Bears, bears! By land, sea and air!

Youth power on the news program "Bandila", December 18, 2006

Off to Bicol we go... the bears, that is. We sent some of them off last night via a 10-wheeler truck donated by SHELMED Crafts whose owners are from Albay province. I was in a frantic mode yesterday trying to figure out how I would get ALL 1000 bears to Bicol in time for the distribution on the 21st. I had received notice earlier that there wasn't enough space on the C-130 for all 28 boxes. Wracking my brains, I tried contacting Menchu Sarmiento, Executive Director of the PAL Foundation, yesterday morning but couldn't get through her celphone (turns out she had changed her number)! Over lunch I was praying frantically for a solution. I knew that God would provide an answer but HOW?

Opening my email at around 2 P.M. what do I find? An email (containing a Christmas greeting) from Menchu whom I had not heard from in the last two years! God truly works in mysterious ways and His timing EVER PERFECT. I wrote to Menchu and told her about my dilemma. Though PAL could not accomodate on such short notice, she referred me to Michelle Villanueva of Shelmed. The Villanueva's, very generous and big hearted people have been ferrying cargo to Albay for the last three weeks on their company's huge trucks. Michelle began coordinating schedules and by 4 P.M. we were sure to get space on a 10 wheeler! As I write this, the truck has just left, carrying the first 12 boxes of bears for Albay's children.


Bear with me... still on "Bandila"

Colonel Asperin confirmed that the rest of the boxes would be carried on a C-130 later this evening and that everything would be secured at the Naval Station in Legaspi. Commodore Octavio Pabuayon has been big-hearted to help us out in this mission for God's children in Albay. Some people ask why go through all this trouble especially during the busiest season of the year? I think to myself and say, "Why not?" Surely it was no coincidence that I, and many others would be moved by a brilliant photograph on a grey Sunday morning. One that would trigger an overflowing of love and concern from all over. The great Christian missionary and writer Elizabeth Elliot says, "Obedience is action. Often we do not have any instant light on the particular question we've been asking God, but he has shown us something we ought to do. Whatever it is... do it at once. We thus put ourselves in the path of God's will. A single step taken, if we have his Word as a lamp for our feet, throws sufficient light for the next step."


Our TBB Packing team!

A Thousand Bears for Bicol (TBB) has been just that - an exercise in obedience and in watching in awe how the Lord has provided for His beloved children. The events over the last few days are clear manifestations of His love. From all the bears, to the publicity (much needed to spread the word), all the hearts that have been moved, to the people he has provided to pack the bears (each one lovingly and with much care), to the truck, to the plane - all of this are only made possible because He provided everything. The glory belongs solely to Him. We, who have joined hands to make this project come true are all vessels of His grace.

On a sad note, my bosses at work have not allowed me to leave for Bicol tomorrow to oversee the distribution. I am still stewing as I write this. Part of me very hurt that I am unable to see thhis particular project come to its conclusion. However, I am thankful for friends like Colonel Mike Asperin, the Naval Station in Legaspi, Andrea Trinidad, Pastor Dong and his Operation Compassion team - who are commited to get the bears to the children. I am thankful for my husband H, who, though hesitant at first (it's his first time to go out into the mission field!) has agreed to go push through with the trip to Bicol in spite of my absence. So though my heart remains heavy, I am comforted knowing that by the 21st of December, a thousand young lives will receive love and joy through the bears. My bosses have their reasons and God sees the heart. Momentarily I feel like a Joseph - in Genesis 50:20 it says, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.
21 "So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones." So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. And so I am comforted and know that eventually this will all work out. *sigh*

I am so excited for the children :) I shall post photos of the bear distribution by the week-end, after my husband returns. For now, please say a prayer for a safe journey - for the bears and everyone involved in this mission and a well-organized distribution and party on Thursday. Thank you all once more for your overflowing kindness and generosity. It's Christmas and my heart is very FULL :) A thousand (((bearhugs))) to you! God bless you all!

P.S. For those of you who still wish to donate bears and/or other friendly-looking, in good condition stuffed toys, you may do so. We have now made "bear missions" a part of our ministry. A second mission, "Bearhugs for Bicol" has been set for February (still for Bicol's kids) and one in March to benefit Muslim children in the war-torn areas of Mindanao. So keep those bears coming :)