Thirty-five years ago, our family left Parañaque and moved to Batangas City. I still remember crying because I would miss my friends, my familiar surroundings, and everything I had known. Suddenly, I had to adjust to a new home, new neighbors, a new school, and a new way of life.
Looking back now, I can clearly see the gracious hand of God upon our family. Through many challenges, uncertainties, and seasons of hardship, the Lord has sustained us and our business. During our devotion today, my husband shared from 1 Samuel 7:12:
"Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, 'Thus far the Lord has helped us.'"
That verse perfectly describes our story. Through every trial and every blessing, the Lord has helped us. Hanny's Bakeshop is still here today, not because of our strength, but because of His faithfulness.
This season of life also marks one year since we left our home on P. Genato Street in Batangas City. All of our children were born there. I spent nearly half of my life in that house. It was not the grandest place, but it was our home. It held countless memories, joys, struggles, prayers, and milestones.
Leaving that place meant stepping into another unfamiliar season. Our routines changed. Our surroundings changed. Once again, we found ourselves adjusting, meeting new people, and building new relationships.
As I compare these two seasons of my life—the move from Parañaque to Batangas and our recent move from P. Genato Street—I see a common thread: God's providence.
These transitions revealed who genuinely cared for and supported us. They also introduced us to people we never expected to meet—strangers who eventually became God-given friends. The Lord has a wonderful way of providing encouragement through His people.
Today, I can see a little more clearly why God moved us out of P. Genato. He was leading us into something new. Just as He blessed my parents when they took the step of moving to Batangas 35 years ago, I trust that He is also guiding our family today.
The future is still unfolding, and there are many things we do not yet understand. But one thing remains certain: the God who was faithful then is faithful now.
And as long as we continue to seek His face and walk according to His will, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that His plans are always good.
Ebenezer.
Thus far, the Lord has helped us.
