the moments to remember_070309

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The Moments to Remember:A Lifes story

CHAPTER I

MY FIRST DAY

The gate was wide open and the students were entering the school inhaste, as I was looking at them, I just couldnt help but to laugh and say These people woke up late and now entering the school in haste. I wasstanding outside the school at the very minute before my class, some peoplewere just wondering, why a student teacher was there and doing nothing.

These people were not as good as me in terms of appreciating things, Iwas looking at the very good and beautiful morning that time, I couldnt help

but to think of someone beautiful as that morning.

I went inside the school to attend the flag ceremony but before that,the security guard told me to be on-time by tomorrow, or else I will neverenter the school. What do you expect, it was my first day and that was thefirst beautiful morning in my entire life I just said, Yes, guard

I went to the place where my students and my co-teachers were, I hadto join them because it was our protocol or code of behavior in our school, ifnot, I would be dead.

As I look back to my High School life, I just couldnt imagine the bigchanges happening in my life, when I entered college, well, in terms ofsubjects, lifestyle and love life the life in college was really different.

I believe that every first day is different from any other first days wehad in our life, I couldnt forget the time when I first wrote a story forsomeone who doesnt know her real attitude in life. She was reallyinfuriating; she made me sick and made my life miserable. (Well, her name isforbidden in this writing and I dont want her to be in every corner of my life maybe she could go somewhere else and live a happy life away from mywonderful life.)

Anyway, after the flag ceremony, the students went to their respectiverooms with their teachers. While the teachers were preparing the lesson fortoday, I saw the excitement in their eyes; I saw the burden and passionwithin their natural love for teaching for me that was one of the great

Year 2009 A Dedication for A Friend


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CHAPTER II

MY LIFE IN A DIFFERENT WORLD

As a student then, I knew that I was in a very complicated world; theworld where true pains and agony can be experienced by a student teacherlike me, and of course, I should not forget the feeling of victory that I wouldbe experiencing through those days.

After many adjustments I made, I learned how to value my time during

those moments, for me, treasuring every second of my life was verywonderful, after class, I had to go to the International Language School toteach English grammar, reading and writing to the foreigners staying here inthe Philippines, and during my free time, I had to do my assignments, lessonplans and check my students attendance, and after that I had to go to myLogic class and other Literature classes, it was really tiring, but for me, mystay in school was really the most exciting part of my life, I never regret ofhaving those moments in my life.

Living in such a different kind of environment was really an

indescribable experience. I never thought that Time management wasreally amazing, imagine a life without it (the time management), as myfather is always saying San ka kaya pupulutin? Well, it is true, where arewe now without it.

The moment of studying is really a different kind of practice, especiallywhen we are practicing our own field of specialization like me, to teachEnglish is not just teaching a subject, for me, it is always teaching somethingwith all passion, humility and burden, especially to those people to whomyou are sharing the knowledge. It is teaching or giving the very character of

the English language.

The life of a student-teacher who teaches English in a different waytakes a very hard time. I love teaching the students in an excellent way, Iwant them to enjoy studying, I want them to enjoy learning and the beautyof the English language thats what I want them to know, to love



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knowledge in the fear of God and to appreciate Gods blessing of words in allkinds of situation.

Hmmm Anyway, that was my life in my hectic college days, manythings happened in my life. As I always look to the beauty of the morning, I

always want to appreciate every person to whom I am acquainted with myteachers, classmates and of course, my ever-loving but naughty students. Icouldnt forget the time when we started smiling at each other and laughingtogether in a very simple way who can forget those simple memories.



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break into pieces and that thing happened all throughout mypracticum days.

The next early morning, I returned to the place where I left the letters,and I found none of them, and there was an old lady sitting and was lying on

the tree and she told me A certain lady got your letters yesterday, a fewminutes when you left, and she has a letter for you, young man.

I read the letter, and she told me Hero, I know that at this time youare still waiting for me, waiting not for my presence but waiting for my love. I

was contemplating if I would go to the park or not, please forgive me and I

know that you are expecting an answer from me, but I want you to know

that I just love you as my friend and nothing else; I love your friend David

and I can only give my love to the person who shared his true love for me.

Thanks for Friendship, Feonna Cierra.

At that point, I was not able to say anything, I was in the calamity ofsilence, and I thought my ears would bleed because of silence; I was so indespair, I was so infuriated by that thing. I just cried within me, until Ireached the school and told myself, hmmm I forgot, I have a class toattend to and children to teach lessons with...I am so sorry.

At the back of my mind, I was trying to collect and get back the happymemories I had before but this tragic moment covered them all. It was myfirst time to be in love, but I knew then, that Love is the Company of pain

and truly, Love hurts when it is not yet ready.



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CHAPTER IV

THE RAINY SEASON OF MY LIFE

I always want to rain, I always want to feel the coldness of the air, Ialways want to go to school raining and the rain falling down on my head, Ijust loved it. But raining is not just having the breeze of the air and just tofeel good in everything we make because I believe that raining in someway is different for everybody, for others raining stands for loneliness and adeep sense of sadness; for some, raining is just a waste of time; for some,raining is somehow an imaginable representation of what kind of love wehave for someone. For you, how would you like to define rainy season in yourlife?

For me, raining will always mark happiness and an unending pouring ofGods blessing to His children, just like you and me. Why dont we look atourselves in a very different way look at some things in a positive way.Hmm I would love to see you happy - dancing in the rain.

Anyway, I have to continue on with my story.

It was in the month of July when it started raining in the Philippines,well, it happened every year. Raining in the Philippines was really somethingthat would make every person cry because of the heavy traffic in Manila and

in other parts of Metropolis. I couldnt forget the time, when I was headingfor school to assist for the Preliminary examination of the students in HighSchool Department. *(In The University of Manila High School they had twelve majorexaminations in a year the FIRST Quarter is the Preliminary, First exam and first periodical

Final exam; the SECOND Quarter is the First and Second periodical final examination and

the Mid-term exams; the THIRD Quarter is the First and third periodical final examination



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and the Pre-final examination; the FOURTH Quarter us the First and fourth periodical final

examination and the FINALS.)

I was worrying that time; I was thinking that I would not be able tomake it for the students examination. The rain was so heavy and the floods

were really horrible but my heart doesnt fail to say Thank you Lord for therain.

When I arrived, I saw some teachers who were wearing their beautifuljackets, talking with the students and even laughing with them. My mind washeading to our room, I thought the examination started already, so, I enteredthe room and saw my advisory class Critic Ms. Jennifer Mutanam, looking ather wrist watch with ten students in the room.

I greeted her and asked her, Hows the examination going on? Well, Mr. Odnortel, as you can see no one is taking the examination,because we are still waiting for the students who, I think are stranded

because of the rain. So, since you are the first student teacher who came,

try to make some interesting thing in this class. Okay?

Yes, Maam... I replied.



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CHAPTER V

MASTER OF CEREMONIES

Life is being able to do things for others, you do not live for yourselfor others for themselves we always do things for others and sometimeswith others. In many instances, we are the audience, listening to others andsometimes making them as our inspiration. In some way, we are the what-

we-call Master of Ceremonies and we speak in front of people andsometimes they laugh at our humors and personally, I thank God for givingme that kind of sensitivity the sense of Humor.

It was a rainy afternoon, when I went to the school for the UnitedNations Competition I was assigned as one of the Master of Ceremonies.When I arrived, I went to comfort room to change my clothes, I was in ahurry then but I knew they would not allow starting the program without anemcee.

When I finished wearing my clothes, the Advisory teacher told me toask at least five questions in line with the United Nations. I was thinking ofquestions with the sense of awareness of what was really happening in ourcountry and I thank God for giving me very good questions to be asked.

The program started at exactly 1:30pm, I introduced the contestants, Igreeted the members of the faculty who were present that time and I was



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really amazed on how the students did their job with all confidence in front oftheir teachers.

The program was fascinating, it was very cool; it captivated theaudiences attention that even teachers and students would not bother to

look on their right and on their left, no one would even bother to get theirCellphone and text during that time; the applause, the shout and theunending happiness of the students were indescribable.

But the silence of the moment happened in this unexpected hour thequestion and answer portion.

Most of the people who were watching the contest were waiting for thismomentous and unforgettable segment of the program, I thought they wouldleave the emcees alone asking the question but amazingly the audience

stayed until the end of the program.The time came when I was the one who will ask the question, the time

when I will ask a question that will change the perspective of a Filipino youth.

As I was preparing the question, I was praying and hoping that thiscertain student would answer the question rightly, and would give the rightperspective for the next generation.

Heres your question. I said.

According to the Transparency Report, the Philippines is the mostcorrupt country in Asia, the question is Are you still proud of being aFilipino? And Why?

Yes He answered.

For me, that answer was wonderful but the question was followed bythe word why?

So, I asked him why?

Because, we are the most corrupt country in Asia. He said.When I heard that answer, I was in a moment of silence, I didnt know

what to answer, the audience laughed and even clapped to his answer; theteachers were amused by the answer but for me, it was just a downgradingof the values we should have as Filipinos. I was looking for the values that aFilipino youth can be proud of; not being the most and immoral country for



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me, that was the worst thing, and the worst answer, I encountered in myentire life.

As a teacher, I dont want to make a big deal out of it, but for me,dealing with the young people in this new generation is something that

adults and responsible people should talk about, for me youth are still thehope of the Fatherland, if we cannot teach our children the right way, howwill they be able to lead the next generation in the 21st Century. Remember,we are all accountable before God.

CHAPTER VI

A TEACHER WHO CARES

In the many things happening in our lives, one of the mostinteresting things is when we are blessed by other people and when we arethe blessing itself. Many people do not realize that being a blessing is one ofthe best things that we can be in this world. Have you ever thought of that?Have you ever been a blessing to someone? Or are you still waiting to beblessed?

One early morning, after the flag ceremony, students were busy doing

their activities for the preparation of the 95th Foundation day of the School.As I was looking to them, I could see the excitement in their eyes, and theenjoyment of being a student.

Anyway, I had to go to the library to get my book for the lesson plannext week, I had to finish those lesson plans or else I would be killed by mycritic teacher. As I was heading to the library, I saw my student sitting on a



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bench while looking on a big tree. I just went on to the library but my mindwas on that child.

During the break, I decided to talk with this student, contemplating ofwhat questions I would want to ask him, but as a would-be teacher during

that time, I had to face this opportunity.

Good afternoon, Sir. He greeted.

Good afternoon Francisco, why are you alone? Where are your otherclassmates? I replied.

I dont know Sir, maybe some of them are in the library.

Dont you want to go with them, Francisco?

Ahh No, Sir, I am fine here, I just want to be alone.As I looked at him, I knew that he was bearing something in his chest

and maybe the guilt of not being a good student in the class, he is in FourthYear but some teachers were not recognizing the potential this boy.

Is there something wrong Francisco? Can I be of help? I continued.

Ahh No, Sir, nothing, maybe Ahh yes, nothing Sir. He said withconfusion.

Hmm I think Francisco; you really want to tell something? I said, asI was sitting on the bench.

Ahh Sir, I think, this is such a lousy-thing to ask, but can I really be agood Lawyer someday? He asked.

Yes, you can be a good lawyer someday Francisco. Why?

Nothing, I just couldnt get anything from our class, some teachersjust dont care about their students, they just want to see us doing extra-curricular activities, and they just want to focus on the genius students in

our class.

Ahmm Francisco, you know what, I think the problem is not aboutthe school, the teachers or even the extra-curricular activities we have in thisschool. Sometimes, we have to look at ourselves; we have to look at our ownpotentials. We do not go to school just to go to school or do assignments ordo whatever the teacher wants us to do we are going to school because,



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we want to learn, we want to make a difference and most especially todiscover what we have inside.

Ahh He nodded.

But Sir, the teachers He added.Teachers want to look at you as a different being, teachers want to

see you growing not just acquiring the knowledge, they are teaching, butteachers want to see you growing to maturity. And remember this Francisco,you can be a genius in your own way you can make a lot of things thatother geniuses cannot do; and geniuses have limitations, its up to you tofind it out. I said.

Ahh Is that true, Sir? He asked.

Yes, Francisco, and I believed it with all my heart.

Sir, thank you so much.

Its okay Francisco, just remember those words, I believe you canmake it.

Yes, Sir, thank you so much.

Okay, its already 1 Oclock, lets be in the classroom.

CHAPTER VII

THE GIRL IN MY DREAM(The Two Jumaesas in My Dream)

Iwas in my dream in the blackness of Midnight.

On a Sunday afternoon, I entered a Church where believers weregathering, worshipping and serving God, as I was walking along the isle ofthe Church, I saw my friend Aesa, and when she looked at me, I saw thefrowned-faced I never saw in my whole life. I was not happy looking at her,so I decided to go down just to look for others, but my mind became



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confused when I saw a good-looking Aesa smiling at me, and I saw hermother and asked her, Ate Iza, who is the real one? I am confused?... as Iwas talking, Aesa said, Coz, I am going to die, I became so confusedwhen she said that, so, I left her with her mother but she followed me andcompelled me to talk with her, but I could not look at her face, because ofwhat she has done to me in the past.

After several minutes, I realized that this Aesa who was talking with mewas the Aesa I met long time ago, the one who is kind and very jolly, so, Iheld her hand and went with her to attend the service, but as we wereheading to the auditorium, Pastor Ben saw us holding each others hand, soPastor told us to be with him at the backstage of the auditorium. Pastor Bengave us pieces of paper and told us to distribute the forms to people and fillthem out for him to know who will join the campaign for a Christiancandidate who was running as a Governor in a certain place in the province.

Well, I thought Pastor would tell us that we should not hold handsduring services, so the second Aesa and I were just enjoying each otherscompany while distributing the forms to be filled out, and I was really happyabout it.

In my dream Aesa was a different young lady, she was very beautifuland was very happy, for me, it was the day I was waiting for. But somethinghappened to my dream, my dream jumped into its end.

And finally, I was standing at the parking lot and was looking for her,and then suddenly I heard a strange voice from the gate of the churchbuilding ----Kuya Hero! I could not recognize the face of the Young ladybecause of the reflection coming from the sun but when I was about to seeher, she waved her hand and told me bye. Then I woke up and wrote downthe story.

MY OWN STORY - UNMASKED

Its been Months since I wrote down that story; it was December 28,2008, 12:05 in the morning - strange isnt it? The story was true and untilnow it is true, I couldnt forget the lady in the story, the lady who wavedgood-bye, the lady to whom friendship is destroyed unto the end.



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Personally, I do not want to give my own opinion regarding this story,well, maybe people will say that I am a biased writer for that matter, but Iwould like to give you a hint about my personal opinion.

In the story we saw that there were two Aesas ---- for me, the first one

is the Aesa of real life with the attitude of being moody ----- the other is theAesa-of-long-time-ago in real life and the Aesa that we are all looking for,because humanly speaking, people tend to look for an imaginary personwhom they like to be with, whether it be a friend, sweetheart or anybody. Atthe last part of the story we saw that the second Aesa was dying, dying inthe sense that sickness is not the main reason, if we are going to look at it, itonly means that people really changed, sometimes, people do thingsunexpectedly. If you are going to ask me about myself, I do really change.

CHAPTER VIII

THE LADY WHO CAUGHT MY ATTENTION

The life of a young man is really unpredictable, we cannot say whenare we going to be in love to someone or when are we going to make acommitment with someone. It is a fact that every person whether a man or



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woman can be in love in thirty seconds; and it is a fact that the man is thefirst one who gets in love.

It was very early in the morning of the seventh day of the week when Iwent to the Amoranto Stadium to run a bit for health concerns. I went alone

even though my friends wanted me to be with them whenever they plannedto do it. I always want to be alone; I always want to think of many thingsalone and I want to walk alone praying to God as a Friend I think that is themost important. Being alone does not mean Emoness as others define it,for me it only means giving a space for yourself, especially if you are loadedwith many responsibilities.

Anyway, as I was walking along the bridge of the Village I saw a younglady who was smiling on the trees and flowers in their backyard; a younglady with an indescribable smile. For me that was the great smile I had ever

seen in my whole life. I wanted to make that lady feel that I reallyappreciated her smile and that she really caught my attention. I was notreally good talking with a girl, I always stutter whenever a beautiful girl talkswith me, especially if the attitude is extraordinary.

The question was going around in my mind was Did I know this girl?Did I meet her before, she looks so familiar?

I was surprised when she looked at me and said

Good morning Kuya Hero

She greeted me; I was not able to speak immediately, so, I just said

Hello. Good morning!

Yes, I knew her; she is Kristina, the sister of my Friend Alexander, shereally caught my attention with that great and wonderful smile.

I just went on walking and talking with God, thanking Him for makingmy day as beautiful as my friend Kristina. It was not easy to let go that smilein my mind but I have to focus on something, I wanted to take my time doingall the assignments given to me by my critic teachers.

Anyway, love can really be in different way we really just have to waitfor it, I do not want that the moments of thirty letters will happen againinto my life, I want a different kind of love life, I want a happy love life alove life that is God-given and not just a man-made love life. Alwaysremember that to love someone is a choice and it is my hearts desire that



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God will give me a heart and mind on how to make the right decision in mylife.

CHAPTER IX

I DID WHICH I WOULD NOT



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I cannot defend myself from the sin which I did from the past and ithaunts me until now. I am always in the middle of confusion of whether to doit again or not to do it anymore. The spirit within me calls for revenge arevenge that all my fleshly desires would die and never live again for its own

gain, whenever I do it, my life became so miserable; whenever I try to do it,myself became so pitiful pitiful in the sense that the hope of living for theAlmighty God is not fulfilled.

Sinning is a part of everyones life but sin if it is enticed brings death; Iwould rather be killed by a hundred men than to be killed by the sin thatbesets me; and the sin that kills my desire of serving my gracious GOD. Forus, sinning is beautiful when it is started but when it is finished, the beautythat we experienced is the ugliest thing in this world; for many, sinning is likean opportunity not to be lost but when it is finished, we realize that lots ofopportunities are gone because we did such miserable things.

Always remember that when the sin itself is tempting us to come to it,the only word that we can say is NO never put into your mind, NOT NOWor MAYBE NEXT TIME just say within yourself NO NEVER.

A single failure does not mean your destiny, if you fail, try to stand upand make a new beginning.

Serving GOD is the best thing than serving sin, sin can only give you

guilt but GOD can give you gift, we are miserable because we do not realizethat GOD is greater than any other sin we have in this world, GOD can putthat away and GOD can take away the guilt we have.

We are in the Battle of The Within because within me is ourgreatest enemy, and from this we hate ourselves; we hate ourselves becauseof its being the enemy of ourselves through all our entire life. The goodcharacter within us is built through all the years but this one destroys it justovernight, how could we raise it up again?

As I am writing now, my heart is breaking, and breaks into piecesbecause of regrets, I regret of not prioritizing the things that I have toprioritize, but I want a new beginning, a beginning that will change thehistory of my being, I love history, but I hate my own my own history, Iwould like a history that sinning is not the top priority, I would rather not toinclude it on my list or if it is included, I will tear that list into pieces and



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write a new one. May GOD forgive me from all the things I did in the past,may GOD have mercy upon me - the GOD of my salvation.

GOD is the GOD of justice, he will chastise me no matter what, that ismy GOD, He is my Father, a Father Who does not tolerate His son to go on

sinning, if the son is stubborn, the more He will put His attention to him andHe will make a way for His son to learn, - Lord, I pray that You chastise mewith Thy loving kindness I am grateful to accept it I pray that Lord thatYou forgive me and give a new beginning I really want to change myperspective, Lord Thank You so much, Lord I pray GOD all thesethings in the Name of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship onewith another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in

us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and tocleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we

make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

1 John

1:7-10



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CHAPTER X

A TEACHERS WORST EXPERIENCE

The life of every teacher is really incomparable and indescribable butstill full of grandeur.

I was asked by a teacher, What was your worst experience as ateacher in the International Language School?

I thought for a while and gave my best answer.

The worst was, when I encountered my student Annisse.

Why?She added.

For me, I believe that it is not the childs stubbornness; it is not even the

way how the child deals with the lesson that matters I always believe that

a teachers worst experience is when he or she sees his or her students

intention is not to study very well and when the desire of valuing education

is totally gone. Teachers can only motivate students but motivating students

cannot change the mind-set of the students toward the value of education.

So, for me, that is the worst, and I have seen that to Annisse. I said.

The life in the International Language School was really an amazingthing, it was wonderful, I could not even forget the time when one of mystudents gave me a huge English-Korean dictionary with Korean characters(until now, I couldnt read those Korean-written character), for me, I wasreally in amazement of having it, because that student thought and believedthat I could really learn Korean language even though, I myself was notwilling to study their language.

When I first gave my attention in teaching, I already looked forward

that someday, I will definitely encounter these kinds of experiences, theexperiences of having students who will do their own thing and do whateverthey would like to accomplish.

In my life as the student then, I would always want to remember thisverse Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desiresof thine heart.



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Psalm 37:4

All of us have desires in life, especially our hearts, why dont we liveaccording to His will, I believe this verse with all my heart and I will stillbelieve this even my heart fainteth.



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CHAPTER XI

YOU CAUGHT MY HEART

The heart of a simple man is seen through simple smile, walk andeven through a simple word hello. Have you ever met someone who canmake you smile in a very simple way? In my life, I can say that someonesexistence is really a blessing, especially, if that someone can make you feelthat you are one of the best people for him or her.

I believe that catching or getting someones attention is different fromcatching a heart, for me, catching someones attention is simply getting

someones little time just to look at your extraordinary smile or extraordinarylooks but catching someones heart is as simple as catching someoneswhole being for the rest of his or her life and I never thought that I couldbe caught by someones heart.

It was my first-time to attend the church, a Bible Baptist Church.

My first impression in many Bible-believing Churches was very good,because during my childhood my father was fond of attending a Born-againchurch, and in fact he was the main guitarist in that church and it gave us

joy to be with him every time he would go there; I also knew Bible verses,especially John 3:16, but I didnt really know how to understand it, I just knewhow to recite it.

Anyway, I got saved through the Ministry of the Faro Biblia BautistaIglesia, the church that helped me to change my life; I got baptized duringmy High School days. I could not forget the word of the Baptist preacher whobaptized me that day Because of your confession of faith in Christ and theobedience of the ordinance of this church, I hereby baptize you, my Brother

Hero in the Name of the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost. Buried with Him by

Baptism, raise up and walk in the Newness of Life.

For me, it was really wonderful and it was really an amazing thing tobecome grounded on the Work and Word of God. So, when discouragementsand disappointments come, I always remind myself that I am identified withChrist and I can do all things through Him, who strengthens me.



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But who really caught my heart? Is she someone who makes my lifebeautiful? Is she someone who gives me strength? Is she someone whomakes my life joyful? Or is she someone who makes my life working? Myanswer to those questions is a big YES, because that someone is none otherthan the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Faro Biblia Bautista Iglesia - ourChurch.

It gives me happiness to be there, it gives me happiness to be a part ofit and I never regret of being one of the Christians who decided to becomepart of it. I believe that a Christian without a church is like a man without aFamily; a Christian without a church is like a man without a mother; aChristian without a church is like a patient without a nurse; a Christianwithout a church is like a student without a school or teacher; a Christianwithout a church is like a traveler without a compass; and a Christian withouta church is as a sheep going stray thats a Church for me. I pray to Godthat by His grace, I will always be willing to serve Him in the Church whocaught my heart.



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CHAPTER XII

Farewell Young People

The best way to remember young people is to remember themhappy, happy in a way that you are the very reason of their happiness; andthe best way to remember young people is to remember them blessed,

blessed in a way that you are the very reason why they are blessed.

In my life, I can say that there is no such thing as a perfect-Christian-young-people-life, although going to Church is normal, I do believe thatsometimes the heart is left behind.

I could not forget the time, when I first sang songs in the church, Ithought singing was just my hobby, but it was the grace of God that gave mestrength to invest the talent He gave me and use it for His glory.

When I first gave my testimony, I thought I did not make my testimonygood, I thought I was so nervous, I thought I made a mistake again, but whenpeople saw me, they will simply say, I am blessed

When I first gave my offering, I thought it wasnt enough but God wastelling me that it was not about the amount, it was about the heart that iswilling to give.

When I first sang in the choir, I thought my heart would break downbecause of being ashamed to the many people listening to us; but I realizethat after hearing our song for the LORD, they will all say, AMEN.

When I first led a soul to Christ, I could not forget the joy, happinessand victory over my limitations - even that moment is finished, I could stillremember the place where I led that someone to Christ.



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CHAPTER XIII

Friendship Letters

Letter as I always remember a form of communication and atraditional form of communication, a way in which we can tell everything toour loved ones, friends and even sweet hearts. I would love to spend timewriting a letter for a friend.

At this moment, I would like to remember some of the letters I wrote

for my friends in college because I believe that these kinds of letters areworth reminiscing and worth sharing. This part of the book is some kind of areal and cannot take too lightly; these are real people no fictionalcharacter. Here, you will find letters with different dates, it means that Icould not write letters for them in one sitting I have to think and spendmore time with them and reminisce the moments when we were together.

I would like to start with my friend Theresa Decena, and heres myletter for her:

March 19, 2009

Dear Theresa,

Today is Thursday, it is actually 3:06 in the Morning in my clock and my mind isworking very fast and I think, I have to write or do something, I really dont know what towrite but one thing is certain - the day of our departure is at hand. When I was sitting on my



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chair, I was reminiscing the time when I first met my classmates in the University of Manila and you know, you are one of them.

As I was telling you, the first time I saw you were different, I never thought that wecan really be this close, your eyes were different and of course the countenance of yourstature was really different, but now, my perception about your outward appearance

became so different for me you really are beautiful.

My past years of being with you in U.M. were very meaningful; I know you nevernoticed that every time we meet, we just talked and sometimes I do a lot of talking than youare at first, it is really hard to read whats in your mind but your companionship gave me alot of things to know whats in your heart. It blessed my heart to have a friend who is sodedicated in a given-task, especially, if it came from Ms. Gomez

The very purpose of this sincere letter is for me to appreciate our friendship - I toldyou before that, I have fallen in love with you but the only boundary we have, is what I callFriendship I really treasure friendship; it is very easy for me to trust a person, especially,if that person is a person with the ability to capture ones heart.

Our friendship, somehow, goes beyond some limitations but still the very essence ofit, the friendship remains I remember that we had some quarrel about petty things butthats actually a very easy problem; we may have conflicts but still, I never thought ofsomething that can really destroy our friendship.

Forgive me for the hurtful words I told you, you may not remember some and evenme, I think, but I am pretty sure that there were words that somehow made us to be in acold war - I hope, as you read this, you already have accepted my apology.

Life is incomplete, but you know what, my God gave some of my friends to makeevery single of my day to be complete and you know you are one of them. Well, words are

really rich, and if I am going to make this letter long, I think the bond paper in the NationalBookstore will run down, and would make a hundred volumes with the chapters and eventitles in it.

As I end this, let me tell you, that you are one of the best people given by God in mylife.

Sincerely loving you,

Ahmed

Wonderful isnt it? I wrote that letter for her just to express mygratitude and appreciation of our friendship and of course life is not alwaysas looking to someone as a friend I really have fallen in love with her, butthats before and I believe that having someone as a friend is more thananything else.



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Heres another letter for her just hours before the graduation day:

March 31, 2009

Dear Theresa,

Hours before the Graduation 9:23 am

Hmm Writing you for the second time, well, this is great my dear, you know what in many instances in our lives sometimes we really change in manner of life, direction inlife, and of course the person we will be meeting in the future.

This time, I want you to know that the friendship I am leaving you should always be inyour mind and heart. I just noticed, you change your treatment to me since I spoke in theRECOLLECTION, I do not know why, but the things that I said during those times were trueand no one should say that I was lying NO I WASNT but one thing is sure, you are still myfriend and So what, if you dont like me, so what, if you think I am lying, so what, if youthink, I am just using you in replacement of Ann so what, if you want to forget about me,and so what, if you dont love me, but still, one thing is sure, again, you are my friend.

Theresa, I never intended that those things happened, it came, I dont know why itis like magic.

And for this last time, I want you to know that I still treasure you as my friend nomatter what they say okay!

Hmm be good Theresa be at your best today. Congratulations!

Loving friend,

Ahmed

Hmm Those were really worth remembering, I really want those

moments to be back, if I can just only turn back the time and spend moretime with them, I will do it.

Heres my letter to Anne Margaret Fermindoza, just one day before thegraduation:



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March 30, 2009

Dear Ann,

I really do not know what to write you this time but one thing is certain Ann, ourfriendship is really wonderful you may not notice it but whenever I am with you, my heart

moves differently not because I like you as Theresa always say but because of your kindnessto me, actually, sometimes, I really want to be mean because, I want you to know the otherside of Ahmed, I hope, our friendship grows more and more.

I think this is the shortest letter I have ever written to a friend but it is just because, Ionly have to appreciate a friend who became the very part of my life.

I never thought that we can be friends as we are now, who in some things had badmemories and I want to clarify things especially about our research in English, I mean, ifuntil now your mind is not at ease about it, I want to clarify that I DID NOT WORK ALONE remember the sources you gave me??? Those are really helpful, but I do not believe in justTYPING A RESEARCH, I believe in the CONSISTENCY OF THE RESEARCH as future English

teachers, I want you to put in your students mind that research is not just as easy ascopying a subject or topic from the internet, in research everything should be consistent.

As I was doing the research, all the sources you gave me were the ones that guidedme all through out, it means that I did not work alone, and as I was saying I believe inresearch consistency and for us to reach that consistency, I had to edit everything and putthe words WE and OUR in every sentence instead of the word I, which is the firstperson and of course, first person is not actually applicable for our group effort. Before I didthe consistency of the research; I want you to know that I thought of it many times, I knewthen that you will be angry, if I did that, but I have to take the risk of doing it because Iwanted our research to be the best one. I know that you know my personality, and I knowthat you know that I am not a mediocre; I really wanted the best for our group.

Actually, I placed everything in there the questions and some facts you gave me,Dinahs handwriting research, Genes research, and of course, some sources coming fromme, and you know what if all those sources are just TYPED that will be CHAOS because consistency is not actually in there, so, a person should do it ALONE in the sensethat consistency is the concern. As you look at it, we are ALL editors but we also have theCHIEF Editor. I hope everything is clear in your mind.

But of course, our friendship has nothing to do with it; we will always be friends, aslong as we accept one another. I hope youll have a brighter life this time and look up, GODis always there accept HIM and let GOD be the GOD of your life.

God Bless you.

Loving Friend,

Ahmed



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Thats Anne Margaret, we had more quarrels than any other of myclose friends, well, it was because of our opposite personalities but now sheconsiders me as her best friend as well as I am to her just because we cannow understand each other. Thanks for that.

Heres another letter for a guy who became part of my circle of friends,his name is Raymond Gutierrez, I know what youre thinking my dear readerbut wait thats not the Raymond this world knew, this is the Raymond I know.

March 21, 2009

Dear Raymond,

As one of the thorns among the roses in English major, I appreciate the fact that Ihave a friend who I can turn to and look upon, not only as classmate but of course a brother.

In our recollection, I did not mention, how wonderful to have a friend like you in our group but this letter will tell you a bit of everything about our friendship, for me, being with youmakes my frowning face smile, and I really appreciate it.

When we first met in World Literature subject, my mind never thought of becomingso close with a friend like you who has friends with lots of talents Well, I am referring toour old classmates and the present ones but I am glad, that having you as my partnereven in singing with Mr. Sabulao is really a great and wonderful experience. I hope, you willnot change your very nice and good attitude.

Well, actually, I am really looking for a guy who I can be with in many instances of mylife I appreciate that sometimes when we talk, we really can understand each other

Thanks for the short but memorable moment with you I really appreciate it and thanksfor placing in my heart a true and sincere friendship.

And continue to make other people happy Actually, your tandem with Mr. Ereo isreally something, I hope, I can have a friend, who is a guy to whom I can be with, especially,on those kind of experiences.

Thanks for friendship Raymond - God Bless you!

Your friend,

Ahmed

That is Raymond; I could not forget this friend of mine. He alwaysmakes me smile; hes funny and has a lot of punch lines in his pocket. We



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also had a singing group in our school, we had a trio and that was reallywonderful.

The next one is for Alizon Irader, a talented friend, I really enjoyedbeing with this girl.

March 20, 2009

Dear Alizon,

I could never imagine the first time I saw you; I was on the verge of contemplation ofwhether to convince myself, if you are really a girl or a slight girl.hehehehe. Anyway, Iknow that you are the only person to prove that you are a girl.

It is really different to have you as one of my friends, for me, being with Che-che,Debs, Sunrise, Ann, Josephine and Raymond and you is some kind of having a Family whounderstands what true friendship means.

We are now in the end of what we call journey in college, for me, my experienceswith you are considered happy Well, I deal my experiences with all of you differently.

Today, tonight or in any other day, as you read this letter, I pray that your life will always bea blissful life in fact, I am thrilled and somehow challenged to have you as my classmate imagine a very talented classmate who has the ability to do many things is my classmate,but your being talented does not actually count our being friends, because friendship goesbeyond who we are and what talents we have I realized that the most important thing inlife is having a friend who can be a friend, even in unpleasant situation.

Well, anyway, thanks for the friendship Alizon, - thanks for your experiences sharedwith me. I pray that our friendship will be treasured, even we dont actually see each other,and sorry for many times of being a stubborn classmate I remember one time in yourletter, you were asking me why did I change my attitude??? Actually, I was also askingmyself about that matter but maybe I am now in what we call transition period where aperson really changes for the better I am really trying to face this kind of instance in mylife I hope, it does not affect our friendship thanks Ali. Take care!

Loving friend,

Ahmed

Alizon, as I remember her, she is a friend who is strong in the midst ofpain and pressure. That is Alizon.



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This one is Josephine, she has a beautiful countenance, lots of boyswere really looking for her but something can really make this girl different she treasured friendship no matter what other people say about her.

March 31, 2009

Dear Josephine,

Well, today is our graduation day! I just want to write you a letter because, you areone of my best friends in the school, as we travel another journey, I want you to know

something about my observations about you.

When we were in the lower years, I never thought that somehow I can be a part ofyour life, I want you to know that Friendship does not only mean Debs, Theresa, Ann,Sunrise, Alizon or Raymond, and of course, or me.

I want you to realize that I can be your friend, no matter what; I will not allow myselfto be passed by a woman, who has a different outlook in life especially in wearing dresses,hehehehe I like the way you wear dresses, you can really transform a simple occasion intomore beautiful occasion, well, yesterday, Jerico Fantone told us that whenever he sees youwearing dresses, it is like we are in the JS prom, for me, it is not just JS prom It is a GRADBALL!

Anyway, as I look at you in the past years, I thought you were a girl who is soconscious about LOOKS but as the years allow me to know who you are I begin to saythat you are also a friend, a friend who we can turn to and of course a friend who we can say Please pray for me

Josephine, our experiences were really wonderful and for me, I want to remember allthose things with you ALL, as we step to another journey I want you to know, that I will

never forget you.

Loving friend,

Ahmed



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I will never forget you, was it wonderful? Yes it was. I just couldnthelp but to thank God that Josephine is a Christian and to think that we canshare each others experience how we can serve God faithfully in our lives. Ihope shes just fine this time.

Now, the next two letters are different kind of letters. These letterswere both appreciating friendship and a rebuke. Let us see.

March 25, 2009

Dear Deborah,

Hi Deborah Its nice to write a letter for you this time, it is some kind of raining blast

outside the house, I just got home from school, I went there to accomplish something.

Anyway Deborah Miguel, as I look at you many years back, I saw who you are - in thepast years, I may not even know who you really are but according to my very goodobservation, you are a kind of person who works with your full strength and effort and it isvery good, but let me say something about that matter Working with others does not meanyou are pointing them to do something, working with others does not mean you will not help but working WITH others means to lessen the pressure, haggardness, and even the burdenfrom your chest, DONT DO THINGS BY YOUR OWN.

When I was in Fourth Year High School, I tended to do things alone, I always want tomake things right by my own, - When I entered my leadership in the church as one of the

group leaders, I tried to work alone When I became the Youth Choir Director in our church,I tried to work alone NOT KNOWING that I have group mates with me and I learned fromthose mistakes.

So, let me remind you that WORKING ALONE is not actually RIGHT IT IS WRONG!Remember Adam in the Old Testament? GOD gave Eve to be with Adam for them to worktogether.

As we move on to another journey in our lives, I want you to bear in mind that youhave classmates, friends and even GOD to turn to. You are a Christian and I know that youknow about the Bible, do not be ignorant about what GOD can do in your Life. I wrote youthis letter because I treasure you as one of my friends, sometimes, I looked at you and it

seems that there is no GOD on your side, always remember that GOD wants to help you butif YOU are not asking HIM to help you, HE will just remind you, but in a hard way.

The secret of happiness is not just having friends, money, restfulness like sleeping orhaving graduated with a degree but GOD Himself is the secret of happiness, your life WITHHIM STUDY GODS WORD and you will know who GOD really is, PRAY and FELLOWSHIPwith your Brethren most of all show your LOVE not just the sympathy with the people



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around you. GOD should always be the top priority and the center of our every priority nothing else.

I thank God, for giving me a friend like you. Remember God is on our side the battleis not also against FLESH and BLOOD we are battling AGAINST SATAN not against the peoplearound us WE WILL WIN THIS BATTLE if we are not going to give up, you can do it.

Remember WE HAVE A GREAT GOD.

Loving Friend,

Ahmed

Thats Deborah Miguel, as her friend I had to tell those things, for herto realize that God is bigger than our problems. I hope that she is now really

serving God faithfully.

Heres the next one.

March 28, 2009

Dear Sunrise,

Its Earth hour! Anyway, I just want you to know something before we part our ways.College life is not as easy as we were in elementary, and for me, to have friends is ascommon as having a family and you know what, I consider you as my Family.

I am in the midst of bit confusion on how to say things to a woman like you when Ifirst saw you in our first meeting during our first year life, the first thing that I noticed wasyour beautiful eyes and I was thinking on how I can catch up of having friends such asyou, Theresa and others. I never thought that I can be as close as we are now, I neverthought of having memorable moments with you all as my friends in the school. As I toldAlizon in my letter for her, I look at my friends differently, not just because we considerIndividual Differences as always discussed in the classroom but it is because the bestrelationship within classmates and friends is more than just friendship but of course, as I

have said, a family.

Well, I could not imagine the time, when we were talking about religious mattersand of course, my belief cannot agree with your belief, we really have a differentperspective on what the Bible is, in our lives, but still, my friendship with you is notdestroyed. You know my personality, I love argumentative discussion; I always want to seemyself teaching other people, especially in the matters of Biblical discussion. Well, Sunriseas you know, I believe that Jesus Christ is GOD, no question about that, as I study the Bible



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more often, the more I can see that Jesus Christ is GOD and the Words of the Father are notin contradictory with HIM, both of THEM are in agreement.

Well, for me, what matters is not about the RELIGION you are in, but in the KIND ofRELATIONSHIP we have to HIM. I know that YOU are studying the BIBLE and I know that youwill agree with me, if I say that SALVATION IS IN CHRIST ALONE no one can ever refute

that.

Now, let us leave those things behind, I know that as you are reading this, you areanswering some questions in your mind but for me, my sincere letter is to appreciate ourfriendship for the past four years and as I recall those moments with you all, my heart couldnot help to break into pieces, mind you, my heart is literally breaking into pieces do youthink I am kidding? No, I am not hehehehe Well, I just want to make this wonderfulmoment to be happy, and you know I thank GOD because, I have a friend who is kind andeven I consider you as the opposite of my personality, you are still part of my life Anyway,I can see tears rolling on your cheeks, dont cry, actually, I am suppose to make you happybe strong Sunrise for me, your name speaks of hope and there will always hopeand it isfound in GOD.

I want you to make your life memorable every day, I really want you to know the realHIM, I want you to live with a heart that is beyond doubt of who GOD is in your life. Sunrise,GOD is our friend do not look at Him as if you cannot reach HIM but look at HIM becauseHe already reached us, when He gave His Son Jesus to die on Mount Calvary.

Loving friend,

Ahmed

That is Sunrise Manuel, my friend and a religious in the sense but Inever regret that we part ways, I am glad because I told her about Jesus.

Anyway, those are my friends, we all have differences, we all havedifferent kinds of beliefs, to mention a few, Theresa is an Iglesia Ni Cristomember, Sunrise is a Jehovahs Witness, Raymond, Anne, Alizon areCatholics, Josephine and Deborah are Evangelicals, I am the only Baptistwithin the group but what is religion without Christ.

I shared them about Christ and I know that somehow and someday

they will realize that salvation is in Christ alone.Now, I am grateful to God for those friends He gave me.

CHAPTER XIV



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Its For You

Have you ever received a gift from a friend? Or have you experiencedgiving a gift to your friend? I want to share this poem I gave to a friend twodays before her birthday, I didnt realize that I could really do this for her, butfor me I did this just to make her birthday so special and I really thank Godfor her.

There Was a Girl

By Ahmed

There was a girl in my mind

That in this world you cannot find


That you really cannot undermine

For what is beauty without integrity?

There was a girl with her own lips is full of purity

For what is beauty without life of eternity?

There was a girl with her life full of surety


That in this world you really cannot find

There was a girl with her lifes popularity

A life but in full of anonymity




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That in this world you really cannot find

For that girl is like a star

And thats in a name of Maricar

Yes, it was Maricar! Thats how I made a poem to a friend who is dearinto my heart; thats how I appreciate friendship and thats how I treasure afriend.

But this poem is just one of those letters I gave her during that day. Atthis moment, I want you to know something about my inner feelings aboutthe word FRIENDSHIP and the ministry God gave to the YP - the YouthChoir.

Read and see for yourself:

FRIENDSHIP

Friendship lasts long when there is good relationship between yourself andGod because friendship does not start within circle of friends it starts with GOD.Valuing friendship is the most important thing that a person can do in this life.

As I reminisce the time I first met you, I never thought that we can be as

close as we are now, I have had lots of friends who became part of my life before, inschool and in the community I am in, but having a friend like you is really different,different in the sense of being able to make the friendship as an encouragement.

For me, having friends is treasurable well, that comes from AhmedsDictionary, I just want you to know that I treasure you as one of my friends; Itreasure you because you can really be a true friend second to my God, thanks formaking me one of your friends even not a special one.

APOLOGY



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And, sorry for my frowning-face because I know that it is ugly, I know thatsometimes you really notice my being lonely Well, the main reason is the YouthChoir, I just wonder why the Young People are like that, I do not find serving God in

Youth Choir a difficult task but many of them are telling me by their actions that it isnot good to serve God in Youth Choir but in my view, the main reason why God

placed us in that ministry is for us to become useful in that very little ministry wehave so, I am sad about that.

I want you to know a bit of myself, I am a kind of person, who can encourageothers but cannot encourage myself I thank God for you because you tapped myback the last time, that was a nice encouragement I dont know why I am likethis I just want that the Youth Choir members to realize that I like to serve God ina ministry that I know He gave to the YP.

In fact, by Gods grace I want to serve God in Youth Choir until the LittlePsalters are ready to become the Youth Choir members. Thats my vision.

Maricar, I am stubborn, actually I am no different with other YPs but I learnedfrom my being stubborn, I learned from those mistakes and I am still learning untilnow. I just do not want that the next generation Young People will have the reasonof not serving God, and maybe the reason is the influence of the elder generation for me, there will always be a reason to serve God and that reason is always LOVE.

Many young people do not really understand why I am like this, why Iam so bitter in some ways and why I am so deeply concerned to the Young

Peoples Fellowship, because I believe that the best part of a persons life isto serve God while we are young.



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CHAPTER XV

How Did You Know?

In the many experiences I encountered, this experience was one ofthe most exciting and that was to translate a song to our own language andthat song was entitled, How Did You Know.

Anyway, translating a song is not easy, for me, I require an inspiration;I need something or someone who will encourage me to do this.

I would like you to read the message of the Song How Did YouKnow in English.

HOW DID YOU KNOW

I remember so well, the day that you came into my life,

You asked for my name; you had the most beautiful smile.

My life has started to change Id wake up each day feeling alright,

With you right by my side makes me feel things will work out just fine.

CHORUS:

How did you know I needed someone like you in my life?

That theres an empty space in my heart

You came at the right time in my life.

Ill never forget how you brought the sun to shine in my life,

And took all the worries and fears that I have,

Bridge:



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I guessed what Im really trying to say,

Its not everyday that someone like you comes my way

No words can express how much

I love you

Singing this beautiful song to someone will make your heart cry inhappiness especially if you are thinking of a pure and godly marriage withsomeone in the years to come.

Anyway, I would like to show you the best part of this chapter, theFilipino version of this song which I translated by the grace of God two years

ago. Heres the song.

PAANO MO NALAMAN

ISINALIN NI Ahmed Letrondo

NAAALALA KO PA NUNG ARAW NA YUN SA BUHAY KO,

MITHI ANG PANGALAN KO NA MAYRONG NGITI SA YONG PUSO

BUHAY KOY BIGLANG NAGBAGO NG DUMATING KA SA BUHAY KO

NARYAN KA SA TABI KO NA SIYANG NAGBUO NG AKING MUNDO

KORO:

PAANO MO NALAMANG KAILANGAN KITA SA BUHAY KO

NUNG MAYRONG PUWANG ANG PUSO KO

DUMATING KA SA TAMANG PANAHON

DI KO MALIMOT NG MAGING TANGLAW KA SA BUHAY KO

AT PINARAM MO ANG HAPDI NG PUSO



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(Ending part)

NGAYOY SASABIHIN KO NA SAYO

SALITANG DI MASABI NG PUSONG ITO

PUSONG NAGSASABI NA

MAHAL KITA

Well, as you can you see it, I did not translate it word-for-word, Itranslated the THOUGHTS of the song in which the meaning of the song is

best seen. In translation, someone should understand the real meaning andnot just the language; someone should know the heart of the author andwhat the author is trying to say. I did not say that I got the very meaning ofthe song but I can say that by Gods grace I understood the heart of theAuthor.

I hope you will love it.

CHAPTER XVI



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Waiting

Have you ever experienced waiting for some answers in your life?Have you ever given a chance to meet someone in your life whom youwaited for so long? Have you ever waited? Or you just took everything forgranted.

Waiting is the most difficult thing to do; it is the most neglectedmoment in someones life. We tend to make things go faster or we alwaystend to walk in a shortcut because we do not want to wait; we tend to blameothers because they didnt wait for us or sometimes blame ourselves of notwaiting for them.

We never realize that the most rewarding character is the character ofbeing patient. Patience can do a lot more than having a good attitude towardsomething I believe that having a good character can obtain by everyonebut not having patience. It is the hardest thing to practice; in order to haveit, you should know how to discipline yourself.

Anyway, why do we need to talk about this? Why do we need to havethe character of waiting? - Because this writer believes that it is in waitingthat we can accomplish more; that it is in waiting that we can expect things;it is in waiting that we can only achieve pure and true love with someone; itis in waiting that we can have strength; it is in waiting that we can give ourbest; it is in waiting that we can fulfill our commitments; and it is in waitingthat we can see God working in our lives.

As a Christian, I always want to wait; I always want to see thingsworking in a miraculous way through Gods power; I always want to seemyself suffering because of waiting, and for me, that will always be achallenge.

Maybe you wonder why this chapter is the shortest chapter in thisbook, because I want you to realize that short messages does not mean

short in meaning but sometimes it will give the biggest impact for the biggerpart of the whole.



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CHAPTER XVII

My dear ReaderHe gave me you

The time has come for me to say something to my dearest reader. Atthis moment you have already known many things about the Author andmaybe you have known already the purpose of this writing. It is always mydesire to be a blessing to someone whether directly or indirectly; it is alwaysmy desire to write someone especially, if that someone is really a blessing tome.

This hour, as you are reading this part, I would like to give my deepest

gratitude to you my dearest reader, maybe you did not notice it but youbecame a blessing to me in many ways your simple word; your simplesmile; the simplicity of your modesty; and the simple you, those, I deeplyappreciated.

God is really gracious, and it is really a marvelous thing to know thatHe prepared someone for me to be my friend, a Christian friend whounderstands and listens whenever I tell things about my personal life. Wegive and take, sometimes you tell and I listen and more often, I tell and youjust listen, how wonderful it is, to have a friend like you.

This book does not end in just a blink of an eye but this book begins inevery chapter whenever you open your eyes and most especially yourheart. I do not know when to stop thanking God for you; maybe I will bringmy thanksgiving to eternity with the memories of having you as my friend.

I decided to write not just for you to read and know many things aboutme but I wrote these for you to be with me in the past journey of my life andmaybe the history of my life will tell what I will be in the future and forsure, it will tell me, who will be with me in the continuation of my journey it

may be you or someone, anyway, I still believe that God will always have thelast and final word for it.

As my dear reader, I would like you to remember this moment of yourlife; I would like you to give more attention on Gods goodness in your life,and to love others and make God as your first priority do not leave Godsword but rather live the word of God.



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CHAPTER XVIII

Til The End

Reader, by this time, you have already read my message for you andyou have already known the purpose of this writing.

Friendship is one of the most wonderful gifts God has given us and themost treasured event in someones life, I started having a friend when I wasin the Kindergarten, and most of them were still my friend when I enteredElementary and for me, I treasured those moments in Elementary with myfriends even though the naughtiness we expressed during those times were

considered the worst. When I entered High School I found some goodfriends and some of them became my best of friends especially when Ientered fourth year and many of them got saved and for me, that was reallyterrific, wonderful and magnificent and of course, I treasured them.

When I entered college, I became one of the friendliest students in theclassroom, well, I really want to have friends. I just want to make friends andmake even my friends friends to be my friend but one thing I noticed, not allof them are committed to you to be their friend UNTIL THE END actually,some of them are gone and cannot be found.

I would like to appreciate Gods working in my life and His person alsoas my friend, we cannot see God physically but He is and He will always beour friend until the end sometimes we are looking for friends who we canbe with in many aspects of our lives but we have not seen that GOD isalways there and will always be here for us as a friend.

Reader, I would like you to know that I may not always be with you asyour friend, I may leave you during my busy hours; I may go to anothercountry and live there for awhile but that doesnt mean that I will forget you,

remember I will never forget you as my friend but God will always be theOne who can really satisfy the presence of a friend.

When you are already working choose a friend or friends that you caninfluence to serve God with and never compromise your faith in choosingthem but rather let God work through you in every single day.



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When you get married maybe, your husband will be your friendforever and maybe he will be the best man for you of course, God preparedhim for you but one thing you will never forget I am still here as your friendand by Gods grace I will be here UNTIL THE END.

A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for

adversity.

Proverb

s 17:17



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CHAPTER XIX

My Hearts Deep Desire

When I was a child, the simplicity of my desire is just to make mysimple life useful in many ways; I wanted to invent many things andsometimes make my life an adventurous one. When I was in elementary, Iwas thinking myself as a pilgrim; a pilgrim who goes to many placeseveryday with my bag full of surprises in it.

When I entered High School the journey of my life changed; it becameone of the most exciting journeys in my life, of course, I would not want toforget my College life because in College, reality exists for a moment, I hadto forget my childhood imagination.

At the moment, life in the workplace is totally different; I never thoughtthat becoming a teacher is something that I will treasure and would love totreasure. Today, I think, the desire of teaching the children is really a passionand it will never be just a profession and more so, it is my deepest desire.

I am so emotional, thats how I describe myself and being emotional isnot bad but being too emotional is not good. Emotions are made by Godfor us to express what we feel and to express the desires from our hearts butI believe that emotions is the expression of who we really are before God,our friends, and family.

I always cry before God, especially when I sinned before Him, I alwayslook to myself as littlest being when talking to God but I praise Him formaking me so special, for giving me many chances, for allowing me to serveHim and for keeping me serving Him. The Lord is gracious and I believe thatGod is also an emotional Being and I believe that sometimes He gets angrywith me, He cries for mankind and most of the time He expresses Hiswonderful love to everyone.

As a child of God, it is my deepest desire to do His will; it is my deepestdesire to please Him and with all my heart, it is my deepest desire to serveHim until the end I really want to be faithful.



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My dear reader, I want you to know that this writer is full of limitation; Iam not perfect; I am not strong; I am not rich; I do not know even how toencourage myself but this one thing I know that God is my strength; thatGod is my encouragement and that God is a limitless and faithful God untoeternity. I cannot write long but I assure you this God is the Writer and theBest Writer of my life; this book ends in the 20th chapter but my life doesntend there, my life continues by Gods grace.



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CHAPTER XX

True Love Waits the Finale

True love, the best definition that we can give this, is found in theBible, in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (KJV) the Bible says: Charity sufferethlong, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is

not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her

own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not ininiquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all

things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Have you ever experienced True Love? I believe that everyoneexperienced it and everyone already have it but finding your true love,especially, if it is your future partner is a different matter and I believe thatmany of us are now asking ourselves, Who will be my future partner?

The Bible is explicitly telling us what true love means and the firstthing that we should always remember is TRUE LOVE WAITS whateverother people say. In my life, I believe that I already experienced lovingsomeone; and for me, I dont think it was true love, during my High Schooldays, I always found myself being in-love Ive had lots of crushes but Iknew within myself that it was not true love; maybe, I just love to appreciatepeople, especially if they know how to appreciate beautiful things in this life.

But life is not as perfect as we are thinking we are not in a fairytale.In fairytale, true love is like magic, by just saying the magic word Bibidi-babidi-boo with a wand in the Fairy-god mothers hand everything will bechanged and thats it, everything will now be in favor for the main character but again, we are not in a fairytale.

In real life we are neither the main character nor the villain; in real life,whether you are rich or poor, we are still the ordinary people, and in this lifethe main character is GOD, He knows everything about us and truly, Godwants the best real story for us the Lord is faithful.



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Everyone deserves True Love; God deserves our true love; you deservetrue love; your family deserves your true love; your future mate deservesyour true love; your future children deserve your true love; and true love isexpressed out of a sincere and a pure heart.

I know, that in this moment, you are asking yourself why do we have totalk about True Love and maybe you are asking yourself that If this is thelast chapter of the book this should be a farewell message? well, the writeris always in a different direction I want this last chapter to be memorable, Iwant you to know how important having a friend like you in my life; I wantyou to know that if this love I feel right now is true love, this love will waitand maybe this love will be the second-most special love in my life thefirst-most special love is for my GOD.

At this moment loving you as my friend is really a very special love

and if this love is just a friendship love, then so be it, I would really love andhappy to be your friend until the end or maybe a best friend.

This is really the Final chapter and everything will be concluded here;so, before I end this chapter, I want to thank you for allowing me to sharethis wonderful experiences I had, I want you to know that our friendshipdoesnt end here, rather, this will be the continuance of what we havestarted always remember, this is my story and your story; here, we both goto the same place; we both live in the same hour; and here, we bothexperience Gods faithfulness in our lives.

Life is so short, for what is twenty-one years in a hundred? Or what is ahundred years in a thousand, this life is really nothing we are really nothingbefore God. But I still praise and thank my God for this life because I believethat His great grace, mercy and love are the reasons why we are here;serving Him and doing His will in our lives.

As I end here, I want you to LOVE GOD above all else; I want you toLOVE OTHERS as THEY LOVE YOU; I want you to CARE your FAMILY and Iwant you to wait for your TRUE LOVE.

Thank you my friend.

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