Sound Mind

November 7, 2025

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” 2 Timothy 1:7 In other bible version, sound mind is written as self-discipline. I know that I have a sound mind, having a full revelation of His healing and power through this verse. Ever since the night I prayed for a sound, healed mind, I have been conscious of my thoughts, making sure that I am in control of what I think, and later on to what I do. For some reason, though, for the past 2 weeks, I cannot think properly. It might have been because of exhaustion during the ministry week– physical, emotional, and spiritual burnout. Or it could just be I’m too lazy because of my hormonal cycle (thank God for healing me from irregular cycles). Another reason I thought of is because I’ve met with more friends than I should leading to more tiredness. Or it could be because I have ADHD (which I was assured that I don’t have haha). However, does knowing the reason help with easing my tiredness and helping me to be able to think properly again? For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 2 Timothy 1:6 As Timothy was commanded to fan into flame the gift of God, so I should. More importantly when my fire is burning out. So knowing why I can’t think properly now will help me in the future on how to keep myself from having foggy mind. God’s Healing Wow, in the middle of writing this (I’m in our school’s library), I had an intimate conversation with an Ate (older sister). And now, wow. I think I’m all good again. Haha! Through the conversation, I realized that it’s not that I’m physically tired because I already rested enough. It’s also not because I’m mentally tired because as I said, I couldn’t use my brain well for the past 2 weeks. And definitely not spiritually tired as the Lord is faithful in filling me everyday. It turns out that my mind had been foggy, like I can’t get hold of or control it, was because I had an emotional burden. Or hurt. A few weeks ago, I wrote about being generous with my smile. I didn’t realize that the words of my brother had cut deep into my heart. I just shrugged it off but eventually changed how I acted and expressed myself towards other people. After I told Ate what the brother told me, I found myself crying unstoppable. And I thought, aha! This must be it. I kept it hidden, especially with all the requirements and busyness in our ministries. That, along with other feelings I dismissed must have been the reason I couldn’t take a hold of my thoughts. Now, I feel free. Like I’m not caged anymore. God’s healing of our hearts come through the form of confession and being honest with what we feel. Encouragement Fanning into flame the fire given to us is our responsibility. Not just that, we have to take care of our fire, making sure we guard or prevent it from dying down. Having a sound mind is a gift, along with power and love. That means that we are able to follow God wherever He calls us and obey Him in whatever He wants us to do. God didn’t give you the Spirit of fear. Instead, He has given you the Spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.

The Gift of Singleness

October 30, 2025

Broken Pieces It was a year ago when I couldn’t get a hold of myself because I was so heartbroken to do so. I didn’t know what to hold on to and the bright future which I never lost a glimpse of before suddenly vanished into thin air. Brokenheartedness is like forgetting how to breathe. You suddenly don’t know something you’ve done your whole life. Back then, I didn’t understand why I had to go through heartbreak or why I allowed myself to be in such a position if I could’ve just stood firm and didn’t put my walls down. Ahhh, well. You know there’s an art practice in Japan that when a pottery gets broken, they put gold to stick the pieces together, making it whole again. A more beautiful, more valuable pottery. It’s called Kintsugi. At the time of my brokenness, I begged the Lord to give me a new identity. Someone that I will be. Writing this, Kintsugi is definitely what God is doing. I was broken to pieces. But God, piece by piece, He’s making me into a new, better, more valuable person. The Lord gave me 4 new identity, which I am yet to be. Two of those I will share with you, my dear reader. New Identity 1.) The Lord gave me a word I have never read anywhere yet: Mother of Missions Out of the 4 new identities that God gave me that afternoon, this one is the hardest to attain, but the most possible. Because 2.) Married. I thought I needed to get married to become a mother. Recently, I learned about the gift of being single in our class. Paul wrote in Corinthians that it is better for a person to stay single (1 Corinthians 7:7). How you can focus more on the Lord and serve with contentment. I also learned that in New Testament, there’s not a verse talking about “Be fruitful and multiply” referring to physical offspring, instead the focus now is on “Go and make disciples of all nation” referring to spiritual offspring. Going back to these two new identities, I thought it is just a wishful thinking for my mind to cope with the heartbreak. It was Hudson Taylor that came to my mind when I pondered on those words– mother of missions. How can I be a mother of missions if I didn’t have enough background about cross-cultural missions, have a background in Theology, or have any leadership roles that influence a lot of people? Besides that, I’m a woman. But you know, Susan’s (my OMF JP Coordinator) came to my mind while thinking about this. Her sons became missionaries too but then again, what if the Lord don’t give me a child, or don’t give me in marriage? Receiving a new identity that time gave me so much hope that it’ll get better, but also questions. How can it be? I was single and have nothing to show for in the world. Eternal Offsprings In the Old Testament, the focus on covenant blessing was through marriage and children. A person’s legacy is through his bloodline or his offspring. In the New Testament, Jesus offers a unique identity and inheritance to His followers who are called and was gifted singleness. We see the emphasis of spiritual in the New Testament– battles, properties, and inheritance. Our inheritance now involve spiritual offsprings or children in faith. This opened my mind, ah, I don’t have to give birth to become a mother of missions. The barren rejoices with more children than the woman with husband. Why? Because the Lord is her Maker, Redeemer and husband & her offspring are not simply physical children. Paul sees this spiritual, New Covenant sense. Raymond Chan (& Steve Hobson) of SSL Class Notes Module 7.2, IGSL Slowly but surely, it started to make sense to me. The people I disciple and take care of spiritually are my eternal offsprings. Their names are now written in the book of life and they won’t be snatched by the devil, it is God who holds them. I don’t have to physically give birth to be a mother of missions. I just have to stay faithful to God and as my Maker, Redeemer, and Husband, He will provide the way for His plans to come to life. Gift of Adoption Last thing I want to write about is my desire to adopt. Recently, our church organized an event for Orphan Care Awareness. And not too long ago, I spoke to a brother who was adopted. I was inspired by his story and also his character as a man of God. Through this event and also by my brother’s testimony, God willing, I can to take part in taking care of the orphans too. We are adopted by God in His family. And my heart breaks for every child who don’t have a family to go home to, abandoned and rejected. If my heart breaks for such as these, how much more God who loves and made the little children? God willing, I can adopt and also raise children in Christlikeness and they too, will go and make disciples.

Should I cut my hair again?

October 12, 2025

It’s funny how we want to sink when others project their own sins against us – lust, insecurities, or false assumptions. It’s as if their brokenness somehow stains us too. Recently, I’ve been misunderstood by some certain people. One friend even called me a name I wouldn’t want to write here. It made me think, am I smiling too much? Am I shining too much? Should I try to minimize my joy? My friendliness? Should I stop being Rachel? Should I cut my hair again? In the past, every time I reached my limit– whenever men reduced me to my looks or when friends confessed their insecurities or when family turned away, I would lash it out on my hair. But ahh, at this point, I already have grown to love my hair. I can never do that again. I guess, I’ll just stop being generous with my smile. It’s not for everybody.

Wrestling with God

October 12, 2025

There are few episodes that I write the whole script and just read it to the listeners. Here’s the script for one of those episodes: “Why does God put us on fire? Have you thought about this? Why do we have to keep having challenges and tests? We already follow the living God, why does it sometimes feel like life’s still so complicated? Just think about Israel – they are already chosen!! God loves them. But why do they have to go through Egypt, or the wilderness, or wars? Why can’t just God, who is the most powerful and highest being in the world take away all their problems and enemies and so they can live happily ever after? Or Job!!? Job was already living a good life– he had family, wealth, fame, and relationship with God. He was running his business well.. And his children had good relationship with each other.. Then, for some reason, God allowed.. Emphasis on ALLOWED Satan to take everything.. Except His life. Do you have these thoughts? Why did God allow this? I had this experience. I was angry at God for 2 things – 1. A suffering that He allowed; 2. For taking something that He promised me. I blamed God. Truly, I was angry with the Lord. How could He allow such things to happen to me. Just like Job then, for the first one I felt like I had no choice.. That I didn’t have power over what was happening during that season of my life.. And the 2nd, how could God give me something just to take it away? So one night during our spiritual retreat.. We watched a video about how the Lord put us on fire after molding and teaching us. It was about the potter and the clay.. Why does the clay, when already formed and hard and already look good.. Why can’t it just be like that? Why do we have to be put inside the fire? And not just for a few moments – but for more than we can bear? My heart and mind and soul were struggling to comprehend. Because He put us on fire too. Us, His clay and masterpiece, allow us to enter seasons of hardships and trials. You know what’s the answer? Just like what fire does to clay, trials and tests creates a permanent change in us. It’s part of God’s process in molding us into His image. Clay breaks easily, or scratched easily, and are generally weak when it’s not placed inside fire. The Lord allows trials to change us.. I dont know what that look like for you but it could be God making you humble, or God giving you a heart or empathy for people who went through what you went through, it could be God making you more trusting in Him. Going back to the retreat, the Lord just taught me that week not to sleep when I’m angry. To talk to the person and settle things before I go back to sleep. The funny thing that night is, I’m angry at Him. As i was listening to the testimonies of fire of other people– how their trials shaped them. One of the things I heard was they lost their baby, and it gave them a mission to care for children or orphans that they didn’t have before. Another thing is that she got cancer, and she said that if she would go back in time, she’d still choose to go through cancer because of everything the Lord showed and taught her during that season of her life. I can never understand the depth of their pain. What they lost and what they went through were MUCH MUCH greater and hard than what I lost and experienced. It feels like God was speaking to me – would you rather lose your baby? Would you rather have cancer? It was the fire that God allowed and used in their life to create a change in them. To me, it was those 2 things. But you know, sometimes hearing other testimonies isn’t enough. We’re stubborn. I already knew it in my head, and I understood the concept of fire by that time completely. That it’s for our good, and it’s for His glory.. And because we don’t live in a perfect world yet. And God knew that. God knew that I wasn’t okay yet. God knows our hearts. He sees us.. Even the things we’re not afraid to admit yet. So… that night, I went to God. I withdraw from people.. Even though i was already so tired then, and so sleepy.. But I knew I can’t go to sleep angry at God. So I went to Him. Away from people, just me, God, and His word. And I plead my case with Him. I told Him all the words He promised me, all the signs and dreams, and how I plead with him multiple times to take it away.. And how i felt trapped and that he didn’t rescue me earlier than He should. I told him everything, how I felt betrayed by Him.. how I truly and honestly felt and thought. You know, I went there knowing partly that I wouldn’t win. God always wins the arguments. But in my heart, I just hoped that He would give me a reason. Why, Lord, why. I looked through verses and stories in the bible and found myself reading Job with tears in my eyes. Jesus didn’t deserve to die on the cross. Jesus did everything perfectly, yet people still hated Him and put him on the cross. Job didn’t do anything evil for everything He worked so hard for for so long just to be lost in a single day. I was humbled, they lost everything. They were torn from the inside out, yet, they still loved. My heart was still fighting, I still couldn’t comprehend it. But the Lord met me, He spoke to me and gave me what I needed – I didn’t break. I’m not broken. If more, I’m more useful to God now because of the humility through those sins and failures. What I lost no longer matters to God. Then I remember really having this thought – “You’re still here. You’re still serving. That’s what matters to God now. My sins and failure did not disqualify me from my calling.” And at the same time, the Lord helped me be humble. I can’t be angry at the Lord and blame Him for everything. He does not sin. He is perfect. I can only trust Him. And the Lord settled in my heart that no amount of service or good work I can give to God for him to repay me. He doesn’t owe us anything.. But because He is good, He will bring back what was lost. I just have to trust Him. And one last thing, what happened in the past caused me scars. Big, huge scars that’ll be with me until I die. I remember my illustration then was I was limping, like when one of your ankles got injured and you can’t run or walk because you have broken bones.. It felt like that for years. And now that it’s all recovered, the scar remains. I’ll have it until I die. But you know what God shared with me that night? Jacob lived with a limp leg for the rest of his life.. And Job might have had his scars from boils too (because satan also gave him boils that burned his body for a looong time), David had his son Solomon which was a living reminder of his iniquities and transgression, Abraham had Ishmael, Samson went blind, Peter had a rooster’s crow– we all wish we were better, that we didnt do that one thing, or didnt slide into that decision but God allowed it. Job’s lost of properties and children is a reminder that we are NOT invincible and powerful no matter how “perfect” or “good” we are. Everything is under the grace of God, allowed by God. My friend, it doesn’t matter to God now. Everything is restored in Christ Jesus. He will restore you. You are restored in the Lord. You didn’t lose God. You know, in fact, God also had scars. Jesus’ hands and feet will always have holes in them.. Even his side is scarred. Not because He sinned or because He failed. But because of His love for you. Because of the price He paid to spend eternity with the people He loves so much. Now you might be like me, after that wrestling with God, I didn’t feel 100% alright right away but I knew that God already was able to penetrate through my walls and anger. If you have an issue with God– go to Him. Plead your case. Tell Him everything. Your doubts, your frustrations, your anger and your hurts. He will listen and will answer. 🙂 Thank you for listening, my friends. I hope that you’ll remember that during the time of trials or fire, God is with you. He manages the fire, He knows how hot you can take things.. He won’t allow you to break. As long as you’re living, as long as you’re breathing.. God is reaching out to you. God loves you. Cheers my friends. Here’s to seeing light and hope together.”

A Burning Heart For You, Lord

October 5, 2025

As I settle in our semester, I can’t help but be grateful to the Lord. Especially being surrounded by loving and godly people, learning His word deeper, and following Him closely. This has just been my dream years ago as a new believer. I’ve always prayed to live in His courts all the days of my life for His presence is better than a million elsewhere. Studying in a seminary is a glimpse of heaven. Yes, a glimpse, because I know heaven would be thousand times better. A million better, even, to be in His very presence. My schoolmates and I keep on saying that no matter how heavy or rigorous our readings and requirements are, we are still so eager to do them. We even don’t like it when classes are suspended! We love going to school, haha! We are rested even if we’re so busy with work. We are blessed even if we face rejections from people. We are at peace even if we battle so many. The Christian Bubble It’s not the first time I thought of staying in my “Christian” bubble— where I’m surrounded by people who I love and loves me, where people agree that there is only one God, and where most are inclined to follow Jesus. Many times I thought it’s better to cut myself off from the toxicity of this world. From worldly influence, lifestyle, ideologies, and corruption. Besides, these things do nothing but drain me. I already know the truth so isn’t it wise to stay in the bubble of this truth? The Lord is Looking One of my old friends said she’s always been mindful of how she acts around us, sadly, as she’s conscious and afraid to be corrected the moment she falls. May we not perceive the Lord that way. The Lord looks at His children lovingly. With eyes expecting of our faithfulness and return to Him. Interestingly, God also looks for those whom He can send — those who are humble, contrite in spirit, and tremble at His word. He looks expectantly at us excited to pour His grace and power over those who’s delight is in Him. A God so powerful to do whatever He put His mind to with just a word but yet, for a loving reason, chooses to look for instruments in His mission. Hunger for Righteousness I found this draft from just a few months ago: My heart grieves as I write this. A few moments ago, I asked the Lord “God, why is the world so broken? Why is the world so evil?” My dear reader, do you also get these realizations? Yes, we are safe in His love and we experience His favor everyday. But do you still have the burden of this world’s sin? And get a sense of urgency as the world continue to devour in evil things? Things of the devil are rampant today— abortion, murder, corrupt government, evil leaders, selfish ambitions, lustful men and women, people worshipping idols. Do you still hunger for righteousness? Or do you conform to the world’s ways? Light My Heart on Fire Since my school is so safe— a place of solace and rest, I had this thought that I don’t ever want to be out in the world. How can I ever think of going to the mission field again where God is rejected? I already had a taste of how difficult it is. How can I ever want being sent again if I am already so comfortable where I am? If it was up to me, I wouldn’t want to go anymore. But it’s the Lord who calls and corrects me. I am reading “Gods and Kings” by Lynn Austin. It is a novel written in the setting of King Ahaz and King Hezekiah’s reign. It gave me a picture of the reality of the prophets during Isaiah’s time. As Micah went to Jerusalem to deliver a message to King Hezekiah, he was surprised to be in the pool of idolaters, harlots, people who reject and mock our Lord. In his mission, he thought: “Weariness and depression settled over Micah as he recognized the hopelessness of his mission. It was too late for his nation. His was only one voice, shouting against thousands of others. What could he possibly hope to accomplish? No one would listen to a poor peasant farmer-including the king. Isaiah was an educated man of royal blood, and the king hadn’t listened to him. What was Micah doing here? This was useless. Stopping evil was like trying to hold back the waves of the sea.”- Lyn Austin I cry to God as I drive. It must be the Spirit grieving within me. I am no stranger to Micah’s feeling. Before I went to Japan and realized how people are so corrupted, just within my circles, I thought “Why would the Lord call me to Japan if even my own family and friends reject Him?” It’s still the same today. “What can I do Lord? I’m only a woman.” The Lord provides no answer except His peace. In the end, He will prevail. Heaven will fill the earth. Until then, may the Lord light my heart on fire. May He cause me to be as passionate as Isaiah, Micah, the prophets, and His followers during the reign of Ahaz. May my heart burn for God’s truth and laws everyday as the prophets were during their time— firm, unbending, faithful. And may your heart burn too.

Journal 1

September 7, 2025

I’m not sure if this is allowed but here goes. Haha! One of our subjects in seminary require us to write a journal of what we learn month per month regarding the course subjects. This course is Building Disciples. The focus of Journal 1 is what we learned about God, ourselves, and others from class sessions 1 and 2. Here’s my answer and I hope it blesses you. As a person who was won through evangelism, I couldn’t wait to learn how I can also win more people to Christ effectively. I’ve always felt that I’m lacking in skills in sharing the true and complete gospel, and how right I was! In our first sessions, Kuya Tom’s testimony and the Theology of Gospel, I learned that indeed, the gospel and the Holy Spirit are so much more powerful than I’ve described and shared to other people. This is not to say that I can fully expound about His power, I recognize that no amount of words can fully describe God. In our first session, Kuya Tom shared his testimony of building a life group in Baguio and evangelizing his brother’s murderer. I learned that God freely uses people who are willing and available to advance His kingdom, no matter what their personalities are. It is God who empowers His servants and appoints them to the right people who need to hear the gospel. This subject is where I first heard the word “Person of Peace”. Through this, I got a revelation that it is truly God who prepares everything before us. God was already working on the place even before we go! And if we co-work with God and not just for Him, He will reveal to us His plans and ways firstly through connecting with a person of peace. As if His testimony about their life group in Baguio wasn’t enough, Kuya Tom also shared how he forgave and prayed for the man who murdered his brother by the power of the Holy Spirit. We all knew that it wasn’t Kuya Tom who could’ve done that. It was the Holy Spirit who’ve already worked in him throughout the years of service and the Holy Spirit who hugged the person and extended God’s love to his brother’s murderer. What a loving, merciful God I serve. Kuya Tom said that we serve the same God and He is at work in us and through us as He is with him. I remember going in the first class empowered because of our TAM orientation assignment to share 4 Spiritual Laws with two people. (Both of them accepted, praise God!). But after that first class with Kuya Tom, I felt more than empowered. I felt sent. Activated. The God I serve is a God that saves and is able to do more than I imagined. He loves people more than I do and He wants to use me to reach out to the blind and lost. In the second session, Ate Leah shared the Gospel of Christ. Before I go into what I learned from her lecture, I was amazed by how structured the structure of winning souls and making disciples in the Cru system is. I love that it is bold and direct, and how it’s straightforward to make it easier for all to follow. I learned that God is also a businessman, He’s in the business of winning (reconciling) the whole world back to His presence. He truly did not leave us alone when He ascended into heaven but also left us a blueprint for doing the great commission, following Him wherever He sends us. When Ate Leah shared with us the illustration of the Gospel (cross in the middle, parallel lines of God’s love and God’s justice), I fully understood what Jesus came here for. It took me 10 years to fully understand, ah this is what the Lord did! A genius and mastermind! After this, I had a clearer view of what I’m doing for the Lord– helping people in their journey, turning people to Jesus who restores us to eternal life, and partaking in His ministry. Every class in IGSL, not just Building Disciples, is an affirmation that I’m in the right place and I’m learning what the Lord wants me to learn for His Kingdom. After sessions 1 & 2, and writing my personal testimony, I literally lost my shyness to share the gospel to anyone. I know I’m sharing the greatest treasure in the whole world. The sessions helped me share during our TAM and connect with people better. It is the Lord I’m presenting. It is the Lord who saved me and sent me. What should I be embarrassed about or be afraid of? This is the greatest news. That we were on the way to eternal wrath because of our sins but Jesus descended from heaven to commune with us, die on the cross, rose again, and save us. Jesus invites us all to turn from our way that leads to death and turn to Him. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He’s the God who loved us that He gave His life for us so we can spend eternity with Him. Hallelujah!

A New Beginning

August 22, 2025

Did I mention that I started seminary already? Not yet? Sorry for not keeping you updated but yes, finally, I started a new journey to follow His calling. In between today and June 30, I may have had more than 10 blog post ideas to share with you. None of which I remember as I write today. But let’s forget about that and focus on what’s here now. What’s happening today. My family’s still going through a major problem. And also a major happiness.My body’s recovering from a half marathon. But my body’s so much stronger at the same time.I was elected as our batch’s ambassador. I’m part of the student council in our seminary.The podcast’s 2-year long of preparation is ending! And the daily podcast is coming soon. Yay! I wanted to write in my blog to update my readers. In my heart, I know that I should be writing more. Why? Because there are so many testimonies and miracles to share. Because the Lord is doing so many things that I want to make sure that it’s known in the world. Even if that just means my sphere of influence. A Few Testimonies I thank God for keeping me in His Kingdom for the past 10 years. I made a short video to commemorate. I thank God for the full scholarship for my master’s program granted by my seminary and Cru. I thank God for the countless testimonies on how He saved families in different nations and tribes. I’m blessed by every testimonies I heard during our orientation training in seminary. I thank God that my two nephews accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I thank God for His sustenance in our life group and our church. I thank God for newfound brothers and sisters in Christ. And most of all, I thank the Lord for having me in my graduate school. From the orientation day to now, I am in awe of how everything is an answered prayer. From the professors, to the community, to the courses, and even to the place. I thank the Lord that He guides me day by day and that His grace is always sufficient. I thank God that despite all the chaos and battles, I am living in an answered prayer. God is faithful.

A Significant Life

June 30, 2025

What does it really mean to live a significant life? In a world that glorifies hustle and success, this episode invites you to slow down and remember: true significance begins with a heart anchored in Christ. Whether you feel lost, unsure, or simply tired of doing life your way—this one’s for you. We’re talking about the three things that make a life meaningful: a solid foundation, clear direction, and purposeful action. Let’s walk this out, together.

Wrestling with God

October 12, 2025

A Significant Life

June 30, 2025

Here on Earth

March 19, 2025

Why are days flying so fast? I can’t believe it’s been over a month since I posted my last podcast episode. My train of thoughts looks like this “I missed yesterday’s episode.” “Oh no, I can’t do it today.” “Maybe tomorrow” “Promise, tomorrow I’ll record.” “My listeners would understand” “I have to prepare to go back to the Philippines.” “I can’t gather the energy to record.” “What will I record?” “Oh Lord, I’m not faithful in following you in this ministry.” “Lord, I miss my podcast and my listeners.” “Lord, should I continue to do my podcast?” If you’ve been listening to my podcast, or if you know me personally, you know that I like to do a lot of things. I like to travel, I like to write, I like to do videos, I like to do podcasts, I study a lot of things, and I dream of doing a lot of things. I read, I make art, I workout, I run, I hike. So much so that when I arrived here in the Philippines, I’m overwhelmed what to do first, or next. After I cleaned my (sister’s) room, I feel like I’ve been sucked by a blackhole either sleeping all day or staring at the window. Not able to do anything I like to do. I’m not productive in my (sister’s) room and I’m not productive outside. To make things worse, I read an old blog of mine that makes me question again all my current decisions now. I wrote this blog to express this: Here on earth, I can only do so much. I can only express my devotion to God with my limited time, resources, and energy. In heaven, I can worship Him without any constraint. I can reflect all that He is, having endured the tests here on earth, finally not needing anything anymore.

Song of Songs

February 11, 2025

It’s February! It’s the love month and Valentines is just around the corner. For the last days of “new season” series from January, I’ve been praying to God what Sunrise Podcast’s next series would be. I got His answer while reading a book on the way to my ministry work. About love! It’s in the air and just fitting for all my listeners. Please listen to the series with the following topics: How God loves us How we can love God Biblical Relationship with John Francis Reyes How to Prepare For Marriage with Marie and Niklas Share your comment about the series below!

Sound Mind

November 7, 2025

The Gift of Singleness

October 30, 2025

Should I cut my hair again?

October 12, 2025

Wrestling with God

October 12, 2025

Journey

Time in Karuizawa

Note: Long blog 🙂 “For the moment, just let me know your willingness”, Janet wrote in her email as she asks for volunteers to clean OMF’s guest house in Karuizawa. We are located in Chiba, that is about 2-3 hours drive to Karuizawa. I was more than willing! To help and to go. So and so that I said “Yes” even if the planned dates to go at that time is beyond what my visa allows me. My visa expires at March 7th (extension request got denied) and the invite is to clean from March 19-23. Good thing that the cleaning schedule was moved to the last week of February because the OMF van won’t be available for the first requested dates. And so we went. We spent 4 days in Karuizawa. The time was spent with cleaning, fellowship, silence, and rest. This is the best part of my Serve Asia trip. Thank you Lord Jesus for this experience. Even now that I’m back in the Philippines, I look back at our short trip to Karuizawa with warmth and gladness. We were tired because of all the hard work from cleaning but even that didn’t feel like work. Special Experiences That I clearly want to highlight and never forget— My Corner Room Janet led me straight to my room when Kangsan and I arrived at the guesthouse. The house smells of old cabinets and has a subtle hint of kerosene from the heater. They say smell has a very strong impact in keeping memories so I’m really thankful for this. No sarcasm. Karuizawa felt (and smelled for that matter) like a warm and beloved home. So, we entered my little corner. It’s a fairly small room. One single bed, one chair, one clothe rack, one heater, and a keyboard on the corner. What makes it special are the trees that surround the room. The gentle sunlight passing through the curtains are magical for me. And I don’t want to forget the mornings I spent reading the Bible while the birds were singing so loud and clear. It’s also cozy at night! It has a little lamp so I read before I go to sleep during the 3 nights we stayed here. Jogging Surrounded by Nature No regrets in bracing the cold morning (~2°C) and packing heavier bags to jog for 2 days in Karuizawa. It was worth it. If ever the Lord allows me to go back to Karuizawa someday, I will run in this beautiful place again. This morning exercise is special to me not just because of the nature but also because it reminded me of my childhood. I grew up in a similar place. Our house (then) was also surrounded by nature. We would wake up to rooster’s crow. And we would also hear the birds so very clearly. We could also run around, pick some flowers, and go home to a warm home with a warm breakfast. Ahhh, the power of memories. Going back to Karuizawa — Fellowship and Games Our mornings are spent working, our late afternoons are spent travelling, our evenings are spent playing 7 wonders 😂 This is Jessy and Harry’s games and this is why I adore Jessy so much. Haha. She introduced a lot of games to us and she’s so patient to teach all of us! As a person who’s really bad at games (hence why I don’t play as much), I found out that it’s a good way to spend time with people. Writing this now with 8 family games in my Shopee cart. Thanks for the influence, Jessy! We also spent a lot of time talking about meaningful, fun, and funny things ^o^ Midnight Snacks! You would think that jogging early in the morning would knock me off to bed early. Wrong. Haha! For 2 nights, Micha, Kangsan, and I chattered, laughed, and played til past midnight. And yes, also ate! We ate so much to the point that on our 3rd day, there’s not a lot of food to indulge during our lunch. Our bad. It was really funny because we have to be veeeery quiet as little noise can be heard all over the floor. We did our best to stay quiet. On our last night, we played games in Kangsan’s room until 2:00 am (i think). Ahh, only fun memories. I really thank God for my youth. A Rest House How I wish I can write about every little details. I want to write more about Janet and Peter’s sweetness and wisdom. I want to write more about all the learnings from this place, or the advises I got from these missionaries while lounging on the heated blanket, or just the quiet and restful time I spent with everyone. But, as I am well aware of, I can only express so much. Our time in this rest house in Karuizawa will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you, Father, for this experience. Thank you, Father, for the people I spent this time with. It didn’t even feel like we worked. But we did. It was hard work to clean the house but also yokatta that there’s 6 of us. We were the biggest cleaning team so far. Thank you God that You provided a place where Your children can rest and find peace. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 ESV Cameras Used: Canon 600D & Sony Alpha 7CPhotos by: Rachel, Kangsan, Harry, and Janet

March 13, 2025

Hi! I'm Rachel

Nice to e-meet ya!

This blog is my first step in fulfilling one of my childhood dream: to be a travel blogger.

As I follow my dream, my hopes is at the same time, this little blog will help you be closer to God, inspire you to travel, and give you the courage to follow God wherever He calls you.

Occupation(s):

Full-time Traveler
Part-Time Designer
Part-time Creator
Hardcore Christan

📍 currently in Japan

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Hi! I'm Rachel

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