Terima Kasih Jakarta!

I'm back from Jakarta. The APYAC conference was a blast! I was really blessed with what God is doing in Indonesia and the nations. All in all there were 8 nations who participated in the conference (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Brunei, Taiwan, Australia and USA).

Here are some memorable things and stories about my Jakarta trip:

• The Indonesians did a really good job in handling the event. The conference was great, the lecturers were awesome and testimonies were inspiring. Joining this conference gave me a sense of belonging in what God is doing on a regional level. It allowed me to see the big picture, not just focusing on my church, but flowing with the move of the Spirit. It reinforced my call to the youth and the gift the Holy Spirit gave me. Youth minister for life!
  
• I and some friends were even pulled into participating in the ceremonies. I carried the Philippine flag during the opening and closing ceremonies. We were even pulled into singing for the "international" choir.

(Back L-R: Yulie, Melani, Syane, VJ. Middle L-R: Joko, Marchel, Angel, Patrick, Vicky, Haydee. Front L-R, Yunie, Aaron, Nina, Welfert)

• Friendships and relationships were the cherry of top of an already tasty ice cream. I really cherished the new friends I've made in Jakarta. Originally there were only 2 Indonesians who escorted us throughout the conference (Aaron & Marchel), but after the conference we've got to know and spend time with their friends and cell mates. My Indonesian friends made us feel welcome beyond what we could have expected, they really took the second mile with us. Just wanna acknowledge some of them: Aaron, Melani, Shane, Angel, Marchel, Melda, Yulie, Lady, Nina, Joko, VJ, Vicky and also Prakash (our Malaysian roommate). At our last night together, the Philippine delegates cooked chicken adobo as a gesture of thanks (terima kasih - thank you in Bahasa) to all their assistance and friendship.
  
• There were a few adjustments staying in a foreign country. Jakarta had a mix of similarities and differences from Manila. The food is always spicy. The road lanes are switched. The driver seat is on the right. My first attempt to cross a street was a challenging one because I am used to looking at the right side of the road before crossing (it was so funny being confused). But Jakarta is so much like Manila, with its fly-overs and roads. Even our facial features look the same we are mistaken as locals until we tell them we do not understand.
• Most familiar words that had stuck into my mind were ayam, goreng and nasi which meant "chicken", "fried" and "rice", all of which are edible. I've also learned to say terima-kasi or thanks. Tagalog and Bahasa also had common words: kambing (goat), takot (fear), chuka (suka/vinegar), pintu (pinto/door) and more...

Pictures:

• My Flickr
  
• Angel's camera
• Nina's camera
  

I just came back from our district (Southern Tagalog District Council) convention held in Caliraya, Laguna where I was initiated into the district and sectional elections. I came in noon at the second day of the convention (I had to miss the first day for my class.) Here are some highlights of my trip.

• Preparing to go there I learned that Caliraya Lake is a man-made lake made by Americans.
  
• Took a bus trip from Manila to Sta. Cruz, Laguna, jeepney from Sta. Cruz to Lumban and enjoyed the scenic road of Pagsanjan with its old stone arches entering the town, old hispanic houses with its prominent staircases leading up to their salas, and Pagsanjan church. I enjoyed it, though I've seen them before. From Lumban drop off I had to take another jeep up to Caliraya but because the jeepneys were always full I had no choice but to hang onto the jeepney until my muscles explode because of strain.
  
• Spending time with colleagues and people in the ministry, some whom I grew up with in the ministry, and just share not so much with each other's ministerial duties but with life, personal struggles and dreams.
  
• Participating in election. I don't like the feeling. But things like this had to be done.
  
• The food of Caliraya is still good.
  
• Seeing a full-sized rainbow over the hilltop. I've haven't seen one in a long time. It made me happy.
  
• Hitching a ride with Ptr. Wai-man and Sis. Josie back to Manila and just listen, share and learn from them.

I just came back last night from Baguio for the young adults convergence of the national youth of Philippine Assemblies of God called "Work in Progress". I'm still in the process of dislodging my adrenaline rush and I couldn't stop making kuyakoy. Part of the rush is because I was part of the organizing team whom I am very privileged to be working with. Nevertheless I learned so much from our sessions and talking with some people (Though most people would think I never spoken a word!) The event helped my to reevaluate my walk as a follower and leader.