November 25

As my fingers pound on the keyboard to key in this opening sentence, the clock is ticking seconds away, drawing me near to 5:30PM of November 25, 2010.

November 25 has been for four years a very full day in my calendar. A day filled with celebration for wonderful people I've come to know and cherished spending time with since I came to COOK, my local church in Cebu City, in 2006.

November 25 was the day Kuya Ades, my youth pastor, was born. The person who has shown what it is to follow Christ and and serve Him through the youth ministry.

November 25 was the day Arciel, my "younger" sister ,was born. Although not blood related, she has become as if my own sibling. Through her I have come to apply the lessons on Gentleman Ways 101.

November 25 was the day Ate Cathy, our former worship leader at COOK, was born. She has shown me what it is to worship in Spirit and in Truth. Things I have recognized as I stepped out in faith and along side Abby, came to apply as worship leaders at church.

November 25 was also the day Mommy Flor and Pops came together. If it weren't for this day, I wouldn't be enjoying what it is to be a part of a family that serves the Lord--with delicious meals from time to time too to top that.

So you see, November 25 is truly an important and busy day. But 2010 has expanded it. For this year, this day, will mark something that I for sure will truly treasure in my memory chest in the years to come.

For today is the day when I step out and go on my first missions trip.

It has been one of my desires back then to participate in a short term missions trip abroad. I remember having this desire when I watched the movie "End of the Spear". Then it increased when I was able to join--and finish in flying colors--the Kairos Course.

Preparing for this trip has taught me new things, since most of the things I experienced while in the midst of preparations, were novelty.

And now, as the day has finally come, I can't help but just pause at how God has been faithful to me. It wasn't my faithfulness that brought me this far, it has been His all along.

November 25, 2010. Maybe just an ordinary day to some. But for me, it's something extraordinary.