Summer Excursion;

 A Voyage towards Mystical Intensification

Chester Ian S. Pineda

                “…summer has come and past, the memories will never last.” Have you ever heard that lyrics? Yes. It’s a burden song of “September”. Try to envisage stuffs you had did this previous summer. Were those trips can be preserved on your memoirs of finest experiences?

After 10 months of anguish in doing home works, practicums, reviews, research, and presentations. I had been refreshed by the best expedition along the way of my summer excursion.Stricken by the light of the morning sun, I roused up from my bed with ease for the new flight along new possibilities brought about by the sunshine. I had sense fluky for God has been given me additional life to enjoy and live it fully. Amidst the scorching heat of 3PM sun, a flamboyant voice came over. “Chester! Prepare yourself. We’ll attend 3 day- Youth Encounter at Centralla, Surallah later. Fr. Noe will arrive at 4pm to convoy us”. With no hint of what Y.E is. I just packed up my things just enough for 3-days and went with them. Rode on Lenovo Car, the driver, Rev. Fr. Noe accompanied us to the venue leaving a tray of eggs and canned goods for our consumption and a huge tent for respite and shelter. See how caring our Parish Youth Chaplain of Banga was!“Welcome to Youth Encounter Batch 8! ... Come and See!”With a smile on our faces we immediately proceeded to the registration.Sensed awkwardness, I ambled alone around the place…. Breathed in fresh air… “Why I’m here? I am supposed to watch TV and do texting at home. I’m just wasting my time on waiting when will this encounter be kicked off!” Hesitation had knocked my system that time and lately realized that God has a purpose why my feet carried me there.Driven by enchant of sheer realization. I had repaired the broken parts lacking in me- the closed door of knowing the Creator. A medium that woke me up in a fact that I mustn’t reject no one, instead, affirm that one. I was enlightened by the heart-touching impartment of my co-participants for I know; I endure lighter problems than them. And for that, I thank God for what He has given me and I am contented with it.Real encounter didn’t exist in the four corners of the venue. In its place, I came up to think that it exists outside, so, I have changed for the better in accordance with God’s directives in order to acquire decent dealt among people. Since “Youth Encounter” has enforced Y.Ers not to tell what’s going on within 3- day of seminar, we’re just instructed to say “Come and See” to whoever ask what Y.E is all about. This was to sculpt eagerness among other youth to join Y.E.After the 3-day session, I felt lighter than before… as if a new born child who characterize innocence and freedom. That’s what someone got if turned into much better.“Chest, Fr. Noe will meet us at 5PM at the convent”, says Sir Mark, elementary teacher. “Ok Po.” I replied.The reason why the Parish sent us was for us to initiate the conduct of Youth Encounter at Banga, Parish. ”Before I leave the parish, I want to have an advocacy that would help upgrade the spiritual aspect of the youth.” “I want the five of you to spearhead the conduction.” Fr. Noe said.Thorough plans and argumentations had been discussed to come up with premium outcome. And that was the gloomy afternoon where another expedition existed.6:30 PM. The meeting was adjourned at about that time. Along with us were other facilitators came from different places to help us carry out the activity. Since everyone’s tummy were in starve at that point. We had forced to ride on the car despite the crowded situation within the Lenovan car. From the Parish Church, Banga, we travelled almost 10 kilometres on the way to Isulan. It was the birthday of Father Noe’s best friend, and there we had our dinner. Right after the banquet, the excursion continued. From 6:30, it extended to 10:00PM.After transporting other staff to Koronadal City, we then returned back in the middle of the strong cool breeze of air at about 11:00PM already. From a very crowded state, the car went spacious. Next stop: Cabudian, Banga to Bo.1 and then to the Parish. As if Millions of twinkling stars above the skies lighted up our way to direct us righteously. After the breath-taking experienced we had, I got home at about 11:54 in the evening. Though exhausted and drowsy I was that time, I felt pleased for I have encountered those experiences first time in the history of my life.Called by responsibility the next day, we met at Banga Convent to prepare the venue for its first Y.E. With 29 participants as its starting batch, I really felt the agony of being a staff- stay awake at night doing all the assigned task given to you and to be mentally awake in spite sleep lack.All the hardships and sacrifices had been paid off as the activity became successful, and, I did those with my willingness to thank and praise God for I owe my existence to Him.I can say that this would be the best summer I ever had in my life for I was moulded by the 3-day best seminar I’ve ever attended- a tactic of uplifting my mystic aspect to know who really I am and taught me the upright dealt among folks. Journeyed 5 prominent places in the province just within 7 hours in one way lone over the night; and had amended myself more to be optimistic in time of mingling other people. These were achieved when I became an active CYM member of Banga Parish. As I go along with my life’s journey. I’ll never be forgetting the reminiscences I had undergone; the individuals who marked as my mentor in developing me into much restored “ME”; and showed to burst out the best (in me) despite rejections I have to face along the way. And these made my Summer Excursion; a Voyage towards Mystical Intensification!