It was a cloudy morning of May 30, 2013 when we left for Bongabong and Roxas for our final orientation of the School on the Air Program for the Second District of Oriental Mindoro. Midway through our journey, rain poured and thunders rolled as if a storm was brewing. The situation made me contemplate backup plans since we cannot cancel the scheduled orientation, knowing that the start of airing will be on next Tuesday. In my silence, I prayed to GOD to give me wisdom and let me trust HIM for whatever HIS plan for us that time.
When we arrived in Bongabong the heavy rain turned to drizzle so we decided to wait a little more for the participants before we start the activity even if we are already running late. While waiting, Mr. Jean Paulo Umali the General Manager of FORUM assured their support to the SOA especially in the financial aspect up till the graduation. Eight (8) persons arrived for the orientation, which turned out to be leaders and handling groups in their respective barangay. As the orientation progressed, they were asking questions and clarifications which made me smile, because I know these eight leaders, were the key persons we were looking for. They will orient and let all their members enroll in the SOA. After the orientation I looked up and whisper “This is Your work....I thank You for that!!”
We then proceeded to office of Roxas Municipal Agriculture Officer Mr. Noel Faminalagao (who happened to be in the Center, attending TOT on Corn). His staff told us that there was a religious group named SAO (Share An Opportunity Phils., Inc.) currently using the gymnasium (which MAO Noel said would be our venue for the orientation), alas another conflict!! So we called MAO Noel and asked what happened and he answered us “I thought SAO and SOA were the same! My apologies.”
Sir Eric of FORUM and I decided to talk to the organizer if they can give us a few minutes to have an orientation since their participants were all from the 2nd District. And in GOD’s grace, the organizer allowed us and invited us to sit and wait until they finished the last part of the ceremony which was an oath taking. In order to relate to their activity I listened to the content of their vow and to my surprise they were promising to protect all the living things and that they will strengthen their linkages with government and non-government agencies in order to increase their standard of living. Sir Eric on his message said that what had happened there was not an accident, it was destined.
Going back to the office the sky was already blue and the storm did not materialize, I silently cried and thank GOD for the overflowing graces HE bestowed upon us on that day. Indeed when destiny and faith collide results can be amazing.