In 1987, Helen McLaughlin came to the US for an LCWR meeting in Niagra Falls. She invited me to lunch by the falls. It was time for me to think of a change of ministry. “I know you’ve always wanted to serve outside the country, Nance. How about Indonesia?” “We’re not in Indonesia. Where is Indonesia?” “Our team decided a good way to celebrate Philippine’s upcoming canonization is for the Society to go to a new country, a country of the future and we’ve picked Indonesia.” “Well, of course I’m willing to go wherever you want me to, but if I can’t learn the language so I can communicate easily with people, it would not be a good idea.” “ They say it’s an easy language. Even you could learn it.” And so I went.
What would I advise someone who’s about to go? Be ready to meet God in astounding new ways. The grace of a lifetime awaits you.
–Nance O'Neil, rscj