Extension... Waiting.. Pruning..

I have been so bad at blogging that it takes me months to write back. Life has been so great since the last time I wrote. Great and blessed in the sense that GOD has showered me blessings upon blessings in different ways. 

Exactly 2 years ago today, I arrived in Jakarta full of excitement and joy of what GOD has just opened right before my eyes. Years before I came here, I received a confirmation from a medical missionary of whom I don't know personally about my calling and childhood dream to become a missionary to the nations surrounding the Philippines. I was 11 years old when I started desiring to become one. Fueled by the life of my Godmother (who is a missionary in China), Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael and many more. 

I've been desiring that GOD will use me to these nations as a medical missionary. However, the jump start of the ministry HE has stored for me at this very moment is totally opposite from what I perceived. HE has placed me into a teaching profession where I couldn't even go to places and community where I really wanted to go and be exposed because of the type of working hours I have. It has been a struggle for me for the past years and I've been good at ignoring the burden in my heart so that it wouldn't be so heavy for me in living each day looking forward for it's fulfillment to happen and come to pass. I have been longing to use my midwifery/medical skills in this side of the world. To the extent of bringing my stuff and scrub suits with me when I went back home last Dec 2013 claiming that I will be using them during my time here.

I never imagined and perceived how tough WAITING could be. I've been tested physically, emotionally, intellectually, financially and spiritually. But JESUS has been so great. I just love this season! HE has been molding me so much. It is really hard! I had days that I wanted to give up and hated my flesh. It's in this season that I see my flesh as a total hindrance of the fulfillment of HIS plans. I thought to myself that dying to flesh is a "suicide" where the best of you comes out at the end of the process. I have learned that total dependence to JESUS CHRIST is the only way that I can survive. 

This day marks another year of extension. Another year of waiting. Another year of GOD's goodness and greatness. Another year of HIS likeness to be manifested in my life as I continue living towards the goal placed ahead of me (Phil. 3:14). Paul's life has been my inspiration during this season. His work has inspired me that despite of all the hardships he encountered in spreading the GOOD NEWS, he continued to stand firm and just obeyed CHRIST despite the pain which he was able to write this in his letter "to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Phil. 1:21). I've come to realize that if this what GOD wants me to do right now at this moment, if this is the cross that I have to bear in following and answering HIS call, then I'll do it! I WILL CONTINUE TO OBEY HIM AS LONG AS I LIVE WHATEVER IT TAKES! 





The following are pictures I had during my second year in Jakarta:

My Filipino sisters in Jakarta. I am blessed with their life.

My dear lovely student, Nicole.
Too attached with this little girl. Love her
so much!

My students during the summer class.

My fashionable and creative students.

My boys class. Too naughty and smart.

Few of my favourite kids to teach.

This kind of small gifts from my students
makes my heart melt.

My most favourite student, Gabriella "Gaby".

My best friend, Reanne left for her
wedding in mid April. T'was a roller coaster
of emotions. 

Celebrated my natal day with my sisters and brother in
Christ in Taman Mini Indonesia.

What I found in Taman Mini, a miniature of  the whole
archipelago.

I had the chance to travel with these creatures
during Ramadan break.

Tangkuban Perahu, the famous active crater in Java island.

Kawah Domas, few kilometers from Tangkuban Perahu
where you can enjoy hot springs.

Got to enjoy the hot water after a very long trek!

I went to a strawberry farm with my friends.

Posing at the crater.

At my back is a spot of boiling water where you can even
cook eggs.

The sulfuric lake called Kawah Putih.

Please join me in praying for the following as I run towards the goal and obey what GOD has planned for me.

1. My request for a new working schedule in my new contract.
2. Pray for wisdom and guidance as I continue to seek more of what GOD  wanted me to do in the long term.
3. Pray for Indonesia and the people groups who haven't heard Christ's love that they will be reached out.
4. Pray for my family specially my parent's health. My Papa is on medication right now.
5. Pray that the children's ministry back in Davao will bless more kids and receive more financial support to sustain their whole need, scholarships for children and operational.





Thank you everyone for praying for me during this time of pruning and waiting! JESUS LOVES YOU ALL!