His Second Coming Will Be A Spectacle

I was compelled to write this article today while the ideas are still fresh in my mind and relevant to what is happening around us lately. If you’re wondering why I chose this topic to write about at the start of the year, events led me to make one fascinating discovery after another.

Why Now, Mt. Mayon?

If you’ve read the article before this, I mentioned the numbers 888, which, in Biblical numerology, represent a fresh start and Jesus’ resurrection. I just didn’t expect that personally, the fresh start would be painful, although not as painful, since I had seen it coming. I think it isn’t a coincidence that Mt. Mayon also started erupting again. And yet Mayon is the only creation I know that remains admirable even in her fury.

Last year, I was able to check one item on my bucket list, which is to get as close to Mt. Mayon as possible. I believe it isn’t a coincidence, too, that the Grab driver in Legazpi City who fetched us while we were having the new tires of our car aligned shared with us out of the blue about the quarrying projects in Mt. Mayon.

He said it’s easy and more money for the local government. I just had no idea of the extent of these quarrying sites, and I was able to see one during the ATV ride going up to Mt. Mayon (jump to 4:16 in this video).

Since January 6, 2026, the lava flows in Mt. Mayon continue, and the gullies widened and deepened with every pyroclastic flow, according to experts. I think the Albay government is already considering extending the 6-km permanent danger zone. Given the unpredictable weather patterns that we are experiencing now, which are expected to worsen as we are in a climate emergency, heavy rainfall will pose a major threat to the communities near Mt. Mayon.

Beauty In Ashes

Quarrying plays a vital role in the construction industry as well as in creating local employment, but it also destroys the natural habitat. I hope the quarry sites were assessed properly before the start of the project, making sure each quarry site won’t contribute to biodiversity loss. Quarrying also changes the topography of the area, making the soil unstable and prone to soil erosion and surface water runoff.

Now that the gullies are wider and deeper, and combined with the high volume of rainwater coming from the mountain, lahar flows will be the bigger problem. I am hoping and praying that the local government will double its reforestation and rehabilitation efforts at the foot of the volcano to increase natural barriers and make the soil more compact as more roots grow.

Local legend has it that when Mt. Mayon erupts, Pagtuga is disturbing Daragang Magayon. I can hear myself telling her, “Tahan na, Mayon. When all of this is over, we will be refined. As experts say, through subsequent healing, your cone will be new again – perfect as ever. God will rebuild what was damaged, He will restore what we’ve lost. You will be back in your original beauty and will continue to be a spectacle.”

But for now, there will be a battle. We are going through a battle of some sort. Mine is a spiritual warfare – letting go of what God is asking me to let go. Because there’s a part of me that is resisting, and yet God was saying, it is about time – be firm and stay.

ChatGPT Warrior

I wanted ChatGPT to come up with an image I have visualized, which best describes the season I am in, and it is an image of a woman warrior dressed up in a full body armor similar to knights in the Medieval Ages, or more like Joan of Arc. I initially asked ChatGPT to come up with a video.

I made a prompt with the complete details of the video concept showing a woman warrior in battle, but she’s exhausted. She kneeled and, with bowed head and sword lowered to the ground, she whispered, “I am tired, I cannot keep up with this fight.”

Then an angel appeared, kneeled down beside her, whispered something in the warrior’s ear, and left. The warrior stood up, and with an even fiercer stance, charged towards her enemies and let out a battlecry – Jehovah Nissi.

Unfortunately, ChatGPT is unable to generate a video but referred me to an app. So I asked ChatGPT to create an avatar in my likeness instead, dressed up as a female knight, and I uploaded a smiling photo of mine. I was so amused when ChatGPT generated an image of a cute warrior instead. lol

So I asked ChatGPT again to recreate the image and change it to a warrior in the middle of a fighting scene. The image generated was a smiling warrior while in battle. How I wish I could still smile while fighting with all the strength I could muster. 😀

*Ang gondo naman ng warrior na ito, sana ganito itsura ng anak ko kung magkakaanak pa ako. lol*

I then requested another edit, and this time ChatGPT got the right facial expression. I would like to applaud ChatGPT, though, for capturing my flat nose perfectly – it’s my most prized asset, just in case some of you don’t know yet. lol

I do wish this image would be used as an avatar in a role-playing game similar to Assassin’s Creed and combined with Rurouni Kenshin’s sword-fighting techniques. Methinks it would be an awesome game. And I will name this warrior “Caden.” 🙂

*Ah yes, I am so in love with my flat nose. It’s so cute, right?* *GGSS lang ang peg, saree. ahaha* 😀

The Feast of Tabernacles

Seriously, I am in a spiritual battle, and I know why – no fellowship, no physical church, less quiet time, no actual Bible reading – all because I am becoming like Martha at home, God’s reminder that spiritual devotion is more important than busyness. I am also isolated, which makes me more vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks.

I decided to cut back on some tasks and randomly opened my Bible and stumbled upon the book of Numbers about offerings. When I read the chapters, none of them made sense to me, and to what I was currently going through.

Then I thought maybe it is about time I start watching the Morning Worship and Prayer at Victory Philippines on YouTube again regularly. I guess it was the Spirit’s tugging, because the message for January 22 was about the Feast of Tabernacles. I remembered reading it earlier in the Bible.

I opened my Bible again and read through the bookmarked page, and that’s when I realized why I was brought to the verses about the Offerings for the Feast of Booths – the Feast of Tabernacles is also called the Feast of Booths. This prompted me to do my research on what the feast is all about. It commemorates Israel’s release from 40 years of captivity.

I just turned 40 in December of last year, and the start of 2026, for me, was also a liberation of some sort. I’m sure that this isn’t a coincidence. The numbers 888 I mentioned in this article signified not just a new start, but also a resurrection.

And the receipt that was mistakenly dated to October 21, which I thought was referring to the birthday of this blog, because I was relating it to the past, also made me think that it might be referring to an event in the future as well. Some say that Jesus’ birthday actually falls during the Feast of Tabernacles, but there is just not enough data to prove this.

Why We Celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles

A Trumpet Or A War Horn?

I also found out that the Feast of Tabernacles refers to Jesus Christ’s Second Coming. And I just want to share an experience I had during the recent typhoon Ada. News reports said that it’s not going to make landfall, but it will come near the land mass of the Bicol region, especially Southern Bicol, which includes our town.

We didn’t receive any NDRRMC updates of a rainfall warning or very strong winds. But around 2am of January 19, I woke up to the sound of very strong winds and a blowing horn. I thought it was the howling winds, but no, this was different. I can tell the sound of a howling wind during a very strong typhoon since our town is frequented by very strong typhoons.

I went outside to check on the chicken coops and made sure their covers were still intact. And there went the sound again as if someone was blowing a trumpet, similar to the sound of a ship’s horn. I went back to bed and thought that maybe there’s a ship docked near our port since we are a coastal town. But then again, at around 2am? The port is already closed during this time.

It was also the first time I heard it, and I never heard it again. It looked like I was given a first-hand experience of what we could possibly hear when Jesus starts descending during the Second Coming. 😀 Or if it signifies the start of battle, then maybe God is building an army, a huge one. If this article resonates with you, maybe you are among God’s warriors being called out to lift His banner high.

Padayon, Paraoma

The Feast of Tabernacles also included a celebration after the agricultural harvest. For last year’s wet season, we harvested on October 23 in one of our rice fields. This rice field is located inside a farm, an agricultural property that’s been passed on from one generation to another, starting from our maternal great-grandparents.

Though we no longer grew up on the farm, we felt like we were still called to be keepers of that property, tend it, develop it, and utilize it according to God’s will and plans. Unfortunately, the income generated from last season’s harvest hit an all-time low, prompting me to ask Dad if we should still continue with palay production or not.

*Hi, Daddy! I am taking a photo of you, errr, your back.* 😀

We are among the micro agribusinesses that comprise the 2.9 million palay/rice farmers who feed this country. It wouldn’t create a dent in the rice production numbers if we stopped farming, and yet Dad’s answer was that if none of the other rice farmers stop, we will continue regardless of whether we hit an all-time low or not.

Padayon (move forward), even if my siblings and I feel like it’s a losing battle – the farmers are just not making enough profit from their produce. I was apprehensive, I had my doubts, my worries piled up, and I think God felt my need for an assurance.

When God Watches Over

Because right after we harvested the palay and we were waiting for the sacks of palay to be transported to the buyer’s warehouse, I went out to walk on the rice paddies. When I looked up, I witnessed this particularly interesting and beautiful cloud formation. I have never seen anything like it in my entire life.

And after I took the photo, I zoomed it in, and I can see an outline of a face or a creature, sort of like looking down on me peering through the clouds, which is why the clouds were somehow parted in the middle. Or it’s just my very imaginative mind working. lol But what do you think?

*This farm is under God’s care and protection.* ❤ *This is a raw and unedited image; I only added my watermark.*

The message from God was crystal clear, though – “I am with you always.” I have also been seeing perfect rainbows lately, similar to what I saw in Albay back in 2020, along with these promises:

“The rainbow that I have put in the sky will be my sign to you and to every living creature on earth. It will remind you that I will keep this promise forever.” – Genesis 9:12-13

“What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.” – Genesis 28:15

Tending the Old Earth To Usher The New Earth

Going back to the Feast of Tabernacles, there’s also a mention of the new heaven and the new earth. My family and I have been planting new coconuts, fruiting plants, and flowering trees in this farm. My siblings and I also plan to add fruit-bearing trees that no one would eat because they’re too sour, etc., to discourage trespassing inside the farm, since we don’t have a caretaker yet. But these fruit trees will be a perfect addition to the food web of the wildlife inside the farm.

We also discussed the possibility of partnering with an investor (whoever God will give us) who will help us utilize the property on one condition – environmental conservation will be at the heart of the mission. God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to tend and care for it. Unfortunately, man has now altered so much of what nature has, or had.

*Do you see the coconuts on the left side? That’s the slope where I had the vision to integrate the hospice I was talking about in this article*: https://thejourneymansmoments.wordpress.com/2023/12/27/not-just-an-advocacy-but-a-higher-calling/. *If you’re standing on that slope, the overlooking view is biophilia at its best.* 🙂

*The not-so-hidden Japanese tunnel and the farm gate.*

*Bamboo to Mango: I will bend, but I will not break. Says our faith, too.* 🙂

I’m currently experimenting with different sustainable planting solutions in our garden.

I traded the hands in this article for the hand below. And yet I have no regrets because the hand below accomplished more in terms of purposeful and meaningful work.

As a poultry keeper, I also traded the photo on the left below for the photo on the right. I am not sure if you get the connection, but if you do, please refrain from commenting about it. It’s our dirty (literally), little secret. lol 😀

Thanks to my siblings for these lovely gifts. ❤

Kidding aside, let’s wrap this article up. After reading this article, some of you might diagnose me as someone who is depressed, a narcissist, has Bipolar Disorder, has anxiety, has ADHD, has Autism, or even delusional. And I will not be mad at you because it might be true that I could have all of them. But they are just labels. I know who I am in Christ, and that’s what matters. 🙂

(You may want to read this article about discovering your identity in Jesus Christ: “Sentimental: Who Am I?”)

Thus, I will continue to share the message if that is my calling, and those called by God to also get the message will know what the message is. This is also why I keep on asking God why, why choose underqualified people, people that society sees as not normal, or do not fit in with the standards of this world, to deliver His message to the world?

Spikenard Magdalena, Anointing Oil, Jerusalem, — *Who will I be anointing?* 😀 *You may read more about the Spikenard Magdalena Perfume and the Anointing Oil in the “Mary Magdalene” hyperlinks below.*

I got the message – just like Mary Magdalene, who was possessed by 7 demons, we are the kind of people who need God’s saving grace more for us to be delivered from the afflictions that we go through. Most of them, as I have mentioned above, are battles unseen. And yet when we overcome them all by faith and with the proper support, ours is a great testimony of what Jesus did on the Cross, and God’s glory, authority, and power over all creation.

Just like Mary Magdalene, it would be an honor and a great privilege, too, to be the first to witness the unfolding of Jesus Christ’s Second Coming and to celebrate the news that He is finally here with us for all eternity – it will truly be a spectacle. ❤

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6

*I can’t help but mention my cute, flat nose again in this photo. lol*

Pangadyi Para Sa Paraoma

I will be ending this article with a prayer, which will be entitled “Pangadyi Para Sa Paraoma (A Prayer for the Farmers)”. Why the farmers? I feel like the Spirit is leading us to pray fervently for farmers as we encounter more environmental challenges in the coming years, and food security will be one of the pressing issues that every nation all over the world will be tackling.

Why in Bikol? I kind of miss my maternal grandma and how she would always pray in the vernacular (Bikol-Albay) – she lived for a couple of years (half of her life, if I’m not mistaken) in Daraga. Her father, my great-grandfather (a former Protestant pastor), was also born in Bacacay, Albay.

There’s something very heartfelt in her prayers, even though I can only understand a couple of them. If I am to pray like her, I can only utter a line that goes “Ini po Kagurangnan an samuyang pamibi ngunyan…” and I don’t know how to continue that prayer because my Bikol-Albay vocabulary is very limited. Or maybe it’s Bikol-Naga (Central Bikol)? Libong much. lol Any Albayano out there who can help me out? 😀

Let’s pray for the safety of everyone in Albay who will be affected by the ongoing activity of Mt. Mayon. ❤

Here’s the Bikol-Bulan version of the prayer for the farmers:

“Pangadyi Para Sa Paraoma”

“Amang Kagurangnan, nagrarani kami saimo para sa intero na paraoma na nagpapadagos sa pagtanom sa butnga san mga kalamidad nan distroso na indadara sadi sa mga pananom. Naiimod namo an pagtios san kada paraoma para lang makatanom nan makaani para sa kakaunon nan ikakaayad san bilog na komunidad. Sa mga masunod na taon, hatagan mo tabi kami sin dunong kun pan-o masolusyunan an nagdadaghan na problema san saamo kapalibutan, nyan sin kusog san lawas nyan san boot para magpadagos lalo na sa panahon sin kaperwisyuhan. Inpapangadyi namo ini sa ngaran ni Hesu Kristo, Amen.”

*My handwritten (cursive) version on a 2020 journal that I will be using just now.* 😀

P.S.

I stumbled upon this playlist on YouTube, and it summarizes my faith for the start of 2026. ❤

P.P.S.

Since I just turned 40 last year, I am also praying for deliverance from another generational curse. I have been praying hard that our generation and the future generations be healed from this in Jesus’ Name, since genetics plays a huge role. Though we are not dismissing environmental factors and lifestyle choices. Kami na sana ang huling henerasyon na makakaranas nito sa pamamagitan ng dalangin at mga praktikal and medikal na solusyon galing sa mga eksperto.

Experts recommend a yearly mammogram to monitor any cancer cell growth, given a family’s breast cancer history, such as ours (both sides of our parents). Ah, yes, it will truly be a miracle if none of us (my siblings and I) have it. And yet, let God’s will be done. At age 40, I have nothing more to ask. God already gave me more than I asked for, and I am ready to go any time. My prayers now come down to 2 choices: let nature run its own course or allow Science to intervene should I have cancer. 🙂

Officially A Teen: Happy 13th Birthday, The Journeyman’s Moments!

Posted on October 28, 2025 by Christine Lailani

This blog turned 13 last October 21 – it’s officially a “teen.” 😄 To celebrate this milestone, I thought about writing a letter instead because I need to write this quick.

We have had no internet connection for 2 weeks now, despite following up with Converge. I’m currently using my cellular network’s data just so I could post this – thank you, Globe. Still, God is good all the time. 🙏😊

To my dearly beloved The Journeyman’s Moments,

You were born in 2012 out of a need to clear my name from a painful past. I never thought that you would become an online journal for my spiritual journey.

I also wasn’t expecting that I’d be able to post here regularly. And yet, the weekly posts turned to monthly posts, and eventually, to posting every year.

You bear witness to my every rise and fall, to my every tear and laughter – a testament of God’s saving grace day in and day out, year in and year out.

As my experiences grew, you grew with it. When I became wiser, your words became better. I changed, you changed, too.

You are more than an online journal for me. Because you are my constant reminder of a life lived in full despite the changing seasons.

When I need a good laugh, I come back to the old memories here. When I need encouragement, your words give me renewed hope and comfort.

But I guess the most important reason as to why you’re one of God’s greatest gifts is that because of you, a deeper sense of accountability was instilled in me over every single word I post here.

You are my testimony on how living by faith does not happen by mere words alone, but by living it out and letting it be known through you for the whole world to see.

My dear, we still have so many stories to tell – I have more than a hundred drafts. lol You know what that means, we have a lot of work to do for as long as God is still working in us. 🥰

You are me, and I am you. Thanks be to WordPress – our memories will be preserved for future generations to laugh with, to cry with, and to be inspired by.

So, with internet or not, we will find a way to make our stories seen and heard – God will make a way. 😁

Always your creator made by another Creator,

Christine ❤️

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10

Getting Lost In Legazpi City (Not Really)

Posted on November 25, 2024 by Christine Lailani

What started initially as a quick visit to the Globe Store at SM City Sorsogon ended up with me commuting via public transportation to Legazpi City and getting lost there. lol Nope, I wasn’t really lost. I know exactly where I’m going, all thanks to Google Maps. Let’s just say it’s my first time commuting to Legazpi City and exploring places there alone.

And if I sound like I’m speaking with such naivety, that’s because I led a very sheltered life while growing up here in Bicol. I only got to explore different cities when I studied in Manila during college and lived there during the latter half of my adult years until just recently when I came back to Bicol to live here for good.

It looks like God wanted me to explore Bicol this time, and He’s starting with the major cities in the region. Naga City is just too far from where I live now. But an aunt of mine (Mom’s sister) lives in Naga, so we still get to explore the city every time we visit her and her family.

By now, you are most probably wondering what really happened while I was in Legazpi City. Let’s start first with what exactly happened that prompted me to go there and stay there for the night all unplanned. For someone like me who is a planner, this was a very unconventional move and required all the courage (and guts?) in me. lol

The decision came easy though. As a risk taker, my mindset is that I have to accomplish what needs to be done. And if I need to act fast, then I will have no second thoughts about it. Equipped with my life verse (Philippians 4:13), this was how I ventured out into the streets of Legazpi City with just a small bag with me.

I only informed my husband because if I told my family, I know they wouldn’t allow it (I love you, guys 😁✌️). I was also doing the errand on my husband’s behalf. It was for his postpaid plan renewal with Globe.

We renewed it online, but it wasn’t successful. Our attempts to talk to customer service online were also unsuccessful, so I just decided to pay a visit to the Globe Store in SM City Sorsogon. But to my dismay, they already closed their branch in this mall.

So I searched the net for other Globe Stores near the area. I do found a couple of them, but they’re all in Legazpi City. I then went to SITEX, looked for a UV Express going to Legazpi City, and asked if they pass along Pacific Mall. It’s just an hour’s ride from Sorsogon City to Legazpi City, just the same as if I’m traveling to my hometown (Bulan) from Sorsogon City.

Why did I choose Pacific Mall? Because I was planning to hit two birds with one stone and make the best out of my unplanned trip to Legazpi City. First is to look for the regional office of DFA in Pacific Mall because I am already way overdue for my passport renewal. Second, I’m planning on attending one of the church services of Victory Legazpi when I’m in the city, and the church happened to be in Pacific Mall, too.

Unfortunately, when I got to Pacific Mall, I was told by the lady guard that the Globe Store already closed during the pandemic. So, I just searched for the DFA office and I was overjoyed to see that Victory Legazpi is just beside it. It was mission accomplished for me for these two objectives.

But as for my main objective, I still have to find a Globe Store in the city. SM Legazpi is next on my list which is just a couple of blocks away from Pacific Mall. I rode the tricycle from Pacific Mall to SM Legazpi and paid 35php for the fare (dear Albayanos, kindly advise me if I’ve been scammed lol).

When I got to SM City Legazpi, I finally found a Globe Store, and they were able to assist me with my request on behalf of my husband. Though I didn’t expect the plan renewal process to take about 4 hours. I arrived around 2 in the afternoon. By 5 pm, I already decided to search for nearby hotels where I could spend the night since I didn’t want to come back to get the phone that came with the postpaid plan.

I asked the UV Express when I boarded it en route to Legazpi what time usually is their last trip and the driver told me it’s around 7 pm. I will be a buzzer-beater if I’m going to make it to the last trip, and I don’t want to unleash my Kraken at the Globe Store so they can speed up the renewal process. lol The customer service representative who assisted me also suggested I can do other errands while waiting.

*Mt. Mayon doesn’t want to be seen from SM City Legazpi’s food hall. Enough with the hiding and show yourself already.* 😀

It’s a good thing I found a nearby hotel right away that fits my budget and inquired over the phone if they had an available room for that night. The receptionist informed me they still had 1 room left. The hotel is also less than 5 minutes away from SM City Legazpi.

By around 6 pm, I was done with the errand at Globe Store. I decided to just take out food for my dinner and eat it at the hotel, and buy my toiletries and clothes that I’ll be using and wearing the next day. It’s my #1 rule to never stay out late at night when in a foreign place and you’re alone.

When I got to the hotel, the only room available had 2 twin beds. It didn’t really matter as long as I had a safe and cozy place to stay for the night. The room was also clean and smelled nice.

*It’s my first time to stay in a hotel alone, too.* 😀

*Tired but happy and grateful for God’s leading, protection, and provision* *as a first-time commuter in Legazpi City.* 🙏

*I slept like a log the entire night* *on both beds without rearranging them. I’ll let you try to figure out how I did that. Hint: my head’s on one bed and my feet on the other bed. lol*

Though I think the bathroom’s floor needed a little bit of extra cleaning, and the shower fixture is also broken. You can’t use the shower at night, too, because the water pressure is not strong enough so I requested a pail and tabo. And they gave me a pail that looks like they use it to clean their floors. 😁✌️

The bottles for the shampoo and body wash were also empty, so I requested a refill, which they did right away. They also didn’t give me toothpaste and a toothbrush upon checking in, but I didn’t bother asking because I won’t use them anyway since I already brought my own.

I do love their lounge area though. They offer free water from their hot and cold water dispenser. But if you want to drink coffee, you need to pay 20php. You can also use their WiFi for free. I also appreciate the staff for being accommodating enough to assist me with my requests. It’s a budget hotel, so I wasn’t really expecting much except for a clean and safe place to stay near the malls. Overall, I’d still give my stay at the hotel 4 stars out of 5. 👍

*I’m not a coffee lover because it keeps me wide awake at night.* *But if I have nothing much to do the next day, a cup won’t hurt.*

*Jamaican Pattie and greens for bfast because why not.* 😀

*You can see SM City Legazpi from the hotel. Nope, not that blue, small roof. SM can’t be that small. lol*

By the way, the public transport terminal is located just beside SM City Legazpi. So if you’ll be commuting via public transportation going to and coming from Legazpi City, it’s best to find hotels within the area. When I checked out from the hotel at 11 am, I went straight to SM City Legazpi. And I found out that that day, November 13, was also the first day of screening for the movie “Hello, Love, Again” starring Kathryn Bernardo as “Joy” and Alden Richards as “Ethan.”

Since it was still early and I didn’t want to wait at the UV Express terminal for other passengers bound for Sor Ci, I decided to watch the movie and got the 12nn slot. The queue at the ticketing booth was already a bit long when I lined up at around 11:30 am. I was expecting this to be a blockbuster movie, so I thought it’s best to watch it during a weekday and during the mall’s opening hours to avoid long queues.

The movie ran for 2 hours and ended at 2 pm. Ah yes, all I can ever say is that I am giving the movie a 10/10 rating because the storyline was excellently delivered, and the details were carefully drafted. I highly recommend it if you haven’t seen it yet.

*The early birds for the highest grossing film in the history of the Philippine cinema.*

*Here’s my tip if you feel like crying over a scene, focus on the other details of the movie except for the actors’ faces. Believe me, it works. lol*

By the way, it’s also my first time to watch a movie alone, so yes, this spontaneous trip to Legazpi City was full of “firsts” for me. But the experience was truly memorable, remarkable, and definitely one for the books. It looks like God has been ticking off items on my bucket list that I never even listed down, but God knows I needed them. lol I guess, they were and are part of His plans.

*Please excuse my puffy, morning face. I just need to take a photo of this bright, yellow* *bathroom* *sink because it goes well with my blue outfit.* 😀

Legazpi City is on its way to building more healthcare facilities, which means being able to cater and offer extended healthcare services to more Bicolanos. Sorsogon City also has its very first Cancer Treatment Center. The development of these projects is currently ongoing. And I have a strong feeling this advocacy that God has called me to take part in has something to do with them. But while waiting for these projects to be completed, God is allowing me to get to know the community first. And get to know them really well.

I believe it isn’t a coincidence that I was called to live here in Sorsogon City, which is in-between Bulan and Legazpi City. All these three places will play key roles in God’s plans for the local communities in the coming years. Ah yes, sometimes God’s plans can be too overwhelming to decode. And yet it is not our purpose to know His plans, but it is His will for us to act on the tasks that He asked us to do. Even if it means going on an unplanned and spontaneous trip to a foreign city all by yourself. 😀

And because the spontaneity in Legazpi City was a positive experience for me, though I also feel it was God’s calling, I plan on doing a staycation in the city on my birthday this year. But this time, it’s planned. And this will also be the first time that I’ll be celebrating my birthday alone (I am spending the holidays with my family).

Next year, I am hoping to celebrate my birthday with patients who can’t be with their families during the holidays just to help spread the holiday cheer. So, I am currently on the lookout for opportunities that will allow me to do this. I guess this is the calling of being born three days ahead of Jesus Christ. 😉

I still have a lot of places to explore in Legazpi City, and I might plan a solo backpacking trip to tourist sites in the area some other time. I still have to pray about the idea of solo backpacking though because my first concern is my safety. I also don’t want my husband and my family to worry.

And speaking of prayer, oftentimes, it is the Spirit who urges us to go someplace else and somewhere far, so we can be alone and pray in peace. Jesus did this several times in the Bible, and sometimes He’s gone for several days. It looks like this is the perfect way to end this year and before I get busy with the holiday celebrations – a deeper contemplation on what was and what will be and yet still be grounded with the present on what God wants me to do now.

How do you plan on spending this year’s holiday season? I hope and pray that you still have time to do some quiet reflection amidst the busy holiday preparations, parties, and gatherings and get to contemplate God’s calling and purpose for you and your family next year and the years to come. He is the reason for the season, anyway. 🙏

“Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” – Jeremiah 29:7

P.S. I guess it isn’t a coincidence that the land that God has brought me in this season is called “The Land of Kasanggayahan” or “The Land of Prosperity.” 🙂

The Fruits of Home

Posted on October 20, 2024 by Christine Lailani

I am making this blog entry to document the fruit trees/plants we have back home. This is also my way of honoring my grandparents and parents who planted all of them.

I am praying we get to preserve these trees, too, despite the challenges brought about by climate change. So the generations after us can benefit from these fruit trees as well. 🙏

*Sorsogon’s Pride: PILI NUT* *(The mashed pulp is called “tampuyak*.” *We dip it in soy sauce with calamansi.)*

*MAGIC FRUIT (When you eat this and eat any sour food, it becomes sweet. Just like magic.* 😅)

*BREADFRUIT/UGOB (We also cook the pulp by adding coconut milk, and we serve it as a viand.)*

*LIMONSITO (Some pastry chefs add the rind on pastries and breads.)*

*OTHER FRUITS – Lime, Atis, Guyabano, Rambutan, Papaya, Banana, Santol, Tambis*, *& Guava*

*BLACK PEPPER (The QA Specialist cat said it’s good for post-harvest processing already. lol)*

Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.” – Genesis 1:29

So I Woke Up

Posted on October 11, 2024 by Christine Lailani

There really is something about September that makes you want to wake up only when it has already ended. There’s just too much happening at the same time. Kind of chaotic, too, but in a good way. 😃

First, I had to transfer apartments, but still in the area. My sincerest gratitude to my landlords for assisting me with everything I needed though I am a total stranger.

Another good thing is that it turned out to be in my favor – the space is way bigger than my previous apartment, so I now have a designated office area. Again, just in time for online work requirements, too. Ah yes, ain’t God so awesome?

*And the new apartment came with a bonus, too. The previous tenant posted printed copies of Psalm 23 on some of the walls – a beautiful reminder that God is always with us.* 🙏

*I pray this home will be a temporary sanctuary for those who are looking for spiritual and physical healing, peace, and comfort.* 🙏

*Pink theme for this month in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in memory of Mom’s fight against breast cancer.* 💗

Oh, but wait, there’s more. God indeed prepared this place ahead of time for His purpose. My Dad had a health concern that prompted him to visit a doctor in our hometown and was advised to undergo several lab tests and see a specialist here in the city. He was able to rest in the apartment along with my sister in-between the tests and consultations. Then, he’ll be coming back for his follow-up checkup on the 26th.

*And after a year, we’re back. And nope, that’s not my Dad beside me in this photo.*

*I don’t know what’s with SMMGH, it’s now becoming a family favorite.* 🤔

Although the diagnosis wasn’t good, I trust God that He has already prepared what we will be needing. The apartment is also just one ride away from Sorsogon Provincial Hospital and nearby hospitals. I am now actually getting more comfortable with hospital visits, I might consider living in a hospital next. Who’s with me? Anyone?

Be careful with what you wish for, Tin, or you might actually get it. 😅

And then a post from Bayanihan Knitted Knockers Philippines popped up in my Facebook newsfeed out of the blue. Ah yes, it was God’s reminder of one of the reasons why He brought me here to Sorsogon City along with the other advocacies/endeavors that He has placed in my heart. I know that it is not a coincidence that He reminded me of it during this month, which happens to be the Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

No, Lord, I haven’t forgotten at all.

And I am continuously working on them, although I think God has worked these plans out already. It’s just a matter of obeying Him when He finally instructs to execute these plans according to His perfect time. 🙏

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28

This song gave me the LSS, it’s stuck in my ears for a couple of weeks now. I think God has a message for us all through this song. I already got mine. 🙂

*The comeback of the Platypus Tin and the Platypus smile. You might say, “Oh, but I thought you were* *Yellow Tin Tuna?” Uhm, I’m actually anything in the Kingdom Animalia. So, maybe in my next post I’ll be Jellyfish Tin. I wonder how I’d look like*. *But I’ll give you a clue* – *how someone looks when they’re jealous.* 😆

P.S. This is not related to the article, but I find it too cute not to share here. Below is the link to a video of an adorable little girl, and her cuteness overload will surely warm your heart. Gah, why so pretttttyyyyy, baby girl? Paglilihian kita. 🥰♥️😍

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/zh11Un1HeysFtPb7/

P.P.S. The Kasanggayahan Festival is also starting on October 14. It’s going to be my first time attending this event, and I am just so happy that the apartment is just a block away from the Sorsogon Capitol grounds where most of the city’s special events are being held. ❤

*https://sorsogon.gov.ph/kasanggayahan-festival-2024/*

All My “Firsts” In Sorsogon City

Posted on August 2, 2024 by Christine Lailani

How do I begin this overwhelmingly beautiful and positive experience of my being here in Sorsogon City? I think when I made a joke that I left my heart in Sorsogon in this article, God meant it would be here in Sorsogon City. lol Nah, I love Bulan (my hometown) too and I love the entire province actually, which is Sorsogon. But I also love the entire Bicol Region. Sige na nga, I love the Philippines na. hahaha Bumigay din. 😆

I mentioned in my previous articles that I felt the Spirit’s leading and God’s calling for me to live here in Sorsogon City though my ancestral home is in Bulan, a coastal town 2 hours away from the city. When I told Dad, he disapproved at first because he was concerned about my safety, and I think this is a normal reaction from every parent no matter how old their children get. But I assured him I would still visit my hometown every week and stay there for a few days to spend time with him and my 3rd sister.

Brought something with me that reminds me of home – Aglaonema. This is the first plant that Mom told me to propagate back in Manila because it’s a prolific grower. Hopefully maparami ko sila dito sa apartment. 🙏

My husband, by the way, is working overseas, and I am very grateful and happy that he is adjusting quite well though he had some challenges and setbacks when he arrived last April. I had the same experience, and I must say that separation anxiety is the most difficult to overcome.

But by God’s grace, He provided everything that we needed. And when I say everything, I really mean ALL. My husband and I agreed I help him prepare holistically for his new life abroad by providing him with a home (not just a house) in Manila while he’s processing his work documents and visa, but he’ll also help me get established here in Sorsogon City. We missed each other a lot, but God has always been there to comfort and assure us both that we are on the right paths albeit heading towards opposite directions.

God ushered me towards the right people.

By the way, I am sure you’re all wondering if there were times when I ever felt afraid of living in a foreign place surrounded by people that I barely knew. I guess I would have to thank my experience in the Anthropology classes I took as an elective during my undergraduate and graduate studies at UP Diliman. The general education curriculum of UP allows students to choose an elective course from any college or department.

I chose Anthropology because some of my college friends told me na nagpapaulan daw kasi ng uno na grade ang mga prof. lol And it is actually true because the requirements aren’t easy. Aside from the regular quizzes, class recitations, exams, and research papers, the class is divided into several groups for community immersion/fieldwork, which is the final requirement to pass the course. Just in case you’re thinking that community immersions might be similar to field trips, well, they are field trips, but the entire experience goes a little deeper.

They are not your regular educational tours where you do a lot of sightseeing and visit several places during the entire trip. For community immersion, social awareness is the main objective. You get to study the local community, its people, and the culture not as a foreigner or as a tourist, but you actually become part of the community.

And I believe God has been preparing me for this transition without me realizing it because I remembered now that my undergraduate thesis is all about regionalism and the country life. When my thesis adviser and I were discussing what are the topics that interest me a lot, I told her that I would like to write something about where I came from. Not literally where I came from because we were studying literary theories used by American writers to depict the American society in their novels, essays, and short stories written during the Medieval Ages until the 20th Century. But more on the concept of grassroots and how it influences our lives and defines our roles and purpose in society.

And speaking of community, I must say that I didn’t totally expect that I would blend in quite comfortably with the neighborhood – I love the people here. My landlords, for one, have been very accommodating in helping me get settled in and in patiently answering all of my queries (I had A LOT 😁). The neighbors are a composition of students, young (and old like me) professionals, and young families, and I am very grateful na walang pasaway sa kanila (sana). 😀 I always include each one of them in my prayers though I don’t know them well enough yet. 🙏

*My first lugaw here in Sorsogon City at Vince Lugawan syempre kasi harap lang ng Victory Sorsogon.*

*Na-try ko din sa wakas ang Baluko. Delicioso.* 😋🤌

God brought me to a place where everything I need is there.

Every time I am in a new place, the first thing I check is if it has all of the necessities i.e. has sufficient water supply; near the supermarket, banks, and restaurants; accessible via the main thoroughfare; located on elevated grounds; situated in a safe neighborhood; etc. At may pa-bonus pa si Lord. I did mention in my previous article that the apartment is located just a block away from Victory Sorsogon and just recently, I discovered that it’s also a couple of blocks away from Sorsogon City’s Rompeolas and the boulevard.

*These are mangroves on my right. I would like to commend the LGU for their continued efforts in preserving mangroves in coastal communities.*

And guess what, the pastor of Victory Sorsogon is a praying doctor. 😊 I first mentioned about the praying doctor in this article, and I believe it is not a coincidence that I am now attending church services led by a praying doctor. He is an EENT doctor, and Sunday services are held inside his clinic, which is converted into an assembly hall on Sundays. I was also grateful I got connected to a Bible study group led by Pastor Allan’s wife, Tita Jean, and comprised of women whom I admire considerably given the wisdom that they share since most of them are older than me.

*Victory Sorsogon is one of my neighbors.* 😉 *Church services are held every 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM during Sundays.*

*A doctor during weekdays, a pastor during weekends.* 🙂

*Pastor/Doctor Allan of Victory Sorsogon*

*Thank you, Tita Jean and Ate Mutya, for welcoming me to your Victory Group.* 🙏♥️😊

*Thank you, men’s VG, for sharing your food with us, ze ladies.* 👍👍

One of our Bible study group members is also currently battling cancer at a very young age. And we are planning to visit her at the BRTTH this Saturday. While it grieves me to find out that she’s critically ill, I believe this is already the start of the task that God has called me to do here in Sorsogon City. My Victory Group leader, Tita Jean, also told me the same thing. Being a breast cancer or cancer advocate is actually one of the reasons why I decided to live here.

Should my cancer cells become aggressive and progressive later on no matter how healthy my lifestyle is, it will be easier for me to undergo several treatments if needed i.e. chemotherapy, radiation, etc. here in the city. After Mom passed away last year because of stage 4 breast cancer, I’ve been doing a lot of research and have been joining cancer support groups on Facebook to find out more about the plight of every cancer patient.

I can then share everything I have learned from these groups to other cancer patients who are still not aware where and how to seek for help in terms of financial assistance, availing free medications, consultations, and laboratory tests, etc. while praying for them at the same time. And it looks like the Bible verse below will be my battlecry with the ultimate goal of helping more souls to be saved. 🙏

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” – Genesis 50:20

By the way, when it comes to knowing the community really well, I prefer to walk than drive around in the same way that I prefer to commute via public transportation than use a private car. I get to observe the places and the people more intimately this way. It’s like I get to share the space with them both as an observer and as a participant. Nasanay din ako sa UP Diliman na kapag nagmamadali ka at kulang na ang oras mo para antayin ang UP Ikot/Toki jeepney to get to the next class, which will be held in a building how many kilometers away from your previous class, you need to sprint so you won’t be late. lol Walking then became a habit albeit a good one.

God took me out of a season and welcomed me into a new season.

I mentioned in yet another article that one of the reasons why I came here to live in Sorsogon City is to heal holistically. And nope, I haven’t forgotten at all that I am still due this August for a repeat blood test. I am obeying the doctor’s orders this time. lol It will be the second laboratory test that I’ll be having here in the city. The first lab test was when I got infected by COVID-19 while taking care of Mom at one of the hospitals here last year.

But I got to know several cancer advocacies because of Mom’s battle against cancer, which I believe are all part of God’s plans. It was Him all along. I was just merely being used as a vessel that will take part in whatever it is that God is doing in the communities starting from the community of cancer patients. When I also reactivated my personal account on Facebook a couple of weeks ago to retrieve an old photo, the first story that popped up was a Facebook post of a former high school classmate whose hobby is knitting and crocheting. Again, this is not a coincidence. This is already God’s answer to another advocacy that I would like to join (or start) here in Sorsogon City, which, by God’s grace, will extend all throughout the province of Sorsogon and other nearby provinces, cities, and municipalities.

True enough, my eczema flareups subsided even though I am no longer taking Coaltria (a doctor-prescribed medication for my severe allergic rhinitis back in 2019) since I got here and even after prolonged sun exposure while strolling along Sorsogon City’s boulevard to get my regular dose of vitamin D and “vitamin sea.” If my repeat blood test comes out negative and my hematuria clears up, then there really is something about this place that miraculously healed me even without any medical intervention. 🙏

Definitely a memorable first stroll along the boulevard. ♥️

*Meanwhile, this is me here in the apartment on most days.*

*Let’s try the Platypus pose again while waiting for the interview to start.*

*Oh shucks, online na pala interviewer ko. Nakita kaya nya ang Platypus pose ko?* 🤔😬😩😂

And I think you’re also dying to know how old I really am though some of you already know my age. My answer is that I have the heart of an 8-year-old girl, the body of a 38-year-old lady, and the soul of an 80-year-old woman. Will this answer suffice? 😅

Stay tuned for more of my “firsts” here in the city as I continue my new season and a new journey here. ❤

P.S.

I took this shot when this sweet little girl started making lambing most likely wondering why one of her meowmies e palaging nawawala ng ilang araw tapos biglang babalik. lol Isama ko na lang daw sya kaso bawal ang pets dito. 😁

*Gimme, gimme some belly lovin’ rub, Meowmy.*

P.P.S.

Every time nagko-commute ako sakay ng tricycle, ilang beses na akong sinabihan ng mga tricycle drivers dito na may kakilala sila na kahawig ko daw. Inaantay ko na lang talaga na may magsabi sa akin na kamukha ko si Mayor Alice Guo (I am chinita and I have long hair, too). Kasi ang isasagot ko ay yes, dito po ako tumatago ngayon sa Sorsogon City. lol 😆

*Give me a thumbs up if you still find me funny. lol Chubby cheeks now signing off.* 😎

Be A “Gurong Pahinungod”

Posted on April 19, 2024 by Christine Lailani

Isa rin sa mga pinagpe-pray ko na gusto kong gawin aside sa hospice project sa farm ay maging isang volunteer teacher kapag retired na (kung will ni God umabot until this age). Andami mong gustong gawin, Tin. Kaya ka nagkakasakit e. 😁

My eldest sister also plans on setting up a foundation or school inside the farm later on since marami ang professional teachers sa family although I did not pursue a career in teaching because writing is my first love. ♥️

*Oathtaking of Secondary Education Professional Teachers*

It looks like naaayon naman sya sa possible na maging growth trajectory ng bukid namin later on as one of the town’s “agrihoods.” I encountered the term “agrihood” just last week and I shared it to my siblings and told them na ang mga future plans namin para sa bukid ay so far on track naman sa mga developments and environmental changes within the local community. I am also praying we will be able to collaborate with my Aunt and her family who own the farm next to us for future projects para mas diverse ang ma-cater na market and communities. Hopefully, I’ll be able to write an article about agrihoods once I gathered enough data.

I can’t share the business plan I made here though due to privacy concerns. Unless I want my siblings to obliterate me from this planet. lol But, I am grateful that when I first proposed the business plan to them a few years back (mga 100 slides lang naman sa PPT 😅), they all agreed to the mission and the vision, which is all that matters to me.

We all know that plans change depending on God’s will kaya ang mga minutest details, most likely magbabago at magbabago. In everything, let God’s will be done always. For now, I’ll be sharing volunteering opportunities lang muna dahil isa ito sa mga hilig kong gawin bilang isang advocate who supports different causes. 🙏

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…” – Colossians 3:23

Para sa mga nagnanais na maging isang Gurong Pahinungod, kindly refer to this poster shared by the UP System Ugnayan ng Pahinungod and the UP Office of Alumni Relations.

“MAGTURO. MAGLINGKOD. MAGING GURONG PAHINUNGÓD!

Open to UP alumni and graduating students (this second semester) of any course from any UP constituent unit!

Teaching experience is NOT required — as long as you have the heart for service, you can be a Gurong Pahinungód (GP)!

The GP program is a program of the UP Ugnayan ng Pahinungód, the volunteer service arm of the University of the Philippines. We deploy UP graduates to underserved and marginalized communities as volunteer teachers. Learn more about the program at bit.ly/aboutgurongpahinungod

Register at bit.ly/becomeaUPGP to receive the Zoom link for the orientation. Check the photo for the orientation schedule.”

Source: UP System Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Facebook Page

*Circa 2020: Flexing the UP face mask, an initiative of a UP alumnus to support the UP Diliman campus jeepney drivers during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.* ✊

What To Expect When A Loved One Enters Hospice (from The Gospel Coalition)

Posted on April 19, 2024 by Christine Lailani

God sure knows when to reinforce my calling (a long-term goal and possibly a retirement project) lest I get distracted and focus on other things. I stumbled upon this article from The Gospel Coalition a couple of days ago, and this is exactly what I needed for the hospice project I am planning to propose to my siblings. I thought I’d share it here as well to help those who are going through a similar situation. 🙏

Original Article Link: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/expect-loved-one-hospice/

“What To Expect When A Loved One Enters Hospice”

By Kathryn Butler

I recently lost a dear friend to cancer. She’d struggled with treatments and recurrence for years, and when her doctor finally said the heavy word “hospice,” she and her family were neither surprised nor despairing. As Christians, they drew comfort from the assurance she’d be with the Lord after she took her last breath (Rom. 14:8; 2 Cor. 4:17–18).

And yet, although my friend embarked on her hospice journey with full acceptance, none of her family was prepared for the tumult of emotions her final days incited. They trembled and choked back tears when she bolted upright in agitation. When she no longer responded to their voices, they nursed the ache of loss. Throughout, they struggled to reconcile the grim realities of death with the mother, sister, and wife they so cherished.

Families with loved ones in hospice all too frequently weather such storms. As the wages of our sin (Rom. 6:23), death is by nature harrowing, even when anticipated. We weren’t meant for death, and those of us who encounter it often struggle with lingering grief, confusion, and regret afterward, especially when it steals away someone we dearly love.

With a million and a half people in the U.S. receiving hospice care annually, many families will walk this troubling road, suffering doubts and heartache along the way. How do we shepherd caregivers and families as they aim to love the dying? How do we walk with them through the valley of the shadow of death, reminding them all the while of the Good Shepherd whose love covers them when the light dwindles (Ps. 23:4)?

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝘀

Misunderstandings about hospice abound and contribute to the pain families bear. Many people equate hospice with “giving up” on a loved one. Others confuse it with physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia. Still more have an accurate idea of hospice but can’t bring themselves to say goodbye to someone they can’t fathom living without.

To clarify, hospice care seeks to minimize pain and suffering at the end of life among those with terminal illnesses. A multidisciplinary team, usually comprised of physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and health aides, provides medical care as well as spiritual and social support with a focus on symptom control and quality of life, rather than on cure. Although we often associate hospice with cancer, the most common qualifying diagnoses are severe dementia, emphysema, and heart failure.

For people with a life expectancy of months, hospice services often begin as regular home visits from nurses, social workers, and home health aides to ensure patients are stable and comfortable. As the illness advances, support increases, and eventually the dying require continuous care at the bedside and frequent doses of medications to ameliorate pain, anxiety, and air hunger. In the home, this care often falls to loved ones, which can be emotionally traumatic. In such circumstances, a hospice house, where staff nurses monitor patients 24/7, may be a better alternative.

People can only receive hospice services if they have a life expectancy of six months or less. Such patients, after consultations with doctors they trust, accept that further interventions for a cure would be futile (e.g., a cancer has metastasized to other organs and treatment options have run out). In hospice, medical care continues, but that care shifts to focus on lessening symptoms rather than eradicating the disease.

Studies suggest that rather than indicating caregivers have “given up” on patients, this shift in care can actually increase the life expectancy of terminally ill patients for up to three months. In our highly technological medical system, accepting the inevitability of death has a clear, measurable benefit.

It also has a biblical precedent. Although Scripture directs us to honor life (Ex. 20:13), it also reminds us our times are in God’s hand (Ps. 31:15). Like the grass of the field, we wither and fade (Isa. 40:7–8); until Christ returns all of us will succumb to death (Rom. 5:12). When we deny our mortality and chase after treatments that don’t promise cure, we dismiss God’s grace in Christ and the power of his resurrection. Christ has transformed death, swallowing it up in victory (1 Cor. 15:54) such that, as the Heidelberg Catechism aptly states, it’s no longer “a payment for our sins, but only a dying to sins and an entering into eternal life.”

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝘀𝗻’𝘁

While hospice reflects biblical teaching, the same can’t be said for euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide (PAS). Families facing hospice for a loved one may confuse these practices, especially given the terminology of “Medical Aid in Dying,” or MAiD, now adopted in Canada and used in the U.S. with increasing frequency. While in hospice, death occurs secondary to an underlying illness, in MAiD, terminally ill patients seek medical means to deliberately end their lives.

In euthanasia, for example, a healthcare provider administers a lethal dose of medication––often an injection––on a patient’s request. Similarly, in PAS, doctors prescribe a dose of pills for a patient to take on his or her own. In both cases, the “aid in dying” isn’t symptom support but rather a lethal dose of medication.

As the legalization of PAS has steadily increased in the U.S. over the past 20 years, it’s crucial to understand its distinction from hospice. In hospice, the aim is to alleviate suffering from futile or excessively burdensome measures. People can “graduate” from hospice; if a patient unexpectedly improves and is no longer deemed terminal, clinicians rejoice and hospice services are discontinued. PAS, by contrast, involves the active taking of another life with the explicit goal to end it, and it violates God’s Word (Ex. 20:13).

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁

The knowledge that hospice care aligns with biblical teachings can provide solace to families. Yet even with this consolation, watching a loved one die can be crushing. Many families embark on this journey with confidence, only to find the unsettling details of dying overwhelm them.

The following common changes may occur when death is near, which may trouble those at the bedside:

As a dying person’s organs shut down, 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗱 to remove excess acid from the bloodstream. As such breathlessness worsens anxiety and fatigue, nurses will administer a narcotic (usually morphine) or a sedative to help slow the breathing.
Intestines shut down as death nears. 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗻𝗼 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗲, and although loved ones may worry about starvation, forcing them to eat or drink leads to vomiting or abdominal cramping.
In the setting of dehydration close to death, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗱𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸. Hospice care workers provide moist mouth swabs to counteract the discomfort.
𝗔𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘂𝗺, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 are common near death and can be especially upsetting to witness. In the mildest cases, patients will see people from their past, which may alarm onlookers. In the most distressing, the dying will suddenly panic or lash out at others with cruel insults. Clinicians give medications to calm patients and avoid such outbursts, but when they do occur, delirious patients’ words can deeply hurt those they love. In such moments, we can reassure families that death affects the mind as well as the body and that their loved ones are unaware of their actions. Agitation near death reflects the disease, not the patient’s true thoughts and feelings.
People 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 as death nears. However, in the days to hours before death, some suddenly awaken and carry on clear, coherent conversations. Called “𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘆,” this phenomenon is poorly understood but well documented and can confuse loved ones who mistake the sudden clarity for clinical improvement. A good approach is to treat these moments as gifts from the Lord, offering loved ones a final glimpse of the person they’ve treasured.
Even when the dying are unresponsive, evidence suggests 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿, with their brains responding to sounds as distinctly as do awake, healthy individuals. This can provide families with enormous comfort, as it means their loved one may still hear and understand their words. Encourage families to speak to their loved one, to read Scripture, to pray aloud, and to sing hymns and favorite songs. Such connection can provide much-needed closure and solace to the living, and minister lovingly to the dying.
In the last 24 hours, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗹𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗵, especially in the hands and feet. This is normal and signals the circulatory system shutting down.
The last few hours of life are often marked by 𝗱𝘆𝘀𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴. People will breathe deeply and rapidly for several breaths, then not breathe at all for up to two minutes. Secretions pooling in the airways also create an unsettling rattling sound with each breath. Additionally, relaxation of the vocal cords can produce a sound similar to moaning, even in the absence of discomfort. While these changes are upsetting to witness, at this point patients are unaware of their surroundings and unlikely to experience suffering.
𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀

In addition to the troubling realities outlined above, families of hospice patients may wrestle with questions about the faith and salvation of their loved one. If a loved one isn’t a believer, relatives may urge nurses to withhold sedatives, clinging to hope for a deathbed conversion. If a loved one has proclaimed faith, moments of agitation may raise doubts about the sincerity of that profession.

While their heartache is understandable, to withhold medication and incur unnecessary suffering is neither loving nor compassionate. As solace, we can point families to the thief on the cross (Luke 23:39–43), whom Jesus invited into his kingdom as he was dying. We can reassure them that the Holy Spirit can work in someone’s heart regardless of their capacity for language or cognition, and the Lord can bring all he wills to himself (Eph. 1:3–7). The good news of the gospel declares that salvation depends not on us but on God’s grace––and he can turn every heart he wills from stone into flesh (Ezek. 36:26).

Above all, when families walk alongside a loved one in hospice, they show him or her, as well as surrounding caregivers, the character of Christ.

To abide with another through death is to love in the sacrificial, soul-weary way our pierced Savior loved us first (Matt. 26:38; John 13:34–35; 1 John 4:19). It’s to weep with those who weep (Rom. 12:15) and to bear another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2). It’s to offer a loved one a tangible reminder––perhaps with a hymn heard through the shadows, perhaps with a gentle touch––that God’s love endures forever (Ps. 107:1) and that, in Christ, nothing––not even death––can pry his beloved away from his grasp (Rom. 8:38–39).

“Don’t Quit” By Edgar Albert Guest

Posted on April 5, 2024 by Christine Lailani

“DON’T QUIT”

by Edgar Albert Guest

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
when the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
when the funds are low and the debts are high,
and you want to smile but you have to sigh,
when care is pressing you down a bit – rest if you must, but don’t you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns.
As everyone of us sometimes learns.
And many a fellow turns about when he might have won had he stuck it out.
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow – you may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than it seems to a faint and faltering man;
Often the struggler has given up when he might have captured the victor’s cup;
and he learned too late when the night came down,
how close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out – the silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
and when you never can tell how close you are,
it may be near when it seems afar;
so stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit – it’s when things seem worst, you must not quit.

I was looking for the Filipino-English dictionary in our book shelf and found this magazine instead from Kuya’s stuff when he was still studying at the Philippine Military Academy. Dito ko una nabasa ang poem na “Don’t Quit.”

My brother is one of my accountability partners na tiga-sabi sa akin ng “don’t quit.” Sya rin actually nag-introduce ng faith sa akin. Dahil napagod na sya kaka-advise kapag nagte-text ako sa kanya ng madaling araw back in 2012 dahil sa mga problema ko. 🤣 Nah, kami kasi magkasunod sa magkakapatid kahit pa 5 years ang agwat naming dalawa kaya mas close ako sa Kuya ko. But I also love my sisters just the same and I get to talk to them always, too. ❤️

My brother has been serving the country as a military officer since 2006. And I must say na napakalaki ng influence nya sa akin pagdating hindi lang sa faith kundi pati in life in general. And if ever matuloy ang plan ko to have an IUI (via sperm donor from a fertility clinic) and ma-diagnose ako with breast cancer later in life and ‘di ko sya ma-survive, I will ask my brother and my sis-in-law to adopt my child.

O di ba, ganun ako kalayo magplano. Tapos sasabihin ni God, nagsayang ka lang ng energy Tin dahil hindi ‘yan ang plano ko for you. lol Saklap. 😆 But seriously, if ever that happens, my bro and sister-in-law will be my first choice para sa magiging adoptive parents ng aking anak. My sis-in-law will make a very good Mom (she adopted not less than 5 street cats and still counting 😁). She is a flight attendant at Cebu Pacific, and I call her “the Gal Gadot of the Philippines” because she really looks like her – the Asian version. 😍

*Taken during Kuya’s NAG graduation in 2010 kung tama pagkakaalala ko.*

*Friends, madali lang pala magpaandar ng eroplano. Parang nagda-drive ka lang ng kotse……sa panaginip.*

*Bawal po pala mag-drive ng eroplano nang naka-skirt.* *Bakit kaya?* 🤔

*Ang Pamaypay. Bow.* *Miss you, Mom.* ❤️

Kasama din pala sa mga nagpe-perform during the flying exhibition sa Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival ang mga piloto ng Naval Air Wing (formerly Naval Air Group) of the Philippine Navy represented by the top officer of their class.

*Circa 2013: 18th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival w/ Victory GT Toyota (UP Diliman) churchmates* @ *Clark* *Air Base*.

Speaking of hot air balloon festivals, Bicol will also be having its very own hot air balloon event on May 3-5, 2024, which will be held at the old Legazpi airport as part of the Bicol Loco Festival. I hope my 3rd sister will join me to watch this event and hopefully Dad, too, if he is fit enough to travel. And I’m praying for a clear and picturesque view of the ever beautiful and ever perfect Mt. Mayon as the backdrop. 😍

At dahil kailangan ko maghanap ng old photos for this post, I had to reactivate (and deactivate again lol) my personal Fb account, and I found myself reminiscing. Sakto sa #flashbackFriday feels kaya minabuti ko nang mag-screenshot ng ibang photos just in case may mangyari sa Meta, at least may kopya pa din sa WordPress.

Nakaka-miss balikan ang mga happy memories and fun times with friends, former coworkers and classmates, and relatives. Ah yes, it was a past lived well. But God is calling me now to make more meaningful memories with new faces in new places – I am very much looking forward to it. And yet not my will, but His will be done always. ❤️

But wait, introvert nga pala ako. Introvert nga ba talaga ako? 🤔🤣

P.S. Para akong Camaro ngayon na nagre-rev sa garahe, naka-standby lang. Pero kapag binuksan na ang pinto ng garahe, kakaripas na until I’m out of sight. 😂 So baka ang mga susunod kong blog posts ay mga 1 sentence na lang kasi sobrang busy na. lol

My next post actually is for the breast cancer community because I am currently consolidating data regarding the medical assistance provided by different government agencies lalo na para sa mga indigents. Ang hirap mag-copy and paste every time na my nagtatanong kaya naisipan ko dito ko na lang sa blog i-post then share na lang ang link sa mga nagtatanong. Dahil sa kaka-share ko sa breast cancer support groups e napagkamalan tuloy akong resource person kaya andaming nagtatanong. 😅

But I am very happy to help. ♥️ Dahil ito lang ang maitutulong ko sa kanila because time is what I have now – oras para mag-research at oras para sagutin ang kanilang mga katanungan. Kagaya kay Nanay. I am praying na sana nakatulong sa kanya ang info. 🙏 Gusto ko rin sana sya samahan personally para tulungan sya kaso busy na din ako tulungan husband ko now para sa pag-alis nya.

Panawagan ko lang sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno na sana may Filipino version din ang mga instructions sa mga websites nila dahil ang hirap lang kaya mag-translate from English-Filipino. Waaaaah 😭 Sunggo much na ako. Tissue, please.

Ang haba na pala ng postscript ko. lol K. Tnx. Bye.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” – Galatians 6:9-10

Bayanihan Knitted Knockers | Breast Cancer ADVOCACY

Posted on March 27, 2024 by Christine Lailani

God is good all the time. I stumbled upon this advocacy for breast cancer warriors who’ve had a mastectomy – handmade breast prostheses. And I must say that this is one advocacy that is truly worth sharing here in my blog. I would like to encourage those who get to read this to support and share the project with your friends, families, and coworkers. ❤️

For international volunteers and donors who would like to support this advocacy by Knitted Knockers, you may visit this website:

https://www.knittedknockers.org/

To Filipino volunteers and breast cancer warriors who would like to get a pair of knitted breast prostheses for FREE, you may coordinate with the Bayanihan Knitted Knockers thru their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/Bayanihanknittedknockers?mibextid=ZbWKwL

I also would like to dedicate this blog post to all the volunteers who support this cause and made this campaign a success. To the founders who started the initiative to help breast cancer warriors cope with the struggles and challenges of losing an essential part of themselves as a woman, the impact of this project is just beyond tremendous – a very big THANK YOU to all of you. 🙏❤️

Here are some of the testimonies from the recipients themselves:

God Is Good All The Time Talaga

Nakakatuwa lang si Lord. Dahil kagabi lang I felt like ni-shake, rattle, and roll na naman ang mundo ko. But God replaced it with peace and wisdom reminding me of His promises and the “positive” future that awaits when I obey Him.

I mentioned in my previous articles about this desire of mine to do volunteer work for the breast cancer community when I get back to Bicol. I don’t know how and where to start actually though I have an initial plan (please refer to this article). Pero as usual, umiral naman “imposter syndrome” ko and my complaint to God was that the task is too daunting. I lack a lot of resources from finances, logistics, to manpower. Sagot lang Nya is that “Christine, just wait.”

A Community of Warriors

And then came Knitted Knockers. This advocacy started in the US, and later on, ipinagpatuloy ng mga founders ng Bayanihan Knitted Knockers dito sa Pinas with the intent na matulungan ang mga Pinay na sumailalim ng mastectomy. Ang mga handwoven na breast prostheses ay technically mga fillers na nilalagay sa bra para maging pantay pa din ang mga dibdib o hindi maging flat ang mga dibdib.

Sa time ng mastectomy and lumpectomy ng Mommy and Lola ko (around ’90s), wala pang ganito. So, my Tita from the US bought my Mom a silicone pad (thanks Mommy Jud) altho lately na lang kaso mainit sya and hindi suitable para gamitin nang pangmatagalan lalo na dito sa Pinas. And nai-irritate ang pinagtahian lalo na sa case ni Mom na keloidal sya (like me) kaya nagkaroon ng keloid ang mismong tahi.

Akala natin maliit at simpleng item lang itong knitted breast prostheses pero malaki pala ang tulong na naibibigay para sa pag-boost ng self-esteem and confidence ng mga kababaihan na sumailalim ng mastectomy. Kaya nababawasan ang depression kahit paano dahil isa sa challenges ng mga breast cancer warriors after a surgery ay ang self-image at kung paano mag-iiba ang tingin sa kanila ng mga tao once they go out. The knitted breast prostheses somehow made the transition and adjustment process less traumatic and less painful to these women helping them cope with mental health issues better.

Volunteer For A Good Cause

So ito na ang ibinigay ni Lord na opportunity. It’s as if sinabi Nya na “Tin, I am now opening a door for you to volunteer.” Sagot ko sana ay, “May say ba ako, Lord, kung ayaw kong gawin?” lol Feeling ko isasagot sa akin ni Lord ay, “Ano ba talaga, Tin? Sabi mo gusto mo mag-volunteer tapos tinatanong mo ako kung ano ba ang nasa future mo, heto na ‘yun, I am giving you a glimpse how and where to start.” 😂 Sayang lang at hindi ako marunong mag-knit. But I really would love to learn. Kaso andami ko nang pending tasks pagbalik ng Bicol, baka maging hanggang drawing lang talaga itong pag-knit. Sana hindi. 🙏

I guess ito din ang isa sa mga purposes ni Lord kaya ako pinapunta ng Maynila dahil pinakuha Nya sa akin lahat ng mga training materials sa mga previous volunteer projects na sinalihan ko. Gaya nitong ginamit namin sa training as volunteers ng Victory QC (now Victory Katipunan) Community Outreach Ministry. I am not sure kung patuloy pa din ang proyekto na ito.

But I am grateful and privileged enough na nakapag-attend ako ng training dahil ang isa sa mga bumuo ng ministry na ito used to be the Dean (if I’m not mistaken) of the College of Social Work and Community Development in UP Diliman. I learned from one of the best mentors when it comes to doing community service and ang kagandahan, it was backed by Biblical foundations.

Extending The Project To Bicol

What I am praying for now is how I can bring the initiative of Bayanihan Knitted Knockers sa Bicol, like sort of create a Bicol chapter ng organization (kung wala pa) kahit magsimula sa kaunting volunteers lang muna. Dahil ang mga handwoven breast prostheses ay ipinapamigay ng LIBRE pero sagot pa din ng recipient ang shipping fee. Kung manggagaling pa ng Maynila, may kamahalan din ang babayaran na shipping fee ng breast cancer warriors from Bicol.

And kung Maynila lang ang pagkukunan ng knitted breast prostheses, baka masyadong matagalan ang delivery given the limited number of volunteer knitters they have. I am sure may marunong din mag-knit at mag-crochet sa Bicol. I plan to ask and coordinate with the founders of the Bayanihan Knitted Knockers here in Manila re the following:

– can we set up a Bicol chapter

– how long does it take to complete a pair of knitted breast prostheses (altho tingin ko depende na ito sa kung gaano ka-experienced ang isang volunteer knitter)

– are there specific requirements for the type of yarn, designs, foam used, proof of surgery (recipient), etc.

Based on their answers, doon ko malalaman what I will be needing for the Bicol chapter such as:

– number of volunteers (knitters and packers) depending sa magiging bulk ng orders and knitting/packing time

– targeted number of recipients (ilang cities and municipalities meron sa buong Bicol Region and ilan ang hospitals kada city/town)

– coordinate with oncologists/surgeons per hospital kung ilan ang pasyente nila na nag-undergo at maga-undergo ng mastectomy para sa referrals ng mga prospective recipients (this will be a very huge favor to ask from them soooo, mate-test ang superpower of persuasion ko dito or kaibiganin ko secretaries nila at i-bribe ng mamon para lumambot ang puso 😂)

Giving Everyone Equal Opportunity

Nakita ko kasi na konti pa lang din ang nakakaalam about Bayanihan Knitted Knockers kaya kung ia-advertise sa social media, ang mari-reach na mga breast cancer warriors ay konti lang. So, traditional way ng pag-advertise ang need gawin para mas marami ang makaalam at matulungan. And regardless kung ano status sa buhay, basta gusto mag-avail, dapat makatanggap.

Pagdating sa pag-round up ng volunteers, Bulan and Sorsogon City ang target ko since mag-uuwian ako from both places. Sa church sa city ang main target ko to get volunteers para habang nagni-knit o pack, diretso fellowship. Because why not? 😅

Kung madami ang orders, I plan to hire more knitters and mas preferred ko actually na bayaran ang gagawa pero syempre need mag-conduct ng financial planning kung kakayanin ba ng budget. We can’t solely rely on donations, but it would be a very big help. Ika nga nila, libre mangarap pero kailangan din maging praktikal.

Ang headquarters ay most likely sa hometown ko kasi ang vision ko sana ay doon iganap ang monthly meetings (once a month) sa farm namin. Pwede naman sa bahay kasi napagusapan actually naming magkakapatid na gawing bed and breakfast ang bahay in the far future since marami ang natutuwa at nagpapa-picture dito. Hindi lang nila alam ang daming multo. Isa na pala ako doon a.k.a. “the white lady.” 😀

*Ni-disenyo mismo ng Dad and Mom.* ❤️ *They love to build things together. Ito actually ang fave pastime nila – ang magplano at gumawa ng proyekto.* | photo taken by my 3rd sister 📸

Tapos kapag nasa bukid na, unli buko doon at sabayan ng pancit bato para sa meryenda. Pero ang catch dito ay kung sino ang gusto ng unli buko, dapat sya ang magsusungkit ng buko. 🤣 We call buko as “silot” in Bulan. And this is how we harvest coconuts:

Only a skilled “paralukad” can harvest the coconuts dahil delikado sya actually at mahirap gawin lalo na kapag ganito na katatangkad ng mga punong niyog.

Kung game ang mga volunteers sa panunungkit, then unli buko it is. lol I am just kidding. Of course, unli buko talaga at magpapabaon din ako para sa pamilya nila tsaka kung ano mahagilap o ma-forage nila doon sa bukid (aawayin na ako neto ng Daddy at kapatid ko 🤣). Dahil maliit na bagay lang ito actually and the volunteers will get to experience this once a month only. This is how I plan to repay them for all the volunteer (hard) work they do.

A Collective Effort Towards Social Change And Fellowship

Noong time ng Lola at Lolo ko, sa bukid namin madalas ginagawa ang spiritual retreat ng Protestant church na usually ginaganap sa buwan ng Marso o Abril kung tama pagkakaalala ko. I am praying my siblings are also open to the idea once kami na ang magma-manage. But this time, gusto ko sana na it will be open to any church kasi ang target natin is to foster unity within the body of Christ.

*My 3rd sister suggested maglagay ng chapel doon sa hill na maliit (na for sure ay hindi nyo naman makikita* *sa sobrang layo* 😆).

Isa kasi ito sa mga most memorable childhood experiences ko when it comes to fellowship. Yaong nagpe-praise and worship kayo na panay mga boses at gitara lang ang maririnig (no loud musical instruments) kasi walang kuryente doon. And even if magkaroon pa, I still prefer na ganito pa din ang praise and worship during spiritual retreats – it’s more solemn at ramdam mo ang connection with nature and with God. And then after ng preaching at intercessory prayers, kainan a la picnic style (potluck kami lagi) tapos bonding na and just relax for the rest of the afternoon.

*Maganda mag-senti dito sa pond. ‘Wag lang masobrahan sa pag-sway at baka tumilapon ka diretso sa pond – lagpas tao din sya.* 😅

My visions are very ambitious, I know. 😀 But I am praying na ito ang will ng Panginoon at sana matuwa ang Dios kapag maisakatuparan ito. In everything, to God be the glory always. 🙏

For this article and what the organizers, volunteers, and supporters of Knitted Knockers and Bayanihan Knitted Knockers are doing, I believe the Bible verses below are fitting:

“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” – Matthew 5:16

“You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.” – Proverbs 19:21

“Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” – Proverbs 3:6

“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3

P.S. I believe this will be an ongoing initiative dahil kada taon meron at merong nada-diagnose ng breast cancer at naga-undergo ng mastectomy sa buong bansa. Pwede sa provinces madalang pero meron pa din. Kaya sa mga makabasa nito sa ibang lugar sa Pilipinas, sana maenganyo din kayo to start the same campaign sainyong mga lugar. 👍

Ang knitted breast prostheses ay hindi lang personal item. It is a powerful representation and symbolizes kung gaano nakipaglaban ang isang breast cancer warrior sa sakit na kanser. Thus, walang makakatumbas sa kanyang sentimental value. ❤️

*featured image courtesy of Bayanihan Knitted Knockers

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