The RYC in Mindoro is one of the best things that has happened to me. (:
It was a
thrill to go to an island, experience a nice airconditioned bus (so much better bus unlike our ILC bus!), board the RoRo, see the waves, watch the sunrise. It was nice being with YFC Rizal, the funny lines of Jethro, the contagious laughter of the people, the companionship, the sweetness of people, the bonding moments of the sisters. For the record, we don't have complete entries for the competitions. No dance (ouwf). No acapella. No gag (so no defending champion). As Mara puts it,
play/join to give Rizal dignity. We are not there to win. But it was nice cheering for our province. (:
Looking for heaven?
Last year, we hosted the RYC. I was part of the production team plus the competition team (for dance). It was dead tiring and I mean that. We had last practice hours before the RYC (and as our choreographer said, "
walang tulog hanggat di perfect"), endless counting for the steps, but during the RYC night, there was a technical problem (well, problem with the music). We ended up being asked to dance the boom tarat. Haha men, it was funny to think about now. I was sleepy all through out the sessions. Even the last session. It was hard to concentrate.
The night before the RYC Rev Up. Our seemingly endless production practices.
This time around, I made sure I'm not going to waste my time dozing off during sessions. (although we lack sleep because of our efforts for the GK mini) I was beside Randy during session two and he was hitting me with a mineral water bottle everytime I lean my head somewhere.
First session - Kuya Chris.
Shout out loud. It was funny--he asked us about battle cries and he first mentioned Rizal. Nobody was speaking up. Haha We're like, "what battle cry are we gonna say?" Anyway, he saved us and said, "
Sa Rizal diba DASAL Rizal, sa Cavite naman, SUGOD Cavite." We can't help but laugh at ourselves for being speechless. Our battle cry is not anymore DASAL Rizal, but
LABAN Rizal. Oh well. He endlessly reminded us about the RYC theme:
For whoever is begotten by God conquers the world and the victory that conquers the world is our faith. :D
Second session - Kuya Ro.
Cry out loud. Believe you have a faithful God. I am a faithful servant. Those lines. (: We were reminded of our covenant. The worships were in the end exhilarating. :D Angel was part of the creative presentation at the start of the talk. JP was a sharer. Confession time: I fell asleep a bit during the end of the session. Randy was teasing me, "
O sige, ano nga last sinabi ng speaker?" =p
Third session - Kuya Onel.
Praise out loud. He shared about the accident he experienced on his way to Mindoro. It was nice to hear that he's not hurt and he's still alive. He put it this way, "
Naramdaman ko ang pagmamahal ni God kasi hinayaan niya akong mabuhay" (sort-of like that). I was beside Alvin then and I can't help but whisper questioningly to him, "
Edi pag may namatay ba, hindi sila mahal ni God?" It was during the praisefest after that I started crying. I felt
mababaw, but it felt so good to cry. I can feel my tears falling down to my toes during worship. Haha
On our way home (we were the first to go back to the mainland, along with YFC Quezon), we were at the deck almost the whole time. :D
It felt good to be with people and at the same time, to feel alone. I was deep in thought. As in deep, as some people have noticed. :))
Of the things that have happened. Of my decisions. Of people. Of what God has been telling me. Of life in general. I watched the waves. I watched the small water particles bouncing back. I watched the people laughing whenever they get wet. I joined them teasing Abby by singing her name in the Ave Maria tune. I waved hi and admired the people riding their boats in the middle of the sea. I joined the photo moments. But still, I went back to watching the waves. Or the sky. At one point, I just want to be one with the sea. I want to be the water.
On our way to Mindoro, I want to be part of the sky. On our way home, I want to be part of the water. (Would anyone miss me? :P) They seem...at peace.
There are many things in my mind right after the conference. I was asked to let go of some things. I don't know what to expect and what to do. I don't want to be in pain or hurt other people. But... there are things I have to do. I trust The One who is asking me to do those things.
The RYC this year is one unforgettable experience. Almost all conferences are like that, but each time though, you know they are different from the last time. They give you something to think about. And if you go back to your area after a conference, you know you have to do something.
The things you learn and you realize during those two days are not for you alone, but for you to share.
Next STag RYC : Marinduque. But before that, ILC sa Tagaytay muna. ;)
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cheerful
blah
tamad pa rin tapusin papers!
busy
awake