(ANS - Henderson)- Pollyann Lepping is a young girl of the Solomon Islands. She grew up in a loving family, but she is impatient with rules, eager to live free and without worries. Then she felt called to serve. Here is her story:

It was fun to be young and single and do crazy stuff, running wild and free. But it is empty when you do not answer your call. I was the wild one in my family and then felt a tug - being pulled to a life that includes God and focuses on my fellow country men and women. I am from a well-known and loving family. At the age of 28, just before Easter, I heard this call - a sort of deep desire - to teach and share my knowledge, understanding and skills, to live a mission life.

From then on, I came to see that I was leaving behind a 'not-so-good life' and in exchange received a 'much better life'. During Lent and Holy Week, my almsgiving resolution was to help the flood victims at Bishop Epalle Catholic School, Rove Evacuation centre.

We did what we could to assist and help the victims as they came to terms with the disaster that struck our country. After getting back home one night I went through a few booklets of the life of Don Bosco. I contacted Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB, and he guided me on the path of my long desired 'call to serve.'

It was a big move for me, as I am still doing my studies at the Solomon Islands National University, but I see this as an opportunity not to be turned down. Life for me, as a new member of the Bosconian family has been challenging, but for me it is a wonderful experience.

I have committed myself to be a volunteer for three months at Don Bosco Technical Institute, Henderson. As a volunteer-instructor, I have been assigned Trade Drawing, Maths and Computers. It's a full load of 30 classes, with extracurricular activities and occasional sessions at the weekend. The first few weeks were tough as I am not a trained teacher and I did what I had learnt from my teachers of the past. I am encouraged by the Salesians, who were always there to lift my burdens with words of hope.

I miss my family, but I do not feel alone because the Bosconian family is now my family, and Don Bosco, Henderson is now my home away from my home!

Pondering over my past years, I see that I have come a long way, from a little kid who thinks she doesn't have a purpose in life to a youngster whose life is motivated and has a direction. I am now an educator, whom young people look up to for guidance and inspiration. Sometimes, I feel the attraction to return to the life I left behind, but deep down, I know that following this path is the right way. Every step is a step closer to getting to understand who I am in my parent's eyes and to know the purpose of my life and God's plan for me as I continue to serve Him through the young people I teach, educate and inspire.

I realize that life is worthwhile, because He has offered me an opportunity and I am the one to choose freely.

Published 13/06/2014