Following God's Lead

It's been a while since my last post and since my last 'relaxed time for myself'. Many things have happened in my life these past days, almost too fast I must say, but I'm major major:p happy and thankful to be where I am now.

It was last Wednesday, August 18, when I finally learned that I won't be getting my IV therapy license on time for the training program I'm applying for. I called the officer in charge to simply inform her about it, but instead of saying sorry which is what I expected, she said otherwise- that I could just get a certification that my license  is on process to join their program. It was what I was hoping she would say, yet when I heard it from her, I didn't feel all too happy about the fact that I have to immediately go to Manila, settle things, and bid goodbye to La Union if I get accepted. Half of my heart wanted to stay, but the other half longed to grab that opportunity, and I knew in my heart even then that I wouldn't forgive myself if I wouldn't even try. So I decided to go to Manila immediately after my night duty (which ended at 7am the next day). I left a letter to my senior nurse requesting for a change in schedule so I could have a double-off (Thursday and Friday) and I explained my situation to my dear friend and co-trainee Madzy who expressed support and agreed to inform our senior nurse in case I would no longer be coming back. Well it was almost final that I would no longer be coming back but I guess at the back of my mind, there's this thought that if something wrong happens and I wouldn't get in, I'd be happy to stay. And as I was riding the jeepney that Thursday morning, I actually felt that I wasn't just going home, that I was leaving a lot of things important to me. Madzy even pointed out that I didn't look excited, and I guess it was because I had very little time to say goodbye not just to the people, but also to the things I love doing that come with the place.

Ate Angel fetched me from the terminal that evening and she was one of the people who said that she's happy that I would be living with her. Another is my 4 year-old nephew Zach, who welcomed me with a kiss and a warm embrace, only to ask me to color with him immediately afterwards:) My cousin Ate Vikki was very kind and it was she who went with me to the hospital to finalize my application. She and Kuya Joel welcomed me and allowed me to stay in their home even without my asking. Tito Thoben was also such a blessing, for it was he who guided us where to go and talked to people he knows so we wouldn't need to fall in line, and so that all we needed to do was to follow him, pay, and wait. When the application became final, the whole 'I'll be staying in Manila' thought also finally sunk in. And along with it came the realization that this could be God working in my life. I prayed for this opportunity, yes, but it wasn't part of my plan. So it could only be either a distraction or God's will, but that I would never know unless I give it a shot. But I'm actually confident that this is all part of my God's wonderful plan in my life; first, because I prayed for it; second, because He has already settled everything for me, and third, because I feel the love and support of the people around me. When I came back to La Union to personally inform the nursing office of ITRMC that I would have to terminate my post-graduate training, they too immediately understood the situation and expressed support. When I explained my situation to our pastor, she also congratulated me, prayed for me, and reinforced that this is a blessing from the Lord, a reward for my faithfulness in continually serving Him all the ways I can. Our music team in our local church will always be a burden I will keep in my heart, it was actually what I was most concerned about. But I'm assured of God's love and guidance for all of us, that no one is indispensable in the church, and that no matter what problems we may encounter, it will flourish because it is God's work. They also expressed support in this new journey I would be taking, even though my departure would leave a space in the team vacant. We're short of workers and that makes it all the more difficult, but I promised to keep on praying for the team, lending a hand whenever they need my help. My Papa hoped that I would stay a bit longer and he kept on saying that they would surely miss me, but I know that he's very very happy for me.


So now, I am here, so proud of myself for my outstanding performance in commuting alone to and from the hospital, yehey! I got lost a few times and have taken the longer route only to discover that there's a shortcut within NKTI going to LCP, but it is through being lost that I learn and discover greater things. I walked a considerably long distance from the gate of the subdivision to our house but I enjoyed every minute of it. I wanted to go to the mall too but I was feeling hungry, and concerned about not knowing the place too well so I decided to just spend the rest of the day at home. Papa kept on asking me where I was, where I would go next, but that's totally understandable. Don't get me wrong, I've actually been to Manila many times already since I was a child. I even used to spend summer vacations here but it's just that being LOST is my thing, so much so that if there's an award for it, I'd be a grand slam winner. I also rarely travel alone which is why my 5-year stay in Baguio all alone back in college was one of my greatest achievements in life. I take pride of my good memory, but I guess I'm just not that observant unless I need to be. My family also thinks of me as 'aanga-anga' so even after assuring them that I can manage (at 21 years old), they're still not as confident as I am. But that's ok, they weren't there in Baguio after all when I had to go to places, all foreign to me, either by jeepney, by taxi, or most of the time, by foot. I know Manila's a whole new different story-it's much bigger, much farther from home, and much more dangerous in many ways but I'm still confident that I can manage, not because I know exactly what to do, but because I have my Creator who watches over me, takes good care of me, and keeps me away from all kinds of harm at all times:)
I'll be staying here for four months, but I hope and pray to land a great job here afterwards so I'd be staying much longer, but I hope it wouldn't take long for me to get used to the place. It's raining endlessly hard right now, just like the great, endless, and more abundant blessings God is yet to shower in my life and in our family. I may have left the safety and comfort of my home but I'm assured that for as long as I put God first in everything I do, I will always end up getting more than I've sacrificed. God continue to bless me, guide me, and hide me under the shadow of your wings, that I may always be a blessing to every person I encounter. Let your light shine in my life and let your glory be seen in our entire family, and nation as well. I love you, and I'll keep on following, loving, and thanking you all the days of my life because you never fail to give me a reason each day to love you more and more. In light, and in darkness, I give you praise! Unto you be all the glory! meow