What a journey it has been
And the end is not in sight
But the stars are out tonight
and they're bound to guide my way
When they're shining on my life
I can see a better day
I won't let the darkness in,
what a journey it has been.
- The Journey by Lea Salonga
At the end of the month of December 2008, I left my job as the Sacristan of St Francis Xavier’s Church PJ to join my friend in his training company. I decided to leave church employment because I felt stagnant, that I was not growing. Although it was not an easy decision to make, I nevertheless went through with it. I felt that it was time for me to step out into the world and face whatever that awaited me. Of course, fear and doubt was present. I guess that’s what makes us human, having fears and doubts.
And so, in February 2009, I officially joined my friend in doing team building for corporate clients. It was a real eye opener for me, especially when dealing with corporate people. After all, my experience has always been with church people. After being surrounded by Catholics for 2 years, I was now surrounded by people of other faiths and walks of life; high ranking people, people in positions of authority, managers etc. It took quite awhile for me to adjust to this kind of crowd.
I still remember the first team building event that I assisted in. It was held in Holiday Villa Cherating and it was for the Honda CRD (whatever that meant, I never found out). I felt so small and inexperienced. Despite all the fears and doubts, I managed to sail through that weekend.
Throughout 2009, I went for quite a number of team building events and it was through these events that I began to learn more and more about what it means to be a trainer, especially in the areas of team building. All these experiences helped me in discovering my skills and talents which I never knew I had. To me, it was a period of great growth.
I think one of the most challenging experiences was when I was asked by a trainer to assist him in his program, to design and conduct an “Amazing Race” event for him. (Incidentally, that’s one of the skills that I discovered I had) It was the first time that I fully took on a whole session where I briefed and de briefed the participants. And I’m proud to say that I did well.
The other challenging event was when the Chief Coordinator of the RCIA of SFX PJ asked me to conduct a team building retreat for their facilitators. To do that means to incorporate spirituality and team building. I had sleepless nights over this program but finally managed to prepare and deliver the entire program. And based on the positive feedback of the facilitators, I was greatly relieved and really thanked God for the graces that He has bestowed on me to conduct this program.
It is now 1 year and 3 months since I started on this journey outside the confines of church environment. Someone once mentioned to me that I would experience more growth while in church employment. I found that the opposite is true. The one year plus has been a great journey so far. Never would I imagine the kind of experience that I have gone through.
The training industry has allowed me to grow in my confidence, my self esteem and to discover what I’m capable of. I’m not saying that I did not experience growth while I was working for the church. I know that I have grown while working in church. But the experience in the corporate world has helped me to expand my horizons and to grow more in maturity and mind and heart. Above all, I have come to discover the value of the person that I am.
As the song goes, “What a journey it has been”, I would say that, yes, it has been an incredibly wonderful journey. But like all journeys, there were and there will always be ups and downs. The thing is to never give up and to always hope in God, knowing and trusting that He is guiding me through this journey of life, along the path that will eventually lead to Him.
Forward, always forward...
Onward, always up...
Catching every drop of hope
In my empty cup
What a journey it has been
And the end is not in sight
But the stars are out tonight
and they're bound to guide my way
When they're shining on my life
I can see a better day
I won't let the darkness in,
what a journey it has been...
