Five years ago, I experienced one of the unforgettable challenges in my life.
It was in 2007 when Bro. Eli mentioned in one of the gatherings that we need to propagate God's word all over the word. Thus, there is in need of workers to be assigned not only in the Philippines but most especially abroad. A lot of natives in their own land are seeking for the true church. And it is our responsibility to bring to them the teachings of Christ. I admit, I was also hoping that someday, in my own little way, I could also help in propagating God's words in other countries. In what manner, I do not know. I just wanted to help the ministry in each and every manner that God would allow.
First week of June 2008, I received an international call from a worker, saying that there is a need of additional workers and at the same time teachers in the country where he was assigned during that time. And I was one of their choices. But during that time, I was just a half-timer, and if they will be sending workers abroad, probably they will choose the regular workers. So I didn't take it seriously, though I was hoping too that I could also be assigned.
A few weeks later, a sister from the foreign ministry asked for my passport. She also asked for some information about me for my visa. She said that I might be sent to Papua New Guinea anytime soon. I was very happy when I heard that news. But I don't want to expect too much. Because I don't want to get disappointed if ever that it will not happen, I just let things come. I just let God's will be done.
For a couple of days, I haven't heard any updates from the Foreign Ministry, as to where my visa was already released. So I assumed that I will not be leaving anymore. So I just made myself busy with my work as a public school teacher since the school year has just started.
Until one day, I received a call from that sister again. She said that she already booked a ticket for me, and the flight will be two days from that day! But the problem is, my visa was not yet released. I had a mixed emotions! I was very thankful to God and very much overwhelmed because I already have my ticket, but at the same time, I was still uncertain because I still don't have my visa. Even though my flight still doesn't have assurance, I already mentioned it to my family and to my District Servant. Again, I just let God's will be done.
The following day, at around 5pm, I was about to leave the school when the same sister called and told me the good news. She said that my visa was just released and I will fly the next day! I cannot explain my emotion at that moment! It was like I wanted to jump, shout, and hug everyone I would meet. I told my principal about my flight. She was surprised that I will be leaving that soon. She said that she won't hinder it but I just need to file a Permit to Travel at the Regional Office since I am a DepEd employee. The processing would take about a week.
I just had to face another challenge.
June 25, 2008. I woke up early to process my Permit to Travel. Since my flight will be at 10pm, I still have time to process my permit. Although they said that it will take a week for my permit to be released, I was still hoping that I can get it on that day. I really wanted to go to Papua New Guinea. I just kept on hoping and praying for God's miracle to happen.
I went to school and it only took me half an hour to get some documents from my Principal. Next, it was around 11am already when I arrived at the DepEd Paranaque Division Office wherein I need the supervisors sign my documents. I was a little hopeless at that time because their offices are far from one another and I do not know them all nor know their faces. But to my surprise, all the signatories were just walking to and fro in front of me. Thanks to one of the staff who helped me to identify the supervisors.
Past 12nn. I didn't feel hungry. All I wanted to do is to get my permit to travel. After I got all the signatures of the supervisors, I went to DepEd NCR at Quezon City as fast as I could.
I arrived at DepEd NCR at around 2pm. I went to the director's office to submit my documents. But the clerk said that the director was not around. Maybe I could just come back the following day, or later at 5pm. During that time, I was really, really hopeless. I knew that I couldn't fly to Papua New Guinea. I already accepted that maybe, it wasn't God's will for me to go to Papua. I just left the documents at the director's office. While waiting for 5pm, I went to Frisco where Bro. Fred and Ate Ehlite were preparing their things.
I explained to them everything. I even told them that I might not go with them anymore. I also texted Ate Ruth.
I went back to DepEd NCR before 5pm. To my surprise, the clerk returned to me the documents, not only with the Director's signature, but also with the Permit to Travel! I do not know where to put my happiness, I was very happy! Finally, I can now fly to Papua!
But the clerk said, I still have to return the copy to the division office.
Well, I just faced another challenge. The office was already closed. Again, I knew on that moment that I was not really meant to be assigned in Papua.
Very down and sad, I rode a taxi and went home. While travelling, I called my mom. I told her that I will not be leaving anymore. I explained to her everything. She said to me to just go home and take a rest. She knew that I was very tired.
After a few minutes, my mom called. She said that she called the school and said that they will just send the documents to the division office, so I better hurry so that I can still catch the flight!
I didn't notice that tears were already running down my eyes. The words that I just uttered were "Thanks be to God!"
June 25, 2008. The day that I will never forget. The day that I saw how God works in mysterious ways. The day that despite of the hindrances, God made a way for His will to happen. Indeed, it was written in the Bible, "Yea, before the day was I am he; And there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?" Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift!
