MY MISSIONARY PARENTS

Year 1993 was a very life-changing year for me and my family. My parents got separated when I was just 5 years of age. Both of them decided to have their own separate families. I grew up in my grandmother's keep. I must say she has raised me well. But I still long for that love and caress by a real mother and a father as well.

After I graduated from elementary, Mom came to visit and ask permission from my granny for us to have a sort of vacation in my mother's place. After a long arguments or discussion, my granny permitted mom to take us with her into a vacation that changes me in a lot of ways...
Little did my grandmother knew that we were not coming back. With much thinking, all I knew then was that I want to be with my mom and dad. But father is not there instead a replacement. My step dad. Whom until now, I am not at ease to call him that way. I always call him and treat him like my real father. "Papa" that is how we call him. Enough to show our gratitude to him that spent life and effort and money for the children whom he just call his own.

Back in my granny's place, I am always into religious activities. Aunt would bringme to prayer meetings with songs and dances... of which I always enjoy because I really love to sing and dance... But I never knew of the word MISSIONARY WORK until I came to my mother's place.
That summer vacation, I learned that Mama and Papa are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or fondly called as Mormons. Mama introduced us to the Missionaries. They were girl missionaries. They have the sweetest smile and the softest voice like angels. They were really servants from God. They taught us the restoraton of the gospel of Jesus Christ which I never knew before was lost.

April 1993, my sister with my aunt and I got baptized. I agree to be because all I can remember is that I felt good, warm feelings, and a security of a better and a true guidance from above as I go along the way with this new faith.

I would admit I have those times that I got inactives due to some personal and family conflicts. But I will never deny the truth that I found in this Church.

In 2003, I went on my mission to the Philippines Tacloban Mission where I met wonderful people of Faith and obedience! People I never imagined would give such great inspiration to me.
Now, as I celebrate my 14th year in Church this April, I am so overwhelmed with the knowledge that I have indeed gifted with MISSIONARY PARENTS whom I love so much! Because of them I realized what path to take, not take the problems as aliteral damage to me but as a challenge to overcome and a ticket to success. Because of them, I am with a wonderful fellowship of kind and loving people. Because of them I learned and knew Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ whom I am so greatful of. Because of them... I am who I am!