"The reality in the State of Amazonas is very difficult," explains Miguel once he returned. "We had already been informed in meetings prior to the mission, but as young people we did not believe it was all truly like that. Yet, despite the setbacks, such as swamps, air travel, boat trips and 29 hours of travel, there was no lack of willpower to overcome all problems. What helped us not to give up was the memory of the Salesians who went through those places. Going to the Maturacá missions today is much easier than 90 years ago. Doing everything for the Kingdom of God is worth it."
Celso Dias, for his part, adds: "It was a very beautiful experience and with the older natives we were able to speak in Portuguese, and on knowing their guests were 'Salesians' they were very happy."
Of this experience Miguel emphasized the youthful enthusiasm, the force and strength of wanting to change the world. Celso, for his part, points out that what remains of this experience is the overcoming of oneself and of one's own limits. "In a certain sense, nothing is impossible when one has the willpower. What the person really needs is to have faith and to understand that God can do anything."
Both return to their homes and the groups entrusted to them with projects for the rest of the year. Miguel intends to continue several missionary projects: "I have a great dream, to volunteer, in Angola or somewhere else."
Celso, instead, expressed a desire to focus a little more on his personal life, but will not leave the GMS group and will continue to contribute to it with effort and commitment.
The Salesian presence in the indigenous missions is more than 100 years old and is located about 900 km from the state capital, Manaus, in the central region and in the upper Rio Negro. There the Salesians have five missionary presences.
