Embracing Service: Reflecting on Three Decades with Assisi

Amazing! Who would have thought that I would be part of the Assisi family for almost 33 years?

It all began on December 18, 1992, when the management and staff of Bahay Maria were invited to Assisi’s Annual Thanksgiving Party. At the time, I was volunteering at Bahay Maria, and I felt fortunate to be part of the celebration. 

By January 1993, I was invited by Ms. Vicky Borres, Assisi’s Office Administrator, to work with the foundation as a member  of the finance team.

Being part of Assisi requires willingness to learn, dedication to work, and the ability to accept both constructive and sometimes harsh criticism. More importantly, it calls for a positive mindset. I’ve always believed that the right question to ask is not What can the Foundation do for me? but What can I do for the Foundation? We all work for similar reasons, but beyond that, each of us has our own personal motivations that keep us going.

Time flies when there’s so much to do. We start working on Monday, and before we know it, it’s already Friday. Yet, amidst the busy schedule, we still found time for recreation—group lunches, dinners, clubbing, and outings. I enjoyed those moments, but as I matured, I began to appreciate the simple joys of staying home, recharging, and preparing for the week ahead.

The Foundation is led by remarkable individuals, but one thing I truly admire about our Chairman is best captured in John 10:3: “I am the Good Shepherd, I know my sheep and I call them by name.” I always loved greeting him Good morning or Good afternoon whenever he arrived and saying Goodbye when he left. Without fail, he would respond warmly, addressing me by name—just like a father who knows each of his children.

Through the years, I’ve learned this: Strive to be an asset, not a liability. When you do, opportunities will come, and before you know it, you’ll realize—you’re here to stay.

by Marites Barrera