A date with God: the Laiya experience

At Laiya, Batangas with Aiko, Kat, Fr. Thor, Mich and Jam

Last Monday was the time of my life. My sisters and I had a 24-hour vacation in White Cove Beach Resort at Laiya, Batangas. All the students were frantic at this time; it was finals week. But I managed to finished my thesis proposal by Sunday so that I could go with them. It was an all-expense paid trip to Laiya, thanks to Father Thor (it was his birthday that Sunday, so we was treating everyone else).

I could not imagine that this vacation would be a spiritual activity for me. I only wanted to jeer away from the stress and noise of UPLB. I mean, the lack of solitude. A "time for myself" was my drama. I wanted to reflect on the happenings in my life right now because I've been exhausting myself for weeks now in editing my thesis.

Honestly, I've seen several greater places than Laiya. I have even seen white sand and oh-so-green mountains. But Laiya reminded me that the world (and the Philippines in particular) is indeed beautiful; we just need to open our eyes wide enough.

See, even the shells are awesome.

The wind that gently howled on my cheek. It was like a kiss from the Lord. The mountains that surrounded the bay. They were like picture frames of His goodness. The coolness of the rain that dampened my skin was like a shower of His blessings to me. The sand that touched my bare feet was His touch, to remind me that I walk along His path of grace.

It was like the whole universe was talking to me: shouting out in high decibels that my God is a big GOD. He created all these magnificent things. He was so good a Lord that He let me experience all this goodness.

When we were brought via boat to the middle of the sea for snorkling, I was in deep joy! I was enthralled with all that I saw. The fishes, all alive and colorful. They eat the bread in my hand! I even saw Dory (Regal Blue Tang Fish). Lots of Dories. The corals. The blue water. Underwater was like a different city, a different world. My magnificent God has done all these. Amazing.

We didn't have an underwater camera, so this is all I can share.

We went around taking lots and lots of pictures. We slept in a very comfortable room. We ate delicious sinigang and grilled pork. While they were sleeping, I roamed around and then sat by the shore, just pondering all the wonderful things I saw.

It was like God was whispering to me, "This is how much I love you, My child."

It was a personal retreat.

I could not ever forget this wonderful experience. Thank you my sisters! Thank you Father Thor, for making this possible! I owe my sanity to you (haha).

My Lord and my God, You have manifested Your goodness once more, and I cannot contain it. This world and everything in it is Your handwork. My life is Your craft, and I offer it back to You! Gloria in excelsis Deo!

(More photos in our facebook profile.)

I will leave with a sweet smile on my face.