Sweet miracles. I can’t locate anymore my neck lump which the doctor suspected as thyroglossal duct cyst based on the ultrasound result. Although I still need a medical confirmation, I already think of its apparent recession or dissolution as a divine orchestration. At the very start I was very hesitant to take the prescribed medical operation not only because of its financial requirement but also because of the shiver running my spine when I imagined my throat cut by some strange surgical instruments (yeah, I’ve never been admitted to the hospital or given the iv!).

Sadly, it was my Miyagi who underwent clinical procedure for a dislocated leg. I can’t underestimate the horror and strain of forcing him to the x-ray table, sedating him finally, then bandaging him and administering oral hydration and medicine to him for 2 weeks. I thank God for the vet doctor and students who successfully pulled back his leg despite suspected adhesion. Back to his jumping spree, Miyagi has no sense at all of the trauma.

Workwise, I thank God for the opportunity to provide biblical training to our students in Tacloban, Cebu, Dumaguete, Bacolod, Iloilo, Roxas, Bicol and Sorsogon the past quarter. I was surprised there is vibrant student witness in far-flung Sorsogon. The eager excitement of our students greatly encouraged me. Also, under pressure, I winded the compilation of the Bible Study manual for our Kawayan Camp, to my happiness. I’ve always wanted to do this job, believing there is precious resource in the archive. I hope to have the same bubbling zest as I finish my writing project with our literature department.

Sweet 40. I wish, as early as now, I could say that growing older is a sweet thing. But at 40, I have lesser strength, stamina, and adventure. My body is outpaced by my imagination. While waiting for the jeepney to be filled with passengers, I doze off. My fantasies of the retired provincial life are more frequent now. I imagine unharried walk to the meadows, uninhibited frolic in the sun, undisturbed slumber in the hammock suspended between mango trees, and diets of seafood, fruits and vegetables. I long to be an attentive audience of the mighty ascent and descent of the sun, of the quiet and pristine exhibition of the seas and oceans, of the snappy flights of birds, and of the resounding nocturnal choruses of frogs and crickets (Ah, I am really 40!).

May I ask for your prayer as I rethink my plan to complete my master’s at Regent this year. I have lesser impetus. I had initial talk with the senior pastor of a Baptist church in Vancouver for my student internship at their church. He is giving me 10 hours per week and my one-way fare (how sweet!). If this is God’s will, may He provide me a substantial scholarship grant and lots and lots of sweet inspiration and strength.

Since I can’t retire at 40, I will have to be content with my morning gardening. Such routine invites inner quietude and centeredness. I gain inspiration from tiny shoots adamantly pushing themselves out either from the ground or from the branch to claim space. As signs of life, they warn me not to succumb to hopelessness, deadness, frustrations, and lethargy.

I pray that God enable me to give myself more to people, to charity, to service, in response to the mysterious (sweet) grace that has befallen me. May I never cease to find sweet wonders and miracles in the ordinariness of life. May I learn more to be childlike. Thank you for your partnership.

Thank you for the sweet inspiration and love you throw all over my place. I thank God for you. Love always, Milli

Dear Balikatan Family,

Captivated by His Grace

At Kawayan Camp …

With Manong Bel magalit at KC 2008

The Lord’s grace had been evident again in our lives this month.  Together with other IVCF staff and counselors, we arrived in Bacolod City for Kawayan Camp last April 1, 2008 safely.  Kuya Gary and Ate Rose Celis, former staffworkers now based in Bacolod, hosted all of us for breakfast.  We praise the Lord for the time spent with them.

Erickson gave devotional messages during the pre-camp.  During the Kawayan Camp proper he also taught two sessions on Christology.  Dot was in charge of the Small Group Program and often helped as a facilitator, instrumentalist, singer and “yaya” (babysitter) to staff kids.  Supposedly, we were about to leave KC last April 15, but we opted to finished KC because we felt the need of having senior staff at KC. It was just Erickson who left Bacolod last April 19.  He had his US visa application interview last April 21, joined the meeting of the IVCF Board of Trustees (April 25), and did office work in between those meetings.  Dot and the boys were left behind at KC.

Staff Kids at KC 2008

The whole staff team had difficulties due to delayed salaries yet we focused on our tasks at hand and experienced the Lord’s surprises. The Lord’s grace had enabled us to give our best and minister to 60 Kawayan Camp delegates.  We also prayed for the movement for 7 days in response to the recent IVCF Appeal Letter. It has been always a joy for us ministering to different students and also learning from them.

In Our Lives …

ImageErickson was greatly favored by God when the US Consul granted him 10-year multiple entry visa.  We sang the Hallelujah chorus!  It was indeed a great favor from the Lord.

Zeik and Jahd had a separate ministry to the students.  They had befriended most of the campers. They had adjusted well to our set up and the heat of the Humayan campsite. In spite of the terrible cough and though they had been missing their routine and the city life, they had been learning so much at KC.

Rejoice with us as we continue to experience more of His grace.

Lavished by grace,

Erickson & Dot, with Zeik & Jahd

Our Prayer Requests:

•    We have witnessed the Lord’s transforming grace at work in us and at KC.  Please pray as we continue to minister at Kawayan Camp ‘08.  We still have 5 days remaining.

•    Lord willing, we hope to be back to Baguio by May 10, to do our preparations for our relocation in Manila by the 4th week.  Please do pray for extra strength and people who will help us in moving.

•    As the Lord had sustained us and surprised us in our times of delayed salaries, please do pray for provisions as we transfer.  We need funds for relocating, also in fixing the apartment where we will stay and settling other expenses before we leave Baguio.

•    Please pray for good health.  Zeik & Jahd had cough for about 3 weeks now.

•    Pray for Erickson as he prepares to do his tasks as IVCF National Director.  Pray for wisdom as he leads the movement, focusing on God’s enabling grace.