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!

Finally.....

Oh well.. I apologize to everyone. It took me awhile, like LITERALLY to get back to blogging again. Hahaha.... I decided to write again about the stuff I've been doing here in Jakarta since today is holiday and I feel like I have to practise and enhance my writing skills. I will try to make a short recount of my life here starting from the last blog I did to the recent activities I've been up to.

December 2012, I think I wrote a blog about it that I spent my Christmas (2012) and New Year (2013) here in Jakarta with the Duplito family. It was my first Christmas away from home. However, I am SO blessed to be with them. I didn't feel that I was alone during that season. I became a part of their family. I was able to build a relationship with them specially to Tita Lanie, ate Cath and Roxanne. 

Year 2013 was a fun and challenging year to me. Prayers were being answered, celebrated my 25th birthday, gained friends, learned how to be more understanding to different personalities, and keeping and standing firm on things I always believe. There were a lot of struggles and challenges during this year that allowed me to be more well grounded in my Faith. JESUS has thought me to keep fixing my eyes on HIM and accepting that my identity is HIM and not how people look at me.

Ephesians 3:17-19
"That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God."

Highlights of this year were the following:

• I got my working visa and I was able to travel to Malaysia all by myself last Feb for almost a week. I roamed around and witness Kuala Lumpur.
• I celebrated my 25th birthday with my Puri Indah Life group. (Of course with my family back in the Philippines in the Spirit.)
• I joined the worship team in IES West church. 
• I explored Jogjakarta. All expenses paid by Ibu Lia.
• I gained 3 new friends. Ark, Rain and Jonathan outside ICR employees. 
• My Faith and emotional stability were tested during this year. (I was struggling but GOD continued to remind me of who I am in HIM and that I should fight for my rights as HIS daughter. He reminded that what HE's been doing in this season is preparation. If I am not going to fight for it, everything will be useless. If I retreat and surrender against what the enemy is throwing at me, HIS death on the cross will be a failure in my life.)
• I went home and celebrated my parents wedding anniversary, Christmas and New Year. (That includes spending some short but worthwhile time with my MMC friends. I caught a baby for the 1st time in 18months.)

These are some of the pictures I have through out year 2013.

My Puri Indah Life group.

Prambanan Temple, Jogjakarta

Borobudur, Jogjakarta

ICR Puri Indah with our boss and her son in Museum Seni, Jogja.

IES-West friends (Reanne, Ark, Jonathan, Joem, Rain and ate Cathryn)

Spent time with one of my closest friends, Jamie

I spent time with my siblings during Christmas break.

I visited my little brothers grave.

 

I had one of the BEST Christmas with them. Though it was very short.

Thank you, JESUS for this wonderful family!

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.

Christmas 2011

 Isaiah 9:6-7

 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this."

  

This is our first Christmas celebration after what happened last year. Last year and the other years that passed Our family, specially us, the kids were always excited when you say "Christmas", it meant to us as fun, games and of course food and gifts. But this year was a big difference for our family. For me personally, it is a big change now that our little kid is not around with us at this season where family is having fun together. Before, I have in mind already what to prepare and what to do when Christmas Eve comes but now, I could find myself walking around at the same spot of food section in the grocery many times, just looking, undecided of what to buy and prepare for the family. These past days, I was telling to myself what if i could just skip this day? But somehow, I have to face reality and this is reality now.  But to make the story short, we were still able to celebrate Christmas at home. Thanking GOD despite of ALL the things that happened to our family and to me personally. 

Well, though our family really feels that we are not complete but GOD provided people to come and celebrate with us. One of my "Kuyas" (Older brother) with his family came that day. They brought their son who is 7 years old. The whole family suddenly had laughter and joy. This kid reminded us so much but not much (hehe..) with my little brother. We were able to teased him and played with him on Christmas Eve and made little games and gifts. 

Life still has to go on. Though I wish that he was still here but I can't do that. GOD has it's own purposes for doing this things to us, though I may not understand them, I know I will at the right time. But for now, remembering how our Saviour was born in the manger is the center for this season. :)

Pictures that time:

Luke, playing with TJ.

Christmas Eve with Kuya Ronald's family.

Mama, Papa and TJ.

Me, Luke and Hannah with TJ on Christmas Day, after church.