Aftermath

Adam Lambert's Aftermath (acoustic version) has been on a constant replay both in my mind and on my iPod. Our city is along a coastline and we were in the middle of conducting a High School recollection when the Tsunami Alert Level II was issued and everyone was asked to immediately leave the school premises and run for safety. A little exaggeration there but there actually was a mild panic yesterday especially in the low-lying areas of our city. And we were really asked to leave and postpone for the nth time the scheduled recollection. I had to break the news to the students in the middle of our getting-to-know session and I was asked by a rather panicky teacher not to make the students panic. So I made the announcement and prayed over everyone for comfort and peace knowing that God is sovereign. If it was His will that we be spared, then all's good. However, if it truly is His will that we experience nature's wrath then I hold on to His promise that He will never leave nor forsake us.

The tsunami came and went. Thankfully, we were spared because the waves that hit us were no more than a meter high. But the devastation in Japan is heart-wrenching. It makes me really sad to know that the city/town of Sendai was badly hit too. That city holds a special place in my heart because my Dad bought me a wooden Sendai doll when I was a little girl and I've always wanted to check out the city in the future someday. But, in the aftermath of all this tragedy, I am reminded by Adam Lambert in is fantastic vocals, that we are not alone. And so, even though this song is about identity and self-acceptance which is what Adam's charity is all about, I dedicate it to the country and people I love so much. The song reminds us of LOVE. Love that will make us rise again and remind us that indeed in the aftermath, WE ARE NOT ALONE.

Planning Weddings in Surigao City

I'm losing my whole life in Your purpose and for Your heart's desire. I'm running with blinded eyes, faith as my guide, let Your love take flight. - Devoted Citipointe Live

God truly surprises me in indescribable ways that leaves me in awe of His wonder. He constantly reminds me that He has my best interest at heart no matter how challenging the road I need to traverse in order to get to His promised land; nor how long the season of waiting will last. It was a rainy and rather dreary afternoon when I landed the gig I am working on right now after months of praying, brainstorming and little attempts of marketing. I've had a share of setbacks in the past, probably enough to discourage one to start anew. So there was a time when I didn't want to take risks nor did I even think of investing my heart into something that might not take off as well as I wanted it to. And the scarcity of capital resources has always been a constraint to getting anything done. So for a time, I guess I've entered a phase in my life where playing safe has been the ongoing mantra. But with God, there are no safe zones because He has promised that despite the impending dangers and challenges, He is there. And so with this new venture, I'm running with blinded eyes, faith as my guide, letting His love take flight...

Socorro Surigao del Norte and Rejuvenate Surigao Mission Trip

Dapat magpopost ako ng formal na update sa blogsite ng church namin kaso wala ako sa mood para maging formal. Besides may naka-assign na gumawa nun hinihintay ko na lang ang update niya. Almost one month delayed na 'toh pero hanggang ngayon totally overwhelmed pa rin ako sa ibang level na awesome-ness ng love ni God for us, and most especially for me. Towards the end of September I was struggling with so many things kaya wala masyadong update. Sometimes I really do think I bite off more than I can chew kaya mejo nalulunod din ako sa dami ng trabaho. Pero ewan ko ba, ang sweet sweet lagi ng timing Niya. Just when I'm about to really lose it, he reminded me once again that I am loved even beyond what I can comprehend. Sabi ni Dr. Charles Spurgeon:

"There are no crown-wearers in heaven who were not cross-bearers here below."

While I believe that to be true, my life has been a testament of endless blessings. Sure, ang dami-daming moments when I felt like I'm being seriously refined through the flame pero I always feel like I've been transformed into something spectacular after. So on to the real updates. We were privileged to be joined by our brothers in Christ from the USA last September 27 to October 8. And what a fruitful trip that was! Officially, Rejuvenate Surigao ang pangalan ng mission. Super need kasi namin as a church ang rejuvenation. We are a very young church plant (2008) and already in the span of two years, we've been through a lot of trials together. But God has always been good and faithful. Everyday talaga is a walk of faith. 

One of the best parts of the trip was our visit to Socorro, Surigao del Norte. While we were unable to visit the famous Sohoton Cove (home to the sting-less jellyfish) and Bucas Grande's spectacular beaches, God showed us another side of Socorro that we immediately fell in love with -- His people. Kami dapat ang magmi-mission trip dun but instead we were treated like Kings and Queens. The human in me had a bit of doubt at the beginning anticipating kung ano'ng catch sa extravagant welcome and accommodations but there was none. Hindi ko ma-describe talaga yung mga pangyayari in sequence kasi sobrang I was really floating the whole time. I had an opportunity to share the Word through the explanation of our church's mission and vision. As of this time, in the works na ang mga possible developments na we will help do sa area all for His glory. Ang haba ko lagi mag-blog kaya putulin ko na dito and let the pictures speak for themselves. Credits to Pastor Nathan Klein of Turning Point Church World Outreach Center for the pictures.

Our Pastors with the kids...

Pastor Jon leading worship. The worship team couldn't go full band kasi sa islands toh at mabigat mga instruments.

The welcome crowd!

In the works na ang development project for this area. 20 hectares to be donated to us by the patriarch of the farmer's association. He said, He will will bless us according to His glorious riches!

After lunch, snacks na naman! Ako yung girl na matakaw na nasa gitna! Super obvious. Salvaro pala yung kinakain namin. It's sort of a cassava crisp thingie with latik! Sarap!

Lunch! Araw-araw ganyan promise! Allergic ako pero natutuwa ako kasi Php1000/kilo ang lobster! Galing sa farm nila yan. Lahat ng food actually produced by the farmer's association.

The HS kids! All of them received Jesus that day! I couldn't ask for more!

Where we were housed. Nasabi ko talaga, "Mission trip ba 'toh?" Ang bongga kasi. Pag-aari ang building na yan ng farmer's association. Mejo mini-hotel ang dating niya pero di pa daw nila dinidevelop kaya konti lang available rooms. Nonetheless, tig-iisa kami ng double beds! Heaven talaga after a long, exhausting trip.

So ayun. High na high pa rin ako actually. Thank You Lord for showing us just another glimpse of how much you love us. For Your glory!