I did not take much pictures so I'm waiting for the beautiful ones taken by Zeyn. Until then, I only have these:)
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| My view from the 'attic without walls' where I slept |
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| Who needs filter for a sunset this beautiful? Thank you Lord! |
we were requested to write our reflections and submit them to Medical Ambassadors Philippines and here's what I wrote...
Lessons From God: My OS 2017 Experience
Katrina A. Paglicawan
They say learning is a journey that takes time, and that is
usually true for me. But there are also special moments, such as the recent two
weeks, wherein God just allowed me to journey in faith and learn far more than
what I have in the past months and years.
My Operation Samaria (OS 2017) experience started way before
May 22nd, and it was truly a big step of faith for me. I first heard
about it thru Dr. Pete Obregon, one of my scholarship benefactors in medical
school, and when he opened the opportunity for me to join, I thought it would
be a meaningful way to give back and make good use of my skills as a nurse, and
as a medical student. My only issue then was if it would coincide with our term
break, and when that was covered, I immediately said yes. With the expenses
also covered, I did what any millennial normally does when in need of
information about anything – I searched the web for resources about OS 2017 and
the community we were going to serve. That it was not only a medical mission
but a true mission trip as well made me want to participate more as I have also
been praying and looking for more ways to participate in the Great Commission,
especially to unreached people groups (UPGs).
When I attended the first orientation, I learned that
everyone who will be joining had joined similar previous endeavors and that
because of the complexity of ministering to a Muslim community, the
participants were gathered by invitation and the registration was not opened to
all. It occurred to me that maybe I wasn’t supposed to be there, that they were
probably worried about how I would fare and contribute, but as I prayed and
reflected on how I got there, I knew it was the Lord’s hand at work. It was
very much like how I got into medical school, without any plans and not knowing
which step to take next; but it was also how I got to experience how the Lord
guides, directs, and rewards His children as they trust and obey Him.
The location of ________ Island in Palawan however, was a
cause of concern to my family. The recent news about rebel group attacks were
alarming for them, and that they did not have any way to reach me while I was
in the area was not very helpful. It will also be the first time that they will
not be aware of my whereabouts for such a long time. I worried not for myself,
because I was so sure that the Lord made the way for me and that He would also
protect me and the team, but I was concerned about how they felt and I did not
want to go against their will. Thankfully, as we all prayed, the Lord calmed
their fears and off I went with their blessing. I also submitted their names as
my prayer partners so that instead of worrying, they could be with me
spiritually in prayer.
For my part, I tried to prepare as best as I could not only
spiritually but in all aspects, attending all the orientations, organizing the
things I needed personally and for the work I was assigned to do, and getting
as much information as possible for my first airplane ride. I was determined
not to be a liability in any way, but on our first night in _________, I
immediately realized that I had nowhere to sleep on except for my malong. It
was also the day I learned what a hammock was (please don’t judge me..haha).
The Lord knew me so well. He knew it was not in my personality to speak up and
ask for help especially on our first day; but suddenly there was Ate Ira asking
me where I would be sleeping, and when I answered that I had my malong even
without indicating that I needed help with anything, she immediately lent me
their sleeping bag. It was my first lesson on gracious acceptance of help and
favor, to remind me that I was part of a team – a helpful and caring team, and
it made me all the more determined to offer whatever help I could. I learned a
lot from each one of them as we went through big and small moments of fun,
victories, difficulties, and disappointments, and they’re certainly one of the
highlights of my OS 2017 experience.
But the Lord had many other lessons in store for me. I was
on a mission to offer whatever I could for Him, and He was on a counter-mission
to remind me that I could never outgive him. As we went to work, day by day we
experienced more of God’s love, His grace, guidance and provision, as well as
His power especially with the prayers of the people who went with us
spiritually. He provided resources, led us to people who assisted us
graciously, and went before us, enabling us to focus on giving our best for His
glory. The physical strength for the daily walks, especially with our bags,
could only be from the Lord. And as we sought Him in every step we took, He
came through for us, calming our fears about how we should approach introducing
the Gospel to the _______ people, and just follow His leading.
I was assigned to take vital signs with Nikka during the
medical missions, and I thank the Lord that I was also able to practice my
communication skills and some history taking skills, both with the children and
adults. For the teachings, I was assigned with Nhickel who was a true teacher.
I, on the other hand, was doubtful that I had enough creativity and energy in
me to be appealing to the kids. But the Lord rebuked me for my unfounded
worries by surprising me with the children’s open acceptance, respect, and
gratefulness for everything we offered. Their response to our stories and
teachings pointing them to Tuhan (God) and Isa Al Masih (Jesus Christ) was a
sweet reminder of childlike faith. The students gave us hope, and they were
also a testament to the fruit of Kuya Jun and Ate Lai’s missionary work in ___________.
Meeting Kuya Jun and Ate Lai’s family and learning about
their experiences including their struggles, made me learn beyond the pastor’s
sermon in the podium, the great importance of praying, supporting, and
ministering to missionaries, by visiting them and assisting them, or by simply
checking on them. I thank the Lord for workers such as them, who labor in
making Him known where many people refuse to go. I am also grateful to the Lord
that He has allowed me to participate in missions by giving and praying, but I
also knew that I could do more especially in the area of caring for them.
Of all the times spent in the area however, the quiet
mornings with the Lord as most precious to me. Without the distraction of
internet and other modes of entertainment, I had much time to focus on
listening to God, and it was in those mornings that He spoke to me and taught
me. As I gave and offered what I have also received from the Lord, He filled my
heart into overflow that I could only cry in awe of the beauty of what He has
been, and is continually doing in my life. It was both a humbling and rewarding
experience, even now I have difficulty finding the right words for a fitting
concrete description. In many of those mornings I could only find myself in
tears, just listening to the Lord, with a wider and deeper realization of what
I possess in Christ. Seeing and serving the _______ tribe led me to a journey to
knowing more about the heart of God, and the more I knew, the more I grasped
how wide, how long, how deep, and how amazing is His love for me. I could only
respond in thanksgiving for how He has been blessing me, allowing me to know
Him deeply and personally. And with it came the compassion for the people who
did not have the opportunity to know Him as I do. And as I praised Him, He also
put my life’s direction into perspective. I have always known that He made a
way for me to study medicine to give Him glory, and I know in my heart that it
is not just to heal those who are physically sick. I know the Lord has big
plans for me and while I still do not know much as of the moment, I know that
in one way or another, reaching UPGs is part of it.
All in all, I believe I’ve become a better person and servant
of the Lord. Dr. Obregon told me that joining Operation Samaria would be a life
changing experience for me, and now I know he wasn’t exaggerating. I hope to
participate in future medical mission trips, and I’m now more inspired to keep
doing my best in my studies after a catching a glimpse of the big picture where
this blessing of becoming a future doctor fits. All glory, honor, praise, and
thanksgiving be to our God alone!
