Backpacker: Experience in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

It’s my second time to travel alone in a country I’ve never been into. I chose Vietnam for its simplicity and historical richness. But purposely, I just wanted to explore new culture and test my faith in travelling by solitude. With my backpack, I travelled with just enough resources but believing in the limitless grace and abundance of God. I carried in my heart the hope and excitement of discovering the mystery of what they call the “unknown,” unlocking the secrets of uncertainty which somehow scares those who live in comfort zones, like I do.

I have zero knowledge of the place aside from the information I rushed surfing over the internet. With less than three hours of flying in the dark sky, our arrival was a total relief. I made it! I landed into a place so strange and promising I could hardly express my feeling. I went on the usual process of queuing my passport to the immigration section. No questions asked, no problem encountered, so far so good, I thought.

But the worst thing happened to me! I was about to fall in line at the airport’s money changer when I discovered something’s missing. I lost my wallet! I was hundred percent sure it was just on the pocket of my cargo pants, but I couldn’t find it. I felt numb, and began to panic. I have just arrived but I wanted to go back home! Lord, help me! I couldn’t remember how many times I prayed to the Lord for rescue. The feeling was indescribable. Everything was in my wallet. I felt so poor.

I proceeded to the lost and found section and asked for assistance. Language barrier came in but I tried to communicate in the best way I can to relay my concern. The lady staff was kind enough to assist me and told me to just wait while she’s coordinating with the airport’s security. While waiting, I remembered Dr. Son, a friend I met at EAGC in Hong Kong. We were in constant communication via email prior to my travel, and I decided to call him even at unholy hour. Dr. Son was accommodating enough to listen to me, but I could sense he didn’t know what to do as well. While talking to him, somebody from the airport security came in with my wallet in his hand! Praised God! They found it inside the aircraft. I literally uttered halleluiahs many times. I thanked Dr. Son for accepting my call and told him I’d love to see him the next day. I thanked the staff, the airport security. I found a friend in Ho Chi Minh City. God remains my confidence.

I exchanged my money for Vietnam Dong. I rode a taxi and went on to a decent hotel where I could rest. It was about 2am, one hour behind Philippine time. Rest mode!

I woke up early, excited to explore the city. I started my day communing with God. It was almost a thanksgiving prayer, with some petitions for safety and enjoyment. This time, I learned my lesson. I left some money at the hotel room, just expecting the worse, and roamed around the city with just my camera bag strapped in me. And I began my journey in full liberty and thrill.

(Dian ako sumakay :) )

Like a usual traveler, I went to war museums, the old seat of government, statues, restaurants, old temples, parks, market, shopping area and other outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City in one day. I haven’t really explored the entirety of Saigon, but I guess that’s enough for the meantime. I said to myself, I would go back soon to explore other parts of Vietnam, particularly the countryside where natural wonders are located. It would be happier if I have companyJ

Two thumbs up for the food in Vietnam! I’m not into using chopstick, but tried my best as their food were just irresistible. Aside from being delicious, I bet most native foods are good for the healthJ

It’s good thing I found delight in walking. Thanks for the map as well, it complemented my instinct to locate where I stayed. I also enjoyed the night walk, like what I always do in Baguio City, Philippines. Saigon at night was generally safe and peaceful, except for the thought of being bumped by the reigning motorcycles almost everywhereJ

Sleeping is another self delight. But it was a cold night for me, literally. I could hardly sleep, thinking the peculiarity of the adventure I got into. In my heart, I was convinced to believe that finding solace in solitude was possible. Although I also believed that there’s no greater comfort if accompanied by people closest to your heart. And God is my comforter after all. The words in Psalms 71: 20-21 affirmed this truth, “Though you made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.”

The next day was intended for corporate worship. I decided to attend the service in Dr. Son’s church. He was very kind to fetch me at the hotel, and we travelled for more than 30 minutes thru a motorcycle.

I didn’t understand the service since there’s no translation. But Doctor Son tried his best to provide keywords for me to grasp what the pastor was teaching. The message was about being careful with SIN. Indeed, there is no foreign language that God cannot understand, and there’s no other gospel other than that of Christ (Gal. 1:8-9) which I couldn’t relate to.

 After the service, we ate together in a Vietamese restaurant. There I tried to taste their fried spring roll, their usual food. For my whole Vietnam tour, I survived eating noodles, noodles, and noodlesJ Aside from the food, I was also blessed to see Dr. Son’s wonderful family. I was inspired to witness their simple living. I just smiled when he asked me when I would get marriedJ. I just said I would let him know. I praised God for the time we’ve met. Thanks for the friendshipJ.

After which, I did my last itinerary! I went to Ben Thanh Market to buy some stuff for pasalubong. I went back to the busy and lively place of Pha Ga Num to buy a jacket, the only item I bought for myself. Everything else was reserved for family and friends back home. I tried my best to haggle for the best priceJ

My energy was consumed exhaustively by walking and walking and walking. I went back to the hotel for short sleep. But I found myself watching HBO instead. I even tuned in to my cell phone for background music but couldn’t help either. I was prompted to pray, give thanks to the Lord for everything that He has done. I praised God for the scariest moment I have ever experienced (lost and found wallet), and the simplest opportunity of being reunited with a friend I met almost two years ago. Somehow, I felt guilty for being insensitive to the calling of my Creator for intimate communion. But I still praised God because He showed me his love, grace and mercy afresh.  

In my prayer, I realized it is good to travel alone. Solitude brings focus, sense of purpose, and independence. But I also believe that I’d be happier if I travel with a company: family, friend, or a special someone. I cherished moments with myself and with God, and I am looking forward to lavishing moments with someone someday.

I wish I could have more time to stay and visit other places in Vietnam. I haven’t seen the half of it. And I desire to be back someday, and that time I’ll be more prepared and excited to bless others and be blessed as wellJ †

Long Life

I received a lot of text messages greeting me a happy valentines. But a text from my immediate superior caught my attention. “Text me if gising ka na, tawagan kita,” the SMS says. And I did text her, and she called me up. She told me that she dreamed of me to be dead. I was then covering an event when suddenly I collapsed, and my cameraman reported the incident. As she was telling her nightmare about me, she gave superstitious and traditional advices to counter the awful dream. I just listened, thanked her for calling me up, while over the phone, I was smiling, at the same time, realizing the possible meaning and interpretation of the dream.

Actually, that was the second time that somebody dreamt of me lifeless. My sister initially dreamed of me to be dead as well. I was a bit bothered with the successive dreams about me being dead. Well, some say it’s the other way around, that it would mean long life. Oh thank God if that is so. But I thought there would be no proper attitude or reaction better than praying and realizing that indeed life is short. Too short to waste it preposterously, too short to miss God’s blessing.

I prayed. I informed some of my friends about the dreams, and received their comforting and encouraging words. Some rebuked it, some said it’s really the other way around; others commit to pray for me continually.

Death - the end of life, and the beginning of life, as well. As a Christian, my fear of death was no longer hunting me. I become secured in the hands of Jesus. “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – no by works, so that no can boast.” (Eph. 2:8-9) This security roots in the very heart of the Lord through His love, grace and mercy for all the sinners, including me. Not a single or a thousand goodwill could ever be credited to my salvation, but only through Jesus.

Nightmares about my death in the month of heart won’t follow me all the days of my life. It’s just a distraction from the devil. As long as the Lord is my shepherd, the words in Psalm 23:6 will remain true: “Surely, goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” †

Run for a Cause

I was one of the last registrants for the 34^th Milo Marathon in Dagupan City. It was only for the favor of a friend’s  friend who happened to be part of the organizing team of the marathon that I was officially registered in the 10k category. I preferred that category, first, because there’s no more available shirt for 5K that suited me, and second, I thought 10k was just enough for me.

I was so excited to run, jog, and walk that I slept late. I’ve got only 4 hours sleep before the run. I was at the assembly at 5:30am, and I felt so young surrounded by youngsters. I didn’t know where to go, where to place my backpack. Thanks to the foreigner, an Iranian I guessed, who directed me to the assembly where the 10K runners were located. I pinned my bib number 10225 quickly and looked for my place. At exactly 6am, we’re all running…

It was never my goal to win the marathon. I definitely knew that I cannot outsmart and outrun those policemen, army, and real marathoners. I just wanted to run, to participate and help give shoes to less fortunate children. I just wanted to celebrate that Sunday for a cause. And yes, it’s also my father’s birthday! (July 11)

There were funny moments during the run. Few meters away from the starting line, policemen and even, women, had to hide from a safe corner to pee along the Lucao-Pantal-Dawel diversion road. They didn’t mind the hundreds of runners passing through them. I, myself, had to catch the perfect timing and place where I could pee.

Because I ran alone, there were times that I had to be in cadence to other runners. I wanted to talk to my fellow runners. Then I came to know that some runners joined for compliance, and they were complaining for another sacrifice. I also heard the discourse of those policewomen with “clean cuts”, irritated because they were mistaken to be men by watchers.

There were people teasing, clapping, and yelling to show their support. Some were surprised to see me running, some took pictures of and with me. Some told me that I should have run together with my cameraman. But honestly, I was serious and wondering then if I could finish the 10k run. “Mukhang napasubo ata ako ah,” I said to myself.

I praised God for the hydration station where every runner could drink. Sweat all over the body was indeed noticeable to every runner. That’s why disposable cups were scattered during and after the run, and putting it at the proper place was inevitably forgotten. I think not every runner knew their purpose of running. But if it’s for the sake of fun and enjoyment, it really was.

An activity like this gives me a time for reflection. While running, I thought of completing the task the Lord has entrusted me to do. I realized I am failing, and I always disappoint Him. But I also realized the reason why I keep on running, why resting and taking it slow were sometimes needed. Because the moment I entered the finish line, I could still consider myself a victor. I finished the 10k run, and it’s an achieved goal.

It’s a reality that people have different strides. Sometimes, they take it fast, others take it slow. I believe what is important is how you accomplish your goal in life, with faithfulness, sincerity and trust.

I admire those who run fast, and finish the race still with strength and vigor.  I might be the last one running in the 10k category, but I don’t envy those who run ahead of me. I am contended with what I have accomplished because I know my goal. Besides, I’m not in a hurry. And God, in my life, isn’t in a hurry too. †

(Sorry for the late posting) :)

My Half Year

Because of at least one person who reads my blog, I decided to scribble again online. I cannot sum up all the events of my life for the past months, but I can conclude that God has been faithful and good to me. I can declare the glorious riches of God in my life: the family I have, the gift of work, the friendship, the people I’ve met who touched my life, and hopes I shared to ordinary folks. I want to shout the works of the Lord in and through my life!

Half of the year is almost over. Valentines. Panagbenga Festival. Graduation. Birthday. Holy Week. Automated Election. Vacations! All these events were indeed wonderful. I can sense the Lord had blessed with me so much fun and adventure I almost forgot to declare it. Why do I have to? Because with a heart full of gratitude comes the realization that the Lord is alive and very much concerned with my affairs.

I had a lot of first times, too. I was not fortunate to participate in the automated election, the first ever in the country, but I still consider my participation of covering the election as part of the history. I served as a watchdog for a clean, honest, and credible election, despite some allegations of fraud. But what overshadowed the stressful election was the reality that there are still more people who hope for a better country, hungry and craving for genuine reform and transformation.

Scuba diving is fantastic. Being one with nature, underwater in particular, creates a realm so good to be inhabited. Of course, that’s just for sea creatures, unless Atlantika exists:) Pagudpud beach and windmill in Bangui, Ilocos Norte are also exceptional places to visit. Bolinao is a haven as well. The historical Corregidor Island is worth-exploring too.

So much travel, so much fun. It’s probably a wake-up call why I suffered influenza this week, causing me to be off-cam for three days. Haha. Since there is always a reason for everything, I would just accept the situation that this is my present, my now, the moment the Lord wants me to be. †

Sa background ng Feels So Good ni Chuck Mangione

Hanggang dito na lang ba ako? Araw-araw, paggising sa umaga o di kaya’y pagbangon sa gabi, maghahanap ng balita. Balitang kailangan ng taong malaman, balitang kailangan ko rin para sumuweldo para may pangkape at pang-pizza kahit dalawang beses isang lingo.

Masaya naman ako sa ginagawa ko. Nakasakay sa crew cab, bababa, dala-dala ang micropono para mag-interview, mag-take down notes, o di kaya’y i-type na lang sa cellphone dahil hindi maatupag bumili ng tikler.

Pagkatapos, babalik sa istasyon, mag-script, magboses, magbantay sa editing saglit, kung sasalang sa live report, ayun, may overtime kahit papaano. Kakain sa gabi, kung nagkayayaan, gigimik kung saan, tsaka balik sa lungga.

Magpapahinga sa saglit, basa-basa ng konti, maliligo, magcocomputer habang nakikinig sa nakaka-inlove na tunog ng Summertime at Feels so Good, at maya-maya’y pipikit na, tsaka mananaginip ng kung anu-ano.

Ganito ulit kinabukasan. May bahagyang pagkakaiba lang. Pero parang ganun din. Medyo okay na nakakasawa. Basta kulang. Kulang talaga. Hindi ko matanggap na ginawa akong kawangis ng Diyos para lang magtrabaho at kumain at matulog.

Sabagay, minsan, nakakataba rin ng puso ang nakikilala ka ng tao dahil sa paglitaw mo sa tv halos araw-araw. Pero hindi rin, minsan, gusto mong magtakip ng mukha dahil pagsakay mo sa jeep o bus, halos lahat ng tao, nakatingin sa ‘yo. Nahihiya ka dahil mukha ka ng ngarag, magko-commute ka gawa ng hindi makabili ng kotse ang suweldo mo. Hindi nila alam na gusto mong magpahinga, at walang panahon para makipagtsamihan kung nasa byahe.

Hindi naman ako nagsisisi sa kinahinatnan ng buhay ko sa edad na 23. Kung tutuusin, marami na rin akong natutunan, nalaman, karanasang maikukuwento sa mga gustong makarinig ng kwento. Marami na rin akong nakilalang tao, nakaing kakaibang pagkain, nalagok na alak. Masarap ang gilbeys beer para sa akin sa totoo lang.

Pero wag ka, dahil sa alak na yan, hindi gilbeys ah, naku, may kilala akong nawala sa sariling kontrol. Hayun nagwala sa isang bar. Biruin mo, ang ingay-ingay na niya, ung iniinom niya, ginagawa niyang fountain. Sa bawat paglagapak niya kasi ng kanyang basong may lamang alak sa mesa, sa amin tumitilapon. Ayun, para kaming binibendisyunan ng alak. Mabait naman ung kakilala kung yon. Sobrang bait talaga. Wala kang masabi. Un lang talaga.

Sobrang badtrip kasi siya sa aanga-anga umanong babaeng dahilan para magipit siya sa gastusin. Plus iba pang pasanin sa buhay.hehe. At naiintindihan ko naman. Mahirap talagang mabadtrip.

Minsan din, nakakatawa ang mga katangahan ng tao, pasensya sa word. Minsan, natatawa rin ako sa sarili ko dahil may katangahan din ako. Pero mas malala ung iba na kakilala ko, grabe, parang walang sariling utak. Parang robot na utusan, walang diskarte, walang sariling palo kumbaga. Hindi pa siya cute. Pero hindi naman siya kawawa. May pag-asa naman siguro siyang magbago.

Basta ganun, halos ganun ‘yung nangyayari sa paligid ko. Pero siyempre, ang dami din namang hindi malilimutang kaganapan kumbaga. Da best siyempre ung sama-sama kayong nagpipigar-pigar sa Galvan. Hanep, parang may fiesta lagi ang tropa sa tabi ng kalsada. Lately lang, fishball sa tabi ng sementeryo habang naghihintay na sumalang sa ilaw at kamera. Masarap kumain.

Enjoy din ung kuwentuhan lang sa kapihan. Naku, eto, naalala ko, ung bump car. Ang sarap pa lang magbump-car lalo na kung mga kasama mo medyo may edad na rin, I mean, ung mga may anak at pamilya na. Hanep ang trip, ako sobrang sumakit tiyan ko sa kakatuwa nun. Uulitin ko un sa lalong madaling panahon. Ang sarap kayang maging bata.

Pero kalungkot din maging bata minsan. Na-realize ko yan nung may mga namatay sa dengue, nalunod, ung mga batang nabubuhay sa limos at tira-tirang pagkain. Yung mga batang binabato ng paso kaya’y pumutok at namaga ang noo. Hindi lang awa siguro ang mararamdaman mo sa bawat biktima ng abortion. Ang daming kwento ng pagkabata at minurang bata sa kanto. Sana matupad din nila ang kanilang pangarap.

Uy, gusto ko pa lang makapunta sa Batanes, dulo ng Luzon. Wala lang, gusto ko lang makita ang itsura ng Batanes na laging sikat dahil sa mga bagyong dumadaan sa Pilipinas. Pangarap ko din pa lang makapunta sa hindi ko pa nakikitang lola ko sa mother side. Biruin mo, sa Quezon province lang siya, di ko man lang mapuntahan. Pero pangako ko yan sa sarili ko, pupuntahan ko siya… Wish ko lang, hindi pa huli ang lahat.

Lalo pa’t wala na atang lugar na hindi nalulubog sa baha. Kung hindi naman baha, pagguho ng lupa. Kung hindi naman kalamidad, giyera. Bahagi ng buhay habang nasa mundong ibabaw. Makasalanan kasi. Pero may heaven naman, tulad ng pagkakaroon din ng hell. Dapat alam mo lang kung saan ang byahe mo.

Gusto ko talagang bumyahe. Kung marami lang akong pera, naku, kung saan-saan na siguro ako napunta. May goal pala ako tungkol sa pagbabyahe. At least 50 provinces sa Pilipinas mapuntahan ko. So far, 15 pa lang na probinsya ang masasabi kong napuntahan ko. Ung sa NCR, binilang ko lang as 1. Asa ka pa!?

Self-centered ba ako? Hindi naman siguro. Hindi naman siguro masamang lumigaya at kahit papaano makaramdam ng sense of fulfillment. Nasubukan ko rin namang maglingkod ng libre at bukal sa loob sa aking kapwa. Hindi rin madali un ah. Pero da best. Masasabi kong ang sumunod sa kalooban ng Diyos at maglingkod ng buong puso at lakas ang isa, kung hindi man ang pinakamaligayang karanasan sa yugto ng aking buhay. Nami-miss ko yun ng sobra. Ung tipong hindi mo agad nakukuha ung gusto mo, un bang kailangan mo talagang magtiyaga, maghintay, at huminga ng malalim para mapasakamay mo ang ung tinatamasa.

Hindi siya madali. Lalo kung mag-isa ka lang. Kaya nga, madalas sa kadiliman ng gabi, nag-i-imagine ka ng kasama, nang kayakap, at siyempre, alam mo na un. Para hindi ka mabangungot, sinasabi mo na lang sa sarili mo, darating yan. At naniniwala ka naman talaga.

Basta, may bukas pa. Kaya mali ung unang entrada ko sa sulating ito na “hanggang dito na lamang ba ako?” Kasi hindi eh. Alam mo naman ang sagot. Alam ko din… †

One Year Older

I don't know if it's part of growing up, but I think I was happier and contented a few years back. I missed laughing out loud like there's no tomorrow. I missed chatting with friends with sense. I missed rendering service out of love and compassion. I missed crying out of joy. I so missed my Baguio years.

But I have no regret of my present status now. Maybe, life has just its own twist and delight. Or perhaps, I became too work-oriented that I failed to give myself a quality break. Or probably, I just forgot the meaning of happiness...

Last Friday, I became one year older. I feel blessed to be bombarded with birthday greetings and messages. (Thanks!)To capture the realization I've got from my wondering, I would say the Lord has impressed on me the distance I've traveled without Him. I am now trying to figure out how to bring back the joy of journeying together with Him, again... †

A stranger's Talk

Walking in the streets of Baguio City in the dark, cold night has always been my way of winding up. Aside from the physical benefit I get from walking, I am always engrossed in watching people’s activity and their dealings with one another. I consider this as a wonderful result of communication, a process where one can learn from the other. And I personally take each communication process an opportunity to listen to lessons gained from bitterness but surpassed with resilience.

I want to share my encounter with a single mom who tries to earn a living by selling Ukay-ukay products in the dim streets of Baguio City. I approached her out of curiosity, asking her where have all the other ukay-ukay vendors gone? She said they were instructed by the city government not to sell anymore in the pavements of the streets on night time. She failed to provide me further information of her comrades’ disappearance in the street. But she still persisted in selling used clothes; otherwise, she’ll go home with nothing to eat.

I was surprised when she’s been talking and telling me stories of her life. I did not know her, and she just met me right there. I got her complete name but let me just call her Andrea. I just told her my first name so we could address one another by name. We’re both strangers at that moment. And I think we became friends.
I came to know that she’s from Cebu, migrated in Baguio City more or less twenty years ago. She’s been separated with her husband for quite some time now, and she serves as the father and mother to her only child. Andrea speaks good English, very vocal, high-spirited, principled. I would say she’s gentle and sweet at the same time.

I got carried away with her story. I was flabbergasted with the trust she gave me. Andrea speaks from the heart. She’s not ashamed with her past; she’s confident to say she has moved on with her past relationship. She’s not even afraid to face tomorrow even alone. We talked for less than an hour until the policemen told her to vacate the area. Ukay vending is already forbidden in the pavements at night time. She has to leave and so I had to bid good-bye…

What a stranger’s talk with nothing to lose! It only requires willingness to listen and to learn, to respect and to trust, to consider others more highly than one self. It’s a simple talk that can edify a lowly-spirit like mine, who fervently misses to commune with the One who only searches the attitude of the heart. †

Patience 101

After quite a long time of making myself busy for various activities, I realized I am in a hurry. It seems I was trying to outrun God, which I can never do. I was dealing with my plans like a solo fighter, forgetting that without Him, everything would be in misery. Though I win in a battle, my victory is nothing without Him as my commander.

But I’m back; You brought me back to my senses. I delighted in times of moving on to something new, something prestigious, something good. I delighted in reaching my goals. I forgot my present which is all that matters. I am just thankful that God puts restraint and limits to such basking, because it’s silently crushing my character and stance on clinging to His will. I was tempted to force God to instantly grant my heart’s desire, which is an insult to His sovereignty. Who am I to talk to my potter? (Batok na naman:)).

I praise God I am always a recipient of His grace, unmerited favor granted to those undeserved. Only those who are undeserved, including myself for being a sinner, are candidates for receiving His grace. And I am forever grateful that my God is gracious and loving, holy and just. It is the acceptance of being nothing apart from God that makes people experience the savoring grace of the Lord.

I really admit that I am ambitious, and I believe the Lord understands my heart’s desire. He even knows what’s best for me, so when it seems God is delaying something, it doesn’t mean He is denying it. Rather, He’s teaching me to trust in Him, to be patient, to learn the process of growth, to love him still and still.

And as I wait for that day of reckoning tomorrow, never will I say “God, make me patient, and please do it now!” †

Missing Moments

One year or so had passed since the five of us committed ourselves to stay in Baguio for volunteer work as campus ministers in the student world. It was a decision worth a million thought, a myriad pressing factor to consider.

We are fondly called by our young adings as the council of elders in an “exclusive varsity group” in UP Baguio. I am not really sure how and why they came up with such a tag, as we are just one or two years ahead of them. Anyhow, we just let the label sway them towards us, to build each other’s up. We know that whatever accolade we receive, we owe it to our predecessors’ righteous examples.

I want to call our group of two boys and three girls as Voltes V. I hope they permit me so. And I want to say I miss them.

We graduated last year. Three Voltes V members graduated with flying colors, the one got the highest honor in our batch. And I am proud of them.

I want to work in the best TV network in the country, or as a correspondent in PDI. The Manila girl just wants to become “famous.” The magna cum laude is happy to become a flight stewardess. Searching for her Mr. Right from Bataan is excited to work in a cruise ship abroad. I’m not sure what’s the dream of my generous roommate. I think he wants to become a family man. I remember, I promised him to become my bestman when I get married. I wonder my utterance’s seriousness, hehe.

We are the Voltes V. And we all decided to stay in Baguio until our committed time expires. We responded to the call to serve God, to reach out students for Christ, to be volunteer campus ministers.

Our dreams are not forgotten. Let’s just say that our dreams need to wait. Besides, dreams vary.

The volunteer “work” is the work that we used to enjoy during our college life. We share the Gospel to the students and we study the Bible with them. We dance and sing, we play Dutch blitz, pictionary, cluedo, pinoy henyo, we eat fish crackers and cinnamon, and we wake up at daybreak for morning prayer. We spend time together, and we don’t sleep sometimes.

What else? Oh, we cry together, as in the wailing type, because of shame, guilt, and one’s confession of sin. We cry gently when we ask forgiveness and when we are forgiven. We cry when we hurt someone and when we feel disappointed. We cry when we miss the Lord.

But we also laugh. We laugh when someone throws a joke. We laugh when someone mimics someone’s action and mannerism. We laugh when someone laughs.

We also keep quiet when the Lord laughs at our disaster. We shut our mouth when silence is the only solution to our problems. We listen. We sleep when we’re tired.

Those are few things we did during our college days, and that’s what we did and experienced for the past year (or half year for others), with our volunteer work.

The Voltes V has parted ways gradually. The first to leave the team in October last year has gone to China to work. But she’s back last June as instructor in UP Baguio. The Manila girl, who lasted her commitment in December, now works in an elite catering service. She’s on her way of becoming famous now.

The girl who’s searching for her Mr. Right moved on for good last March, as she waits in Bataan for her cruise ship work abroad. My roommate, after a year of working in a weekly newspaper, went home in Isabela to rest. He needs it most. He’s now teaching in a high school academy there. I plan to move on next year.

The Voltes V is no longer complete. The time when we cried and laughed together, the time when we rebuked and affirmed each other, have come to pass. The troubles that we’ve been through like the conflict of interest in matters of love and decisions have created a breach in our friendship. But it didn’t kill the friendship.

Our commitment to serve and live for the pleasure of God lives on. Though we’re now separated by distance, the ministry of caring to students through the sharing of God’s love continues in our own ways. Our friendship, anchored in God’s love, would be revisited. I believe.

When they come to read this, they would remember the Voltes V. They would remember everything we’ve been through as Voltes V. And maybe, tears would flow down because the “missing moment” pierces their heart. Nauna na akong lumuha...†

Persistent Mind of Mine

“A surrendered mind is not one which is no longer in operation. It is, rather, a mind freed from rebellion and opposition. To be Christ's captive is to be perfectly free.”
An e xcerpt from Surrender Every Thought by Elisabeth Elliot

This is one of my weaknesses in putting everything in God’s authority. My mind is always on rebellion and opposition especially when I become critical of certain things or events. I find it hard to submit especially when I think of things as irrelevant, unfit and unhealthy. Sometimes, it really goes beyond ignoring the request of older brethren, or worse, what the Lord wants me to do. I tend to be disobedient because I depend on my rational thinking, my value judgment of what is right or wrong, overshadowing the will of the Lord.

Acknowledging that a surrendered mind is a mind freed from rebellion and opposition, searching the attitude of my heart is a must. (Heart beats wisely than the impulse of the mind, I trust). I believe that if I know what makes God happy, and what He wants me to do, even if it seems uneasy, by all means I should obey. This is to blame my forgetfulness that the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength (1 Cor. 1:25).

He knows all the best, better than my concept of excellence. I just pray that my mind be always guarded from deceptive fantasies around. Dupe me not…†