Pastoral counseling had been a part of my life since I was a child, and was integral to forming my identity and understanding of a catholic sense of community. I considered myself to have a unique upbringing; as an only child, over the years I witnessed my parents form a charismatic Filipino community called Bukas Loob Sa Diyos (Open Your Hearts to God) after having newly immigrated to Canada. We moved to North America because my father had to resign from his lucrative banking position in the Middle East due to unscrupulous practices. My understanding of my own spirituality grew from this experience – their spiritual directors supported them during this tough time and they attributed all their successes in Canada to their faith in God’s plan for them. I was taught the importance of prayer, perseverance, and patience by the example my parents set for me.