Day 3: Do Not Be Afraid!

What am I grateful for?  When I  arrived here in Vigan, the question in my mind was, "what is waiting for me here?"  I did not have a home yet where I can rest after the long hours of travel by land from Manila.  The first thing I did after getting off the bus was to find the Vigan Cathedral.  I really felt hungry but I was hungrier to find this place.   When I get there, what I did was to unload the three bags from my shoulders and sat. I was literally tired.  I closed my eyes and sensed the silence of the place.   I also found the lyrics of this song running in my mind... 

          "Do not be afraid, I am with you
           I have called you each by name
           Come and follow Me
           I will bring you home
           I love you and you are mine..."

As I sense the back support of the bench I was sitting at,  I felt safe.  I was safe for I was inside my Father's House.   I was home; and most importantly, I was welcomed.  I prayed that I could find a place to stay.   I found an inn where I could rest for that night.  I asked the tricycle drivers where can I rent a place to stay for several months.   Only one tricycle driver took me seriously and he offered a room in his house for a minimal fee.  This morning, I visited their home, met the other members of his family and informed them that I am accepting their offer.  Thanks be to God, I already have a place to stay.   The Lord is so good for He really answers prayers!  

Aside from having a bed to sleep on and a roof above my head, I was also grateful for the simple things the Lord allowed me to experience today-- sweetest sorbetes in a hot noon, special Vigan Empanada with my favorite drink of all time, coffee and I was able to pass by at the new 7th Wonder
of the World, Vigan Heritage.

I thank the Lord for giving me the eyes to see with a sense of wonder, courage to try out things and to trust the goodness of people around me. I thank the Lord for He was with me... And He is with me saying, "Do not be afraid."