La Nazarena Transformed Me

In August 2022, I had the great blessing of volunteering at La Nazarena for a month. I can't explain what I experienced. I not only discovered the fruits of my labor, but I was also transformed internally through the relationships we formed.

I Discovered My Teaching Vocation

"Teacher, can we have the multiplication tables?" the elementary school children shouted, flooding the office. They were asking for the multiplication tables. "Yes," I said, "on the condition that we do them in order." As I handed each of them their worksheet, I chuckled to myself. Who would have thought that math could bring so much joy to these children?

I vividly remember how, almost every morning, this scene unfolded when I arrived at La Nazarena. With the elementary school children, I focused my tutoring sessions on practicing math operations, such as multiplication, and building their confidence in this area. With high school students, I taught English classes, using the Duolingo platform, among other methods, to teach basic phrases, words, and structures of the language. I was immensely pleased by the interest many of the students showed; during lunch or breaks, they would say things to me in English to show me what they had remembered from the class.

I am eternally grateful to La Nazarena for offering me the opportunity to share my limited knowledge with others. Thanks to this school, I was able to experience the extraordinary gift of being able to transform the opportunities I received into a gift to offer to those most in need.

Sharing from the Heart

When I arrived at La Nazarena, I discovered that I could make a valuable contribution to the young people. I suggested watching episodes of "The Chosen," a series that tells the story of Christ through the lives of his disciples, and providing a space for reflection. I was struck by their reaction. The young people were genuinely interested in the topic, and many began to open their hearts, speaking sincerely about their painful experiences and their deep convictions about life and faith. In this context, I was able to experience others who live their faith in a way different from my own, an enriching and transformative process.

Being a Protagonist

Here at La Nazarena, what are we?

Protagonists!

What does it mean to be a protagonist?

Taking responsibility for my education!
Getting a job!
Supporting my family!
Having confidence that I can achieve anything!

After each class with the elementary school students, I tried to perform this ritual to reinforce the idea that being a protagonist originates deep within one's own heart. I did what I could to assure them that their dreams can come true, reminding them that within them already exists a bright light that will inspire them to become police officers, physical education teachers, nurses, or veterinarians.

Through these simple actions, I learned a lot about myself. I realized that despite the smallness of my contribution, I can serve and see the results of my humble work. Above all, I know I can do it with joy. I've come to understand better what it means to listen, to serve unconditionally, and to put the needs of others before my own. I still have much to learn as I grow, but this experience has undoubtedly enriched my vocational path and personal development, to the point that I ask myself daily: How can I dedicate my life to helping those most in need?

La Nazarena for me

It makes me so happy that in an area with so many difficulties and unmet needs, such a simple project can be such an effective instrument for unlocking people's potential, enabling them to escape material and spiritual poverty.

La Nazarena is more than a center. It's a family. We all have a gift to offer the world. La Nazarena encourages every child, mother, father, and teenager to discover this gift and share it with the community. Guided by Jesus and Mary, each member is valued and trained to be an agent of change in their own life. I will undoubtedly return to embrace this unique community one day.

It brings me so much joy that in an area with so many difficulties and unmet needs, such a simple project can be such an effective tool for unlocking people's potential, helping them to rise above material and spiritual poverty.

La Nazarena is more than a center. It's a family. We all have a gift to offer the world. La Nazarena encourages every child, mother, father, and teenager to discover this gift and share it with the community. Guided by Jesus and Mary, each member is valued and trained to be an agent of change in their own life. I will undoubtedly return to embrace this unique community one day.