Dear Journal

May 24, 2007 (Thursday)

4:00 PM - 12:00MN << This is my shift schedule. I came at the company earlier. I brought the car coz i don't know yet if i'll be sleeping there at the lounge or not. I haven't seen it and haven't tried it yet. It's my first day isn't it?! Well anyway, i immediately got along with the group. We're 20 for wave 103. Mind you, we gurls have been outnumbered by the guys. There's only 7 of us gurls and the rest men! Well, i must tell, there are 3 who uhmm... somewhat are ... you know... confused of their gender. But hey, the company value diversity... so, it really doesn't matter. My first friend of course is Irene, then there's Maricris and Eman. But Irene and I always are together.

Here it is... First day First hour... Meet our trainer (it's pronounced by the way as: trayner not traynor).... MISS CRUELLA DEVILLE! She doesn't even want if we talk and keep on whispering... one mistake and she'd give you a memo!! So don't you mess with her! ROAR!!! I looked on the brighter side, I really am having fun, now that i'm working with no one telling me to stop and quit the job. My family has been supportive of this job EXCEPT for my brother... He doesn't want me have the job. Well, there's nothing he could do about it. My parents will be leaving for the US sometime next month or 2 from now. I know someday, he will understand and soften his heart. God will take control. I trust HIM and i know He will do it. I still have my weekends as my off days. I could not tell you how happy i am and how thankful i am that i got the job. Staying in a really stable company is really an honor and is really... should i say it... God-given!!

May 20, 2007 (Sunday)

We were planning to start cutting out the letters to be placed for our Youth Corner, our Bulletin Board. Our Pastor's been trying to look for it lately and ask if we've been working it or not. We didn't have our choir practice, coz we had a study on 'Experiencing God'. We decided we'd not go with them to attend the evening service so as we could start working on the Bulletin board. Tata, Melyn and Jecilla went with me after the study. 5:00PM, we arrived at the house and we started making and cutting out the letters to be used. Tetet, Loyd, Rolie and Norlyn came at around 8:00PM. Arrgghh! we were waiting for them so we could eat and have dinner together, but when they came, they jud had their dinner. Well, anyway, we ate and went to log in to the internet to look for the stuffs to be placed for the board. They left at almost 12MN. I just am more than willing to help. Whenever i could, if I could, then I would!

May 17, 2007 (Thursday)

I had my 2nd chance to take the exam... i failed the day before but thank God, the HR (Miss Hazel) told me that i'd be given another chance. I could retake the exam the following day. While i was waiting for the scheduled exam, there was a lady who was waiting at the lounge too. We got the same exam schedule. I tried to talk to her so as i wouldn't feel bored on waiting for the clock to strike at 9:30AM. We got along that quick. Her name's che, and she's a mum. She came all the way from Davao just to apply in a call center. She says CSR's in Davao aren't compensated that much back there. 5 mins to go... And we went in! I was really doing my very best. Hey! i passed the test last year and why wouldn't i pass this time. Too bad i went to Korea and my application went inactive. So, i have to do my application again!

We were waiting for the results for the exam. Prolonging the agony, there was a technical problem. Oh Puh-lease! Don't let us retake the exam! Che, was always telling me that we'd pass, she's always optimistic all through out the entire exam period. It was her last chance by the way to take that exam. So if she fails, then, she'd have to wait for months to re-apply. The moment of truth... The moment we've all been waiting for... My name was called first... "yes ma'am?!" i stood up and went to Miss Hazel. She told me "smile, though your heart is aching..." then i gave her a smile. She gave me a piece of paper that says i passed the exam and i'm on to the next and last part of the application process. I thought i could never make it. I told Masong yesterday, when i went to the hospital to give him a visit, that i dunno if i could make it or not. He believes in me, that's what he always do... He encourages me! His mum was there but didn't even bother to care for him. Must be because he doesn't even care for her too. I bought him some bottled water, some sans rival, and had him join me have my lunch. I asked him where katrina was? He goes, "naa sa manila" She'd be going to Rhiad this 25th of May. I could see in his eyes he's getting lonely. I just let him smile. Masong and i have been friends for more than 10 years now, which is probably the reason why i could understand him and so does he. The only thing that i want him to understand is... I want him to be saved! I know there will come a time... Of all the people in the world, Masong was the first to know that i really want to go to Bible School. To tell you honestly, getting me a job is just like a sort of a cover-up with what i really wanted. But come to think of it, God doesn't want things to happen for a reason right? He let me have this job coz He planned it to.

Anyways, back to my application process. I had my voice recorded over the phone. They evaluated it! And after a few minutes, i waited outside the testing room... Then called Miss Hazel. She gave me a letter that says i passed!!!! I will be signing the contract 6:00PM. When i went out and got inside the SuperBeetle car, i immediately called up the house and talked to mama right away! I gave her the good news! She was happy for me. Though kuya isn't and i could sense it. I still am praying that he will understand.

May 24, my first day of work... I'm just sooo excited!

May 14, 2007 (Monday)

We were together (mama, kuya and i) in going to the public school to VOTE! We have to vote! We jus have to! Then went home as soon as we were done. We have to prepare so as they would come over at the house to just hang and have fun!

As far as i could remember, it was tata who suggested and asked me if they could go. It was at the Young People's program that everyone agreed to just have fellowship here at the house. And so, May 14th came...

They arrived riding on 2 vehicles... tetet was bringing her car (mind you, it's my dream car arrgghhh! hehehe ^^ ) and Rolie was driving his bike. Anyways, when they came here chancho was more that excited that he really would jump all over yah! He was there playing with us alright!

Chancho didn't let anyone go his bite marks. It seems that he just wants to leave that bite!! Arrgghh!!

What's chancho doing? I'm gonna get yah!! Nyarr!!

We really had fun here at the house. But the best way is... even if we had fun, we were able to finish the outline for the skit.

We were also having a meeting, somewhat like an open-up forum. It was only this time that tata told me about that little secret in church. I started to feel that this guy has this something for me... i knew it when he preached on the last night of the camp. i was really shocked! They've been teasing me with this guy i told them please don't coz i do not want someone to get hurt. My heart just went crushing when i knew this lady was crying her heart out when she knew that this guy got a thing for me. I do not want to be conceited, this guy didn't even tell me yet. Plus, i haven't been praying for him too. But little did i know, our pastor knew all about this. Oh my!! only God could tell.

I was suppose to be early and be on time on the Group 1's Young People's Program... When... I tried to send an SMS to Jodelyn and ask her if she and i could meet so i could have the songs she have with her. The songs she lend me really helped! It has chords in it... So everytime, i got nothing to do... I play the piano and sing the songs. We met almost 2:00PM, and i was in a hurry. But when i tried to invite them and come over to the church... hey wadayaknow!! They said YES! So  waited for them to get changed. We arrived at the church past 2:00PM... As far as i could remember, it was 2:30PM in my watch. They have started, and it's a good thing they have welcomed, Jodelyn and Hazel. We sang some action songs...   They asked me to play the piano... WHAT?!!!! I can't play a song when i don't get to see the chords. I was sorry. We just sang and sang without an instrument that played along.

They also had a skit. Jodelyn and Hazel really enjoyed their program.

Look at how Christina acts! And The star of the show... Maricel.

We played games and really had fun.

And the game masters!! We played somewhat like the charades... I was the first one to act out the word they wanted me to act. Then Group 2 of course guessed it in no time! Weee!! We got the point!

They sang the song we practiced the night before. I decided not to play the piano. It would just ruin everything. Vincent played the guitar. They sang a wonderful song... It's your Kindness.

Everyone's happy singing the song. It's your kindness that leads us to repentance oh Lord. Knowing that you love us... no matter what we do. Makes us want to love you too!

I like the preaching... It was Rabbi who did the discussion. It's all about pruning. Cutting off the unwanted parts of our life. I like the series in the young people's program. It's all about letting go and letting God. Ahhh... I could really relate.

Then Bro. Edwin added some preaching. Telling us that if we don't get rid of those unwanted parts, we wouldn't grow how God wants us to be.

God is really sooo great and sooo amazing! There's none like Him!!

The first Kids' Summer Camp...

Ma'am Ruth asked me one night time if i could be available to facilitate the kids on their Kids' Summer Camp. Who could ever refuse... I'm living my 'Never Say No' habit. Honestly, no regrets ... I really had fun more than a 100%. I saw how God listened to my each and every prayer I pray. He never sleeps, He is alive!!!

One time, there was an announcement at church... The first WIN Kids' Camp!! Hmm... I was thinking... ' To join or not to join '

Well, i guess this is the best way to gain more friends and get to fellowship with my other chistian friends! This time, with this 4 days - 3 nights camp, i pray that God would mold me... be responsible, grow spiritually, and most importantly ... Lead me!

To camping we will go!!!!
 

May 7, 2007 (Monday)


Kids weren't coming til past 2:00PM. Some of the WIN kids who weren't able to register piled up and have their name listed. Some were early, some were late... Kids bringing all their clothes for a 4 days-3 nights camp.

Campers stayed at the church: There was the girls' quarters then the boys' quarters.

 

Welcome campers!!!! First things first!!! Here's what you need to do!

 God was so amazing... He made the weather cool down... He brought the rain. Could you just imagine... for days and weeks, there wasn't any rain, clouds were not visible in the sky. Not until the rain!

 




What a better way to start our day with God's word! What did He say?! We have to put Him first!

 

10:00 AM --- LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!

DODGE BALL!! This was the first game we played. We played this game when we went to Intosan Waterpart Resort when we had our leadership training / team building. And as how we had fun at Intosan, so were the kids!! They have to dodge to the best as they could... Despite the heat of the sun... come to think of it... it wouldn't be fun if it would still be raining right?! That's God!

Next Game: Volleyball Balloon!

We all know how to play volleyball right?! This time try using a water balloon!!! Talk about the net! It's a piece of dark cloth about the size of the net... yep! there's no way you could see the opponent.

LUNCH TIME!!!

Counselors were getting busy preparing for lunch!

Hmm... What are you having for lunch Pao? I'm getting hungry!


 







We have to rest after lunch... so as kids won't sleep during preaching time.

 

Ding! Ding! Ding! It's time to... PLAY!!! YEHEY!!!!

And now for our first game.... CUP CAKE RELAY.

How to play this? Well, ever notice those paper in you cup cake? Before you get to bake a cup cake, you have to put paper on the molder... Why am i starting to explain to you how to bake a cup cake... We only need the paper cup cake. These paper cup cakes... will be placed in the string... You have to blow it to the other end... and the next player continues... Enough already!!! 3.... 2..... 1.... GO!!!!!

 













And now for our next game.... HANG IT UP!

Try getting your socks that has the color of your team... Wearing... black bag... Let's see if you could get the right color... And since you couldn't watch where you're going... Here's a tip: Listen, Listen to you team mates... And never listen to those temptations surrounding you trying to tell you to pick that wrong sock! Go Get'em!!!

And now... never thought this would be sooo much FUN!

Seksing Butiki. Seksing Butiki. Seksing Butiki sa Buntis na Opao....

May 9, 2007 (Wednesday)

We had some extraordinaire games. We had the Message Relay but you have to act the message out. There was the Stink-a-dink... Find your slippers and match it as fast as you can! There's the Rub-a-dub-dub where you get to rub the soap with your hands til the soap runs out! The water balloon relay... But the most highlight of all was the ... CAMP FIRE!

4 Groups gathered around the camp fire. Camping wouldn't be complete without this right?! We really had fun and enjoyed the day and night events! I would never forget this!

May 10, 2007 (Thursday)

After eating lots and lots of food this morning and at lunch... I finally decided to start losing weight. I guess it's about time to lose some weight looking at all my clothes that really are oh sooo tight! I said to myself, if others can make it... then so could i. Hmm... right?! Guess i could make it. If i made it before... losing almost 20 lbs in months... then i could make it now! I tried to do some research on how to lose weight safely, naturally and effectively. I am open to suggestions and comments ... I  need your help if you could... please do. To start with : Here's my goal... I want to reach 110 lbs in no less than a month. By June, I should be 110lbs. Well, honestly, that's really the weight I've been wanting. And I guess I could reach it. I only have 27 days to lose these unwanted weight. I'll keep you on track regarding my program. For the meantime... let's get started and let's work out those muscles! Woohoo!!!

3:00PM (Sunday, April 29,2007)

We left... We're going to Intosan Resort for our team building and leadership training. After church, mama and i still dropped by at McDonald's to buy some halo-halo burst and some rice burgers and big mac. I had lunch at the house and was in a hurry to go back to church. I was excited to get to the place. There were 13 leaders who went. It was an hour drive from the city. We started our sessions and series of lectures after dinner. We got the chance to enjoy the place and had some photos taken.   

I was really blessed with the lectures. Bro. Arnold facilitated the program. We had two speakers... Pastor Kent and Bro. Benjie. I've learned that being a leader, as what the Bible says, you must be an example in words, in actions, in spirit, in truth, in love and most especially in purity. I've always prayed that i'd be a living bible people could see. Being a part in this church, really is a blessing... when you have good leaders and good friends to keep you on track. We also had a time we call it "Hot Seat" when each one gets to sit in the center and everyone gets to tell all the negatives and the positives. I was included! There is no one who could tell you who you are than people that surrounds you.

April 30, Monday

At 5:20AM, we were all up and were in front of Pastor Kent's room. His family was there too and stayed overnight. We woke him up with a song and greeted him a happy birthday. He was glad and thankful. I gave them both a letter and a card though for their birthday. Since it was still early, we had a devotional and had breakfast. Had a little rest and took some photos by the pool. Then we headed for our next session... which is the games and had FUN!

There's only 2 groups in World In Need Baptist Church... Group 1 and Group 2. I'm in group 2. I really enjoy their company. I am really thankful that God gave me lots and lots of christian friends in exchange for my unbeliever friends. I could not ask for more.

We finished at 9:00AM... Time to take a dip!!!

We all headed for the pool. Slides weren't open til 11:00AM. So we just make the most of our time and took a dip! There weren't so many people at the resort... So we really had the most wonderful time and really had FUN!!

Here's a Rolie photo we had. Ever wonder what rolie means?! This is a word we use when you get serious. Rolie is really that serious, which is why we always tell him to loosen up and take things easy and enjoy! He's our main leader by the way. Tetet's going to china for work. Bro. Arnold turned over the responsibilities and let him take the lead. With the sub leaders like us... Norlyn, Tata... Group 2 will always be that fun!

We headed home at 4:00PM. I went home and got the siomai my brother cooked and let mama go with me. Here's the most touching part...

At the party, Bro. Arnold asked me to hold the mic and tell something... I told myself... what?! what am i going to tell. I already told everything to Pastor Kent and Ma'am Ruth. But deep inside, God tells me to tell it to the church so they would be blessed too. Eversince I started going to this church, blessings just never stops flowing. Honestly, i have never told anyone about my story or should i say my testimony. I only choose people i trust. And since i have learned to trust the church and Pastor Kent and Ma'am Ruth... I told everything. It was a relief!!! There's joy inside me that i could not explain. It's only God's grace! I'm glad God saved me and took me back in His arms!