You know, who would have thought that the day would come when we would be far away from our families and the closest friends we grew up with? Life really takes us in unexpected directions. When we get married especially for women it’s usually us who move and adjust to our husband’s place. That’s the way it has always been, and that’s where I found myself, too.
I still remember the moment I rode the ship. Sitting there, I couldn’t help but I feel sad, because I realized it was the beginning of my slow journey away from my family and friends 🥺. That moment carried so much meaning it wasn’t just a trip, it was a transition. I was traveling toward my husband’s home, where I would now be living permanently. From then on, I had to learn to embrace a new family, build new friendships, and live in a new environment that was very different from where I grew up. Adjusting hasn’t been easy, but it’s part of life’s process.
There were countless bonding moments with my friends no matter where we went, what mattered most was that I was surrounded by good-hearted people. That’s something I’ll always be grateful for.
Sometimes, they were stressful because we joined many competitions and felt pressured to perform well. But despite the pressure, those times became unforgettable. They shaped me in so many ways. They taught me not only to enjoy life as a young person but also to grow and mature in my service to God. Every challenge I faced in those activities became part of my growth.
Most of the time, we joined singing contests. We didn’t really mind losing in ball games, but when it came to Bible quizzes/games and singing competitions, we gave our all best! That was our strength.
Giant Volleyball, for example, wasn’t really for us. How could we possibly win when most of us were so short while our opponents were tall and strong? and the ball was Giant huhu😂 We laughed at ourselves so many times, but that’s what made it fun. Winning wasn’t everything we enjoyed every moment we shared, and that’s what mattered most.
I also clearly remember our choir contests. They were usually held at night, right after the worship service. Then came the awarding ceremony. Honestly, by that time, our appearance was already a mess. You could tell how much we had given our best. Even during songleading alone, we poured out everything in worship it felt so alive, like real revival. Those were moments when the Spirit of worship just filled the place, and you couldn’t help but give your all.
Because our group often won the championships in singing contests, eventually, when our batch graduated, we decided to stop competing so that others could have the chance. Our plan was just to do presentations in the future. But for me, that was already my last attendance. Soon after, I got married! 😂 Life really moves so fast.
To be honest, I was never really a singer. But in our church, almost everyone seemed to be! So many of them had amazing voices, and our musicians were just as talented. They even formed their own band for the ministry. They were always the ones leading the music during church events in Bohol, and their presence brought so much life and energy to our gatherings.
That’s why, if I can give one piece of advice to the youth, it’s this: treasure your younger years. Make the most of them. Enjoy every opportunity you get, so that one day you won’t have any regrets. But at the same time, choose the right things. Don’t waste your youth on what’s wrong or harmful.
Instead, invest it in things that are pleasing to God and that will benefit your future. Because once you get married, life changes a lot. There are responsibilities to respect your partner, and priorities shift.
Sometimes I even ask myself did I marry too early? 😂 I got married at 24, and my husband is turning 30 this year.
We don’t have kids yet, but marriage itself already feels like such a big step. It still surprises me sometimes because in my mind, the memories of my younger days feel so fresh, as if they happened just yesterday. Time really flies.
But I’ll always hold on to the promises I made with my friends. Back then, we had this funny pact we said we wouldn’t get married until we became rich! 😂 We dreamed that once we had money, we’d travel abroad together. The first country on our list was Switzerland, because of its breathtaking scenery. We imagined ourselves standing there, exploring the beauty of a place so far from home.
But in reality, it isn’t easy to get rich in our country. Life here is challenging. Prices keep going up, but salaries remain low. Sometimes even our neighbors borrow things and don’t return them, and in the end It turns out the money is just a "thank you” (Basta ma Thankyou nalang Tanan hahaha). We don’t complain or demand it back because we feel shy or pity them. Maybe they don’t really have the means to replace it. Still, it’s hard sometimes, because you know how much effort and hard work went into earning those things. That’s the reality of life. But despite the struggles, we continue to fight and live on. What matters most is staying kind, no matter how tough life becomes.
So here I am now, married and living a new chapter of life, yet carrying with me all the memories of my youth, my friends, and my family.
I’ve realized that no matter where life takes us whether near or far what truly lasts are the lessons, friendships, and faith we carry in our hearts. Life may not always be easy, but it is meaningful when we choose to live with love, kindness, and faith in God.
That’s all for now, Thank you so much everyone for taking the time to read my blog.
See you in my next blog mga kaHive. Stay safe always ✨