“By their fruit you will know them.” — Matthew 7:16
December 1st marked a quiet yet meaningful moment of connection here in Hakodate. I accompanied four Junior High School students who eagerly accepted the invitation to join a simple activity with the students of the Hakodate School for the Deaf. The initiative was led by Ms. Natalie Correia, who participated in the PARC Justice and Peace Workshop in Malaysia last September 2025.
Though the walk from our school took only ten minutes, the warmth that awaited us at the end of that short distance was immeasurable. We were greeted by bright smiles from the students and teachers—an instant atmosphere of openness, welcome, and joy.
The activity itself lasted less than an hour, but every minute reflected a sincere desire to build friendship and understanding. Its simplicity made the encounter even more powerful. In those brief moments, we shared not only activities but also kindness, curiosity, and mutual respect. As the session concluded, I found myself wishing we could have stayed longer—and hoping we can return in the near future with more young Lasallians.
This experience captures the heart of the Leavening Movement taking root even here in Japan. Lasallians—teachers and students alike—become “leaven” when we take part in small, almost invisible acts that foster meaningful change, even if their effects unfold quietly at first.
These gestures may be modest and unassuming, yet they rise into something potent, transformative, and profoundly human. Our visit may have been short, but its spirit continues to grow—in us, in them, and in the gentle reminder that small acts, done with sincerity, can help shape a more compassionate and fraternal world.
