Many things happened this Summer 2002. The Youth Life in the Spirit Seminar #21 had passed with majestic evidence that our Lord Jesus Christ has really won this warfare. In victory the Youth planned to celebrate for a weekend, and by God's grace it was done.
I am one of the youth members who never expected that it would be this great when I first join the ministry when I was 14. I felt that I was one of the outcasted lambs after my YLSS, not knowing the plans He has set on me, He still chose me to serve Him. For such a young age I have experience God and throuh Him I became more of a Christian, a follower of Christ.
A week after the YLSS#21, I had a once in a lifetime experience. Together with 4 other youth members, I was asked to serve as sharer in the YLSS#1 in Davao. It was my first time on an airplane and I thank God for bringing my dream come to life. The Davao District was very hospitable and accomodated us with love. In every step we make on the Mindanao land I felt:"Hindi naman pala kaiba sila sa atin. Pilipinong Kristyano ang dating." We had fun serving in Davao. We also bonded with their newly YLSS grads who were very friendly. How I wish everyone back at Manila could meet them. The day before we left for Manila, we were brought to the sea side of Davao and experienced the sea and sand with fantatic food. Grabe, how I wish I would never go home! I said to my self: "Thank you Lord cause You brought me here. Such a wonderful blessing it was. Lord, I hoped it never stop." On our trip back to Manila, sa plane pa lang tulog na kami sa pagod. I would never forget this experience in my life.
A week after, we went to our Youth weekly prayer meeting at Don Bosco. I thought the happiness was over until it was announced that the 2nd Youth Camp at Caliraya Recreation Center would be set for May 25-26, two weeks from that day. Grabe! ang saya namin when we heard about it. Yearly we have our sportsfest but this one was the best. 2 weeks preaparation for the Sportsfest, 2 weeks of longing. Nandyan yung hindi makatulog and kwentuhan about what had happen last year's experience at the Youth Camp '01.
The night before the Youth Camp, it was the most thrilling night. I prayed for a safe trip then I packed up. That night,due to too much excitement in my heart, I wasn't able to sleep right. "Exited na exited na ako".
On the day itself, my brothers and I left our house before seven that morning so that we can be at south meeting place (Mcdonalds ATC). Doon pa lang ay nag-picturan na, kwentuhan, etc. Everyones was excited of what could happen sa Youth camp. When we reached the second meeting place (Petron South Super Hway) we almost filled up every seat sa gilid ng Mcdo. Yup, Mcdo ulit, ang favorite meeting place ng youth.
On our way to the camp, we prayed the rosary, kulitan kami sa car, kantahan, etc. The trip bound to Pagsanjan lasted for about 2 hours. We also visited the church in Pagsanjan. It was a great trip.
Pagdating sa Caliraya we took a boat ride to reach the camp site. Ang saya namin sa boat and syempre we had our picture taking. We arrived at Caliraya at 1:30 pm. and had our tribe grouping. I was assigned to the Zebulun tribe. hindi nga namin expected na kami yung magkakatribe. We had bonding, kwentuhan, sharing as a tribe.
That afternoon we had games, relays, scavenger hunt and exhortation about Christian Life. In the evening, merong tribe presentation sa bonfire, mala Survivor ang dating. God showed how majestic his works, nagkaroon kami ng bonding activity, taize prayer, hotdogs and mallows cooked on bonfire. The next day we had our pool relay and field games. Awardings at raffle naman after. We thought that we were the loosing team kasi we've won the lease but thank God kasi kami yung nanalo. We're so thankful becacuse we've won. Before we end, we had an exhortation about the Youth Camp activity and final prayer. Lastly, syempre naligo kami sa pool. And as usual, picture taking doon, picture taking dito. On our way home (kahit na traffic sa Pansol) eh kwentuhan pa rin.
I will never forget this Summer experiences I had, I've met new friends, I have grown with God as a Christian and had fun. Who said being in Christ was boring?
