An Encounter

The word encounter is defined as a verb "to have or experience (problems, difficulties, etc.): to meet (someone) without expecting or intending to." My attendance on the Encounter Weekend in Bailen last week was not an accident. The Lord led me, my husband, and my son, together with six other churchmates to this experience for a purpose.

Truly it was a retreat from the usual busyness and demands of work and other tasks. No cellphone, no internet, no computer, no other tasks except to praise, worship, and be blessed by the experience. I expected to encounter Jesus and I received His revelations. One, I was set free from things, feelings, and memories that kept on hurting me and hindering me from experiencing His great love and blessings. Two, I should go out of my comfort zone. It's not enough that I'm saved. I should keep the flame burning in my heart to reach out to others. Three, I was drawn closer to the Cross and His death for my sins.

The Encounter challenged me to focus on Jesus, learn more from Him through my personal devotion, use my talents, time, and treasure to serve Him, and never get tired of giving my best for His glory.

Freedom. Fire. Focus.

My Testimony

I was sorting my files and came across a paper with my personal testimony for the retreat I attended in August 1990. Here it goes...

I grew up in a family that is neither religious nor atheistic. I cannot remember when our family went to any church to worship God. However, as a kid, I attended Sunday school in a church next to our house. I still remember the songs I learned and the Bible stories I heard. But that is all about it. When I entered elementary school, I became confused about my religion and which group to join for Bible studies or religious gatherings.

I was neither the black sheep nor the angel in our family. Being the eldest among six children, I usually got punished whenever I failed to do my responsibilities or when there were quarrels among my brothers and sisters. I started then to rebel against my parents but I kept all my bitter feelings and violent thoughts inside me. I simply could not stow away because I wanted to achieve something. And then I began to wonder about my existence - about the meaning and purpose of my life. I did not fear death because I believed that it would end my problems and suffering.

During my second year in high school, I got involved in Bible studies held every Thursday afternoon. On September 28, 1978, I was touched by the message given to me by our Bible study leader who was our school nurse. She talked about man's sinfulness and that the penalty for his disobedience is death. However, Christ who is sinless died on the cross to pay the penalty.  I was struck most by the verses on Ephesians 2:8-9 which say, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast." I also realized that Jesus came so that I may have life and have it abundantly as He promised. That same day at around 6:00 in the afternoon, I asked Jesus to forgive my sins and invited Him to come into my life through prayer.

I thought becoming a Christian was enough. Later I realized that I was not growing as a committed Christian because I did not allow Christ to take control of every detail of my life. During my first year in college, I actively involved myself in a Christian organization. With the assurance of my salvation and a new meaning and purpose, I began to share my faith with others. I still do not fear death not because it is a scapegoat from reality but because I now have eternal life as promised to all who receive Christ. I still encounter problems (much more difficult ones) but Christ has given me peace and assurance that He will never leave me nor forsake me. I pray that God will be glorified in everything I do and that my life will also be a blessing to others.

Welcome, Mama San

Chevy TB was really Bobby's first choice. Every time he sees one on the road, his eyes will surely light up. Its appearance is definitely POP. So sporty and full of "pogi" points except for its price. TF was the second choice but the sense of practicality set in and so finally, we welcome TI which we now call Mama San.

Then, Kuya had to go. He came in on a stormy day. I even thought of calling him Isang. But Isang did not prosper because he was too masculine to be named so. And he had to leave us on another rainy day. Just like Bunso, Kuya deserves my big thanks. He was very cooperative for five years. Truly a kuya but he had to go.

It was an overcast day when we picked up Mama San but there were rain showers in the evening when we had our simple dedication rites in our church right after our choir practice. Yes, she's a blessing, and may the Lord bless her and make her a channel of His blessings too as we go on our journey.

Bangkok and Ayutthaya, Thailand

Our family's trip to Bangkok, Thailand was memorable from the very start. The trip was booked four months in advance (thanks to the October 8 promo fare from our ever-dependable sponsor, CebPac, haha) but the political situation was so bad weeks before the flight. An advisory discouraging tourists from visiting Bangkok compelled us to cancel the trip. However, after consulting with the airline staff and realizing the penalties that would be incurred, we closely monitored the situation at our destination. Finally, it was a go for us.

It was not really that bad. We arrived safely and reached our hotel without any hassle except for the long search for a place to eat before check-in time. Finally, we settled for chicken and burger meals in a fast food chain just a few steps from the hotel.

Day 2 was spent in Ayutthaya for the cultural heritage of the oldest city in the country. From one wat to another, we saw different kinds of temples and other monuments. This time we decided not to eat more Western food but phad Thai and fresh tropical fruits/fruit shakes in between.

On Day 3, we took an unlimited boat ride along Chao Phraya River and a train ride in the city. We visited Chatuchak weekend market and a mall to buy our pasalubong. On our way to the train station where the rallyists set camp, we were mistaken as locals as we passed the security check.  They just let us go when I started to ask in English.;-)

Unfortunately, there was not enough time to visit my alma mater located about 40 km north of Bangkok. Maybe next time? And I hope the political situation in Bangkok and nearby areas will normalize soon. Sawasdee!

Kaybiang Tunnel

It was the first weekend of the year and we decided to drive and see the newly opened Kaybiang Tunnel in Maragondon, Cavite.  The tunnel, which connects Cavite to Nasugbu, Batangas, is a man-made structure that provides another access to Manila without passing through the congested national highway traversing Tagaytay City from Batangas.

Surprisingly, there were already several ambulant vendors in the area who anticipated the influx of riders and there were those like us who were there just to see and "feel" the tunnel. Next time, we'll pass through the tunnel, proceed to Nasugbu, and take the usual route to Tagaytay.