A DAY WITH THE AETAS

The Aeta (Ayta /ˈaɪtə/ EYE-tə; Kapampangan: áitâ), or Agta, are an indigenous people who live in scattered, isolated mountainous parts of the island of Luzon, the Philippines. (source: Wikipedia).

They are located mostly in Central Part  of Luzon, in the mountainous areas of Pampanga, Zambales, Tarlac and Bataan.  In Bataan alone,  they have communities in Orani, Samal, Abucay, Morong and Mariveles. And we have given the chance to visit one of the  community in  Bankal, Abucay   last December 29, 2018.

It’s been  2 decade now,  since I last visited them. The road back then was muddy and slippery, I remember we have to trek 15-20 minutes just to reach the place. Their lives are so simple back then, even though there’s no electricity, no proper sanitation , but their hope, laughter and spirit are full. 

I thought that experience with them will just become a memory and  part of my younger days to look back, but God is so gracious that He never allow that “experience” to be forgotten.  They’re always in my heart  and  every time I’m seeing  some of them begging for alms, my mind  always go back to the  place I first met them. The urge to go back there is so strong that I wanted once again to see  and taste  the goodness of God in their lives and to share in our own little ways the abundance of God’s blessings.

Our initial plan is just only to give them some food and some toys since its Christmas time, the money that we gained from our little online business will be our fund for that project, but God open  the hearts of  many to become part of this event.   God is always sure in bringing people together for the good and benefit of every one.  We are all set for the  event but the weather is not with us, it was raining days before and  I am anxious  and worried that it will be very difficult for us to go up to the mountain knowing that the road going there is not that pleasant.  

But our God is sovereign in everything.  He is the Creator of heaven and earth.  We prayed  for sun but He give  us clouds instead to allow us to experience  the  cool and breezy  mountain air.  What a good God indeed. We reached the  community in time for the program, the feeling is still same. The people are the same, though some of them aged already, but their smiles and their hospitality are the same.  I thought we will be a blessing for them but instead it was the other way around.  We are so blessed because of them.

We thought we will just go along with the program  Ate Lin  prepared for but God has a different plan instead,  Because of the limited time Ate Lin asked us to handle the toddlers and held our mini Christmas party in their day care center. And it was a success. They participated well  during our games and the smiles  and giggled on their faces cannot be contained.  The abundance of God’s grace shown all over the place.  We have lots of  food for everyone and gifts to share with their families.

God never let us leave the place empty handed, but He make it sure that  we will bring some lessons that will forever change my perspective in life:

  1.  You don’t need to be rich to bless others – we always said “ When I’ll  became rich I will donate or I will help those in need’.  Your life is already a blessing, just by  sharing your life, your time and even the smallest and simplest resources you have for the welfare of other is  more far worthy than any millions you can give for charity.  You are extremely blessed and you are more blessed than you realize.

2.  Learn to appreciate the kind of  life God has given you –  I sometimes complain with the things I don’t have and failed to count all the things God has given me.  In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18.  Aetas  don’t have the  luxury of life in the mountain  but they are contented.  And their hearts are full.   Why don’t we  stop complaining  for things we  cannot change  but instead do something to be part  of the change. Our world is falling apart and it needs you and me and the love that comes from Christ to bind together  and  to keep it from falling. 

3.  Your worth is not determined by our physical appearance – Their outside appearance may be different from us. We always  think we are superior than them and often bullied and harassed  them because of their looks.  Being different does not mean they are of  lesser  value than us.  Remember that  we have the same Creator, and He created each one of us in His own image and likeness. Each one of us is uniquely beautiful and our God is so proud to all His creation and that includes you and me.  Whether you are fat, skinny, curvy, short, tall, curly or straight hair — your worth does not change. You are still the same person with the same beliefs and values, and a whole lot to offer. Because you are, and always were, is enough in the eyes of God.

It was indeed a blessed day.  God orchestrated  everything   that transpired on that day for His    greater glory. Their lives are God’s living testimony of His love, grace and salvation to mankind.  He makes everything beautiful in His time and we leave that  place more blessed than before.

HAPPY 1ST YEAR IN HEAVEN

Dearest Dy,

It's been a year since you peacefully departed the earth and entered a place that can only be described as paradise. To be in the presence of God and surrounded by legions of angels are overwhelming.  I'm sure you were captivated by the melodies of heavenly worship.  I cant help but to imagine you dancing and singing your hearts out.  With all your dance moves I'm sure there's always a party there.  The rewards of your obedient heart must be so fulfilling.  Oh how we long to experience the same with you one day.

Life without you is harder yet we are coping. We miss you everyday, your laughter,  your comical acts, even your temperament. It is true that   you will truly miss the person when he is gone.

We really tried our  very  best to be home this time to celebrate your 1st anniversary 
in heaven. We all fly back home just for you,  that's how we love and cherish you. 

Kate and Kale are growing so fast, ohh they miss you so much,   they are both schooling.   And both are  doing well. I'm sure they will grow up as fine and beautiful young man and woman someday.   Of course there are times we wish you were here to witness every significant events in our family.  We wish you were still here, standing beside us and being proud and grateful  in every achievements we have and  yet in time of troubles and worries you will still be there to embrace us and assuring us that God  got this and everything will be fine. 

Ma misses you a lot - you know that for sure.  I can still see the hurt and longing in her eyes yet I also see her love and appreciation for you as she laugh, cries and share stories.  She is taking it one day at a time and I'm proud how stronger she become. God definitely has an amazing chapter for her life  and I know you will be even prouder of her. 

Lots of people still misses you and they are grateful for your life, leadership and example.  Their stories and memories of you makes us proud to be your children and we hope we continue your legacy.   

I know someday , rather one day we will be all together again but for now just enjoy your moments with the Lord and please make it sure that our mansion  is always clean and shiny,  just like your smile. 

We love you  and nothing will ever changed that. 

Love,

Beauty

YOU ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH

Have you ever thought little of yourself?  Have someone told you that you are not enough? Or you have been cut deeply because of the words spoken to you. Words spoken out of emotions, because of anger,  or just a simple recklessness that totally disregards your feeling? 

We all fall on this trap. I do too, so many times. It alters  my confidence, my ability to see my worth and my value as a person.  It weakens my spirit and bring me to a realization that I’m  not enough and will never be enough no matter how hard I tried.

And as times goes by those thousands  hurtful words spoken to you, will penetrate, linger and filtered in your minds  and eventually bring in to the surface and will affect the way you view yourself. We tend see ourselves essentially on how others see us.

But don't allow yourself to be put down because of those words.  Christ suffering on the cross does not only saved us from the penalty of sin which is death but He also redeemed us and washed us with His blood to be righteous and perfect  in Father’s eye through Christ. 

Hurt people does not need to hurt other people but instead we should be of help.     

God poured out His grace toward us and because of that we should also extend that overflowing grace to everyone around us. 

Do not let our hurtful experiences affects the way we deal with  others.  Resist from using words that will hurt and bring scars to others.  Ask our Heavenly Father to heal, free and pull us up from the deadly pit. It’s time to stand and wipe out those dust and move on.  Remember, don't just cut down the tree but dig up the roots. 

You are unique, beautiful, priceless.  You are bought with a price.  You were made and created perfectly in the image and likeness of God.  You are His heir. His beloved.

Someone else’s inability to see my worth does not lessen the value that my Creator has given me. He worked so hard on me, so hard on you. We are His masterpieces. You are not less of value but  YOU ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH.

MIRACLES do exist

In my  previous blog, I will not be moved,  I shared with you about  the difficult journey our family is going through. for those who are following my blog , join me in the  continuation of our journey..... 

When I learned that my father was already transferred in the ICU,  I said to myself, this is it.  I need to go home as fast as I could.  Or else  I will regret that I didn't come home,  for the rest of my life. If only I have wings or power to go to one place  I would definitely be on their side immediately.   It broke my heart hearing my mother so helpless. Being  an OFW, one of the hardest and difficult struggle that we have is during this situation, there is no assurance that your employer will understand the situation and will approve your leave without hesitation But I believe God’s miracle is working already in our life during that time.   I immediately asked for permission to go home and just few hours later, I found myself checking in at the airport.  

Albert Einstein said there are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle and the other is as though everything is a miracle. I am a believer of miracle because my life is already  a miracle.  And what He did in my father’s life is a full manifestation that God’s miracles still do exist.  He restored my father’s health at that time, beyond our imagination. Who would ever think that being confined in the ICU for 3 days,  with no sign of waking up again,  that even the doctors already admitted that their  hope were  losing slowly. And advised us  to be brave, accept and expect the worst.  But then our God is a miraculous God, He  works in ways we cannot see, 3 days after He opened my father's eyes. He woke up from his slumber.

What keeps our hope higher and stronger are the presence of everyone who came, comfort and prayed for my father’s wellness during that time. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts. To everyone  who never stop storming and bombarding the heaven with their prayers.  God heard our prayers audibly and loudly.  Truly prayers really can move mountains. I may not be able to mentioned you by names but known that God sees your heart and good deeds.   May the Lord bless your life thousand fold for all the little things you have done for us.

The love we felt are overwhelming.  Family, relatives, friends, church mates and co-pastors  from different churches  who came and stay with us even until wee hours of night is a true assurance of the unconditional love that comes from God.    Your presence somehow gives light during our darkest days.

Our heart is full of gratitude, of unending praises and overflowing thanksgiving to the One who proves that nothing is impossible in Him.  

We transferred him to the private room and it was so big that it can accommodate the whole clan and visitors as well.  His provision never runs out,  His blessings over poured and His mercies are new every morning.  He settled the payment of our hospital bills that reach up to 6 digits. The 9 days we spent in the hospital are one of best memorable days of my life.  It does not  only bring healing to my father but it also strengthened relationship among each other.   During those difficult times, it brings our family closer, stronger and more together than ever before. And in the top of this one thing remains sure and true.  God is in control of everything and everything will work out for our own good.

Praise Him forever.

I WILL NOT BE MOVED

Yes it is tough.  it is really tough. and the coming days it might be tougher but I am sure it will soon passed.  Victory is waiting at the end.  For I know, we are more than a conqueror.  We are victors and our enemy is already defeated thousands of years ago.  My family is going through one of the hardest trials of our life but I know and I firmly believe that we already claim the victory through Jesus.  We have been through this before when my brother was diagnosed of kidney failure.  We have seen how the hand of God worked on his life.  We surpassed that episode with flying colors that's why I know this time we will are expecting the same.  Not because we are rich and we can afford all the best medication he need. We don't even know how are we going to settled all the medical expenses that are continuously accumulating (But I know we have nothing to worry for our God is rich) But because we have a big God who can sustain us and do miracle in our father’s life.  He has proven His power over him 30 yrs ago when he was diagnosed of having a diabetes.  He healed him completely and miraculously.  From then  on he surrender his life to Him.  The God we have during that time is also the same God that we have right now. Nothing change.  His power to heal before is the same power He has now.  

Though my heart is crushed right now because of the situation but it doesn’t mean that my faith will also be crushed.  My faith is stronger than ever before.  My faith will not be moved by the circumstances but it will be flourish like a tree planted on the running water.  My faith will enable me to believe that miracle is happening right now.  My faith will keep my hopes higher than it should be. My faith will make impossible things become possible.  And my faith will continue to praise God no matter how difficult the situation is. Faith is only that I have right now and nobody will ever take it away from me. 

In light of that,  my heart is full of gratitude to everyone who showed their love, concern and been our prayer warriors since day one and never get tired of  storming the heaven with their petitions.  You somehow ease our pains and worries.  Your uplifting words  makes this battle bearable.  May our God continue to bless your heart.

We will continue to praise you God no matter what this situation will bring us. 

ABOUNDING GRACE

When things seem unclear,  when pain became real

When everything around me seems dimmed

Hold fast my heart

Don’t be hardened, don't be afraid

Because  that’s where Your  grace abound.

When trouble of this life comes back and forth

When chaos and turmoil strike me in front

When I can’t think straight at all

Bring me back to my knees

Where God can hold me dear

Outside of me may look strong

I may be tough , I may be untouched

But in my lonely nights

In my every desperate cries

My faith is falling , My light is fading

But, I know God you were there

And when it feels all my hope is gone

When all of my strength is reaching the ground

That’s where Your grace abound

You hold me as a mother holds a child

Your peace   calms me down

The world   outside   there  maybe dark

My days  may be  lonely

My days may be few

But then  , when  my hope cannot  found

That’s where your grace abound

1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)
¹⁰ And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

HAPPY 39TH ANNIVERSARY

To our Parents,

As children, we often take for granted the many years that

you have done for us.  For all the love and care that we  have received from you. So much memories of childhood that we maybe already forgotten but you all have counted and treasured them one by one.  It’s all precious to you.  Those sleepless nights, the countless times you have sacrificed for us, our first steps, our first words and even our first achievements are all just  like yesterdays to you.  You all remembered them vividly. And will always put a smile in your face whenever you remembered them one by one,   I have so many things I want to tell you, things that  will speaks of my gratitude  and love for you. But since it is your anniversary , I want to take this chance  to thank you or appreciate you.

Thank you for the big things:

• Thank you for always preparing delicious meal for us,  for always providing our table with blessings and that no matter how simple it is, it’s always delicious and delectable.
• Thank you for putting clothes in our back, it may not be the branded and expensive items but still it   brings out the best in us.
• Thank you for teaching us everything we need to know. For teaching us how to walk, how to read, how to write and even how to drive. But mostly thank you for teaching us the way to Jesus.
• Thank you for demonstrating us the greatest and unconditional   love that comes from God.  Thank you for leading us to worship the One True God.
• Thank you sending us to school. For allowing us to sharpen and widen our knowledge and let us pursue our dreams no matter how difficult and hard it will take.
• Thank you for allowing us to fly and spread our wings, allowing us to see the world in its true and amazing colors.
• Thank you for being our biggest fans that you take our pride in our accomplishment no matter how big or small it is.  And even though we lose in some areas you are still very proud of us.

Dy, thank you for doing all the best you can to provide for our needs, thank you for working hard to support our family but most especially thank you for setting us a good example of what a true servant of God is.  Thank you for making our home a safe refuge.

Ma, thank you for being always there for us, thank you protecting us with your wings. Thank you all the countless things you’ve done for us, for always selflessly giving us your life  in order to gain ours, just like Jesus who gave up His life for us.

Thank you for the small things:

• Thank you for understanding us, our moods, our weaknesses and even our flaws, you never get tired of us.
• Thank you listening to us, even though how repetitively and how nonsense our stories are, you attentively listening to us and encouraged us to speak with our minds.
• Thank you for helping us with our home works when are young, for all those nights you spend just to finish our projects and make it ready for submission.
• Thank you for always praying for us every night,  your prayers are our shield against this chaotic world.

Thank you for  loving us:

• Thank you for laughing and rejoicing with us during our happiest days.
• Thank you for crying with us during our hardest days.
• Thank you for taking care of us even though we are already adults.
• Thank you for loving us unconditionally and selflessly  through all our days though sometime we don’t deserve your love because of our hardheadedness, yet you never failed to love us.

 Thank you for  loving each other:

• Thank you for living a real life love story, showing us that true love and forever does exist.
• Thank you for protecting each other, you shown us the  true meaning of friendship
• Thank you for staying strong amidst all the difficulties, trials and problems   our family went through.
• Thank you for staying with each other and keeping the vows both of you promised 39 years ago.
• Thank you for saying “I’m sorry” because of that we learnt that admitting your mistakes will not make you a less person but will develop humility and humbleness in you.
• Thank you for saying “ I love you”, because love is better when spoken. 

Most  of all….

Thank you for instilling us where we came from and who owns us.  Thank you for always reminding us that the greatest love we can ever have is the love of God to us.  That is the greatest and infinite love we can ever have.  Thank you for giving us a true sense of family.  We might have our own differences sometimes but at the end of the day, we are still together and no one can ever break that. What I became now  is because of you and I will be forever grateful for that. If I will be given a chance to redo my life again and decide for my set of family, I will definitely choose you again.  We are so blessed to have you as our parents.

We love you and Happy 39^th anniversary. May God keep on flaming the love you have for each other.  May He gave you more bountiful, beautiful, memorable years of togetherness and may your love continue to  inspire us to believe that there's forever to those who  put God in their life and in their relationship. 

With all hearts,

Your children (Lyn, Paye & Krisma)