South Africa in 10 Days: A Dream Becomes Reality

It was a surprising, unforgettable, and indescribable experience with the Lord in another part of the world, in a different continent, A-WEH! South Africa!  It was merely God embracing and caressing me during the entire mission trip.  I’ve always wanted to travel and visit places all around the world but this selfish desire was put aside allowing God’s plan to be pursued.  This was my second time to go on mission but still felt like it was the first time.  Every mission is always a different story, a different encounter, and a different battle to win with and for Jesus.

The plane left UAE one morning of August 17 and had a layover of two hours in Seychelles.  My feet stepped in Johannesburg at around 7PM.  We flew to Durban at around 9PM.  The loving family of Raman’s was there to welcome us, Uncle Joe, Auntie Joyce, with Chezlynn, their daughter fetched and brought us home.  From that moment on, I never felt like a stranger to them.  Never did I feel that we are of different cultures and nationalities, but instead, as one family.  We stayed at their place for five days.  They have been very generous, accommodating, and loving.

On the following day, I got home filled up with all of the graces, blessings, and wisdom received from the South African Catholic Bishop Conference held by the parish at Holy Family College in Durban.   I could still remember the crucifixion type of love, the perfect kind of love!  God loves me in a very personal way.  He is there for me and will always be - whenever, whatever, wherever life brings.
It made me realize more how precious my life, work, family, the society, and all the people around me.  People are more important than things.  I should always seek the face of God in every person that I meet at all circumstances.  It’s simple as they say, but is harder in reality. It becomes hard when we fail to offer our difficulties to Him.

We always think of a missionary life a sacrificial one, busy, tough and loaded with God’s work, but hey, there’s more to that.  God allowed me to experience the two-folded ways of being a servant in South Africa.  When doing God’s work, service is not always in the form of giving but rather partially receiving.  Yes, I know it is quite ironic but that was what happened in Africa.  Days before the mission proper, we are studying our talks, busy preparing ourselves, and felt equipped for the missionary challenge.  But God really works in mysterious ways, I was the one served instead, a very humbling encounter with God.

At some point earlier, I personally thought of traveling to find rest away from work and Dubai life, though I know that it is just so impossible for me because I really wanted to join the Mission Exchange this year.  But God is so great and generous that I had experienced both, travel and mission.  This travel is a way too special, I traveled with Christ.  He taught me to see things wider, be more appreciative, and look beyond every feeling and situation.  His messages are revealed in various ways.  He wanted me to take rest, see the beauty of His creation and His people while bringing Christ to them.  It is just so amazing and affirming that God always know what your heart says, what you’d like to do, the ones you need and not, when to hold on and let go; His thoughts and ways are outnumbered!

I thanked God for the Mission Exchange.  In this, one doesn't have to be a full time missionary to take part on God's mission though our everyday life itself is already a mission.  It is such a privilege reaching out to our brethren of different cultures and nationalities all around the globe.

Indeed, when God’s glory truly shines into a man or woman or child, then that person becomes fully alive.  And I'm happy getting there, be alive with, for, and in Christ!

To God be the glory!