George and Marva Henry, executive co-ordinators of Marriage Encounter, never thought that through meeting Billy and Sandra Fernandes, at the Marriage Encounter Conference in Guyana last November, the Choice Movement would be re-born in Guyana. Within a few hours of meeting, the couples began to share about their involvement in Choice. The Henrys are on the Executive.

Billy and Sandra had begun Choice in the 80s in Guyana and had been invited by Wilfred and Kay Holder to start it in Trinidad in '84. Billy had a strong desire to renew it after returning from Canada and Sandra lovingly accepted the challenge.

Together with Chris and Noelma Lam, they joined in our March weekend to refresh themselves in the components of a Choice weekend. A few of us were asked to share with them in April.

There was great excitement and we anticipated only the best. We soon found that we would not be disappointed. Upon arrival on Friday 2, we, the Henrys, our Spiritual Directress, Sr Helena, O Carm, who herself is Guyanese, Sheldon, Camille, DeVaughn, Riaz and myself, were transported to St Paul's Pastoral Centre, Vryheid's Lust, EBD.

Our eyes feasted on the rugged landscape and miles and miles of the beautiful Demerara River and the sea wall.

Our first evening involved meeting the co-ordinators and participants, among whom were three Marriage Encounter couples, eager to learn how to conduct the retreat, and our getting started. Everyone was so warm and receptive even on that first night that we knew this would be a special sharing of God's love.

Billy and Sandra Fernandes

Trini Choicers

Throughout the weekend we marvelled at the fantastic food, the lack of mosquitoes, the warm ocean breezes that constantly surrounded us and, of course, the work that God was doing in all our lives, second by second, minute by minute.

The young adult participants were very willing to open up about their lives and this attitude fostered a deepening of their relationship with God. At the end of the retreat, each person glowed with a renewed spirit and desire to serve God as He intended.

What was equally enhancing was the quiet but spiritually rewarding presence of the priests who took time from their busy Lenten schedules to be there with and for us.

Msgr Montrose, Fr John Persaud, who had made a Choice weekend in Guyana as a seminarian, Frs Rodrigues and Church. We even enjoyed having a Trini priest participant in our activities.

It is interesting how service is always fulfilling. Helping at a Choice
retreat demands time and a sharing of self.

Yet still, at the end of each retreat there is an absolute sense of fulfillment and a renewal of hope.

This weekend in Guyana was no different. Those of us who helped will never forget the wonderful Guyanese people, their love for God and openness to His call through Choice.

Without a doubt, God will specially bless Billy and Sandra and Fr Persaud, who responded to His call and ensured that Choice was revived in Guyana.

As for the participants, they have been entrusted with the task of serving God's people there. Judging from their response at the end of the retreat, Guyana has much to look forward to, much to hope for
and Choice in Guyana is in good hands as priests, Marriage Encounter couples and singles unite to organise a supportive, freeing and enriching experience for Catholic single adults.