Febuary 2008
…after how many years, I really miss my Synago Family!It is the name of CHCC’s youth group years ago when I was 15 years younger. The memories of those days were kept through the old pictures and videos that I properly hid and carry with me for years. Of course the most important is my diary .Those memories made me laugh, smile and even cry.You know you cry when you're either happy or sad.Those years are really happy moments for us and same time very challenging most specially in the process of growing and learning. I am hoping to get an update of everybody’s whereabouts. What keeps me distant far is work. After working for 5 years in a call center,I decided to try my luck abroad and stayed here for such a long time. I lost track of time.I'm not fully aware that 10 years have come to past.Last month,I filed a month leave so I can go home.I have things really well planned.Of course first stop will be CHCC before going home in Kiangan.The thought of meeting everybody excites me.In fact,I can't sleep well because of my excitement and all.My workmates thought I'm in love but I don't care because I'm going home.I was in a deep trance when I am interrupted by a phone call.I grabbed my mobile and blurted an opening spiel that I'm use to when answering phone at work."Thank you for calling, this is Glow, how may I help you today?” Hello! Antaray mo! Were the first few words I heard…Thank you for calling ka dyan! Pwede be sa trabaho lang yaaan! Glo, si Ehm to! I was so much happy, it is indeed a call from someone home! It's been ages."Oh,Ehm! Kumusta?!Napatawag ka! I said in between excitement and giggles. I haven’t heard of you for sooo looong”! “Of course I’m doing fine! English yun ah,she exclaimed then laughs."Mura na ang international calls ngayon so ayun kinuha ko ang chance para tumawag.O da ba,sosyal!(I heard her giggle just like old times) "I called to know if you are coming home for our most awaited double event of the year! The first is our 35th church anniversary and the second will be a surprise for you! She cheerfully told me. So ano, Uwi ka ba? Ahmmm, “let me think”, I tease knowing I'm on leave effective 2 days from now.What’s the surprise? Would you rather tell me? I am too excited and I wouldn’t be able to get enough sleep. I’ll blame you for my eye bugs!I haven't slept in ages and now you're making it worse,come on Chum tell me na lang" I pleaded. Basta! She answered, you’ll know na lang…kainis ka talaga! I interrupted.Sige,I'll try and let you know" I playfully answered because I wanted to surprise everybody specially my Chum. Anyway, before we hung up, I want to know if you are still in the mission field. Yes of course I am! My heart always belongs to God! (naaaks!) My husband & I are enjoying the fruitful years of our ministry" she chuckles."Wait,you mean Marjan" I asked. Syempre naman, ano ka ba? Who else in the world would ever love me the same way he did? We were married remember? You were my brides maid pero di ka nakarating,hmp! As if she’s scolding me for being forgetful.I now remember It's just that he’s courting the other day tapos ayun,kinasal na kayo.Ambilis lang" I reasoned out." So how’s life with him? Extend my greetings to him, I told her. Of course I will! He’s still the same funny, thoughtful and sweet Marjan you've met 20 years ago. Alam mo,just come home and we’ll talk endlessly.I'll fill you in tapos madami din akong tanong sayo akala mo! You owe me stories so better come home."I'll try and will let you know" I answered almost tempted to reveal but I controlled the excitement in my tone.For sure this is a very long conversation and I cant help but really excited! After we said our goodbyes,I was unmoved in my seat for a couple of minutes.I can't believe I'm going home and Ehm's news doubled my excitement. Memories of her love story makes me smile.I was there the whole time when they were starting out.Chum was seeing someone that time but I kept talking about how awesome Marjan was and well,the rest is history.Who would ever think that 2nd chance went well? As they said, love is sweeter the second time around.This is a good love story and every time I remember their love story,It makes me grin. God’s blessings do come in surprises for an every obedient heart.And God blessed Marjan for never easily giving up.In terms of patience,he's got tons of it. It seems that I got the happiest news in the world. I was planning for a visit but here it comes, the event just fits in time.The following morning, I took my flight to Manila.It was just six hours flight.I was able to arrive at NAIA around 3pm .I searched for a computer shop that can edit the videos and pictures I've kept for so long .I am sure they need lots of editing. I want all the pictures to be put in a slide show together with the filed videos I have kept. I notice a big computer shop, perhaps a new one because its newly painted.I love the coolness of the place. I went inside then asked the lady on duty for help. The lady asked me to wait for a moment, she’ll just ask the manager for further assistance.I saw a familiar person approaching me,it's CA! I was so delighted to see CA!So beautiful with long hair and little bit tall because she's wearing high heeled shoes.I found out she’s the owner of the computer shop. I was really impressed and speechless. What a success! I shifted our conversation asking her if she's still actively involve at CHCC. She told me that she had been giving her tithes and pledges to CHCC to support some of the church ministries such as ‘YOUTH on service team”. Things really changed a lot today she said I'll be surprised of what I'll soon find out. CHCC is supporting 2 areas, one in Samar where Marjan and Ehm were serving. The other one is in Pangasinan were k.Eugene and a. Mean were serving. This is already their 2nd commitment after serving in Catbalogan.They have been in the mission field for almost two and a half years.Her involvement in church made me feel guilty because I totally forgot to pledge for her .I never really gave back and I felt guilty. I thank her for sharing though she doesn't have any idea how I almost melted in shame. We were busy talking when I saw Joshua approaching, seems he just came from work.Joshua is in navy blue polo wearing black pants and leather shoes. He’s a little bit chunky and really looking way better! Surprised,I asked what he's doing here. He gave Ca a flirty wink and that puzzles me . I really deserve an explanation.She informed me that the shop belongs to them.Josh was her partner at first until eventually he also became her partner in life. I keep on laughing because I was beautifully shocked. Now I know why Josh has grown muscular and better looking.Ca's skill in cooking made him look really well I suppose.Josh is an Engineer in a big Company in Makati. He was nothing like he was back when he was a student.He had matured and became so responsible.According to Ca,being late at work is not an issue anymore.The issue right now is over working .I smiled to both of them not knowing where to start.It's just that I'm lost with what I feel.Too much revelations in just a few hours is too much to handle.Joshua politely excuse himself as he needed time to finalize his preaching for tomorrow's anniversary. I asked Ca what’s so special that Ehm told me. She assumed I knew it already. After convincing her to tell me, she informed me that the second event for Sunday is the wedding day of Jerome and Neth, I almost scream out of excitement!Wow,after such a long time,finally they are getting married.After all they've been trough.I feel so happy for both of them.I never imagine they will ever get back together but apparently they did. It's getting late so I bid Ca good bye.I left the videos and photos so she can have it done by tomorrow so I asked her to bring it the following day. After 15 years, they are finally settling down.Things have changed and almost everybody are married. I heard that Neth had just come home for the wedding. She’s been a nurse in London until she was promoted as the head nurse. After long years of convincing her for marriage, she finally gave in to Jerome’s proposal. Jerome on the other hand busied himself working a big time Business Administrator in Makati. When he knew his saving is enough to start a family, he asked Neth’s hand for marriage. He talked with k.Wilson and k. Marlon about his plans.I am also blessed to hear Jerome turned out to be a very good speaker. He preaches in CHCC also he is often invited by other churches as their guess speaker.We have been keeping in touch with each other via social media but she never informed me about it.But I remember she kept on reminding me last year that I should come home this month of the year or else,she won't forgive me.How could I not get a hint on it.Maybe I was too busy working and got nothing but work and home.Neth and Jerome are still both muscle-less (sorry for the term) but are full of strength and enthusiasm.I saw it on the photo Neth emailed me.I'm just happy for both of them.Neth,Jerome,Ca and Josh.What other surprises are there,I wonder.This revelations overwhelms me now.How much more tomorrow, the 24th of Febuary CHCC'S 35th Church Anniversary! I was in deep thought when I didn’t notice I am in Chcc already. I thank the taxi driver as I excitedly opened the gate, I heard a group of young people singing.The most beautiful hymn I've heard so far in years.Maybe,I haven't attended church that long.I don't know.My heart is thumping like crazy. I forgot today is Saturday,they are practicing probably. From where I stood,I can see a young man leading the music team.I am so impressed that I rushed inside and take a closer look but his face is unfamiliar.I saw a woman playing the piano,still unsure it it's Ate Maque I approached her.When she saw me,she stopped playing and hugged me tightly both of us jumping up and down in excitement,she was more surprise than I am.I asked who the handsome musically gifted lad is.She laughs and called the lad. She proudly introduced me to her son! I was speechless,how come everyone grow and changed that fast.She’s grown a little bit old but her voice and her face is still younger than I could ever imagine. We both hugged each other again without knowing where to start. I WAS SO OVERWHELMED OF everything! I join the group in their singing practice when I noticed the teenager playing drums behind me. I didn’t mind asking who he is until I saw ate Juvy gave something to him.I secretly went and hugged her from behind and she was puzzled.When she saw my face,she hugged me.How would I ever know that this is her son, a grown up teenager!I was teary eyed.Just overwhelmed for the memories we had back then. Isn’t God faithful? She told me. My son and Joven are attending church. What really amazed me more is God had changed my husband. He is actually very active and also they have class for pulpit ministry under k.Marlon. My heart keeps on praising God for everything I've found out the whole day. I asked how Tata is and she informed me that he is currently working at Mitsubishi. He works under k. Mike and also he is actively involved in doing Bible Studies and group studies for men. It is also good to hear he was legally married after being together with her wife for seven years.He finally decided to make things right and he decided to get the church blessing with k. Wilson as the officiating minister. Actually his wife is currently pregnant with their second baby. It is really amazing to hear how all of us were blessed by God in different ways. It was really a huge overwhelming day for me. After an hour of chatting, we said our goodbyes so as to prepare for our Sunday worship service.I was told,there's no one here as the care taker is currently on vacation so ate Maque gave the key to me.I guess I'll be alone but I don't care because I'm too tired with the travel and all.I didn't even realize,in my tiredness,I slept soundly.I was awakened by the creaking of the gate.I checked the time and it's still 3am.I wonder who would be coming here this early. Much to my surprise, it was ate Lc with her daughter.She's not surprise to see me because she was informed by ate Maque.As usual,the surprise is on me.Why is everybody suddenly secretive? I welcomed her wondering where her husband is but she told me he is the speaker back home and also their business needs him.Her husband is from BCC, a former youth leader and now, he is one of the elder in Kiangan. They have a merchandise back home.She filled me in with life back home and I'm more excited to go home.I think Kiangan was pretty much commercialized now and I wonder what awaits me back home.She said,she also have a boutique sort of souvenir shop. She is also teaching Math in Ifugao Academy while fully committed in Church.She handles Sunday school while her husband is one of the elders.Wow,after all these years,finally BCC managed to survive and have elders too.I honestly didn't think that the church will survive and be at this point considering how it was for the past 20 years that I was here.I feel ashamed for being such a doubter.I fill her in with my monotonous boring life in Australia.Come to think of,I was too busy that I cannot even remember if I did have a good time.We then decided to sleep as to save our energy for tomorrow’s event. I woke up at around 7:00 am with praises in my heart as I eagerly prepared for worship. I never felt like this before! At exactly 8:00AM, I hear people exchanging delightful hi’s and hello’s so I guess it's about time to go down and meet everybody.I still haven't heard from Ehm.Most of the faces are unfamiliar to me. I am also happy to see some familiar faces still here faithfully serving God through the years. Chcc has increased greatly and most of the members are actively involved in specific ministries.The atmosphere is really euphoric that sometimes I imagine this might be a glimpse of heaven.Finally,I spotted my Chum! They just arrived and imagine both the surprise,noise and excitment as we hugged each other! I gave Marjan a high five.He's gain much weight while Ehm is still the same.Still no kids because according to the doctor,Ehm's situation is risky so they choose to better not have kids.Everyone was talking and the whole place is like thousands of bees buzzing.K Marlon the MC summoned everyone to find comfortable seats because in a few minutes we'll start. I noticed the “soon to be married” couples arrived. Jerome is wearing green trousers while Neth is wearing pink dress,her fave color I can remember.They both look elegant,fresh and happy.Since we were seated apart,all we could do is exchange our biggest smiles. Kuya Marlon rise and lead the opening prayer then his 13 year old son lead the music team for our praise and worship.I notice a very tall pretty lady ushering the visitors.At first,I didn't recognize but when I look again,It was Jo.She's a grown up woman now.Still gorgeous and beautiful.I was told by her Ate Juvy that she manage to finish college despite the financial challenges.She's currently one of the cell group leaders for ladies fellowship. She’s also very active in Summer camps and out reaches. I personally praise GOD for her dedication and sincerity. The singing went on with all the instruments beautifully played led by Mommy Maque and her son. In front is ate Juvy’s son playing the drums. To the left are the best guitarists of all time. Kuya Art as the melody guitarist, k. Nato as the lead guitarist joined by k.Marjan as the base guitarist. The good blending of the instruments joined the sweet voice of the congregation.It overwhelm our hearts as we shout our praises! We did have a blessed morning with our hearts full of joy and Thanksgiving! I was searching for someone I've missed the most, K.Migz.I am informed that he can’t come home due to an unexpected situation. He had been serving in China for almost 3 years. The church grew in number and the government heard of the Christian prosperity and they started persecuting Christians all over China.Hence,he is in hiding .That is sad news for me because God knows how much I've missed him . We are sad but of course blessed by his courage and inspired by his dedication. I have missed him so much most especially just talking. We had the afternoon for the anniversary program. We actively participated with the games and the presentations of the new generation Synago.Seems the name of our youth group is still the same through out the years! After an enjoyable celebration, we are reminded by k. Marlon to prepare for Jerome and Neth’s wedding the following day to be held at Fernwood gardens. What a day! It is really tiring but we didn’t mind it for all of us are too excited. We thank the yp’s for running a wonderful program. We arrived at the reception area at around 11:30 the following day. The place is well decorated and impressive.Aqua marine is the motif.We were ushered to our respective seats located at the center.After a few minutes, the ceremony started with k. Wilson as the officiating minister. Most of us are principal sponsors except Ehm as the bride’s maid and k. Migz is the groom’s men unfortunately he is not around so Marjan has to take over. As they are exchange their vows, a. Maque serenades them. We were also asked to give our messages for the couple. As usual, k. Marlon started the talk with humor.It never gets old. After the ceremony, we spent the rest of the day picture taking and catching up.The wedding is a blast.Not in a wild way but it's just felt so pure and serene and everyone seemed so happy .We talk about our past memories, our plans for the church and also each of us shared our own stories. The rooms were filled with our laughter. Suddenly, I was reminded of the video that I'd asked Ca to edit. We were all eager to watch for beneath the videos and photos are the joyful memories we've shared together.We keep on laughing,at least most pretend but I can feel and see teary eyes overwhelmed with both joy and longing. The memories of the past are indeed very funny like for example Joshua crying on the dining table during our mission exposure in Kiangan.Or a scared ate Shil who can't walk on an irrigation so she has to walk side ward while Kuya Migs assisted her.We are all laughing of such memories when Ate Shil showed up.She's not suppose to be here because she gave birth to her 2nd daughter 3 days ago via caesarian but when she found out that most of us were came for the anniversary, she tried her best to come. She really wants to see all of us so she asked permission to her husband for a short visit. We appreciate her effort but we advised her not to stay long because it might not be good to her. We did have a good time and it was really getting so late so she bid us goodbye.We told her not to worry and we promised to visit her the next day. She is really glad about it because she planned on having us for diner. Her husband came to pick her up.His face seems familiar to me. I don’t know his name but I know I met him in CTC. He is our former team leader. I don’t know if he can still remember me, I guess he can’t remember me. We bid each other goodbye and thank a.Shil for coming. After a few hours, we congratulated the newly wed then went home. Ate Lc and I have to return back to CHCC to spend the night. We are all exhausted and overwhelmed. The following afternoon, we were at ate Shil’s place. She is currently living near CHCC, at Don Enrique Street.Almost everybody was there but Joshua.As usual, he is late.I thought he improved.Well according to Ca,he did improve at work but he really works hard that he barely makes it home for diner.While waiting,Ate Shil ushered us to their roof top while her 7 year old daughter entertains us.We had our dinner right after Joshua arrived. After dinner, we gathered ourselves for prayer. After praying, we had our sharing time, during the sharing time we come up with the idea of putting up a new ministry, I was in deep thought about this plan when I was interrupted by my alarm clock. Aggg,It's 4 am! And I have been dreaming! I don't want to stop dreaming but I have to wake up or else I'll be late for my training. CHCC youth Synago in my dreams...
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