Are All Our Journeys Really Worthwhile?

"Would you like to study in Cebu City?" I didn't know at that time that my answer to this simple question would change the course of my life.

Oh boy, would I? Of course, I would. I was so excited I felt like jumping up and down. As a seven-year-old, I was extremely curious about studying in another place. I've seen my cousins board the boat and it made me wonder what exciting things lay in store out there.

But first I had to pass the entrance examination. Mom's instructions were simple. "Before you take the exam, just pray to God for help."

I remembered praying fervently.

I remembered the exhilarated feeling when I got the news that I passed.

I remembered wondering who this God was who had so kindly helped me fulfill my dream.

How busy we were then as we prepared for the greatest adventure of my life. I was leaving the safety of my nest. My Mom laboriously stitched my initials on my personal things, like on my underwear which she feared might get lost or interchanged with those of my cousins. She prepared all the things that I might need. From blankets to pillowcases to medicines, clothes and uniforms.

The day I was so excited about finally came. I was going to leave Surigao and live in Cebu! As we waited for our turn to board the boat, my heart began to beat fast. I looked at the huge traveling bag that carried all my things. I glanced at my Mom. Then at my Dad. A wave of homesickness washed over me. I felt it creep into my bones and my heart. I couldn't say anything. It was too late to turn back. I was really going away.

My two cousins were already inside the cabin. I plastered a smile on my face as I said good-bye to the people who loved me. The good-byes were pretty longer than usual. Mom and Dad rattled off some last minute instructions.

"Be a good girl," were Dad's parting words as he patted my head. Then they were gone.

We were now alone in the cabin. I looked at the bed and sighed inwardly. I suddenly felt weary. I sat in the bunk and stared curiously at my cousins. They were turning their backs on me. I could hear some sniffing. I realized they were crying. And I, too, finally lowered my defenses and let the teardrops fall from my eyes.

I realized then that it was not at all the glamorous life it seemed to be. As the boat drifted away, my mind screamed, "Take me back!" How I wished I could go back. But we were relentlessly moving...moving...moving.

Until now I still get scared before embarking on a journey. You see, I've been travelling a lot. This time not from one place to another but from one experience to another. This time the ship is not just any ordinary ship but an amazing ship called LIFE.

As I sailed through different trips in my life, I realized that the feeling seems quite the same. Fear still lurks deep inside. Always there's that fear of leaving the past behind. There's that reluctance to leave the safety and security of the familiar and plunging into the unknown.

But amongst all the travels I've had, I have felt God's comforting presence. When the seas got rough, the storms disturbing and the winds strong, I knew that things will turn out well if I let God be in charge of the controls. I knew He would never let me down. And surely He will take me safely to my destination.

Now as I look back on that first journey I had, I am reminded of how I am still like that little girl inside. Excited but scared. And as life continues, so will my journeys. One thing is for certain though, I may not know where my next stop will be but I sure know I would want to end up going Home.