In the wake of the pandemic, a great shift was noticed. As the dust of uncertainty settled, people found themselves scattering, some venturing to new locales, while others retraced their steps back to the comforting embrace of their homeland. The job market, once a stable anchor, now trembled under the weight of a transformed world, and with it, the very choices we made about where to lay our heads at night.
As we cautiously reemerged from the shadows of that isolation, the doors of our church once again opened and embraced its congregation. Here, we found a refreshing breeze of new faces, each carrying their own stories. Among them, a young couple stood out with their quiet, yet determined presence. Their countenance glistened with a desire to give back to the community through selfless service, acts of kindness, and enthusiasm for solidarity.
With eyes glowing like beacons in the night, the young couple radiated a palpable sense of hope and aspiration as they embarked upon this new journey together. The future, though uncertain, seemed to hold a promise of possibilities as vast as the horizon, a universe of opportunity unfolding before them as they navigated the uncharted waters of life as a unit.
Three years hence, the couple stood before us, a resplendent portrait of growth, woven with the threads of community, friendship, and blessings. Their hearts had expanded to encompass a symphony of new friendships, and the path before them was lit with the radiance of good fortune. Together, they had transcended the trials of the present, emerging stronger and more resilient than ever before.
Warlo has recently celebrated his birthday with hospitality of gentle wife, Ville. I love her “buko pandan” dessert. There was a sweetness to her “buko pandan” recipe that mirrored her nurturing nature, a dessert as generous as her spirit, as warm and comforting as her smile. On top of that, I am curious about how their perspectives may have shifted in the three years since our first encounter. My curiosity grew as I contemplate the possibilities, so I mustered the courage to reach out and inquire, extending a bridge of communication across the stream of time.
Buko pandan is a mouthwatering dessert made from pandan jelly, shredded coconut meat, cream, and condensed milk, creating a harmonious blend of exotic flavors and textures.
These are the very words of Warlo.
As a child, the teachings of faith were a gentle embrace, surrounding me with the warmth of my parents’ devotion. The seeds of faith were planted in the fertile soil of my childhood, nurtured by the faithful footsteps of my parents. Yet it was in the crucible of adulthood, after my college studies, that I truly came to know the Lord. In His benevolence, He has blessed me with a good career and with the companionship of my lovely wife. Together, we voyaged to Cambodia, where the expanse of new experiences challenged us, yet forged a stronger bond. We learned more about each other and drawn closer to God together. Thus, making us even happier. As our lives continue to unfold, I pray for God to bless us with a happy and a God-fearing family.
Hearing these words, there seems a glimmer of hope shimmers in the distance, a beacon of promise for this devoted couple. As they anchor their lives in the Lord, their unwavering faith shall see them through the ebbs and flows of life, giving them the strength to flourish, both individually and as a united front. It is my earnest prayer that God blesses them with the realization of their deepest desires, as they continue to seek His guidance and wisdom. And in that transformation, may they radiate a light that touches those in their community, sowing seeds of joy and kindness that enrich the lives of others. 🙏🏻💙
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
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Per-nal 
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