An Answered Prayer

A DM short of reply in Twitter!

His direct message reads:

“Thanks God! Engineer na po ako Dad! Thank you so much sa prayers. Sobra sobra. Thanks for believing! :)

Ignored tweets in @Mentions. Not even an FB message at his inbox!

Perhaps, he might be thinking that I just pass on the chance to greet him and be joyful for another important milestone in his life knowing that I, together with many other friends and family alike, were in unison in wishing and praying that he will surpass his upcoming Board Exam then.

It’s like I totally shut down my world from him. If I were in his position, I too, will wander what’s goin’ on? Why my online dad didn’t even care now that I earnestly passed my exam?

Well, it was my grand plan. The moment I learned during my February vacation that he’s going to take his board exam on April 15 (actually for just one subject since he failed at it in his first try. He was declared conditional passer then), I already plotted in my mind that he deserves another blog entry.  It is my piece of share in celebrating his success. It’s quite ironic to think that I already claimed his victory even though exam is still far ahead that time.

Since 2009, I have this habit of listing down prayer petitions of my family, relatives, and friends especially if they ask for one. I just feel like doing it as my way of communicating to God. A trivial attempt to please HIM and ask for forgiveness for some shortcomings I've done. Sabi ko noon, by doing such I am slowly compensating the shortcomings that I commit in my everyday existence.

We were molded in SFC (Singles For Christ) community here in Mid East to always pray for others' concerns. May it be for their upcoming undertakings, for health reasons, for struggles, and the likes. So I get used to doing it for like five years in a row already. Of course, there are prayer petitions that aren't answered as quick as a lightning. Most of the times, there are delays. But knowing God who is a God who never disappoint, we fully entrust to Him all that we pray for. 

So this was the idea I used for Pao. Though through our constant DMs in Twitter, I already told him that I'll be praying for him. But never did I tell him that aside from my personal prayers, I also lifted him up to the collective prayers of our community done through our Household Meetings and Praise and Worship assemblies. 

He had no idea that since April 17, I've been searching for results in the net. Clicking one blog after the other that features list of board passers, visiting PRC website and links just to make sure I will be one of the many firsts to know about his ECE exam result. 

I don't know about psychic thing, about the ability to predict the future, but I just have a strong instinct that I'll be seeing his complete name written as one of the passers. 

We had a community activity in one of the villas (mansions for rent here) earlier.  My wife and I's presence were needed since we're the Parent Coordinator of the graduating CLP (Christian Life Program) Participants. Before I left the house, I had browsed once more if I can peek through some results that headlines ECE Passers, but none yet so far. So, I brought with me my Samsung Galaxy Note II so that I can access the net while away from home. 

I knew that any moment the list will come out. For the last time, I repeated again my solemn prayer lifted for Pao's success. I even whispered to one of my community brothers to lift up my personal intentions for Pao. Following a query to me asking who Pao is. I told him, he's one of my close blogger friends whom I consider an online son. He laughed but an assuring nod settled me. I then thanked him for the gesture.

Right after the Praise and Worship, I quickly browsed my mobile and connected to one of the sites I already bookmarked for result checking. Taadaa! the passers were already in. "Hurriedly, I scrolled down to the surnames that started "BU" and finally I saw the number 195. BUNUG, JOHN PAUL UMANDAP."

I can't even contain myself and I blurted out in ecstasy and joy. "Pasado si Pao! I exclaimed to the surprise of others who didn't even know what's the cause of my celebration." 

And I was like Uh-oh! Sorry I just got carried away hahaha! Then, one after the other congratulated me by saying "Tell him Congratz kamo ha! Tell him punta na siya dito sa KSA, he'll have a good pay here"

Kung sana nasa Pinas lang ako, I could have thrown a little party for Pao with of course the presence of our blogger friends. Since it is through blogging that our friendship has been formed, strengthened, and is still strengthening. But I am sure though that thru this post of mine I know my presence is being felt. 

I am always proud of the successes of my friends. And having Pao as one feels like I have hurdled again another ladder of success. 

So to you Pao, being one of the sweetest online sons I have, here is my personal message for you. And it reads: 

Dear son Pao, 

How sweet it is to father a good online son in you. At times, I'm lost in imagination owning you as a real son. I maybe far away to join you as you celebrate there but just bear in thought that I am so proud of your achievement.

I know surpassing and being an Engineer is not the peak yet. Let alone being a new one. There will be a lot of crossing the Rubicon River as you shape your career in your chosen field.

But I rest my thought in knowing that you'll make a good Engineer. Knowing how you take life and how you face your daily battles, we, your friends are assured that you'll go places. 

For one more time, I claim now your VICTORY in the future. Be the best in your craft while maintaining the core values and principles you have acquired from your parents and also from your grade school teachers up to college professors and also friends that helped mold you for who you are now.

And in reaching for your dreams never ever forget to head turn where you come from. It is in looking back that you'll be sure you're guided walking in your road to achieving your aspirations. 

Never ever forget to give back. I know you'll do since you have the heart of a servant and a giver. Finally, please bear in mind that we are blessed in life to bless others too.

Remain as a sweet and thoughtful son!

God bless you on your journey. In case you'll need my help through my connections here abroad, never ever hesitate. That is if you're decided to follow the lead of the millions of OFWs. 

Prioritize your relationship and connection to God - it is because God is the giver of all that there is and it is but right and proper to return to HIM all that is rightfully HIS. Honor HIM all the time. 

Once again, Congratulations! I AM PROUD OF YOU!

NOTE: 

I intentionally refrain from sharing it in our PBO page, not even posting/sharing it in twitter or linking to his FB account. I will just wait until he finds it out by himself. And for readers, please don't mention it to him if you can contain your excitement. But if not, it's your prerogative anyway. All I want is a complete surprise for him.