Out of the Box

I attended my first singles' getaway this weekend. I remember attending a retreat for singles when I was about to graduate from college, but I've never really been involved in singles events. I had a preconceived notion of singles groups and so I was always just involved with the youth, rather than the singles.

But the past weekend and the fun singles' getaway helped me get out of the box. Without my usual group of friends, without any involvement in the event itself, without any idea of what was going to happen or what the place was like, I joined the getaway.

And I am so glad I did something out of the box. Here are some things I did that I would not normally do:
- I worshiped God 360 degrees. Dawn worship was amazing!
- I group hugged 18 people I don't really know for "All Aboard"
- I coached our team during the pipeline activity
- My teammates passed me through the electric fence and all I could do to help was relax and help the others get through
- I tried to jump rope with my team at the same time and stayed in the game even when it was hard
- I had a great time with "MySpace" - from the cheer to the games and the pics on the last day
- I did a solo jump shot (normal for some, but not really for me!)
- I roomed with people I didn't know
- I "bused" with people I didn't know
- I met people left and right and the atmosphere was so friendly. It was so easy to introduce yourself or begin talking to strangers
- I sang and kinda danced (more like watched people dance) and saw how, yet again, church is fun and real and the best place to be
- I was amazed at the detailed planning of our church staff. Great job!

I still love the youth but now I also love the singles. Sometimes, we limit ourselves to what we know, who we hang out with, where we've been, what we have done, what we think we could do, what we think God can or should do (tsk tsk, this is dangerous!). But who invented that box anyway and why do we have to stay in it? I'm thankful for the opportunity to try many new things and meet many new people and see God in new ways!

SO . . . Would you do something to get out of that box you've made for yourself? If you try, you just might become a better and more fun version of you! :-)

Discoveries and Lessons

Coron, Palawan - postcard-worthy

The past three days in Coron have been amazing, fun and relaxing. We have been able to do so much over the weekend. Here are some random thoughts and a sneak peek into our pictures.

• Maquinit Hot Springs - We saw mangrove trees here, which grow in salt water and sand. It seems unlikely, but they have unique roots that adjust to the environment and let the water flow through them. 
• Mt. Tapyas - We walked up the mountain (all 724++ steps and back). You see better the higher you go, and the final view is worth the trek! Starting strong is great, but finishing strong is the best. Also trust your tour guide. When he suggested leaving the lodge at 5am to see the sunrise on top of the mountain, I had my doubts. But the second I landed on the highest step of the mountain, I saw a tiny bit of sun that made my day. I also had to sing "Faithful God" under my breath.
  

  

  The snippets of the sunrise on the way up Mt. Tapyas
  

• Siete Pecados, Malcapuya Beach and Atwayan Coral Garden - I never realized what a great world lives under our world, but I got a peek because I learnt to snorkel. What a view. I saw corals, fish, sea urchin, clams, and plants. And I'm glad dynamite fishing stopped in Palawan a few years ago so the corals can grow again.
• Cayangan Lake and Blue Lagoon - This area made me appreciate the Philippines even more. God has given us a great, precious land. I even went in a cave inside the lake, thanks to my life vest, friends and reliable guide.
  

  

  The view was worth every step!

• Twin Lagoons - This looked like something out of a movie, with all the limestone and trees growing out of the stone. God can make even trees by/on limestone fruitful and strong!
• Zipping through Coron Island on our banca reminds me of how great God is, how big the world is and how small I am. Have you ever seen how small Coron Island is on the Philippine map? It's probably not even on the map. But it's big. Maps are helpful but we can't replace the real thing. Visit and enjoy the places God has blessed us with!
• Malcapuya Beach - I met the man who

  

  With Lhorris and Charmaine, the mangrove trees are behind us
  

  owns this island. He bought it as a place to retire forty years ago and the beach is so clean, the water is so clear. He has now retired there with his family. My friends and I spent the day lounging and swimming on their beach.
• On friends and vacations - God ordains times of rest and reflection so we can appreciate our life more, grow and do things we have never tried before. I'm grateful for the experiences these past few days and I am looking forward to more vacations with more friends! 

"But God made the earth by his power; 

he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding." 

Jeremiah 10:12