One With Nature

It's been a looooooong hiatus of not writing. So much to write about, so little time. I've been through a series of fun and exciting trips lately. I've been to places I only wished to see before. To finally break this hiatus, let me begin with my trip in Lampang. Here it is...

Last quarter of 2015, I and my co-teachers/travel buddies/food buddies/housemates went on a hiking in the outskirts of Lampang province. Lampang is one the most visited provinces in Thailand. Our goal was to see the Wat Chalermprakiat. It is a Buddhist temple situated atop the hill. So we were like hiking a mountain so to speak because the trail leading up to the top was too high and too steep.  I couldn't count the times I stopped for a few minutes just to catch a breath and gain proper composure in order to continue. There were moments when I thought I couldn't make it anymore and wanted not to continue. But I also thought if I stop, I would entirely miss the whole thing. Why did I travel this far to be here in the first place? Most especially, I would miss the sight of the spectacular overlooking view of Lampang, as "described" by my friend. So those thoughts motivated me to keep on despite personal struggle, physically. I kept on and on until I finally reached the peak. What I felt was totally indescribable considering it was my first time to climb a mountain. In other words, it was a huge accomplishment in my part. It felt so wonderful inside. In an instant, I forgot the hardship I endured along the way because the beauty that laid before my very eyes was surreal. It was so worth it. I owe to the Lord my strength. Here are some of the photos I took along the way and up to the top.

This was me before commotion. HAHA! The fully alive, alert, enthusiastic ME. 100% fully charged. 

I just had to hold the rail so to keep from fainting. Haha! Yes, I'm barely breathing. Haha!

My friends were waaaaaaaaay ahead of me. I felt soooooo weeeeeaaaaaak. I am sooooo weak! Hahahaha!

To continue or not... that is the question! HAHAHA

Yeeeeeeeeeeesssssssss! I made it to the top!!! Thank you Lord!!!! 

What an amazing Creator we have in Heaven. <3 td="">

Hello, Lampang!!! What a breathtaking sight to gaze upon!

GORGEOUS!!! My friend was right indeed!

One with nature...

Friends for keeps!! 

I kept on because I was motivated by the strength of these amazing women! Thank you Lord for great adventure buddies!

The hikers!!! Good job guys!! We went home all tired and sore yet happy and fulfilled!! 

I learned valuable insights in this whole adventure. Let me recount each of them.
First, physically I saw so much weaknesses in me. I need to really exercise often. After the trip, almost all of my body parts were sore. I need to sweat often so that I'll be physically fit. Also, there should me more fruits and vegetables and less meat in my meal to balance everything. I want to be healthy so that I can continue to be a blessing to my loved ones and to take care of God's precious gift, that which is my body, the temple of God. Lord, please help me
Second, the hiking experience thought me in a much concrete way that at times in life when we encounter difficulties- those we could hardly bear, the easiest option is always to give up. It is easier to give up in the midst of hardship, inconvenience, and discomfort. However, if we don't go back to our goal and fix our eyes on it, we lose track. If we allow our emotions and weaknesses get in the way of our path, we will surely lose track and end up achieving nothing. Yes, there are hardships along the way, it is a natural phenomenon. But if we value strongly enough the purpose of our goal, if we are clear in our purpose of why we want to achieve this specific goal, then I believe nothing can keep us from pressing on even in the midst of storm.
Third, life is fleeting and you don't want regrets to have any space in your life. Time and time again, we confront situations in our lives that demand making choices-more often than not, difficult choices. To quit a job or not. To take another workplace or stay. To go back home for good, or move farther away from home. These are some big time situations that demand life-altering decisions. Which path do we choose? Do we take the easier course or the challenging one? Our values, those we hold dear and true in our lives, make a great factor in choosing which path we will gladly take. So if we look at it, we go back again to our values. What are our values? What are our non-negotiables? To put it simply, what do we value most in life? I pray, we all desire to seek God's wisdom in discerning which are truly valuable and which are shallow and thus, meaningless.
Fourth, whatever goals or plans we conceive in our minds, in the end, it is always God's plan that ultimately prevails. Proverbs 16:9 says, "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." May we dream God's dreams for us. May we desire God's desires for us. All for the best.