Ateneo de Davao University, through the Arrupe Office of Social Formation, deployed Tim Bravo to Xavier Learning Community (XLC) in Chiang Rai, Thailand, on 31 August 2023.
Tim’s primary responsibility is to teach English Language and Communication courses to the students at XLC, contributing to the educational development of Northern Thailand’s youth.
Tim is a member of Batch 7 of the Cardoner Volunteers, a program that offers a year-long volunteer service opportunity to graduates and faculty members of Ateneo de Davao.
In alignment with the University’s Strategic Plan 2020-2025, Goal 6, Outcome 1, which emphasizes the university’s commitment to continuing and enhancing its formation program for alumni and their families, especially in ADDU sui generis leadership, the Cardoner Volunteer Program (CVP) actively promotes transformative journeys through on-site and hybrid volunteering for the 2023-2024 academic year.
On the other hand, Marla Arreza, a Cardoner Volunteer from Batch 6, completed her year of service at XLC and returned to her hometown in Tandag, Surigao del Sur, on September 15.
In her post-deployment retreat journal, she shared, “When God takes something away from you, it doesn’t mean that He is punishing you; instead, He is making space in your life for the blessings He is going to give you.”
Marla expressed her gratitude, saying, “He blessed me with a place I can call home. He blessed me with people I can call family. He blessed me with healing and peace I have long prayed for.”
She added, “I do not have a job waiting for me yet, and I do not have anything tangible at the moment. But yes, I am happy. I am sure I am happy. My heart has never been this full.”
Article and Photos by the Cardoner Volunteer Program, Arrupe Office of Social Formation
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Cardoner Volunteer Journal by Ms. Marla Arreza (Batch 6), deployed to Xavier Learning Community, Chiang Rai, Thailand
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