To the future

10.30 pm. I was so tired. So hungry. Just got back from practice and I can't believe I couldn't even muster the strength to eat in alumni anymore (or was it because eating on a plate does not seem appealing to me at the moment?) despite desperately craving for food+cold juice for hours now. So it was with a heavy heart that I trudged to main gate to wait for a jeepney home.

Aside from the frequent buses and trucks racing their way to and fro, there's no jeepney in sight so while I was waiting I had no choice but to do the next best thing: ponder about life. XD

No seriously. As I looked around the lifeless space around me, I can't help but think how this will be a far cry from the life that I will have once I start studying abroad. I'm guessing I won't have the liberty to linger outdoors this late in the night as I'd be busy doing schoolwork/part-time job by then. I don't think I'll get as much alone time there either. So even when I was really tired (and hungry), I just tried to savor the moment of peace and alone time while I still can.

In that day you will say:

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name;

make known among the nations what He has done,

and proclaim that His name is exalted..." 

- Isaiah 12:4

Soon, I'll be in a foreign land surrounded by unknown people from all walks of life. I know God is preparing me for the things I will face once I'm out of this comfort zone and thrown in the reality of a vast world. Just a few hours ago, I can still recall what my follow-ups shared about the persecutions that Christians experience in their country on a daily basis.  

Am I ready to face all those and more? Can I still share about who God is in my life once I'm out there? In the midst of my success, can I still remember to give back all the honor to Him?

Well, that depends on the foundation that I need to strengthen before I go. I need to make wise decisions about deepening my roots in the faith and relying on God for everything. Talk about prayer and quiet time and true worship.

Once in a while, the fingers on my right hand will bring me back to reality as they are still smarting from being stuck in a car door a while ago. [Funny story: I was totally not aware that I was holding on to the part of the car that will get my fingers crushed once the door is closed. That's why it's not a good idea to skip meals/water for long stretches of time especially when you're tired. It messes up the brain. Anyway, they all fussed when they realized my fingers got stuck for real. (Because, you know, they didn't think I was serious when I said "Ouch" as I didn't sound hysterical enough. The thing is, I never panic.) *shrugs* Let's pray it won't affect my ability to play the piano tomorrow and on Wednesday. Besides, I still need to do my laundry tomorrow.]

Two "Saving Grace" (extended version) and one "Always" after, I finally caught sight of a jeepney.
よし！

Btw, I think some of the passengers were also Christians as I heard one of them singing along to "The Anthem" which I was playing on loudspeakers XD

Went straight to 7eleven and sat down with a cold juice and sandwich. Dinner at 11pm? Why not.

As I started to eat, I was still not in a bright mood though. Then right on cue, a friend called and shared some good news. Hey, God really knows the exact time when we need some encouragement.

Sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things; 

let this be known to all the world.

- Isaiah 12:5