Omaira Martín, a Colombian, is a Comboni Missionary Sister with extensive missionary experience in Zambia.
In the video, Omaira talks about her personal journey and what she has discovered during her time on the mission. (Video in Spanish)
Europe
“Meeting God and Another Person”
Once a month, we experience our internal day of recollection — a special time to pause, pray, and look more deeply at what is happening in our hearts and in our mission. Although our CLM community in Chelopoy (Kenya) is small and consists of only two people, this is exactly what gives this time such a personal and profound character.
We divide the day of recollection into two parts. In each of them, we reflect on a passage from the Holy Scripture, which becomes the starting point for personal reflection. We try not only to read the Word, but truly allow it to touch our lives — our joys, struggles, questions, and experiences connected with the mission. It is a moment of silence, listening, and honest reflection deep within ourselves.
After personal prayer comes the time to share what we are experiencing. And it is often then that we discover that despite different experiences or ways of living our faith, many of our emotions and difficulties are very similar. These conversations help us understand each other better, notice how God works in another person’s life, and learn greater openness and mutual support.
Such a day also reminds us that community does not depend on the number of people, but on God’s presence among us and our willingness to be together in truth. Even in a very small community, one can experience the great strength of unity, mutual encouragement, and the peace that is born from shared prayer and listening to one another.
I am grateful for every such day — for the silence, for the conversations, and for the opportunity to pause and look at our mission from a new perspective. It is a time that strengthens us spiritually, helps us find meaning in everyday life, and reminds us that God leads us step by step, even when the road is demanding.
Iza, CLM in Chelopoy
Prayer Intentions of the Comboni Family May 2026
In the month in which we celebrate the 60th World Communications Day, let us pray that all those involved in communications within the Comboni Family may be able to recount the beauty that in-habits the world with good stories that edify and give hope. Let us pray.
Prayer Intentions of the Comboni Family April 2026
We pray for close collaboration within the Comboni Family, so that we may bear witness to a synodal Church that is close to the poorest and most abandoned, as Saint Daniel Comboni desired. Let us pray.
Mission Is Encounter – The First Months Among the People
It has already been four months since the opening of our community in Chelopoy, Kenya. This time has allowed me to understand more deeply what mission truly is. Each day here reminds me that it is not primarily about activities or projects, but about encounter – meeting another person, their story, hopes, struggles, and faith.
My daily ministry has many dimensions: pastoral, social, and educational. Yet above all, it is about presence – simply being close to people and sharing their everyday life. It is in this simplicity that I discover the deepest meaning and value.
On Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, together with Sister Rebeka and Mercy we visit families. We meet for prayer, conversation, listening, and sharing what daily life brings. These visits are extremely important to me, as they allow me to better understand the lives of the people, their joys and concerns, and their faith – often very simple, yet deeply authentic.
Sundays have a special character. After Holy Mass, together with Sister Benedicta, we try to visit the elderly and the sick in their homes. Most often, they are lonely women. In such moments, I clearly see how great the value of another person’s presence is.
An important part of my mission is also the education of young people. On Thursdays and Fridays, I teach basic computer skills at a girls’ school. For many students, this is their first encounter with technology. We learn how to type, use simple programs, and discover the opportunities the modern world offers. In today’s world, where technology plays an increasingly important role, even basic computer skills can open doors to further education and new opportunities. This gives great hope and a sense that this work truly impacts their future.
Of course, missionary life is not only about beautiful encounters but also challenges. One of them is the language barrier. It is not always easy to express what I carry in my heart or to fully understand another person. Sometimes words are missing, and uncertainty appears. Yet in these moments, I learn that communication is more than language – it is a smile, a gesture, presence, and openness. These often build bridges where words are not enough.
These first months show me that mission is, above all, relationship. It is presence, listening, and walking alongside others. It is being with another person in their daily life – both in joy and in difficulty. And although each day brings new challenges, it also brings many beautiful moments that are born in encounter.
Iza
Chelopoy, Kenya
