Silver year

I celebrated my silver year by camping at Pine Ridge, Malaybalay, Bukidnon last August 2-3 with my long-distance friend, LJ. The place was all we needed. It was quiet and peaceful, with no phone reception ( so we couldn't check our socials). It was my first time camping and I'm glad I finally did what I've always wanted since I was a kid, to camp. 

On my way to Malaybalay, I was nervous about the weather. It was raining from Manolo Fortich all the way to Impasug-ong. I prayed for clear skies that day but God has other plans. The heavy clouds followed me to Malaybalay and it did not hesitate to pour its waters. I did not see it as an inconvenience though. It was part of my adventure. When we got to Pine Ridge, the place was straight out of  Taylor Swift's album, Folklore. It was such a beauty even though it was raining. 

We talked and did some catching up, ate our no-rice dinner because we were too tired to cook, and drank our hot milk. We paid and booked AR's campsite for 2,200 pesos. Its inclusions are the following: sheltered tent, bedding, kitchen utensils, table, and chairs. Not bad for its price, to be honest. We were able to camp comfortably at such an affordable price. 

I fell in love when I woke up early and saw how the fogs hovered the pine trees and went to our tent. This was God's creation and magic, I kept telling myself. I was struck with awe, really. 

It's a privilege to be able to see and experience such beauty at this age. These are things my parents never got to experience because they had me at such a young age. I feel bad because I've always wanted the best for them, even though I'm not expressive to my parents. I take the young mama and papa with me whenever I travel. And it had never failed to silence my thoughts. Whenever I detoxify, I always think of the ways God has saved me from my own doing, from my demise. 

In a few days, I'll be 25, a quarter of a century. I wonder what's in store for me. It never occured to me how much I've grown throughout the years. How every year, I get the chance to do what I want, to improve, to learn new things, to forgive, to change and be a better person. 

I'm grateful for everything. 

Thank you, Lord God for your mercy.

E.