Ann Plyler - CMC Missioner
I will share an experience from today, one of those experiences that reminds me why, in fact, I traveled across the world to do the work I am doing.
Today I went to "Hilltop" to make a home visit. Although the place may sound appealing, do not let the name confuse you. Hilltop is a grossly overcrowded, filthy, dark apartment building, which primarily houses Muslim families who migrate to Baguio from the south to find work. As I walked up the dark staircase at the entrance, I heard a small girl behind me squeal, "Oooh….an Amerikana!!!" and her little companion banter back, "Nooo, that's Ate Ana!" I had to laugh.
I continued on to meet my friend Manang Lux, who would act as my interpreter while we talked with a mother about some of her children's medical problems. At the end of our visit, as I got up to leave, Lux grabbed my hand and said, "Ana, may Allah bless you!"
I left Hilltop with a deep sense of humility and gratitude. Today, two little children had seen me not just as "an Amerikana" but as their Ate…a term of respect which means "big sister". And my friend Manang had extended to me the blessings of her God. In these days of so much hatred between Muslims and Christians throughout both this country and our world, it comforted me to know that we could still share love and build community together.
