I was again on the road as I was invited to visit our local churches in the province of Bukidnon. During my early years as a ministerial trainee, my wife and I along with my 6-year old daughter lived there for about one year in Don Carlos, Bukidnon back in 1986-1987.
Simple Provincial Life
Life was simple. No TV and there was no internet yet. Back then, the roads were very rough — very dusty when dry and very muddy when wet. I can’t forget a comment from one of our Australian regional directors back then who said that he felt like “scrambled eggs” inside the tiny, off-the-road jeep called Suzuki Beaver hahaha! They have good roads now.
From a city dweller in the big city of Metro Manila, we were deployed to the very remote place called Don Carlos, Bukidnon where we lived with simple, down-to-earth folks untainted by the sophistication of city life. At first, it was tough adjusting to the new rural, agricultural and cultural setting but we have grown to love the people there over the years. Some have gone ahead and some are still living but now frail and sickly and many of those whom I knew since 1986 are now senior citizens like me. We had two congregations back then — one in Barangay Kiara in the town of Don Carlos and the other one was in the town of Maramag, all in the province of Bukidnon.
Back then, as a young ministerial trainee, I asked God why he would send me and my family there in that very remote place. I thought back then that it was a very remote and backward place haha! I have no regrets now. God surely knows what he’s doing in me — as he lives his life in me (Gal. 2:20). I now understand that I should gladly participate and enjoy life and love in him as he leads me and guide me in whatever circumstance, whenever or wherever it might happen to be. Thank you Lord for allowing me to enjoy life and love in you!
Bukidnon’s Majestic Mountains
One of the things that I really loved about the place is its majestic mountains, natural beautiful sceneries all around, fresh fruits and of course the gentle, lovable people of Bukidnon.
From the Davao International Airport, I was picked up and brought to Maramag, Bukidnon. Along the way, we passed by what is called the “Overview” where one can get a good view of the vast land and open skies of Bukidnon. We had heavy rains along the way and so it was still a bit cloudy and dark when we went up to the peak. But it was well worth it to visit the “overview” once again. Things have changed. They now have small stores and souvenir shops there and so we stopped for a while, had coffee and chatted with the folks in the place. I speak fluent Cebuano by the way.
As usual, I took some shots and a few videoclips as I normally do. It was great to have been invited by people whom you have grown to love. I thank God for this blessing and opportunity for such visits.
It’s always a joy to see good old friends once again. Surely God made us for loving relationships. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit has been enjoying their life and love for all eternity. God wants us to participate in this divine life and love — this ‘great dance.’ I felt loved by my friends in the Lord in Bukidnon. I hope to be back there again soon!