𝑁𝑜 𝑇𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐵𝑎𝑐𝑘

C h a p t e r 2 3



Madilim na nang matapos kaming mag-ayos sa hall. Nauna na ang iba naming mga kasama pagkatapos ng activity. Hanggang ngayon hindi parin ako makapaniwala sa mga nangyayari.

Just a few months ago, all I had in my mind was that I was to study well in this school so that I'd be able to graduate and that's all, but now that I'm actually here. It was so much more than what I had expected.

Hindi ko maipaliwanag ang sayang nadarama ko ngayon. Before; I thought that I was satisfied, but not only till I experienced His touch that I realized, I want so much more than this. I want more of Him, and now that these are all happening, alam kong hindi 'yon imposible. I respired in satisfaction. Napakabuti talaga ng Diyos.

Inilibot ko ang paningin, making sure that all the chairs were fixed. Tinanaw ko si Gabriel, "Okay na yata ito, tara na?"

Tumango siya at initaas ang bag, "Oo, okay na,"

Lalabas na sana kami nang marinig ang takong ni Ma'am Johanna sa sahig, "Tapos na ba kayo?"

"Opo, Ma'am. Okay na po," Sagot kong nakangiti. Lumabas kami sa hall at pinanood habang ikinakandado ito ni Ma'am. Pagkatapos, humarap siya sa amin at nagsimulang maglakad.

"Good job sainyong dalawa, Grace, Gabriel," She gazed at both of us as she spoke, "I'm so blessed to have you as my students. You are an answer to my prayers,"

"Ganon ka din po sa amin Ma'am," I responded with a smile, "It's such a blessing to have an adviser like you."

Her lips lifted to a smile, "Glory to God, Hija... and Gabriel?"

"Ma'am?"

"Keep your fire burning," She placed an palm on his arm, "God has a mighty plan for your life."

Tumango si Gabriel, "Y-yes, Ma'am,"

"Since nagsisimula palang ng Campus Ministry," We heard her speak, "Ako muna ang magsheshare. Pero I'm already telling you ha, sooner than later I will be assigning you to speak and share as well, okay?"

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko, "Ha? K-kami po, Ma'am? Hindi po ako marunong magpreach!"

She smiled at me and tapped my back, "Hija, you can preach. Simply sharing about what God had done in your life with the support of His Word and Anointing is already in itself preaching."

She paused and looked around as we walked past the school gate, "At huwag kayong mag-alala. I will help you construct your preaching notes, okay? But then again, the only way to learn how to preach, is to preach. This will be a good training for you,"

Hindi ko alam, but I felt so excited as I listened to her words. It was only now that I somehow began to realize, there was nothing more fulfilling than being able to share the salvation that Jesus had made available to others.

"Nga pala," Inilibot ni Ma'am Johanna ang tingin. "Dito na ako at maghihintay pa ako ng taxi. Kayo?"

"Malapit lang po kami dito sa school Ma'am," Sambit ni Gabriel.

"Yes Ma'am, walking distance lang po," Kumpirmasyon ko.

"Hmm," Her gaze narrowed as she looked up the dark skies, "Saan ba kayong banda?"

"D'yan lang po sa subdivision, Ma'am."

"I see." Tumango siya't muling nagsalita. "Kung ganon sabay na kayo sakin sa taxi. Baba nalang kayo sa intersection para atleast konti nalang lalakarin niyo."

"Salamat po, Ma'am!" Nakangiti kong sagot. Mabuti nalang talaga't mabait itong teacher namin.

"Okay," Lumingon si Ma'am sa kalsada nang may ilaw kaming naaninag na nagmula dito. Pinara niya ito at tumigil naman ang taxi sa harap niya, Agad kaming sumakay dito at makalipas rin ang ilang minuto, naka-rating na rin kami sa intersection. I saw air released from my mouth as we stepped out, the chilly breeze seeping into my clothes. Naku, kailangan ng kape sa lagay na ito.