What was the highlight of your mid-year?

It has been a long time since I blogged. I was caught up by so many things and has been very lazy to write. :D Anyway, school is starting soon and I have mixed feelings about it. Maybe because summer is over and it's hard to snap back to reality? But before I do that, I just want to share with you the following things that truly made a difference in my 2014 mid-year.

Behold and Ponder: This summer, I was very blessed to have attended the 20th Singles for Christ Conference held in Chicago, It was a spirit-filled experience for me because I was able to looked back as to how far I have gone into my life's journey. I won't be as to where I am now if it wasn't part of God's plan. I know that life will always be tough and there will lots of stones thrown at us but what I truly realized during that conference is that God wants us to make our break-ups to breakthroughs and our tests to testimonies. God is really amazing in so many ways that I can't imagine.

All-white Saturday Party: SFCNY 2014

Journey Beyond: Northeast Chapter

Call to mission: As the conference ended, I was given chance to attend the mission volunteer program of CFC-USA. Honestly speaking, this has been an answered prayer to me. Why? Because since 2012, I have been thinking of becoming a missionary but I have a lot of what ifs and the most scary thought about it is the fact that  I will need to give up my human desires, dreams, friends and even family  and just surrender everything to God. During that training, I was able to learn more about myself. It served as an eye opener that, "God created me to do some committed service." It will be hard and it will be part of my constant prayer as to what does He really want me to do. But right now, the underlying question is what can I do to bring Him to others?

The MVs: Setting our hearts on fire

Youth Camp: What else can I say but perfect timing. I really thank God for this opportunity He has given us. He allowed our youth to conduct this camp in calling other youth to know Christ and to bring Him wherever they are. Each one of them really stepped up unto their games and has shown compassion for this ministry. As for myself, this has been by far one of my greatest accomplishment in my life. I always believed that the youth of today will be the leaders of tomorrow and if we mold them to become good individuals rooted by the christian faith, they will all be alright as they make their own life choices. It is indeed our responsibility as adults to guide them and it is my pleasure in leading them towards God's direction. (And a shout-out to my brother, who is now officially part of the YFC. Yey!)

Service Team 

Camp Salute: YFC NEW YORK

Adventure: My cousins from Maryland came to visit and we were all up for an adventure except for me because I am scaredy cat but I did try at some point. We went to Mountain Creek and went on cliff jumping, tarzan swings and etc. I wished I could share with you my video but it is way too embarrassing. But whatever, the point is I had fun and it is one for the books. 

Missing my sister and my mom

Epic Fail: Tarzan Swings

Now I can say that I am getting through the year and I will still continue making more memories. Remember the days go by fast so make the most out of it. :)

My First Confirmation Class

Last week, we had a very beautiful celebration in my parish: receiving the sacrament of CONFIRMATION. Some of you may not know but I have been volunteering myself as a catechist in my community. It was quite of a challenge at first since I have to balance my social life over my Sunday obligations. But honestly speaking, I have never felt so complete doing this vocation. I am teaching teenagers who uniquely differs from one another. They are in the era of technology and are questioned and criticized by their bold statements. But, really the challenge for me is how can I bring them closer to God? How can I let them understand that it is not the matter of how good they look, the kind of gadgets they own, and the prestige they posses but moreover the kind of person they are becoming? And how sure am I that I can be an instrument of change? I have so many questions and concerns but I gave my yes to the Lord for I know that this challenge would also be a learning experience for me.

Every single Sunday, I tried my best to give them in depth understanding about life and of Jesus. I am no traditional, so my teaching strategy for my class is to give them activities where they can relate in their own personal lives. One of my favorite session with them was when we had a discussion about carrying our own baggages (anger, anxiety, hatred, insecurity, etc...) and how should we deal with it. I asked for two volunteers to come up in front and if they are strong enough to carry 2 galloons of paint and how long can they hold it. While doing the activity, I gave them different situations to think about. And the reflection was: as vulnerable as we are how long can we carry that heavy load of everything? And who will help us carry it when no one is available?

I am really happy that I am part of their spiritual journey. I may not be perfect and they might be too playful at times but what is really important is that we were able to respect and understand each other. Seeing them with their parents and sponsors during the ceremony, I can't help myself but thanked God for the given opportunity of serving HIM in the best of my abilities. 

To my 8th graders (Confirmation Class): You guys really helped me find my own meaning in this new place I am in. You will always be part of me and I am proud of each one of you. As what Bishop Chappetto said, "It does not end today but your journey starts here-- continue to serve God by serving others." Our learnings shouldn't end inside our four-walled classroom but instead we should all go out and set the world on fire. My prayers goes to all of you: Ashley, Quintin, Milena, Ryan, Jennifer, Darion, Patricia, Bryan, Michelle, Cyril, Denisse, Rodman, Jasmine, Russel, Nicole, Vernon, Kate, John, Jesse, Edgar, Jennifer C., Frank, Leslie, Albert, Johann, Isaiah, Chelsea, Ronaldo, Kelly, Paola, Sam, Jamie, Abril, Angelica, Shivani and Rochelle. And special thanks to Ms. Gallo for her love and support. :)

Taken during the Diocesan Youth Day @ Immaculate Conception 

I Care About You But I Care About Myself More

For the past few weeks, I have been detaching myself away from people close to me. I don't know how to describe it but I have been shutting people off my life. I have created a strong and special bond towards my family and friends, and I have been active in relating to each one of them but I guess, it just hits me that I got tired of being a help towards others.

To be honest, this has been an on and off behavior for several months. I always like to be around people of different ages. I can talk anything under the sun and can share brilliant and stupid ideas. I always look forward on weekends because I know I will be able to hang out with the people close to my heart and just enjoy being with each other. May it be some serious heart-to-heart or to non-sense-sales-talk, I can always keep up. I was a friend's crying shoulder, I have been a one text away person except for other circumstances of course. I have always been there for everyone no matter what kind of situation they are into, I always make sure that they get my support. But one day, I just decided to be numb and not to care anymore. I realized that I have been putting a lot of effort towards others and I forgot to take care of myself. I was to busy hearing others out when I have my own issues to deal with.

A part of me was not stable, I have so many doubts about myself. I can no longer find my self-confidence, I can no longer find the urge to make myself better. I am lost in this big world of mine. I was drown with my insecurities. I have been a great adviser but I cannot believe that the words that comes out from my mouth are the words that I needed most. I was busy taking care of other people's problem and I was too afraid to admit to myself that I was weak and hurting. I was too good to be true. I guess there will be moments in our life that the only person we can depend on is ourselves and I have to acknowledge that. I think I have done enough in making sure that everyone is okay, I think it is time for me to start thinking about my wants and needs. Right now, I have so many questions about where I am heading. I have unclear plans as to what do I want to happen with my life and I am the only person responsible in making all these decisions. I admit that I have taken for granted my spiritual life and that makes it much worst. But you know what. God has always been and will always be good. I know things will be in its right places in His perfect time. And as to whatever I am going through right now, it will soon shall past.