Josefina Villareal Villanueva, whose journey has been shaped by growing up in a family of 5 siblings, learned resilience and self-reliance being the youngest in her family.

Having lived modestly in the Philippines, she embraced simplicity = finding joy in the little things. Making friends by knocking on neighbors’ doors and soliciting things she needed in school made her very resourceful.

Her journey to Timor-Leste in 2023 initially was just to accompany her mentor, partner and, husband Cesar, who works as a Development Officer of the Jesuits in the East Timor Region. However, it seems that God had other plans for her. She was invited to also be a Jesuit Volunteer (like Cesar) and offer her teaching, organizing and, counseling skills at ISJB (Instituto São João de Brito)

She was moved by the dedication of the ISJB community to doing what is right, fostering a spiritual environment through practices like mass and prayers. A memorable moment was when she conducted a four-day training on peace education for the graduating seniors, and they all wore white on the final day to symbolize their commitment to peace, inspired by her example.

“The impact of my work isn’t about me; it’s about having compassion to truly care for and work with people,” she emphasizes. “I always strive to highlight on efforts, focusing on fostering a positive attitude.”

She believes that volunteerism is about caring for the underprivileged, acknowledging one’s gifts and, turning everything into a blessing and consistently being grateful. It’s about believing in God and in the dignity of every human person. It’s about dedicating one’s wholeness in serving others. Volunteerism, she insists, is a way of life, not just a seasonal activity.

“One lesson I want to share is that volunteerism starts now,” she reflects. “The choices we make and the decisions we take shape us into the person we will become.