At the end of the month of September, I was distressed, tired and frustrated as I worked alone in the ministry teaching kinder-age children who are so energetic and being a single mum who has a very moody 2and 1/2years old daughter. I felt so tired and in-capable, and thinking of giving up. On weekend Oct.1 and 2, I was more depressed with the situation of my family members, all of them are pressured by the everyday increase of pieces of food, and all basic necessities and having not enough money for these necessities.

When Ezekielle (her 2and 1/2 year old daughter) and I went back to San Isidro on early Monday morning (Oct.3), as I carried her on my arms (as she was sleeping) when we rode the jeepney. I pity my baby, as the road is an extension of her bed (as she sleeps with her pyjamas in s public transportation- jeepney). As we arrived about 8:30 AM in the mountains of San Isidro, II prepared to teach the kinder age children for their 9 AM classes.

After the classes 11:30 AM, I was so tired. I took a nap, while Ezekielle plays in our bedroom. God gave me a very clear dream. I heard in my dream, “Be brave and strong for I am with you.” I woke up in my nap. And I heard in my ears (Be strong and be courageous, do not fear or be discouraged for the Lord God is with you) ? It was a song being sung in my head.

On the next day, Oct.4, my pastor-friend visited me ? it was a surprise. He was a long-time friend. He encouraged me by his presence. After lunch, my dad, my friend pastor Edgar and Ezekielle and I went to the Dumagat chieftain for a visit. I told the chieftain about my future plans ? about building a library and school (we could use bamboo for the walls of the building). The chieftain was delighted to hear that.

On that afternoon, he showed us a part of his land just next to his house ? he said “this land is available for that.” The land is with acacia trees. The chieftain said he would give us that land and we looked at it. It already has an abandoned building made of concrete walls but has no roof. The chieftain said, “This is where you can have the school and library. You just have to put roof and make some repairs.” The land is part of the Dumagat ancestral domain.

We went home very happy. On oct.6, I texted (sent an SMS to my best friend in Singapore who has been a missionary to the AETA tribes here in the Philippines). She replied on Oct.7 morning (9AM), and gave me this message, “That’s great. Be strong and courageous, the Lord is with you.”

I was so happy and thought her text message was a confirmation of my dream on Monday afternoon.

Praise be to God who gives us strength to go on fighting the battles of life, and tough situations.

Mary Jane in the Philippines