July, 2011

Hello!

My name is Ariel Langiras. I am 21 Years of age.  I am now in the 4th year of my course in Medical Technology at Misamis University. It will take me at least 1 more year to finish my education

The other year Father Kill asked me to take a semester off because there was not enough money for all of us to continue our education.

I was able to get a job. I helped keep my sister Aldyn in school. I worked in several places during the almost 8 months that I was out of school. It was a good experience for me.

I am very happy to be back now at Balay San Columbano. I am very fortunate that Lolo Father Kill is now able to help me continue my education.

We are 3 children in our family. My mother, Salome is now working as a librarian in a Catholic High School not too far from where we now live with Lolo Father Kill. Her salary is very small, but at least she can provide us with our personal things and enough corn to help Lolo feed us.

My father’s name was Javier. He was murdered one night in front of us just outside the front door of our home. It was very traumatic for all of us to see that happen to him.  He was murdered because he ran against the incumbent Mayor of our town. Everyone knows who was behind the killing of our father, but no one has been arrested until now. Many hundreds of people from all over came to his funeral to show their support for us. Lolo Kill and other priests said the public Mass for our father and inspired the crowds to not give up in their struggle for freedom.

When even our lives were threatened, mama asked Father Kill to take us into his house to protect us. His house is very far from the place we used to live so we feel safer here.
I want to finish my studies and work so I can help our people have courage to stand up for what is right. I thank all of those who are helping Lolo to care for us. Without you we would have no hope; no place to live; no schooling. We pray for all of you who have been so good to us.

Love,
 
Ariel