dreams made reality

it's almost a week since i've been home. it's a great feeling. but what is greater is knowing that i was finally able to do one of my dreams - travel europe. i realize that i have only seen a small part of it but still i am very grateful for the opportunity that God has given me for i recognize that without His "permission," i won't be able to do it. i guess this is one manifestation that He truly does keep His promise -- even though it takes a long while.

however, it is not only the travel that is the main dream that has been fulfilled but my attendance to the world youth day in madrid. for a while, i thought that i might not be able to go because i have no one to go with me. fortunately, God had answered my prayers and gave me two great companions in madrid - mary and gustavo. i may not have pictures with groups of different nationalities carrying different flags but i do have pictures (and memories) of them that i will treasure as long as i live. i wish that the bond fostered in that one week will last. as gustavo had said, 'keep in touch and if ever you're in south america, let me know coz if you don't, i'll get mad.'

other dreams made reality was to see the places that i have dreamed about for a long time -- neuschwanstein castle in bavaria (germany), giants causeway in belfast (and an extra trip to st. patrick's tomb and the marble arch caves), wicked the musical in london, and the white cliffs of dover. how could i ask for more now that what i experienced was beyond what i expected?

more important though is the realization that family and good friends is the best gift that God could give one person. in belfast, i am so happy to be in a home environment with my kinakapatids and their kids. in kent, i am so grateful to have good friends that are very welcoming. they gave me a warm house, a warm bed, a warm welcome (and hugs), warm food, warm everything.  i guess the british weather was the only thing that wasn't warm! they even drove me around. so how can i not be so grateful?

truly, the trip had been dreams made into reality and even more. more than i expected. for this, i thank the Lord for the chance and for my parents and true friends who encouraged me to pursue what i want.