Ten Days Baja: Day 6 - Thankfulness

I couldn't sleep last night after what happened. It was one of the most beautiful things that happened in my life. I tried to sleep, and woke up an hour after. So I just continued packing my bags, and we left Rosarito Inn at 5AM. We were with people from Virginia and Washington D.C., and their flights were early in the morning, around 9AM. The traffic was heavy in the border. When they stopped us, I told the officer that I have a student visa, and I have a new I-20 because I changed my major. He approved of everyone's passports, but he directed us to secondary inspection so they can stamp my new I-20. I didn't know I needed the stamped one. But they would never let me in without it. :P


It took them a few minutes to process my I-20, and the van had to leave me behind and race to the airport. It was okay with me, God has given me so much favor. I know the people from Virginia and Washington D.C. were worried that they would miss their flights, but I was just so sure God will make a way for them. The one who processed my document was Filipino, his last name is Exconde, and after he was done, he told me I should pay $6 at the office. I told him I didn't have any money with me, so he paid for it! I was so blessed at that time, and I didn't worry at all cause I know God will come through.

I stayed at McDonalds after crossing the border. I was kind of hungry so I prayed for breakfast. Weirdly enough, a person left his pancake untouched on the table beside me. As in he already left the place! It was so funny. But I didn't eat it, I thought someone else might need it more than I do. Pastor Dave and Tony came back for me, and we went to Chikin-Fil-A to pick up the others and continue on our way to Morning Star Christian Church in Los Angeles. When we got to Chikin-Fil-A, they already bought food for me: chicken fillet sandwich, potato fries, and a large coke. It was satisfying. Hahaha.

At Morning Star Christian Church, with the Ten Days team! :D

I was kind of troubled that my aunt won't be able to pick me up, since I had a lot of things with me. It was silly, because again, I knew God will come through for me. Kuya Jonathan offered me a ride home. God is blessing me in so many ways. But when I got home, I had all these kinds of emotions bothering me. I was filled with joy, but at the same time, I was so sad because I already miss my team mates. Why does something so beautiful have to end already? T_T

I added all of them on facebook, and I just surrendered all these feelings to God, and prayed for comfort. I was crying for an hour! Haha. But I am thankful that He has let this amazing thing happen in my life, and for doing something great inside of me. I know the hard part has just begun. And I would need so much grace to be able to focus on God at all times, and have the strength to share His love and compassion to the people around me every day. I know I would need to have total reliance on the Holy Spirit to be able to share the gospel with boldness and conviction to other people. And I pray that I would wake up every single day with a missional mindset, and so much eagerness for this great cause -- to reach the lost for Christ.

I give back all the glory to God, none of this is done by my own strength, ability or wisdom. And I thank Him for touching my heart seven years ago, and letting me know of His saving grace and unfailing love. I thank Him for never letting go of me, and for always being there for me. I thank Him that He has been faithful to work in my life ever since, that I have come to this very moment to tell people about it. And I thank Him because there's more to come.

Wherever He leads me, I will follow. He's taking me to another journey after this! Joy and I will be organizing a walk for Stop Child Trafficking Now, and I'm sure God will show me His glory once again. I'm so excited to go to another Ten Days trip. And yay! I get to partner with Manny in prayers as he goes to India for his next Ten Days trip. God has given me the heart for India, and you can be sure that someday I will go to that place to do His will. God won't give us a desire in our heart if He's not planning to fulfill it. :D

"Praise the Lord, O my soul; let everything within me praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of his benefits -- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." Psalm 103:1-5

Ten Days Baja: Day 5 - Revelation

God never fails to surprise me. I thought yesterday was my best day, but He kept on exceeding my expectations! Haha. So today we went to the church we just built, and we attended the Sunday service. One of my team mates shared her testimony, and Jessica translated for the whole service. It was soooo amazing! Worship was both in Spanish and English, but more Spanish. And it's cool, cause even though I didn't understand the language, the worship was just the same; like literally worshiping in spirit and in truth. After the beautiful message, the pastor of the church prayed for the Ten Days team. I remembered feeling so fired up. He was shouting, and in great joy and declaration. He said something like this, "Thank you Ten Days team! Keep hearing the voice of God. Thank you because you heard Him when He said, 'Go to Mexico!' and you went. And I knew you would come because everyday I kept claiming that He would send His warriors!"

The Baja Mission Trip facebook page said this, "Our team had the opportunity to meet the pastor of this church. He was so grateful! He told our team the story of how his church began as a small group of people meeting in a home to worship God and meet together. Quickly their meeting grew into 3 meetings in 3 houses. The church had prayed fervently for God to give them a church building. They collected the money to buy land, and continued to pray. As they prayed, they got a sense from the Lord that someone was going to build a church for them. And guess what? That someone was us!" It's amazing how God touches our hearts and uses His people to do His will, and how He does amazing things when a person would obey.

Click photo to enlarge.

People in the church worshiping in their new church building. Photo courtesy of Elaine Dimal.

After the prayer, one of my team mates, Troy, prayed for the fire of the Holy Spirit to come down on us, so the people in the church would receive baptism of the Holy Spirit. We started laying hands on the people of the church. The Ten Days team were speaking in tongues, praying for healing, prophesying, and manifesting other gifts of the Holy Spirit. And it was a wonderful sight to see how God generously gives His gifts when people ask. People in the church were crying, shaking, and some were even on the ground. It was powerful! It was my first time to lay hands on someone for the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speak tongues so loud like that. After that, they called for people who would like to be baptized in water, and publicly declare that they are following God, and that they are a new creation.

It was so exciting, cause I got to baptize two people I had prayed for, a mother and her daughter. After the service, I asked help from my team mate Sandra to translate for me. We talked to a boy whose middle name is Angel, and I told him that God was telling me earlier that He will break the chains and destroy everything that stands in the way for him to fully follow Christ. And he thanked us both. Sandra said he was praying to follow God and love Him more when we were laying hands on them. He was so eager, and I have never seen this kind of eagerness of a whole church to really give their lives up to Christ.

It can be summarized by this picture. Haha. Photo courtesy of Rubyrose Tapnio.

After that, we went home, and I knew I was being attacked by the enemy because I have these sudden depressions. Joy was telling me that I am above and over the enemy, and I have the power to step on it and move on. She also said (out of nowhere) that, "You are a woman of honor and dignity. It's something that you are, and you can't earn it. God has made you that way. And when you realize that, you'll be able to stop comparing yourself to other people, whether you were able to do more awesome things than they did, or vice versa, cause either way God gets the glory. And you can be happy for them. It's the confidence that you don't have to earn anything or be better than someone, but to focus on uniting with each other to glorify God." It's funny because that's exactly what I needed to hear. And then Cara blessed me when she said I have a beautiful spirit, although I'm wondering what that means. But it's a gift, and I'm receiving it and thanking her for it.

The name bracelets I bought.

Then we went shopping. I bought a pancho for my brother cause his birthday is coming near, although I won't see him until December. I bought a beautiful bag, and handmade bracelets for my parents and my best friends. And then slept with my sleeping buddies, Alex and Elaine. Haha. We missed the dinner and the service, which was sad. And since we were leaving early in the morning, like 4:30 AM, I went to my team mates' room to say goodbye. I went to Pastor Daniel & Mari Hernandez's room first, but they weren't there. Until the shadow of my team mate Manny led me to this room, and everyone was there! Hihi, I thought God made it easier for me. I thought they were having a team meeting of some sort, but it turned out it was a more personal meeting, for the Midcities Church, but others were also there. I said that I only came to say goodbye and to eat cause I missed dinner. I wasn't supposed to be there, but Pastor Daniel said I can stay cause they're adopting me. It was sweet.

He asked us about one thing that happened to us in the trip that has really blown our minds away, or made a big impact on us. For some, it was the overflowing love of God, that there was just so much love every where. Pastor Daniel said it was easy to love people here in Baja because we didn't stay long enough to see all the baggage that they have, but in our own team, people have such painful pasts, and even when knowing that, there was the kind of love and acceptance for that person, regardless of who that person was. To love like God loves us, no matter how shameful the lives we have led, is such a powerful thing.

For Manny, it was patience. Because his wonderful experience happened last minute. I have to do this special mention cause it was really touching. God has given him compassion, that he is able to weep and identify with the feelings of a person. There was doubt of his manliness because of many reasons (and because he cries). But I later found out that he lacked a father figure. We prayed for him, and it was an intimate moment when Pastor Daniel offered to be his spiritual father. We prayed that even when He didn't have that father figure, God is His father, and He is the perfect model of a man to learn from. And even though God is powerful and mighty, he weeps for his children when they are broken hearted. Our God is a compassionate God.

For others, it is sharing our testimony. Exposing the most vulnerable parts of ourselves, letting go of the past, risking what people would think of us, so that we can glorify God and how He has wonderfully written the story of our lives. Some are in the process of healing, but with the confidence of God's redemption and faithfulness in their lives. In God's own time, I know everyone of us will be able to forgive the people who have wronged us, and even pray for their salvation. Surprisingly, so many of us have been sexually and even physically abused when we were children. They have hidden that past for so many years, that they have never told anyone about it. But this trip changed them, that they finally started letting go, and fully realize who they are in Christ. Before I got here, I was already sharing my testimony with other people personally, because I made it a personal mission to minister to people struggling with the same things. But to share my real testimony in front of so many people, and conscious of what my team mates would think of me, it was hard. Elaine had ministered to me before I got here, and she led me to a prayer of real repentance. And I was able to do it, like I was shedding every last bit of shame there is in my life, and declaring that the old has gone and the new has come. And what's so amazing is that I can stand before God's children and know that I will not be judged, and they will accept me no matter what.

They prayed for those of us who experienced sexual abuse when we were young, and as a result, led to many sexual sins. Pastor Nico, a pastor in Baja, prayed for us in Spanish. I couldn't understand what He was saying, but I saw a vision of chains being broken, and of a person screaming in anger and hurt. That person was being torn down slowly (literally physical), and when it was done, all that was left was the same person deep inside, but cleansed, pure, and so peaceful. It was wonderful. And the enemy was screaming so loud because all the hard work they've put on us is already gone. Meanwhile, one of us heard, "It's okay. It's okay to let go." (Fast forward to my devotion that night, I read from Psalm 118:5, "In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free.")

After that, Daniel, my team leader, prayed for Pastor Nico, and I prayed for his wife Criselda. I prophesied that she would be a comfort and encouragement to many people, just as God has comforted her throughout her life. I prayed that she would always give strength to her husband. I prayed for hope, strength, perseverance, provision, and a wonderful marriage for them both.

Lastly, I told everyone in the room this story. It was last year when God said, "You're going to America, cause I'm training you for something great." The premise of that is world missions. And I know He's been preparing me for it, because He has brought me to places far from my family. I mean, my family is always there for me, and I love them. But there are years in my life when they had to work in another country, and He has given me the opportunity to study in a far school in the Philippines. So it's hard for me to build really deep relationships now, cause I keep distancing myself, or I don't usually open my heart to people that much, and I try not to get attached because I want to be okay and independent when they aren't there for me physically. Plus it's hard to enter a new spiritual family that's already been there for years and you're just new. So the most beautiful thing that God has given me in this trip is family. I know I've been telling God, "I'm okay, You're enough for me." But He keeps telling me, "No, you need a family." I have opened my heart for the spiritual family I have in this trip. And I want to thank those people who have always included me with them. For Mari for being so sweet and always wanting to spend time with me, for Pastor Daniel for adopting me, and for the rest of the Texas-Hawaii team for accepting me for who I am. And little by little, through this trip, I am building deeper relationships with my spiritual family in Los Angeles. And I will have to trust God to be able to open myself fully to other people.

This day has been a long and beautiful day. A day of family, and spiritual gifts of visions, tongues, and prophecy that God has freely given me. And a day of revelations of what He is doing in my life. I would've missed it, but He showed it to me.

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." Ephesians 1:17-19

Ten Days Baja: Day 4 - Anointing

I am so confident that today is the best day of my entire trip! :) Let me start with what I did last night just before I wrote my journal entry. I was praying to God, because I knew the enemy was distracting me and attacking my weaknesses in terms of integrity (my selfishness issues, giving glory to myself than to God, thirst for attention, etc.). I was crying out to Him because I definitely cannot do it on my own, it takes so much grace from Him. So when I woke up this morning, it was gone. I felt so peaceful, that I didn't have to worry about anything. I also prayed that I would minister to a person who has been going through a lot, and a future leader in the community and the country.

As I was eating breakfast, Joy Lee told me she had a vision of me in the darkness. In the vision, I looked so confused and probably in distress, and I was turning my head to different directions because I didn't know where to go. Then she told me that she felt God wants her to tell me, "Your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear. Your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday." She was reading from Isaiah 58 at that time. She said it was a promise, as a result of true fasting. It's interesting because the room where I'm staying at is overlooking all the lights in the city. And last night I asked God, "Are these lights enough?" So when Joy told me that, I was surprised, but I didn't know what it meant (until now, actually).

Click picture to enlarge. Photo courtesy by Elaine Dimal.

(Left) People who came after we came knocking on their doors. (Right) Elaine & Sandra with beautiful girls.

Briana got bitten by a pitbull, but no deep marks! :D This girl gave a very powerful testimony that day.

After breakfast, they had people volunteer for construction at the build sites. I went with the others to our evangelism site somewhere quite near that place. And it was cool cause all the teams were together in this. We knocked on every door and every street down the park in that place. A lot of people came, but it was fewer than before. When people started sharing their testimony in public, and when Pastor Ramon preached, I just felt the Holy Spirit really moving in that place. The team prayed quietly for open hearts to receive Jesus Christ. It's amazing cause the things they said tackled almost every issue in Christianity. It was like a total covering of the Holy Spirit. I saw a boy who was listening eagerly as the pastor was talking, and the word "leader" kept repeating in my head. I knew that God has a wonderful plan for him and that he will lead people to Christ in the future. But I wasn't able to pray for him because he went away quickly.

(Left) With them guys from Morning Star Christian Church, LA. (Left) Having fun at the fiesta with Terrance Piñata!

Then there was this woman, and everytime I looked at her, the word "darkness" was in my mind. I was choosing who to pray for between the boy and her, because we didn't have much time, and we had to go back to the main site for the fiesta. I grabbed one translator, and started praying for the woman. Her name is Victoria. I told her that God will be her hope and her strength, that He is always with her, that God loves her, and will never leave her alone. I told her that she has been through times of darkness in her life, but God will be her light. I told her that God was telling me that even though she has felt so alone and hurt, even when she thinks she can't go on anymore, God will be with her, and He knows what she is feeling. When the prayer ended, I saw that she was crying. I gave her a hug, but I didn't have the chance to ask what she was going through since I had to go to the bus. But this is what I will definitely take home with me when I leave Mexico: no matter what hardship a person is going through, it will turn their lives around when they see the truth that God knows what they feel, and he's been through even worse just to have a personal relationship with us. He is for us, and He will never leave us.

(Left) One of the beautiful families in the fiesta. (Right) Clowns presenting a skit and sharing the gospel as well.

We left the place to go to the church we just built, where the fiesta will be held. I played with the kids, blew bubbles, danced, and had so much fun! After the games and the activities, the clowns presented a skit, and I was surprised because after that, they shared the gospel in a way that just blew me away. So many kids, and even their parents, accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We started praying for the kids, and I couldn't stop crying. I had just witnessed the best altar call of my life done by clowns, with a super amazing grace from God. I felt the sincerity of the kids, and in my heart, I heard God telling me so clearly, "Don't you see what I am doing? These are the leaders that I will raise up. I have such a wonderful plan for them." I did not only minister to one future leader, but to more than a hundred! It was like something was lifted before my eyes, and I can finally see what God was doing all along. Yesterday, so many kids received Jesus in their life. But it wasn't until God revealed it to me that I realized my prayer had already been answered. If I was exploding with amazement yesterday, I am exploding with so much joy and awe for my sovereign God right now.

(Left) So many kids and parents were listening. (Center) These two have such a beautiful family. 

(Right) With Valentina and Israel. She's 18 years old, pregnant with her second kid. :)

With Eduard, the kid I have been praying for. :D

When I came home, I felt the fire in me burning. We went out to eat Tacos and Quesadilla, and I told some of my team mates of the amazing things God did. Even when we got back to the hotel, I've been wanting to cry. I stayed in the room of Pastor Daniel and Mari Hernandez, and I got the chance to tell Pastor Peter (the one who led the Ten Days team) about my experience with God today. Weirdly enough, the weight was lifted. As if I just had to tell him that. He said that he remembered my name because I had a powerful testimony. That was a blessing. I knew there was a reason why I had been through those painful and shameful things that happened in my life. So He can redeem me and show the power and love that there is on the cross. He planned for this moment to happen when I will be able to share my testimony, and glorify Him.

(Left) With the guys who made my name bracelet. (Right) Authentic Mexican Quesadilla with pastor meat.

My life definitely changed. Something inside me was stirred and turned upside down, and I just know I will never be the same after this trip. God has anointed every single member of the Ten Days team to minister to people. He could've just made us follow him or destroy us in a flick of a finger, but He chose to touch our hearts; and being an instrument in this process is truly amazing. I am so grateful that God gave me a shot in this. There are so many wrong things in my life, but the only right thing that happened to me is God and His unfailing love. He is faithful to work in and through me.

"You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil; for God was with Him." Acts 10:38

"God has anointed me with the Holy Spirit and with power. God is working through me to heal those who are oppressed by the devil. I speak His Word with boldness, and utterance is given to me as I open my mouth. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for He has anointed me to bring the good news to the afflicted, to bind up the brokenhearted, and to proclaim liberty to the captives. I proclaim His anointed word in power and the Holy Spirit in full conviction." (Acts 10:38; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 61:1; 1 Corinthians 2:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:5)

Tonight, I started looking at the lights I see from my window in a different perspective. Those lights are like the children of God, shining in the light of His glory, even in the darkness. And when they come together, they will shine like never before. I settled with that, but He promised for an even greater light. He promised I would reflect His light that the darkness I face will just be like noonday. I can't wait. :)

Ten Days Baja: Day 3 - Perseverance

Ola, mi amigos! :) I am so sleepy and tired right now, but I shall do this for you, and for me, too. Haha. I don't want to forget this day ever.

Since we did building construction all day yesterday, we went out to the neighborhoods here in Baja today to evangelize. IT WAS SO AWESOME! I cannot explain, but God deserves my praise for His awesomeness right there. The evangelism sites were pretty far, like an hour drive from the place we were staying at.

What I wake up to every morning.

In the morning, we went out knocking on every door in the streets within a mile radius of the church in our first site. It was amazing! The people really came to the place where we told them we will be meeting. About 250 people showed up. No one even said no. It was just not what we expected. It was amazing when we saw their openness and their willingness to come and hear about God. They were so welcoming and nice. We visited a low-income government housing site, and it really opened my eyes and see how blessed these people were, that even though they didn't have the money for material things, they lived very simple lives. And the happiness that they have is just different. I'm claiming the promise of God that He hears the cries of the poor and the needy. He will rescue them and provide for them.

Click the picture to enlarge. Photo Courtesy of Elaine Dimal.

 

(Left) With the kids I love. Giving them the bracelets on my hand. (Right) That's how many heard the gospel in our first site.

I was really nervous, and I didn't prepare to share my testimony. But I figured God will give me the right words to say. I got to share my testimony there, about how God rescued me from guilt and shame, and the long history of sexual sin passed on by the generations before me. I told them of how His grace sustains me, and that when Jesus died, His blood covers my sin, and when God looks at me, He sees the perfection of His son. I told them that no matter what my past is, God won't love me less, and I can stop trying hard to earn God's love because nothing I do can make Him love me more that He does now. He already loves me so much. After the altar call, we gave out Bibles and Purple Books to the locals who signed up so they can be contacted by the church nearby. I prophesied peace on one girl who received Jesus, and prayed for an old woman who said, "Thank you for coming. I didn't know. I didn't know. But now I know." And it just makes my heart explode. At that point, I couldn't see my impact in what we did, but right now, I'm realizing that her soul was at stake right there. I made a difference in the life of one person. And if we didn't come, she wouldn't have known God's unfailing love and His grace that saves.

(Left) Pastor Peter Dusan and Pastor Ramon, translating English and Spanish. (Right) Bibles and Purple Books underneath. :)

Another group of people, about 250 and more, came to our second evangelism site meeting place. I was able to prophesy for hope and blessings to two people. There wasn't a church near that area, so the Baja Christian Ministries was looking for a pastor who will be overseeing the people we will be reaching out to. So there's this pastor they knew, and my friend Peter met this person. The pastor told him, "You wouldn't believe this, but three years ago, I received Christ when a group of people came to our town. But after that I moved to this far place, and all I have is a Bible and a Purple Book." See that? AMAZING! That's a divine appointment right there. That pastor received Christ when a group of people from a mission trip came to his town three years ago, and God has sent him to the town where we went. And now he has a Bible, a Purple Book, and a church of 150 people!

(Left) Going together with my team, Green Team! (Right) Started walking down the street of the second site.

Earlier today, I have seen 500 people come to know more about God, and hundreds of people give their life to Jesus Christ. God is really in control, like He hand-picked every single one of us going to this trip, and the people we'll be meeting. There are other amazing stories, but I'll leave that for the video blog. One of those things were when Elaine and I were randomly given (at the elevator) these sets of bracelets and cards that represent important things in the Bible to give out to people as we evangelized. You'd be amazed on how much that bracelet made chain reactions, divine appointments, and affected so many lives. Well, not really the bracelet, but the God who planned all this at the perfect time. And it's a privilege to be used by Him.

(Left) So many kids went in front to receive Jesus in their hearts. (Right) People listening to Claudia's testimony.

I know the other teams were really tired due to construction work, and oddly enough, I was even more tired today than yesterday. We walked from street to street to knock and invite them to hear God's word and receive a gift. I was literally dragging my feet one step forward. It was so hot, and my feet were beat. But Pastor Ramon was just so excited and we prayed for strength and energy to be able to do that for a second time. That's perseverance right there. When we came back to Rosarito Inn for fellowship and recap, God revealed something to me while worshipping. He said, "That's what I am willing to do for you. And even more, I would die on the cross for you." That touched my heart so deep, that I began to have this passion inside of me. This trip ain't over yet. I'm still waiting to minister to more people and see miracles in the days to come. I'm looking forward to prophesy to people and let God turn their lives upside down. Those who are praying for me, I want to thank you right now! Persevere in your prayers as well. I know it takes a few extra minutes to do so, but it's worth it.

"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

"I imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. I do not lose heart in doing good, for in due time I shall reap the harvest if I do not grow weary. I run with endurance the race that is set before me, fixing my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith."

At the end of the day, it's a personal thing, just between me and God. And I fix my eyes on Him. I couldn't have made it this far if it weren't for Him. All the glory is His. :)

Ten Days Baja: Day 2 - Compassion

Today we departed Rosarito to go to the build sites. I am just blown away by the fact that it is actually possible to build a building with complete package in just one day! The two green teams were assigned to build-site 3, a far, rocky road from build-site 2. It was so awesome! We built a school classroom, and I learned how to hammer. I mean, I sucked at first, but later today, I can actually hammer nails with more power and less time. I really thank the team leaders who kept encouraging me, and trusting in my hammering skills (level: noob), and letting me do the work even when I slow them down. Haha. After a few trial-and-errors, I can actually catch up with them. I also painted the building, and I had paint smears on my clothing, and paint freckles on my body. It was fun and fulfilling.



I realized that Jesus is really doing all the work, not us, and we get to work with Him in this big project! And even though my arms are sore, and I kept hitting my thumb with the hammer, the effort and the physical pain now will change and impact lives of a lot of people in the town, even eternally. We didn't get to share the gospel in the streets cause we were pretty secluded in the area, but serving God, no matter how, will always be fulfilling. And even though I hated being an assistant and all, this really changed my perspective. No matter how big or small my role is, it is still important to get the work done. Everyone in the body of Christ is valuable, everyone is made to do something different, and it's just amazing when God works it out in unity.

Click pictures to enlarge. Photo courtesy by Elaine Dimal.

 

(Left) Walls and roof almost over. (Right) And me assisting Elaine as she hammers.

(Left) When water finally came! Hahaha. Me at the back. (Right) The view from the school.

Lunch (and water) didn't come on time, but the people didn't mind, I think they enjoyed bonding and building the house so much even when it was tiring. I didn't interact with a lot of locals today, but the few I've encountered have blessed me. I can really see their openness and their willingness to help out. This cute little girl named Ellie helped me out with painting the walls, and though I couldn't understand what she was saying, it was just heart-warming to share God's love to someone like her. Her mom and her sister also helped out and were really welcoming. And I really had fun with the company of my teammates who were from Texas. Dang, those spanish-speaking people! How effortless! Haha.

(Left) Painting the walls with this little girl, Eli. (Right) River of blood, me and Manny.

We got lost on our way home to our mansion in Rosarito Inn. :)) Once again, the dinner was just so delicious that I've had my second takes. We had a recap and devotion afterwards. After worshipping, Pastor Gregg Tipton called on those who have heard God speaking to them, and those who prophesy, to come in front and say what God is telling them. They invited the Holy Spirit to come in our midst. God was speaking to different kinds of people, those who still have shame and guilt because of their past, those who need freedom, etc. God has already fixed most of my heart issues before I came here, and He has done that in amazing and unexpected ways. I also came up to speak what I felt God was telling me. Though at that time I was really freaked out because I wasn't sure if it was really Him speaking and not me. But it was just so strong, and I've been feeling it all throughout the day. Here's the gist of what I said:

I realized that all the things we are doing here is out of love. First, out of love for God. And also out of love for the people that He also loves -- the lost. And I heard God speak to me, "I have lifted you up from all the anger, hurt, pain, brokenness, and loneliness. And I will do the very same to the people here." So I pray that we would also share that joy unspeakable in our hearts when we met Him, when we met Christ. That we would see the people here in Baja the way God sees them, with so much love, and with so much potential to make an impact and glorify God in the future. I pray that the love will overflow, and that there will be no place for fear: fear that we won't make a big difference here, fear of sharing our past to others, fear because we don't have the boldness. Those things are just non-existent! For there is no fear in love. Perfect love drives out fear. I pray that we would have a broken, and crushed heart for the people here that we cannot help but share the love God has poured out on the cross.

That revelation just struck my heart, and I cannot help but cry out for this nation. After the recap, my family from Morning Star Christian Church went to our mansion-condo-room to celebrate the 9th birthday of Jordan Ortiz (the youngest person, age 8, in the history of Ten Days Missions). Beat that! :) We went for a swim afterwards. At the end of the day, God called me to pray for Baja, Mexico -- that the people we'll be reaching out in the next days will not just be saved, but be future leaders of their generation, and will make a big impact in their nation. If you're reading this now, it's not too late to pray!

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness." Psalm 115:1

Ten Days Baja: Day 1 - Faith

Ten Days Mission Experience

Today is our first day, and we haven't done anything much yet. I stayed at Elaine's house so we could go together to our church at Morning Star Christian Church. The team occupied two vans, and I had the back seat of one van all to myself! Haha. I just slept my way to San Diego Airport. But we stopped over Chikin-Fil-A, and it was awesomeee.

We arrived and checked ourselves in with Kerren Barker, so we'd know our teams and our room numbers. I'm in green team! Yay! :) I actually hoped I'd be in a team with strangers so I'd be able to build new relationships. We were staying at Oceana Casa Del Mar, but we'll use the name Rosarito Inn for short. My room mates were Elaine, Alex, Angela, and Raquel. Our room is a freakin' mansion! Hahaha. We have a two-storey, four-bedroom, super complete condo to ourselves for five days. Though no one occupies the reject room at the ground floor. Angela and Raquel's room has this huge closet and bathroom. I have an enormous room all to myself. Plus we were right by the beach, and the pool downstairs. We have also been well fed. I've had two takes of the tender chicken with mushroom sauce. And we'll be having buffet breakfasts every morning, lunch delivered to the build sites, and dinner. Totally not what I expected.


Though that's not what I've been waiting for. I'm so excited for what will happen tomorrow and what we'll be doing. Honestly, it's scary. Preparing for Ten Days Baja really stretched my faith in God when it comes to finances. He has provided so much already, and I totally flaked out when it comes to the thought of asking money from people, until God revealed to me that I'm actually presenting an opportunity for my partners to also step out of their comfort zones, obey God, and give. I've completed my goal, and received even more, which I used to buy gifts for the kids and the locals.

But I've had this feeling all along that I was totally unprepared, even now. I felt as if I won't make a difference, and that nothing great will happen. But I'm standing in faith that God will just blow me away by what He'll be doing in the next five days. I am in faith that great things will happen even when I don't feel like it. I will not waver in unbelief, and I am standing on the promises of God. He is able to fulfill them, and He will fulfill them because He loves the people here in Baja. I am believing for a great harvest when we go and share the gospel to the locals. All things are possible to me because I believe. I have faith the size of a mustard seed and nothing is impossible to me. :)

So if you're reading this, pray for the faith of the Ten Days team. And stand in faith with us, that lives will be changed for the glory of God. And also pray God will give me vision, that I would see the people of Baja as God sees them, with so much love, and so much potential to bring glory to His name. Pray that I'd come before God with a broken, crushed heart for the people in Baja, and with compassion on them.

"Why was it, O sea, that you fled, O Jordan, that you turned back, you mountains, that you skipped like rams, you hills, like lambs? Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turned the rock into a pool, the hard rock into springs of water." Psalm 114:5-8

That's how great God is, and you and I will be experiencing that in the days to come. See youuu!

Back to Basics

*Had a hard time with grammar on this essay. Ugh, please correct me if you find any wrong grammar lurking somewhere here. I would appreciate it. Submitted for my Creative Writing Travel Piece assignment. I love Baguio, and you don't know how much I really want to come back and study in UP Baguio again and see my spiritual family from Victory Baguio again. T_T

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I have a thing for cold, melancholic nights, when the temperature drops to 15 degrees Celsius and my feet won’t stop shaking. My first nights in Baguio were torture; I wanted to cry every single day. The wind told me that my ten-month stay will be very long.

At first glance, the summer capital seemed to be a very normal place giving you the unnecessary hassle of walking up and down the steep roads, not to mention the vehicles that would blow too much smoke on you every once in a while. The water was ice cold, and you won’t really need a refrigerator that much. I didn’t like SM City Baguio, and all the buildings standing there trying to transform the city into a very industrialized place. A lot of people also warned me to watch out for thieves in crowded places like the public market and Session Road. But despite of that, the locals of Baguio were very nice. Unlike the typical busy Manileños, they would really stop and listen to you for any queries, as if you’ve been friends with them before.

I stood in front of McDonalds one rainy night, wondering what I was doing in the north, miles away from my family. I found myself hailing for a taxi, as numerous snob drivers ignored me. There was always traffic lurking in Session Road, and I had no choice but to walk home. On most mornings, as I walked to school, I could literally see the air I breathe out. It must have been the low temperature.

I visited the pond near the Oblation statue frequently. There was peace and quiet in that place, away from the noisy students of UP Baguio. I met ate Len there, a campus minister from the church where I came from. She introduced me to people who became my friends; they made my succeeding months in Baguio seem too short. We ate together at fast food restaurants or carinderias every lunch and dinner. And did I mention that the locals cook very delicious food We often went down Session Road to buy the famous homemade frozen yogurt sold by a bar called “Rumours” where, people said, UP teachers hang out a lot.

I heard my classmates talk about partying ‘til they drop at Nevada. I’ve never been there, anyway. When our block had bonding sessions, I came with them to places such as Teacher’s Camp, The Mansion, Diplomat Hotel, and other baranggays, and discovered how big Baguio actually is. There was even a valley in Benguet called La Trinidad, which has quite a different temperature than Baguio on mornings, but way colder on evenings.

At days when boredom struck, I usually take the jeep to Loakan, and visit the Philippine Military Academy. They kept a historical account of the Armed Forces of the Philippines there. Soldiers were not my thing, but at least history is. I roamed around the museum and sometimes wished I could be one of the female marines. In late February, you would find no space at all. They closed main roads as people watched the famous Panagbenga Festival. I decided not to join, and had a photo shoot with my friends at Camp John Hay instead. The place was perfect for contrast in photos, because the historical place still had its original texture.

The cold, melancholic nights seemed to disappear as time passes by. Maybe I was getting used to it. If not, my resolution would be long walks late at night, with no idea of the direction where I was headed. After I got tired of walking, I just traced back my steps and went home. Recently though, my friends had kept me accompanied in coffee shops or competed with me on eating contests during buffet dinners at Ate Len’s house. Riding the jeep was the best part of getting to her house; I got to see all the shining lights at the bottom of the mountain from Marcos Highway on the way to Balacbac.

Before I went back to Makati, I went to Minesview Park first. That’s where you could find the cheapest strawberry jams and ethnic costumes, and that was when I was reminded that Baguio was not as normal as it seemed. The scenery was breathtaking, plus the feeling of being on top of the world. There was no place like Baguio. I guess it only got lonely when I was still a stranger in that cold land, but the people were nice, food was always great, and Baguio still had the knack of keeping me silent by way of nature.

The last time I went there, a private van drove me home, it was three in the morning, and there was no visible industrial light down Kennon Road. It felt good that at least some cities in the country still had traces of primitivism. People still walked as far as a jeep would take them. Igorots still paraded their costume -- their sense of culture. Flowers still bloomed amidst vehicle smoke. People still went to Burnham to jog on cold mornings despite the stink. They still spoke Ilocano even if Koreans or the Tagalogs were dominating the place. They still sold sundot kulangot, which was almost nonexistent in Manila these days. They still took pride in the beauty of the mountains, which was slowly diminishing.

I lasted for ten months in Baguio without even missing the mall, the internet, or the commercialized things I once got used to in the lowlands. I bet I’m more surprised right now than you are. So I stuck my head out one last time to see the way of life in Baguio and be reminded to go back to basics. I am definitely going back to that place again.