In mid-January, blessed with unexpectedly mild winter weather, families from our mission house, Sanctuary, joined the altar servers and their parents from our neighboring parish for a joyful two day trip to the East Sea. The parish priest carefully planned and guided the entire journey, making the trip safe, meaningful, and enriching for everyone.

On the first day, we explored a fragrant herb garden and a small farm where the children delighted in feeding animals and colorful canaries. When birdseed was placed on their palms, the canaries fluttered in and gently pecked at the grains, filling the air with laughter and joy. Though some were startled at first, both children and mothers soon relaxed, savoring the beauty and wonder of the moment.

Early the next morning, we welcomed the sunrise over the East Sea, lifting prayers and hopes for the year ahead. After sharing breakfast at a traditional market, we climbed to Mukho Lighthouse, to enjoy the vast sea and sky that opened before us. Along the steep path, three year old Mimi was joyfully carried on a parishioner's shoulders, while the altar servers tenderly cared for the shelter children as if they were younger siblings.

When five year old Yumi longed to gather seashells, fourteen year old Andrea gladly joined her. Usually shy, Yumi beamed and smiled with pride as she filled both hands with shells. Throughout the journey, parish youth and adults walked closely beside the younger children, offering constant care and kindness. Whether traveling, eating, or resting, the parish community surrounded our families with attentive support. This experience reminded us of the wisdom in the African proverb: “It takes a village to raise a child.” In such a caring community, children grow with confidence, trust, and hope.

For our children who had once faced violence, this journey became a precious opportunity to discover that the world is filled with kind and trustworthy adults. We are deeply grateful to our parish priest and to every parish member for their generous love and companionship. Above all, we thank God for blessing each moment of this trip with grace, safety, and joy.