Archive for July 31st, 2009

A year ago, this was a season of changes and beginnings. 2008 was a great year, we’ve acquired a brother-in-law, I met new friends, had a new vision and direction for my life and writing, an exciting ministry at Station One. I was at that point where I loved being single, which is not to say I didn’t have lonely moments or wished for some romance in my life, but I let God take care of that department. He has a far better taste in men for me than I do. I was doing a lot of freelance work that didn’t pay a lot, just enough, and I had a lot of time to do other things that interested me.

A year and a half ago, I was preparing to go to Bible school in the States. I was so sure that I was supposed to go– even with all the worries about how I’m going to afford it, how I’m going to live there, the student visa, and all that. I was so sure, and I was really getting ready to go.

Two months and a year ago, Jacs told me about the opening for a managing editor position in Metro Society, would I like to send my resume and sample works? Even if I was leaving for Bible school, I thought, “Why not?” I didn’t think I would get it, but it would be cool to see if they would actually consider me– a career freelancer, with no managing editorial blood in her veins– for the job. They called me for an interview. I met the Editor-in-Chief, told him the craziest things, only half-caring if he liked me for the job or not, but I liked him and thought that it would be cool to work with him. A couple of weeks later, they called me up to tell me I got the job.

Nearly two months and a year ago, I cried over my journal while writing down the pros and cons about getting the job vs. going to Bible School. They led to two different futures. Jen, my small group leader, patted me on the back to calm me down said, “Both of them are good things. God will be with you whichever path you choose.” And so I made my choice. The next morning, Dad breathed a sigh of relief when I told him I would stay and take the job.

A year ago yesterday, I walked into Station One and Law bounced up to me announcing gleefully, “Guess who’s here?!” A slightly familiar-looking guy in a tight shirt stood in front of me, smiling, but not saying anything. I squinted at him and said, “Anton?” He frowned and said, “No, I’m Manu!” We had never been formally introduced, but I knew him as that skinny kid back in high school a year ahead of us. I think I only said a sentence to him the whole time we were in highschool, but that night last year, we talked and poked fun at each other like old friends. I got his number but I didn’t give him mine until I texted him on the way home last night. I knew I had found a fun new friend who just kept on texting me.

A year ago today, Manu, through text and YM, revealed that he used to be a chef before going full time in the ministry as the Associate Pastor of WinMakati. Since I was cooking dinner that night, we collaborated for dinner via instant messaging. He told me to put beer with cream and fish roe for the pasta sauce. It was an epic fail.

Two days later last year was my first day in Metro Society. It was raining, and we had our first editorial training session. We learned the importance of cover blurbs, I met the other people in the office. For the first time, I felt that I was part of something big. So big that apart from Jacs and Metro Society’s editorial staff, I didn’t remember any of the names of the people that day.

Same day last year, Passion, the worship concert and youth conference, came to the Philippines. I rushed from ABS CBN to Ultra to meet my friends. I got separated from Tim and Deus– they got seats up front. I met up with the CFAC people at the end of the line. We ended up sitting up on the cheap seats to the right side of the stage. It was a good view, I didn’t mind. All this time, I was texting with Manu, who was on his way to the same event with his best friends and churchmates. We tried to figure out where each other was in that coliseum, it wasn’t until after a few songs into the concert that I saw this guy in a black shirt, just down our row, standing up while texting. I texted Manu to look to his left, and sure enough it was him. Some time during the concert, I lost my seat to a couple of old ladies and had to sit uncomfortably on a bar over our row. Manu saw me and made me sit with them (he happened to have an empty spot beside him). I didn’t want my CFAC friends to think that something’s going on between me and Manu, so I left him as soon as the concert was over. But even then, I knew something was brewing, on Manu’s part, at least. haha

2008 became even more interesting from then on.

For these past few days, I’m reminded of how God can change my plans and if I let Him, He can show me His plans– a future that is far beyond what I deserve. Thank God for retrospection, for the faith I needed at that time to go along with Him, even if His plans were so different from mine. Last night, at small group, when Grace asked me what my prayer request was, I couldn’t really think of any, other than my health (eventually I found some things I need to pray for though). She said, a matter-of-factly, “You’re so blessed, Stef.” I thought about it, grinned, and finally admitted, “Yes, I’m blessed.”

Amazingly so.