on forgiveness..

The Fake by David Bonifacio

Just when I was reflecting on how prideful I am and what it has cost me so far, I suddenly came across my classmate's blog. The insights were very straightforward. I can very much relate to it. Click on the link below to see the article. 

http://www.discoverdavidbonifacio.com/2013/04/the-fake.html?spref=fb

my ilocos adventure

I thank God for His never-ending protection, even when I have always doubted His love for me. I experienced His presence the most during the time I wasn't expecting it. It is true, indeed, that He will send His angels to watch over His children. 

My vacation in Ilocos was a mixture of pain, fun, and feelings of gratefulness. First day was not bad. In fact, we had [a lot] of fun! After eating breakfast at McDonald's, we went to Cape Boujeadour, where the beach is full of rocks. The view was mind-blowing because of the rock formation, the clear water, and the massive waves. Teacher Karen's dad, Judge Vigare, prepared a surprise lunch celebration for all of us, too! As we enjoyed our yummy lunch - from bagnet, to inihaw na fish, to kilawing salmon, to pinakbet, to boiled shrimp, to inihaw na longganisa, and pancit - we also enjoyed the beautiful scenery. After making ourselves full, we headed to the Boujeadour Lighthouse, and again, had some pictures taken. The view from the lighthouse was thrilling as we can see the ocean from the mountaintop. It was also very windy so it was kinda scary to walk near the cliffs. After our tour at the lighthouse and on our way to the Museo Ilocos Norte, Tito Bob, who drove for us during the day, asked if we want to visit the Sand Dunes that very day also. I got kinda interested and asked if we could have a discount. Thank God for the favor because he gave us the package for P2,000 instead of P2,500, which is already inclusive of the 4x4 jeepney ride and sand boarding. My experience in the sand dunes was incredible! I really, REALLY enjoyed the 4x4 ride! It felt like riding a roller coaster without the straps on! It was an awesome experience, indeed! After heading back home and cleaning ourselves, we had dinner at Gerry's Grill, another birthday treat for Teacher Karen from her mom, Dr. Tess. We ended the day at Saramsam Ylocano Restaurant, where we sang our hearts out at the videoke. 

The next day wasn't so good to me. It was Friday morning when I started to feel bad. I suppose it was because of the yummy Kilawin we ate during lunch yesterday at Cape Boujeadour. I thought it was just a simple case of LBM, but when I started vomiting until I had nothing else to spew, and then began to get dizzy and therefore lose consciousness, I realized (and I thought) that that was going to be the end of me. Never in my life have I felt THAT weak. We were supposed to go to Pagudpud and Bangui Wind Farm that day, and I was so excited about it, but my tummy ache is making it impossible for me to even stand up. My co-teachers were cheering me up so I'd feel better but no words can ease the pain I'm literally feeling. My doctor, Dr. Tess Vigare, advised that I be given a shot of Buscopan, in the butt (ouch!) to eliminate the shooting pain I keep getting in the stomach. After a few minutes of struggling with the nurse, Ate Marj, because of my fear of getting injected (which nonetheless happened anyway!), I lost consciousness and had seizures. In my mind, I thought I was just dreaming as I felt the tremble in my body. I realized I had to touch something so that I'd know that I'm not indeed, dreaming. After hitting the table beside me (yes, I know it was such a weird act), I began to gain consciousness and held Karen's hand for help. She brought me to the nearest room accessible and made me lie down. The nurse then pierced a dextrose in my left hand and as much as I hate needles, I wasn't able to resist anymore due to lack of strength. I also had to bid my co-teachers goodbye, with tears in my eyes, as I realized that I'm not going to see Pagudpud and the windmills on this trip. After texting my parents my situation, I got a call from my dad, who was very worried, but nevertheless prayed for me. I also received a text from my mom telling me that she's praying for me, too. I began to regain strength 30 minutes after my co-teachers left (weird talaga noh?), but my head still feels heavy though. I thank God that despite being far from my parents and friends, He was still there to guard me so I won't feel lonely. My co-teachers arrived very late and upon arriving, they were telling me how much fun they had in Pagudpud and Bangui. I just keep on giving a sigh and was thinking how insensitive they were to make me feel worse than I already have experienced.

The next morning, I was back to my usual self and was asking my friends our itinerary, and clueless that I was, my friend, Eileen, was teasing me that we'd be going to different museums and a beach that kinda looks like Pagudpud. I was so mad and was like, "Why the h*** are we still going to different museums? I didn't go to Ilocos to see boring museums! Wala na bang iba?," I irritatingly asked. And Tim, who LOVES to bully me, added, "Ang totoo, Teacher Gracey, sa Pagudpud tayo pupunta para hindi ka naman kawawa!" I didn't believe him because I think he was never serious. But Eileen couldn't hold hiding the truth from me so she said, "Hindi namin tinuloy ang Pagudpud and Bangui Windmill trip kahapon kasi pinaka-gusto mo 'yun diba? Kaya ngayon tayo pupunta dun! Nag-Vigan at Fort Ilocandia na lang kami kahapon." I couldn't believe my ears because I thought she was also just teasing me!! Aaaw! Nevertheless, we headed to Bangui and there I saw the beautiful, gigantic windmills on the shores of Bangui Bay! The view is so peaceful and calming! The waves were scary though and we were told not to go near the waters because the current is very strong and someone has just died from drowning a few weeks ago. After some pictures on the wind farm, we headed to Pagudpud. I was so happy upon seeing the beach! It was such a beautiful sight and the view was breathtaking! I LOOOOVE how fine the white sand is and how cold and bluish-green the water is! We ate lunch and then had some pictures, then dipped in the cool beach. After a few hours of swimming, they all started to come out of the water to pack-up and rinse themselves. Departure was still 2 hours ahead and I was still enjoying the sunshine and the sea so I stayed around. After like 30 minutes of enjoying the waves all by myself (well, with some strangers nearby), the waves suddenly became VERY HUGE, I could hardly believe my eyes! I tried to run to the shore, but the waves were very fast, I was caught in it. I tried not to panic and went with the flow, then I started swimming to the shore again when I turned around and saw another humongous wave! I really thought I won't make it home alive anymore because really, the current and waves were very strong and very huge! I began to pray and told myself that if I survive that wave, I'm going back to our cottage already and would stop swimming alone. Praise God, because I am still alive today! I know that He sent His angels to save me that very minute! I know words aren't enough to describe how scary that moment was for me, but it doesn't matter anymore, because God is good, and I know He has His reasons for keeping me alive. I'm really grateful for His protection and grace. I don't know how I would've survived my trip to Ilocos if God wasn't with me. 

"For He will order his angels to protect you wherever you go." Psalm 91:11, NLT