New Life, New Assignment, New Field

Whoa! It's been awhile. This is just a short (I hope so. Hehe.. ) recap of my life and ALL of GOD's goodness since August to December.

Four of my favorite people to work with.
Taken during my send-off party.

Last week of July this year, I was asked by a friend if I wanted to teach English to kids in Thailand, I was hesitant because the pre-requisite of teaching English in Thailand is having a TESOL or TOEFL certificate. But this limitation did not stop me. It popped in my mind to ask one of my best friends who's working in Indonesia as an  English teacher which I did not think of asking her since she started working and had no interest at all. GOD suddenly opened the door which I did not expect. After asking her, she immediately invited me to join her and teach their. After praying about it and asked my parents as well as friends' advice about it, I left my job in a week after the door opened. It was a sudden decision for me but that decision birthed out a different strength. Though it was so fast, the peace that it gave me was different to explain. A peace that tells me that I am doing the right thing.

Being a midwife.

And me, being a teacher.
This is Kenneth. He's 6 years old and they said
he looks like my brother. He's definitely a smart kid. 

Angel and Nathan. I love these sweet kids.

Arriving here in Jakarta last August 5, was the start of my new life. From a life of catching crying babies and laboring and pregnant mothers to a life of teaching kids. A life full of faith and trust in GOD that whatever and wherever HE wants me to go, whether it is long term or short term and whether it is the field I love and wanted (medical field) or not, I will still follow HIM wholeheartedly.

Coming here was a big leap of faith. Though I was unprepared, it was proven that when you follow GOD's will, HE will prepare and provide everything for you. And I would start it in providing a church. Before coming here, I was really praying to GOD that I could find a church and people who will help me start and be exposed to the culture of this country. After 2 months of looking online for a church with the same congregation I was attending in Davao, I found a church called International English Service under Assemblies of GOD here in Indonesia. Their pastor is an American who was here for more than 10 years already and really had a heart for missions. And through going there I was able to meet a Filipina teacher who was able to introduce us to more Filipino teachers and now become my family here. 

Next was my second trip to Singapore. This incident proved SO much to me that everything from the beginning was all HIS plan. I was almost sent back to the Philippines because of a misunderstanding with the immigration officers at the airport but GOD IS SO GOOD that HE protected me and spared me against the plan of satan. During that time, instead of questioning and asking GOD a lot of "why's," HIS Spirit led me to praise and sing songs of thanksgiving. I was so amazed of what I did that time. I can't totally explain it. Knowing myself as a weakling and doubtful was overpowered by GOD's assurance that "all things work together for good for those who love HIM". My GOD is way BIGGER than the incident and way powerful than the immigration officers. 

Had an opportunity to go to Singapore last August.
An experience I was dreaming of since I was 14.

Finally, the moulding process. Offering this hard heart to GOD wholly for softening, like a clay pot to it's Potter. GOD has been teaching me a LOT since I came here. I've experienced a lot of disappointments in my first three months here. (From people I work with, my employer, job(that I thought I cannot handle), friends and people around me). But through all those disappointments my faith is growing and I've been learning so many things. HE is teaching me that I cannot depend and look onto people for help. Even my family, though they are very supportive and has always been my prayer partners cannot help me. The ONLY ONE I can depend on is HIM. HE showed me who I really am as a person and I can't boast or bragged anything about it, because without HIM? I AM TOTALLY NOTHING. 

Midwifery to teaching kids was a big adjustment for me but through HIS guidance, I was able to survive for four months now. With GOD's help I am now more patient and loving to kids. And actually, starting to enjoy teaching them specially my 3-year old kids. I love them! 

My trip to Malaysia last October.

I am adjusting from an environment surrounded by missionaries (people who left comfortable lives to serve and follow GOD, outside of their comfort zones), to people who have different faiths and perceptions in life. I am learning to understand, and respect them as well as love and see them as Christ loves and sees them. I am learning not to compromise to what this world is offering. Sometimes, I would feel so "out of place" but GOD reminds me over and over that I should not please people but ONLY please HIM, not only with my words but also with my actions. 
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

As I continue to walk with this path I am reminded of how GOD moulded HIS great men in the Bible. Like David, Abraham, Joseph, Paul and so on.. They've surpassed hardships and trials along the way as they obey GOD's will for them and came out victoriously. Their lives reminds me that following HIS will is not a bed of roses but it's taking my cross daily, my flesh.

Hmm.. This is the biggest event or the highlight of my 2012, I guess. Coming to Jakarta and the fulfillment of the missionary doctor's vision was impossible for me and now it is starting to happen.


"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." 
1 Timothy 4:12

"Do not be afraid, for I am with you.. " Isaiah 43:5


I think this season in my life made me love JESUS CHRIST more and more each day. HE has  really become my FIRST LOVE. 

Me and Ms. Frieda infront of MY famous mosque.

With Ptr. Tom. A Filipino Ptr. from Davao City.

More Filipinos that I met during our gathering on first week of December.

My Life group family in Puri Indah area.

Ate Cathy and her husband. She was the
Filipina I met at church.

Ate Cathy at the center, me and another Filipina on her right side.

Filipinos from Mindanao.
And guess what? most of them are from Davao City.

Three of the people I work with along with my best friend.
All are Filipinos. And we are in a "Becak" (read as "Bechak").
Traditional public transpo in Jakarta.

I guess this is all for now. I am hoping to write again after new year and update more of  the great things our GREAT GOD is allowing me to experience here in Jakarta. 

FIXING BLOG!! :( 

SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE.  

- Vania

Prayer Requests!

Well, I guess I should start first by apologizing to everyone for being so quiet for a long time. I have been busy thinking with things that GOD wants me to do for this year. :)

January (recap):

Me and my family celebrated our New Year quietly but very thankful for what HE did to us last year. We all reminisce the highlights of our lives and thank GOD for the blessings HE allowed us to experience, some are life shaping blessings while others meant to be enjoyed, be it financially, spiritually and health. We prayed and welcomed 2012 full of expectations and excitement.

Prayer requests: Fourth Man Foundation

1. Pray for more of GOD's strength, provision and guidance to be showered in my family as we plan to  register the ministry (Fourth Man Foundations, Inc.) that HE entrusted us to SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission).

*SEC is a government agency here in the Philippines where NGO's, charitable institutions, or churches are being registered.

-We are praying for people who will help us in forming the board members of the foundation.
-Finances to register it and to keep the organization moving and do it's vision and mission.

2. We opened last month a different Gospel class/ Bible study for the older children, age 11 up. These kids currently facing confusions and persecutions. These kids and their families are RC's and are very active with the activities at the big church. RC leaders who are conducting teachings about their religion have been telling them that if they continue to come in the Gospel class they can't attend with their religious teachings anymore. Please pray for favor, and open mind to these religious leaders.



Personal Prayer Request:

1. Pray with me as I am confuse lately on what to do with my life this year. It is my routine every new year to ask GOD on what will I do for HIM this year, highlights and things I will accomplish for HIM.

2. I continue to pray and ask for HIS "go signal", guidance and provision in my long time desire to undergo Discipleship Training School (DTS) with Youth With A Mission (YWAM).

3. Continued patience, perseverance and a grateful heart to whatever GOD wants me to deal with.

4. Strength, joy and good health as I continue to work with Mercy Maternity Center.


Thank you for your continued support through prayer, encouragements and finances.