By Tereza Sovová, Volunteer at DBTS

       Gabutu, Port Moresby, 9 April 2022 -- My name is Tereza Sovová, I am 23 years old and I come from Brno, the second biggest city in the Czech Republic, the heart of Europe. I am a 5th year medical student at Masaryk University in Brno. I love God, music, running, medicine and helping others and making them laugh too. I come from a Christian family (my mom was raised a Christian; my dad has been a proselyte since his 20s). I have one older sister – she is babysitting and preparing young adults for high school and university exams as well.

       I have always loved serving others and by entering the field of Medicine my love for reaching out to others has increased. As I came to the end of my final years at the University, I knew I wanted to do something more before I commenced life as a young doctor in a hospital. That is when I signed up for a one-year volunteer formation program with our Czech Salesians. I was chosen to go to Papua New Guinea (PNG).

       Here in PNG, I am staying at Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu (DBTS) with another volunteer from the Czech Republic named Anna. I spend my days at the school sick bay, treating the students for minor ailments or other health issues. Interacting with them I speak to them about their not so easy way of life. I also teach Biology to Grade 11 students. On Sundays after Mass, I treat our parishioners, and, in the afternoons, I take care of the “pikininis” that come to the Oratory. I also spend time with our Salesian community and our Bosco Haus Boys.

       I am happy here. I feel like I have found a place where I can smile the entire day and be helpful. I truly love the people of PNG. Everyone has been so nice to me and Anna, taking care of us, especially the Salesian fathers and brothers, and being frankly grateful for having us here.

       I enjoy the beautiful nature of this wonderful country as I come from a concrete city. It’s great to spend so much time in such a green environment, with all the trees and amazing flowers. And of course, I can’t forget the fruits here! I think I haven’t eaten so much great and sweet fruit my whole life since my arrival here in mid-February.

       I am looking forward to spending the whole year here, getting to know more about the people and nature of PNG. These days though I am looking forward to Easter. Easter is my favourite time as it sums up Christianity for me. Right through Lent I look forward to the celebration of Maundy Thursday, the sadness and deep sorrow of Good Friday, the emptiness of Holy Saturday and finally the radiance and happiness of Easter Sunday.

       I can’t wait to experience these great days here in PNG.

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