Step. Journey. Conquer.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Our family is currently on an exciting adventure here in the U.S. After a few weeks of settling in, we have already learned so much and grown together in new ways. One of the things I deeply treasure about this season of life is that we are walking this path as a family—united in experiencing a new chapter of God’s unfolding plan.

My husband and I desire to instill in our children the importance of seeking God’s will and committing to serve in the expansion of His kingdom wherever we go. Wherever life leads us, we make it a priority to find a local church, worship with fellow believers, and serve alongside them.

In these past weeks, I have met many wonderful people. Their warm welcome, hospitality, and generosity have made us feel at home. Truly, the fellowship of believers reminds us that we are never alone—God always provides a family of faith, no matter where we are.

One of the most remarkable experiences we recently had was climbing Stone Mountain together as a family. In a previous post, I wrote about climbing a mountain as a metaphor, but this time it was literal. It was our very first family hike, and the experience was unforgettable.

At the start, everyone was excited and eager to reach the summit. But halfway up, fatigue set in. The climb grew steeper, the air thinner, and the peak seemed impossibly far away. It was tempting to stop. Fear and exhaustion became real obstacles.

The final stretch was the hardest. The trail grew steeper, and from that point we could already see the city of Atlanta spread out below us. The view was breathtaking, but it was also intimidating—especially for EJ, who, I realized for the first time, struggles with a fear of heights. I noticed he suddenly grew quiet, which was unusual for him. When I held his hand, it was cold. I gently asked if he was okay, and though he said he was fine, I could sense his hesitation.

I encouraged him to share what he was feeling, and he admitted he was afraid to keep going. I told my husband and our other children to continue toward the top while EJ and I rested under the shade of a pine tree. As we talked, I reminded him that we had seen younger children make it safely to the top with their families. I reassured him that the climb was safe and that I would be with him the whole way—holding his hand, talking with him, and even singing his favorite song together to distract him from fear.

With courage slowly replacing fear, EJ decided to continue. Step by step, hand in hand, we climbed until at last we reached the summit. That moment was more meaningful than any view we could have seen. We had conquered not just a mountain but also fear itself. And to top it all off, a refreshing Coke slurpee from the snack shop at the summit felt like the sweetest reward!

The journey down the mountain brought new challenges. We had the option of taking the skylift or walking the trail again. Considering EJ’s fear of heights, we realized the skylift would only bring more anxiety, so we chose to hike down together. This time, my husband and I took turns holding EJ’s hand, encouraging him along the way. His cheerful voice returned once we reached the sections covered by tall pine trees, where the view below was hidden.

That hike reminded me that reaching the top is not the end of the journey. Coming down—just like facing the challenges after success—can be just as testing, if not more so.

Right now, our family is praying for something still far from our reach. Yet the load feels lighter because we are walking together, supported by the prayers and encouragement of friends, both old and new. Building these friendships has been one of the sweetest gifts of this season, though it also makes parting more difficult. Each relationship leaves a piece of my heart behind.

But this is what life’s journey is about—taking each step in faith, conquering fears together, and trusting that God is guiding us toward His perfect plan.

Climbing My Mountain One Step at a Time

Psalm 121:1–2 (ESV)

[1] I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?

[2] My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

These verses have been a deep breath for my weary heart. Last Sunday (August 10, 2025), my husband preached from this passage during the Sunday Worship Celebration at Christ the King Presbyterian Church in Shelby, Michigan. Every part of his sermon spoke directly to me.

Our journey to the United States has been marked by challenges from the very beginning. This trip was not a sudden decision but the fruit of many years of prayer—years of asking the Lord for His guidance and timing. We have seen God’s hand in so many ways, answering our prayers step by step. The answers did not come all at once; instead, the Lord has unfolded His plan gradually, teaching us to take one step at a time.

Now, a great mountain stands before us. As a parent—and simply as a human—I sometimes tremble at the uncertainties ahead. There are moments of insecurity, anxiety, and questions about what lies ahead for our family. Yet, Psalm 121 reminds me that our help comes from the Lord—the Maker of heaven and earth. He is our source of strength for every trial we face.

Time and again, God has answered in perfect timing. He continually calls me to trust His will completely. These seasons drive me to my knees, humbly seeking His plan. I can see that God is at work in my heart—teaching me to surrender fully to Him, breaking down my pride and self-reliance. It is not easy; at times, it is painful. But I know He is molding me into His workmanship, shaping me for His purposes and guiding our family along this path He has prepared.

The Lord has also blessed us with people who have been supportive and generous along the way. Whether through prayers, encouragement, connections, or financial help—you have been God’s instruments to strengthen us. We are deeply grateful. Your kindness has been a powerful reminder that we do not walk this road alone.

So we will keep our eyes fixed on the cross. We will rejoice in the wondrous grace of Jesus Christ and hold fast to the hope we have in Him.

2 Corinthians 4:8–10 (ESV)

[8] We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;

[9] persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;

[10] always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.

I was reminded of a song from Psalty the Singing Songbook that I loved as a child—one that perfectly reflects where I am in life right now.

One Step at a Time

Family US Trip

Our journey began on July 29, 2025. We left our home in San Pascual, Batangas around 5:00 AM. My mom and two brothers—Joshua and Kuya Louie, who drove a rented van—accompanied us to the airport. We needed the van to fit both our family and all our luggage comfortably.

We arrived at NAIA Terminal 1 at around 7:30 AM. After saying our goodbyes, we entered the passenger area. Thankfully, the lines were short, and the immigration interview went smoothly and quickly. We waited a few hours at the gate before boarding our flight, which took off around 11:00 AM.

We landed safely at LAX at approximately 10:00 AM (California time), still on July 29, 2025. It was a non-stop, 13-hour flight. Most of us drifted in and out of sleep, repeatedly waking up thinking we were almost there—only to realize there were still hours to go. When we finally landed, despite our exhaustion, the kids couldn’t hide their excitement, pointing out the new sights—even while we were still inside the airport.

We proceeded through US Border Security, patiently lining up for screening. The process was light, with just a few simple questions before we were cleared to proceed to our connecting flight to Sarasota, Florida.

We had a long 8-hour layover at LAX, followed by a more than 4-hour flight to Atlanta. After another 3-hour layover there, we finally boarded our last flight to Sarasota.

Though the journey was exhausting, our joy overflowed when we saw the couple who welcomed us—Dr. Tony and Dr. Cris Gatdula. I’ll never forget the moment the children ran to hug Tito Tony at the airport, their faces lighting up with joy. We are grateful to know this couple and to experience their kindness and hospitality. Soon, we'll head to Michigan, where the Swanson family is eager to welcome us.

Congratulations to my sons

SJ has finished Elementary level and JC completed his Junior High-school through Alternative Learning System.

Madalas sa mga mag-aaral ng Alternative Learning Systems (ALS) ay mga out of school youths. May ilan din naman na kahit medyo ma-edad na ay sumusubok upang makapag tapos ng pag-aaral upang makasabak pagkuha ng kurso sa kolehiyo. May kani-kanyang kwento ng buhay ang bawat mag-aaral na ito kung bakit sa ALS at hindi sila nakapagpatuloy sa regular school o ung formal education na sinasabi ng iba. Marami na akong kwentong narinig buhat sa mga ALS graduate. Iba't-ibang hamon sa buhay ngunit may iisang paninidigan na magpursigi na pagtagumpayan ang mga hinaharap na hamon ng buhay upang makapagtapos ng pag-aaral.

Para sa aking mga anak, pinili namin na sila ay papasok ng ALS sa kadahilanan sila ay mga homeschoolers (un-schooled way). Napakalaki nang naitulong sa amin ng programang ito upang mabigyan ng LRN ang aming mga anak. Karamihan ay hindi nakaka-alam na meron palang pamilya na tulad namin na tumatahak sa ganitong klase ng edukasyon na ibinibigay para sa sarili nilang anak. Ito ang paraan na naging epektibo sa amin.

Saludo ako sa kasipagan, dedikasyon at katiyagaan ng aming ALS Teacher na si Sir. Jeffrey Bagsic Buenafe. Nakita namin kung paano ang kanyang malasakit at pagmamahal sa mga estudyante niya. Masasabi kong pagpapala ng Diyos sa amin ang naging teacher ng aking mga anak. Alam kong maging sa ibang mga teacher ng ALS ay may parehong hangarin sa kanilang mga nagiging mag-aaral. Nawa ay patuloy na ang biyaya ng Diyos ay sumama sa mga guro at tagapanguna ng ALS at kagawaran ng ating edukasyon.

Sa lahat ng mga nagtapos dalangin ko ang gabay ng Diyos habang tinatahak ang landas ng tagumpay na nais ninyong marating. Matuklasan ang inyong mga angking galing na magiging pagpapala sa inyong pamilya at lugar na kinabibilangan.

From Homeschooling to ALS Journey

Last year was one of the major transitions for JC and Eu-La.  I decided to enroll them in the Alternative Learning System.  This is a curriculum from the Department of Education that allows students to access education in a nonformal setting.  We home-schooled our four children without adopting a curriculum from a DepEd-accredited school.  Enrolling in ALS provides them with an opportunity to obtain an LRN as well.  This is essentially a student number given by DepEd to all students attending accredited schools.

This one-year journey has provided me with answers and demonstrated that my children can adapt to a classroom setting as well.  Their teachers expressed amazement at their special abilities and how well they excel compared to other students.

One thing that amazes me is their ability to commute from home to school and back.  They spent most of their time at home before.  They leave the house with us in a private car. This period taught them to ride jeepneys and somewhat experience a detour, but they managed to figure out how not to get lost.  

Along the way, it was not as smooth as it could have been, especially for JC, who requires learning considerations due to his special conditions. This is one of the reasons why we chose to homeschool from the beginning. However, with encouragement and support, JC was able to make it through his ALS.

They completed ALS Elementary on August 7, 2023.  Up until now, we are still undecided about whether to enroll them in a regular school or let them wait for another ALS Journey and finish high school.  

As for the two younger children, we are also preparing them to attend ALS. There is an age requirement for acceptance into this program.  For elementary level, applicants must be at least 12 years old age.

SJ's 11th Birthday Celebration

 

We just got through the pandemic.  We used to think and worry about our safety when being around other people and having gatherings, especially for children.  Since it's already 2023 and everything has slowly returned to normal, I guess we can relaunch our Little Stewards Club.  

I talk to SJ about how he would like to celebrate his birthday.  Aside from having a simple family celebration, he was glad to hear that he could celebrate in church and invite children from the community.  We take this opportunity to share food and also to introduce the gospel to these young hearts.

It's been a long time since we gathered the children.  We are all excited to see them once again after more than two years.  We are praying that this will become a regular monthly event like it used to be.

I am also grateful for how my children understand the need to reach out to those who don't know Jesus.  In their young hearts and minds, they feel thrilled with every opportunity to go to church and host a fellowship.

I will tell of the Lord’s unfailing love.

I will praise the Lord for all he has done.

I will rejoice in his great goodness to Israel,

which he has granted according to his mercy and love.

Isaiah 63:7 New Living Translation (NLT)

Today is a special day for my youngest son and a reminder of God's sovereignty over all.  

Spending every day with our children highlights how uncertain life can be. We can never know what lies ahead, and life is full of uncertainties. Yet, despite all the trials and troubles our family has faced, God's great goodness has always been present. We have hope and security beyond life's uncertainties because  He holds our future.

I have learned that I cannot control what is to come; nothing is certain or permanent. I can't even provide a completely safe place for my children, but I know that the God I serve will be with me and my family every single day.  I will continue to trust in the Lord and place my hope in Him.  He will never fail.

Being human, I tend to forget how God can work in the most challenging situations and often cannot see how He is moving amid every trial. However, God demonstrates His love and grace, despite my weaknesses.

Today, I will speak of God's unfailing love because He deserves it! I praise the Lord for my son's life, which speaks of God's miracle every day!