by Sis. Rose Minas
 
     I first saw Sis. Eden as a candidate in the Catholic Life in the Spirit Seminar Batch 5 of Caloocan. She was crying and inconsolable. She desperately hated her officemate who made her look dumb in the sight of their boss. She didn’t want to finish the CLSS but was prevailed on to stay, a decision that started her spiritual growth, commitment and love for the community.

Roots

 

When asked what bible verse she holds on to, she said without batting an eyelash, “Romans 12:14- Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” And she laughed out loud, for deep in her heart she knew that she finally found the truth and God was right all along.

 

     Editha Sanguenza, called by friends as Eden, was born October 7, 1976 to Remedios Verdida and Breccio Sanguenza of San Ramon, Claveria, Masbate. Her mother was a church-goer, her father on occasions. But her father read the Bible every day and knew more verses than her mom. Her father claimed that he would serve the Lord when all of them had graduated from school which he did as promised.

     Sis. Eden was fourth in the brood of five.  She and her sister before her had six years gap. Sis. Eden thought she was already the ‘bunso’ (youngest) until another sister came along after four years gap and claimed her throne.  

     Sis. Eden was shy as a child. She was small and frail in the sight of her parents and older siblings. They did not know she carried a strong character deep inside.
 
School days

     With so much protection being accorded her, Sis. Eden remained in Masbaste during her elementary and high school days in the sight of her parents unlike her other siblings who were given the chance to move outside Masbate for their schooling.

     In time for her college days, her mother had already taught her to be independent. She taught her the value of money. Eventually, she was sent to Legazpi, Albay for her college diploma. There was so much apprehension to the little girl who finally made her way to finish accountancy.
 
Finding the right job

     After college, her parents wanted her to find work in Masbate. Specifically, they wanted her to apply at the municipal office where her older sister was working. There, she would be guided and  be under their protection. But deep in her heart, she wanted to be free – from the eyes of those who think she was frail, from her sister who would be always there for her, from those who think not much would become of her.

     With tears in her eyes, she begged to go to her brother in Manila and there find her own niche. Her request was granted, and, in February 1999, she was on her way to Manila accompanied by a cousin.

     Sis. Eden realized that it was not that easy to find a job in Manila. She was sent back sometime in May to Masbate but with her persistent demand to her parents, she went back to Manila in June 1999. It had been eight months since she graduated and her brother was already adamant to send her back again to Masbate. She did all the scrimping on the allowance her brother gave her when applying for a job just to save for the next job hunting.

     Her faith did not falter. While in prayer, she said “Lord, you gave me life and I know you will give me the means to live. Please give me a work as a birthday gift!”

     While visiting a cousin, her cousin told her that a friend was to resign from an auditing firm and was looking for a replacement. God is so good, He answered her prayer! She was hired before the year ended. Sis. Eden was thankful to God for the birthday gift.
 
Start of her struggles

     Four years of successful career came her way. In 2004, she was recommended by her boss to transfer to another company owned by her boss’ friend. She was challenged to prove her boss that she was capable of the job being offered. She finally agreed to work in an advertising firm not knowing that this was the beginning of her trials.

     An officemate began to feel insecure with her presence. Being in charge of the accounting department, Sis. Eden began to feel peer pressure, her credibility and integrity put to the test. This officemate was making her work difficult and her life miserable, until an incident made her flare up and seek her boss. They were called to a meeting but their ruined relationship wasn’t resolved.
 
Seeking God

     With so much hatred in her heart and a problem seemingly becoming insurmountable, Sis. Eden sought God for she knew that He was the only one who could solve her problem. “I know, I can’t do anything to solve this problem, but You can do all things,” she said.

     While on her way out from Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City, she was handed a flyer for a free CLSS. It was February 2005, the date she finally began her journey with God.

     Sis. Eden became an active member. She was a jolly person, after all. She attended the prayer meetings and followed up her CLSS with the Growth in the Spirit Seminar. Just like any beginner, she always had a comment about the speaker or the Word of God. She would later on realize that it was part of her spiritual growth. The Word of God struck her deep in the heart, especially Romans 12:14: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” “How come I have to do the very last thing I would do?” she commented.
 
Triumph of Good

     Sis. Eden transferred from Caloocan to Guadalupe, Makati where her brother stays. She felt that the money she paid for the house rental in Caloocan would be of great help to her brother instead. She also felt the need to invest in housing so she would have a house of her own.

     Gradually, God fixed all creases in her life. Her officemate was forced to resign after her mischiefs were caught by her boss. Sis. Eden eventually regained the confidence and trust of her boss. She learned to forgive her officemate and forget the wrongs done to her.

     Meanwhile, she remained faithful to the community gatherings and continued to attend the Jacob’s Well weekly leadership formation and Treasures monthly fellowship even if the Caloocan Chapter prayer meetings were temporarily stopped.  

     On October 6, 2007, a day before her birthday, the second Divine Mercy on the Block (DMOB) in Bagong Barrio, Caloocan was inaugurated with her at the helm. This, she considered as another birthday gift for her! She began to gain more friends in Bagong Barrio and started to assimilate with them. She has become a member of the Alogon family of Caloocan, even sleeping with them for a day or two because of her faraway home.
 
A committed heart

     Sis. Eden more than ever was determined to give her all. She knew that God was with her and He will provide for all her needs. She said to herself she will always cling to His promise and believe in His faithfulness.

     When the Caloocan Chapter was revived, she became the first assistant head servant. She dared to come up with a sari-sari store and a food stall all in one, specifically to finance the expenses incurred by the chapter in hiring transportation for Treasures, as well as for other expenses. The same store will help some members earn their living.

     Indeed, Sis. Eden has become a strong and committed person. She has grown to an extremely different person from the crying lady I used to know.

     When asked what bible verse she holds on to, she said without batting an eyelash, “Romans 12:14- Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” And she laughed out loud, for deep in her heart she knew that she finally found the truth and God was right all along.

     As a final word, Sis. Eden said, “straighten up first your life before you serve God. In this way, it will be easy for Him to direct your paths.”
 
(Sis. Eden, 1st Asst. Head Servant of Caloocan, is 'Faces of Faith' for July 2008).