Friendliness, warm reception, kindness, generosity. Those are a few words to describe my short but very fruitful stay in Seychelles.
I have been on mission here for the past two months. Originally, I was to go to Mauritius, the area assigned to me after training, but had to wait until my work permit was granted. So somehow, the Lord brought me to Seychelles and I have been living here for a little over two months now.
In Seychelles, where tourism blooms, you can find beauty practically everywhere within the 115 islands. Hotels, resorts, guest houses. They spend a lot of resources to maximize the quality of their hospitality. The people are (very) friendly and generous, especially towards guests and visitors.
You can imagine how it’s been for me whenever I encounter locals and most specially, CFC. I honour all of the CFC leaders in Seychelles for the incredible reception of not only me but of any family or person in need. I cannot express how grateful I am for their unconditional love, showed through the many deeds and simple presence throughout the duration of my stay.
I have been reflecting on my experience in the last two months and the dominant word that keeps coming to mind is hospitality. To be hospitable, there is a giving up of self. A humble yet powerful disposition. Hospitality requires being sensitive to the needs of others above yourself, listening to someone’s difficulties and sharing in someone’s joy.
This is exactly what the Lord has allowed me to experience, through the warmth and love of the Seychellois. Being on mission, I have learned (and unlearned) so many things: about myself, about loving others and most importantly on how God loves me. I have learned, early on, that mission is beyond what you can offer. The Lord will always bless you with the grace you need to do his will.
Tomorrow morning, I will be leaving this beautiful country and going on another unknown yet exciting journey (Mauritius). I am both excited and nervous as I pack my bags, this time, bringing many more learnings and experiences along with me. I am always praying for the grace to be a good missionary, to be able to love and care for those God has placed for me.
My heart is so full and ready to be emptied again so it can be shared with others. Please pray for me as I embark on a new journey and a new opportunity to love.
Lord, as I continue this journey with you, may I always be reminded of my loved ones in Seychelles. May I love as generously and as selflessly as they loved me. May I radiate You, Loving Father, to the people I get to encounter. Most importantly, may I always welcome people with warmth, generosity and open arms. Amen.
It’s not a good bye, just a ‘see you later Seychelles’
Marie-Joyce
