The Stand: YFC NorthBCon 2012

How do I even begin this entry? It's been weeks since our NorthBCon, and until now I can't find the words to explain how I truly feel. I guess it's simply because the whole experience is not about me serving, it's about Him working through the whole team. AFG, indeed <3

Friday night sabawan and preps at Faith's

YFC North B dares to take the stand to be the light

I love my household!

And in that moment, I swear we were infinite.

Yes, the title is lifted from the book Perks of Being a Wallflower. What did the author meant by that line? What does being 'infinite' mean? Does it denote being limitless, freedom from boundaries, or being eternal? The text could mean differently from one person to another; let me share my perspective.

And in that moment, I swear we were infinite. Just being with my household earlier reminded me of these words. Being infinite means letting go of your inhibitions; to just be yourself around others. Being infinite means loving without expecting anything in return; remember that love goes beyond romantic love. Being infinite means setting aside differences to grow with and through each other. 

Being infinite felt like no one could ever end the night, that we could just stay there and just forget everything.  Laughing in the rain, singing, and just enjoying each other. Truly, I've been blessed to have experienced that moment. Changes are bound to happen soon, but I choose to live in the moment than to over think about the future.

Adieu!

Last month, all I prayed for was a summer getaway; an outing of some sort. I thought that one weekend away from home would make for a cool what-I-did-last-summer-vacation story. And then again, I was wrong. My summer was filled with love & laughter; it was about making new friends, gaining new experiences, exploring new places, eating a lot, having quality time with family, and deepening my faith.

For the first time in about 5 years, I was able to go out of town with my family. Not really for the usual uwi-ng-sat-balik-ng-sunday routine we do when we go home, but for leisure. I'm amazed to how we could actually enjoy each other's company without the constant bickering between me and my sister. Crazy, how people could actually change and get along. Never thought that was possible, but God makes things possible! Thank You Lord for giving me this family, they're just perfect!

At Caleruega

At Rosario, Batangas with Tala

This summer, I decided to work-even if there are interns working for sir Yayet. It was a good choice, I made new friends and learned a lot! Admittedly, I was a bit -lax since the other RAs were busy working, can't wait for next year! Been learning (and inspired) from the people I work with in the Youth Cluster & RCCESI. Imagine yourself listening to people giving their discipline's take on one matter. AWESOME :D

Youth Research Workshop

Bulk of my summer was spent with YFC. In between working with the Youth Cluster and spending quality time with the family, I was actually serving Him. Back in March, I told a dear kuya in YFC that I feel (spiritually) dry. I prayed for His guidance, to let me hear His message and lead me to His will. And then summer came. Had a lot of 'firsts' in my service, and I believe I was able to experience Him through those things. I spent my weeks packing and unpacking for a YFC activity. Got invited to camps, went to the SHOUT, and the HPV Training.

I enjoyed this year's SHOUT. Familiar and new faces, strangers turned friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, and a household closer than ever. But more than the people I'm with, SHOUT 2012 became personal to me, a week away from everything but not detachment. It was then that I realized that there's a thin line between being 'strong' and being 'broken'. It's called being okay. And so the girl who loved to laugh and smile broke down during the last session. I realized then that the thin line was gone, that I was broken and empty. A brother told me, "Allow the Lord to fill your emptiness. Allow Him to work in you. Lahat naman tayo work in progress". I felt Him like I never did before. I can't even have words to describe that night. He humbled me. He reminded me that He alone is the reason for my mission.

JAD/Sisters fellowship at QC Circle (c) There

Area 1, Number 1! (c) Mica

I confess: I'm a high school baby. I've been serving in YFC HSB since forever. I grew and matured in this program, thanks to my dear ates and kuyas. Nakakapanibago. This summer marked the first time I won't be seeing ate Lucky or ate Tin in the training. The HS Team was different, from what I grew up with. It was God's will. He knew that we, certified HS babies, would grow if other ates and kuyas are able to mentor us. They were not able to see me grow in the Spirit, but I could share who I am to them. As I share my life with them, they do the same and in turn, inspire more in this mission. Praise God for that!

Inspiring people: HSB TEAM ON FIRE!

This summer gave me the opportunity to serve in the HPV Training. I got used to listening and to jotting down notes with everyone. But this time, the Lord showed me a different side-that of the service team. Prayer warrior, laptop girl, etc. Never thought I will be tapped to share God's greatness. One of my questions from SHOUT was answered. He said to me (through the outline), I do not call the qualified, I qualify the called. That line struck me, and yun lang talaga pinanghawakan ko. Being in His presence plus being surrounded by passionate missionaries made the weekend great! The energy this year is different. It feels vibrant, feels like Christ. I'm really excited to serve my love, YFC North B HS and Metro Manila HSB. And I believe it's not a training hype, but I'm excited to share His love with our babies. I've got a long way to go, my YES will last even after YFC. Continuing the journey with Him, continuing the mission.

Metro Manila HSB, represent!

Walang iwanan, parts!

Never cliquish, always sweet.

Work, family & YFC kept me occupied. Work gave me new perspectives, had quality time with my family, and YFC is my summer love. For once in my life, I could truly say that I'm happy. As summer ends, good memories were made. I'm looking forward to creating new ones! I bid adieu to you, summer!

Boom!

Complete. Almost. Area1 SHOUT 2012 (c) Mica

Thank you for a year filled with laughter, fellowship, kasabawan, FOOD, kwentuhan, service and LOVE. Continuing the mission with them, excited to serve Him and North B! I love my household ♥

I'm believe I grew and is still growing in the spirit. Looking forward to what lies beyond in my journey ♥

Almighty

I'm getting used to the idea of sitting alone in our living room-watching and listening to a conference kilometers away. I'm getting used to singing, clapping, and jumping along with the delegates-in front of my laptop. Chatting with my household and friends while watching made me feel loved and not alone. But after the live stream goes off air, the reality sets in. I'm not in ILC Aklan, I'm here at home.


I was blessed that when my parents didn't allow me to travel to CDO (due to unreasonable reasons) last year, the ILC live stream was introduced. It was then that I experienced ILC while at home, listening to His message at the comfort of our home. Unfortunately, I was not able to join this year again. It was financial this time. If I passed out on our Davao immersion, nasa Aklan din ako. No regrets though, it was a great experience and praise God, this year's ILC was streamed too.

Personally, I wanted to join ILC Aklan (in flesh) because I was looking answers. It was a tough year. All I did was to serve and to pray, but unfortunately I feel that I wasn't able to give my best for my service and that my prayers were left unanswered. I felt unworthy in the process, and it affected my service. I started doubting, I started questioning His plans, and worst of all, I started putting myself down.

One thing I love about YFC conferences, they speak to you. The sessions target the general membership, but somehow they still hit you deep inside. Among all the lines delivered by the speakers and the sharers, one captured me. It says,

The point is to journey with the Lord. It was never about the circumstance-life is good because of God.

The service that I have know is only a portion of my journey with Him. Saying YES to Him is a lifetime commitment, and it does not end with my term; the call to love is constant. I realized that along the way, I got lost. At some point, bumitiw ako. Good thing though, He's always there to catch us. To say that I'm okay after the conference is a lie. It takes time to put things back to order, or at least close to that. I still pray for healing and forgiveness. It's going to be hard, but God is my unwavering hope and my sweetest companion. Every time that I'll be afraid, I just have to remember that to love is to risk. And as for love (the romantic kind), real love waits. You need someone not perfect, not right but God sent. I'm still uncertain about the future-but I know He has a plan, a purpose, and a promise for things that are about to take place.

I will strive to make my life a proclamation to His greatness. I am a missionary, and this is all for the Glory of the Almighty.