Faith at Home: A family’s journey to nurturing trust in God

As Carlos and Ana Sofia Sanchez tuck their little children into bed each night, they know the day is not yet over.

“That’s when the questions start,” Carlos said with a fond laugh.

“They want to spend more time with us, and they like us to pray with them. Then through prayer, they come to ask amazing and sometimes difficult questions.”

“Why can’t I see God?” seven-year-old Lorenzo might want to know.

“Why can’t I hear God answer in words when I talk to Him?” six-year-old Luciano wonders.

Along with their four-year-old sister Carlota, the children are filled with curiosity and eagerness to learn more.

“This is true conversation, and engagement with their faith,” Carlos said.

“Sometimes I have to pause and think about a good, age-appropriate answer, but slowing down and really listening to them has been so important. If they are brave enough to ask these big questions, I will take it seriously. I will take the time to answer, even if it is late. I am so blessed that they are engaging with their faith.”

Carlos, who moved from Venezuela with Ana Sofia in 2011, said his family was beautiful, tangible proof of God’s action.

“We came here as foreign visitors, far from our families, and had three kids on our own,” he explained.

“This experience, interestingly, brought me closer to God. I was a believer, but when I struggled to be far from family, the most familiar thing in life was God. As soon as we moved, we felt the need to be closer to God – it was the only way to make it through. God brought us good people and helped us be closer to prayer and faith. When we are closer to Him, everything is better, and we see the fruits of life.”

Carlos compared their faith to a beautiful plant that needs care and nourishment. He emphasised the importance of fostering their relationship with God, sharing how their faith has guided and supported them. When Carlos and Ana Sofia first arrived in Australia, they settled in Sydney.

“Almost right away, we met people who welcomed us in,” Carlos said.

“We used to call them church friends, but we call them family now. It is for life. When we need each other, we are there.”

After moving to Canberra three years ago, the family joined St John the Apostle in Kippax.

“Canberra has been a great surprise and a blessing for the family,” Carlos said.

“The kids love it. That gives me peace and confidence. They want to go to school every day. They love their Catholic education and don’t want to miss it at all. We have made good friends at the parish. Everyone has been so approachable and invited us to join in with different things.”

Carlos said for children, as for adults, faith was the most important thing in life.

“Without it, the world would be a dark place. I am blessed that I was born within a Catholic family. It is the light of my life, and of our family life,” he said.

“Our children are learning the struggles, the difficulties and the beauty of life. When they have a bad day, they say, ‘It’s okay dad, God is with me.’ I feel full with joy when they say that.”

Carlos said in a society where conflicting priorities pull you in every direction, it is important to remind yourself of what is truly important.

“I like to think about birds,” he said.

“They don’t have a house, they don’t have a job, but they are always flying around finding what they need. The beautiful birds – they don’t have anything, but they have everything. 

“It makes me remember that although there are good and bad times, when you follow God everything is going to be alright. It is a wonderful and powerful thing to feel God with you.”