LCDC, Friends, Atbp.
They call it “LCDC hangover” — not “fever”, because that only pertains to a Kawayan Camp experience. But, whatever it’s called, i think i caught a wisp of it. The after effect: i often find myself thinking back on the camp held in Lemery, Batangas two weeks ago. I stayed there for a week long with friends and newly-met friends for the Leadership-Discipleship Camp 2004.
That experience for me was an excursion, rather than a camp. I remember joking while we were on our way to pre-camp that i’m headed for an excursion, and not some serious, Christian camp. They laughed, but deep inside, i meant what i said. The type of excursion that we know of is usually just going on a nature trip with a bunch of friends/family, laughing, joking, eating, purely having fun. However, the excursion i went to was a little different — it was all that, plus the presence of my God. On one side, one would look at it as a job (i served as assistant secretary), but more than that, it was an honor for me to be doing Him service. I almost forgot how fun and fulfilling it was to be serving the Lord along with other Christians.
Along the way, He met with me — to be honest, i didn’t expect Him to, but He did.
He also met with me through people I was with.. friends that i sat and talked with, sang with, joked with, and shared tears with. The time i spent with these friends refreshed my down soul. And right now, I have no clue as to when I’ll be able to spend time with them again, but I will always keep them close to my heart..
Growing up, i wasn’t really used to the idea that people part ways. My family was pretty intact; i was blessed with the best barkada both at school and at church; i never transferred school (except in college na), so i wasn’t really familiar with the feeling that dawns when people part. It never occured to me how that word will teach me one of the biggest lessons in life until God called me to attend a one-month camp in Cebu last April 2003. Everyone knew beforehand that after that one month event we will have to part ways, but no one knew (except probably the counselors) how painful it was gonna be. And it really was. It’s not that i haven’t gotten over that (believe me, i have) but the point is, from then on, i’ve undergone a few “letting go” scenarios that really tore my heart more than words can describe (hindi nga ba hassle lamang ang IVCF sa buhay ko? :D)
And now, once again, i am about to say goodbye to people that have become close to my heart for the last 5 months (unless the Lord changes the plan..). I know it will be equally as hard as when i left home months ago. But i really have no say in this. Sometimes, i am annoyed at myself.. Why do i keep making memories with people when afterwards i would have to say goodbye? Why am i making things so hard on myself? And for them?
But maybe, just maybe, God is teaching me something valuable through these situations.. That sometimes we just have to learn to let go.. that people come and go.. that nothing lasts forever.. that the only permanent thing on this earth is change itself. Oh well, i guess, in a way, it’s therapeutic. Maybe, after a while, i’d get used to it, so I’ll be prepared for a much painful “letting go”.. so it won’t be that painful anymore. (or if one day the Lord calls me to Missions.. then He won’t have a hard time convincing me to leave — haha! Am i getting ahead of myself? :D )
But don’t get me wrong (kuya cres!) i am trying not to look at it negatively. At one angle, i am glad to see that I am the type of person that treasures people, and moments. And i am able to recognize how blessed i am that i have friends who did not only come across my heart, but left their marks there as well. :heart:
Memories i won’t soon forget:
Hay. Ang buhay nga naman. Kung minsan malungkot. But if you really look at it, masaya naman. Thank you, Lord, for friends! :)
Hi, my name is Joni. This is where you'll find my 
