer work has become a long-term mission. It has become an expression of gratitude and giving back, however humble and small compared to God’s love. Amu Isaias, Mana Ali, Mana Betty, Mana Ely, Mana Lola, Mana Eliz, Maun Flavio, Amu Luis, Amu Arow, Amu Sacha and Amu Calis are not just co-workers. They are my cherished friends and right now I miss them very much. I thank God that our paths have crossed.

Written by Dr. Bernadette