Today is Black Saturday and it has been more
than a week since the most anticipated event in this season of my life has
happened, my graduation day. This and few things have kept me busy for the past
couple of months and looking back, I still can’t believe that everything has
been done.
After I have sent the letters for sponsors
that I have entitled “Road to Graduation,” I have started working more on my thesis
while waiting for responses. Many have responded positively! There were a few
who immediately deposited the amount they have pledged and there were some who
gave it to me personally. I did not realize that there are people who actually
believe in me and in the ministry that God has called me for. Although there
were a few who said that they would pledge but perhaps they have forgotten and
that’s all right.Virtually, I was able to raise the amount I have stated in the
letter and pay and bought the things needed to meet my graduation requirements.
The defense was not as nerve-wracking as I
have expected. In fact, it was very relaxed and I only got a few but somewhat
long revisions so in short, I passed! Additionally, we had photo shoot for
graduation, graduation process such as clearance, exit interview and personal
preparations. And then we had our Baccalaureate Service, submission of the
final copy of my thesis, graduation practice and eventually the big day, which
is our graduation ceremony! All these had happened in less than two months!
Well reflecting back, I can still feel the
excitement, happiness and also of the sadness for another chapter of my life
has ended. Honestly, there is also doubt and at the same time hopeful for new
opportunities that might come my way…open doors that God has for me. Before
graduation I never had a plan and now it has been more than a week and I still
do not have a plan. Although, I have hopes and dreams of serving the Lord again
through the “Channels of Hope” work internationally and use all that I have
learned from the Bible graduate school. There is one thing that I cannot really
run away from now that I got my degree, the very thing that I asked the Lord
not to let me do…preaching! I had my first unforced preaching last Sunday and
it was indeed a blessing for the few people of that small church community in
Caloocan. Their Pastor even has sent me a text message thanking me for the
Word of God I have imparted for it still ministering to him after a couple of
days.
In the next few months, I will be updating my
resume, look for possible work opportunities, have my regular check up and get
my medical treatment supplies, attend to workshops where I was invited to
speak, go out with friends, take review classes for Guidance and Counseling
board exam, and continue praying for the path God has set for me. In the midst
of the temptations and struggles in this pilgrimage, God has been and will
always be faithful. He never faltered revealing new things on His everlasting
love for us.
