The desire to visit Korea started the moment I realized that my company used to have the program that would send teachers there . I just thought “Whoa. It’ll be wonderful if they’ll have it again” Little did I know that that desire will turn into faith and then to reality.
Yes, it’s suddenly back and I prayed to go. When you talk about this country with it’s people everyday, I think you would just fall in love with it . Hmm..wouldn’t it be awesome to see it yourself? I got kilig with the thought.
The desire was really there. Thus, I asked my Kuya MJ to pray for me, and he did right away! Now there’s someone agreeing with me! Followed by being a one of my Faith Goals last 2014. “to fly to South Korea” I wrote and pray.
3 weeks after the Prayer and Fasting (where I wrote and believed for my Faith Goals), I was announced as the Best Teacher for my section thus became a candidate to go to Korea. It was such an amazing moment to realize that God could answer our prayers in the sweetest way possible. That night, I wrote in my note “South Korea, here I come!” :)
After two months, I became the Best Teacher again. Take note that everything that happened, was all by His grace. I was so surprised because I know I didn’t do that well since I started my part time that month (meaning, I don’t have much sleep!) I was so in Awe with my Dad in heaven! That’s Him, that’s Him alone!!!!!
Months passed, I had a lot of opportunities to pray to go. Every time I would see a luggage I would pray “Daddy, let’s go to Korea please? (with puppy) eyes,hahaha)” . Every time I would see an airplane up in the sky or just in Tumblr, I would pray “Daddy, Daddy, please, please, let me, let me go to Korea, go to Korea!…:)) Sounds like a little kid yeah. I learned this from Pastor Ryan and his daughter Chesca (they also went to Korea by Grace, this was their prayer). Their testimony inspired me a lot.
Every time I would be asked of a prayer request, “to go to Korea” was always next to Family Salvation I think.
God would always encouraged me to believe with all that I am.. I was often reminded of this phrase “Preparation is the highest kind of faith”. With that, I applied for my passport, bought a winter coat (not knowing it’ll be the one I would wear when I see the snow) asked my Mom to buy me my luggage in the future and bought a smartphone (one Teacher said Koreans might laugh at me when they see my phone - Nokia C5. hehe). I honestly miss those days of praying and preparing. :)
Hearing my mentors and siblings in Christ declaring that I will go gave me strength to believe as well. (oh how thankful I am for my prayer partners!)
Last November, I became a third-time Best Teacher. This made me literally speechless and awestruck. I was in PUP Youth service, worshiping God when I heard the news from one of my dear friends. That’s the time that He reminded me that He is 3Ms for me (Mighty, Mindful and Merciful). I honestly prayed to be a best teacher again but that was like for seconds while riding a jeepney! I was like “WHAAAA LORD? YOU HEARD ME? YOU HEARD THAT?” Hands up. I think I should, and you too should never doubt if He hears you. Because He is indeed a listener and a lover of your Soul. :)
December 19 (the day that they would pick those who will go) came. I remember listening to this song this while crying:
Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord .
- Always, Kristian Stanfill
"I’m not the kind of girl who would be picked in a raffle, I’m just new here, I’m young, there are a lot of names, maybe He doesn’t want be to be frozen in Korea? " Yes, I had doubts too. But HE NEVER FAILED to encouraged me to believe that HE IS MIGHTY for me. That HE IS GOD. If it’s His will;, NOTHING and NO ONE could ever stop me from going.
They announced the winners and I’m not included. Yes peeps, I was not picked in the raffle. I left the training room. Have you ever felt that pain? The feeling of as if even the wind is painful? I was trying really really hard to be okay..already praying ” Lord, I know You have your reason..maybe I will not stand the winter weather, You’re just keeping me safe right? Daddy, I know..there’s a reason..Your reason… that is way way better than my will.”
Suddenly Kuya Liam was calling “Aica, bumalik ka don! Pupunta ka din daw ng Korea!” and I was like “Kuyaaaaa!!!! Wag mo ko niloloko!!” hehe. I really thought it’s a joke. hahaha. (peace Kuya!)
I hastily went back and everything was magical already..I don’t know what’s happening but the people we’re just waiting and looking at me. They asked me for a speech but all I could say was.. :Thank You Lord!!!!!!” Clueless and just holding on with the thought that I would really go now! Dad, You nailed it! You finished it! Waaah! I was lost in space…or better yet, caught in His love. What a privilege to see His hands in everything that’s happening. His glory shines so bright at that moment. HE REALLY KNOWS WHEN IT IS SWEET. He knows how to surprise. HE KNOWS.
In a sec, He made my sorrow into joy. (I’m trying hard not to cry again now while writing this). I even got my VISA two days before the flight even if I only had few thousands in my account! His mercy never ends.
Today, it’s been a week since I saw the white snow In South Korea. The one He made as white as snow because of His grace, finally saw how white it really is. I was in tears seeing His creation. Even more when I read in Luke 10: 23 after I saw it ,
"Then when they were alone, He turned to the disciples and said,
"Blessed are the eyes that see what you have seen."
Father, I never deserve any of this. Who would’ve thought that you would choose a girl like me to see great and marvelous things? You always make me in awe! Kamsahamnida Appa!!! Sarangheyo! In Jesus’ sweet and mighty Name I pray, amen!
Friends, Believe. Have Faith.
For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)
Annyeong!!!
