Hello, my name is Camille Baggio, I'm 22 years old and I'm here to tell you about my mission in the slum of Khlong Toei, in Bangkok. I am French, from a Christian Catholic family, and I am the second of three children. I am a nurse and worked in a Children's hospital for three months before I decided to come to Thailand for a missionary experience. I was sent to Thailand by the Foreign Missions of Paris (MEP) for a 6 month mission experience . I have been at Khlong Toey (Bangkok) for 3 months now and I can already tell you that I am on an incredible mission, guided by the Xaverian Missionaries.
I always wanted to go on a humanitarian mission. My faith impelled me to opt for work or services that allow me to go to others: I was a leader of youth camps and chose the most beautiful job in the world, nursing. After all of these, I wanted to discover the world while putting myself at the service of others.
The Xaverian Missionaries provide material support with the distribution of food and social support to families in the slums. Every day, we go to different areas of Khlong Toei in small groups of four people to share a little time with each person we visit. Since I have been there, I have been thrilled by the kindness of the people: the Thai people always have a smile on their faces despite the difficulties of everyday life. I was touched by their generous welcome, by their desire to make me discover their culture, and by their frankness. They have nothing but they give me so much and it is in these moments that I realize how much Jesus is present.
Children are really the ones I spend the most time with. Despite the language barrier, they have integrated me into their game very quickly. I love their spontaneity, their joy of life, their laughter and sometimes their screaming in my ears.
This mission is beautiful, but it is not easy every day. You have to accept the hygiene conditions, the heat, the difficult stories of the people ... and the spicy food.
But I can tell you that I already feel growing by this mission, especially in terms of self-sacrifice for others, listening, and giving time. Moreover, this experience is an instance of faith and spiritual growth. I still desire to commit myself to such a mission even more once back in France.
I would like to say to young people: "don't be afraid to get involved and go on an adventure for a while. Life is beautiful, especially when you give your time to others.
Finally, I would like to entrust the Xaverian priests who gave their lives to the poorest. I ask you also to pray for me and for the other volunteers.
