“Someday, I’d like to go back…Someday, I’ll see you again.”
These were the exact last words in my journal entry when I left Ranong eight years ago. And sometimes, I wonder why I have that deep longing to return, and I just realized maybe because the experience in Ranong just gave me so much. So many firsts: my first-time traveling abroad, my first-time being away from family and friends, my first-time making a big life decision, and many other firsts. And through all those firsts, I know, I gained so much.
I first came to Ranong, Thailand in April 2017 to work as a teacher for the Burmese Migrant Secondary Programme of Marist Asia Foundation. It was truly a wonderful six months of teaching the migrant students. Before coming to Ranong, I had already been teaching in the Philippines for quite some time and I’ve always considered the classroom, my niche, my comfort zone and it felt no different when I was with the Burmese migrants. It was just that – teaching became more meaningful.
Sharmaine when she first arrived in Ranong in 2017
Being with MAF students taught me lessons that went beyond the classroom. I learned patience by watching how hard they worked, even when lessons were difficult. Their persistence made me reflect on my own expectations and grow more patient with them and with myself. When I doubted my ability to teach, their trust in me shown through their eagerness and attentive presence gave me the confidence to keep going.
They also taught me to be more positive and grateful. Despite facing discrimination, poverty, and hardship, they greeted each day with smiles and generosity. I particularly remembered witnessing how my BMSP students shared what little they had during meal times, and how intermediate English students still showed up to learn, even when tired from work. Their spirit reminded me to worry less, appreciate more, and recognize how truly blessed I am.
Despite these lessons and moments of growth, I cannot deny that I also personally struggled during my time on mission. Living away from home and adjusting to a different culture took a quiet toll on me. I was silently learning to face my own limitations. There were days when loneliness overwhelmed me, there were moments I felt lost and I was torn between the joy of serving and the inner battles I was facing. But maybe that’s where the real mission is – not just in what I can give but in allowing myself to be transformed and to learn through the struggles.
But through it all, I know I wasn’t alone – the students, the staff, the friends I made, the RNDM Sisters, and of course the Marist Fathers were there – their kindness, encouragement and quiet presence helped me carry on.
I think the experience in Ranong and the impact it had on me was the very reason I wanted to come back. And so, after 8 years, I finally did! I returned in June, not to teach this time but to conduct training sessions for Burmese and Thai teachers in MAF, sharing strategies and assessment tools aimed at strengthening classroom instruction and improving student learning outcomes. It became even more special because two of my co-teachers came to help. I thought it would be good to share the experience with others – to let them see and feel what I was so fortunate to experience.
Dr. Sharmaine and her team in Ranong 2025
When I returned, I felt that not much had changed, everything felt familiar. The people were still as open, warm, and welcoming. It felt good to be back; it felt good to see them all again. It felt like coming home. I can only hope that our presence no matter how brief, made a difference. And I hope that in sharing our stories, we can inspire others to be of service too.
Sharmaine Anne C. Alcantara