OUT OF THE BLUEsix.twenty.thirteen

Thank you very much

1 Kings 8:60 for teaching me

If Darell for accompanying me

Family for permitting me

Igsoons and Ifs for encouraging me

Friends for taking care of me

My old notebook for serving as my draft

Desktop computer at work

Printer

Thanks for inspiring me

Pag-ibig

Philhealth

TIN #

SSS

OUT OF THE BLUEsix.twenty.thirteen

In the middle of missing someone came out the idea of writing.

What should I write? Where do I start? Ah! Let me recall..

Prologue:

six.twenty.thirteen

eight:twenty-seven AM

If I couldn’t get a person out of my mind, is it that they are supposed to

be here? Ugh! Wake up Ree! You’re out of your mind again. It’s been two

weeks and still couldn’t get enough? Again, a part of my brain is against

me. Yeah, these past few days I always find myself staring out of

nowhere. What shall I do? My mind always finds its way back to that

place. That’s why I don’t want being alone. Just like this moment.

I’m sitting on the floor with a pen in my hand and out of the blue.

Perhaps I should let it out.

1

Here’s how it happened. An agreement was formed one fine afternoon

way back on 30th of May. A friend and I will be staying at Nueva Ecija for

a week. We’ll be assisting her boss, a Korean businessman in his everyday

life while managing his properties here in the Philippines.

I have visited that place when I was in grade school but still I am very

much excited about it. My mom permitted me though I’m not used on

travels. It’s my first time to go out of town for a working purpose. It's all

settled then. All I have to do is to wait for our two-day circuit assembly

and after that we'll be leaving.

That night I could hardly think of the things to prepare. I was

preoccupied. I have to wake up early the next day as a volunteer for

cleaning the assembly hall.

2

May 31- Volunteering at

It's a busy day. The volunteers (mostly teenagers) were gathered in front

of the Kingdom Hall. We're supposed to leave at 6:00 AM but left 7:00 in

waiting for the others. We reached the assembly hall at almost 8:00 AM.

After some instructions and a short prayer, we're on cleaning. I saw some

friends at nearby congregations but no time to talk to them. I just waved

at them with my sweetest smile. I really missed them.

Our congregation was assigned on clearing the grassy area beside

‘narrow ... cramped road' (Mat. 7:14)

Kingdom Hall going to the hill

witness could visualize this) I'm not good

believe me it's quite big.

Spite of the area and the heat we immediately reached the wide hill

These young brothers and sisters sure are industrious and fast ones.

Though many have felt tiredness and hunger, the others continued

clearing. I myself have a big hat (which we sneaked ou

materials' room) and am wearing socks, long pants, and a comfortable

long-sleeve plus the small face towel that I'm putting around my neck. "A

total outfit" says a brother and I just smiled.

Volunteering at Assembly Hall

It's a busy day. The volunteers (mostly teenagers) were gathered in front

of the Kingdom Hall. We're supposed to leave at 6:00 AM but left 7:00 in

waiting for the others. We reached the assembly hall at almost 8:00 AM.

instructions and a short prayer, we're on cleaning. I saw some

friends at nearby congregations but no time to talk to them. I just waved

at them with my sweetest smile. I really missed them.

Our congregation was assigned on clearing the grassy area beside the

cramped road' (Mat. 7:14) We started at the back of the

Kingdom Hall going to the hill-like part before the main hall. (Sorry, only a

witness could visualize this) I'm not good at estimating the area but

believe me it's quite big.

of the area and the heat we immediately reached the wide hill-like.

These young brothers and sisters sure are industrious and fast ones.

Though many have felt tiredness and hunger, the others continued

clearing. I myself have a big hat (which we sneaked out from the cleaning

materials' room) and am wearing socks, long pants, and a comfortable

sleeve plus the small face towel that I'm putting around my neck. "A

total outfit" says a brother and I just smiled. - sss

3

All I’m thinking is tomorrow's assembly while collecting dried leaves. Yes,

I continued clearing because I'm totally protected. *smiles

Lunch time came and we all shared the delicious foods they

prepared. I think I missed the chopsuey. I just finished a full

Then I realized I shouldn’t have filled my stomach because there's still

more! They bought ice cream and others picked mangoes. Oh no, what if

my dress for tomorrow doesn’t fit?

Under those trees could've been a great place to have some sleep but we

should be home early. We're on the road again. A young sister started to

have a game. We first played the 7

counting from 1 up to 7 while placing your hands on

chest but should be above head when it's on 7. Sounds easy? Maybe but

when you're in you can't avoid mistakes. The punishment at the moment

was what you call 'truth or consequence.' Usually we put charcoal,

lipstick, or powder when we

the jeep. We enjoyed it but later felt boredom to it.

Then they changed it to another game called "non

exchange of questions and answers between the two groups. Here's how

it goes:

All I’m thinking is tomorrow's assembly while collecting dried leaves. Yes,

I continued clearing because I'm totally protected. *smiles

Lunch time came and we all shared the delicious foods they have

I think I missed the chopsuey. I just finished a full-plate rice!

Then I realized I shouldn’t have filled my stomach because there's still

more! They bought ice cream and others picked mangoes. Oh no, what if

my dress for tomorrow doesn’t fit?

trees could've been a great place to have some sleep but we

should be home early. We're on the road again. A young sister started to

have a game. We first played the 7-up. As you may know it's basically

counting from 1 up to 7 while placing your hands on either left or right

chest but should be above head when it's on 7. Sounds easy? Maybe but

when you're in you can't avoid mistakes. The punishment at the moment

was what you call 'truth or consequence.' Usually we put charcoal,

lipstick, or powder when we play it indoors but all are not available inside

the jeep. We enjoyed it but later felt boredom to it.

Then they changed it to another game called "non-sense." It's an

exchange of questions and answers between the two groups. Here's how

4

*form two groups

*choose what is the start of the question to be answered

from who, what, when, where, and sometimes they include HOW!

*decide which group will ask questions and who will answer

always make it even, say my group ask questions now, next round we'll

answer opposite group's questions and vice ver

*make your own question

WHO (Who are you thinking right now?)

*relay your question to your seatmate

next to her and so on until it reach

*the end side will stand up to relay his question to the other end a brother whom I secretly call SSS were on both sides. Ieasy to walk inside a running jeep. But I like the thought that he's going to me and I’m going to him ne

*when all is done relaying the game begins!

form two groups - the jeep was divided by two, not literally :)

choose what is the start of the question to be answered - it differs

from who, what, when, where, and sometimes they include HOW!

decide which group will ask questions and who will answer - we

always make it even, say my group ask questions now, next round we'll

answer opposite group's questions and vice versa.

make your own question - first round is any question that starts from

WHO (Who are you thinking right now?)

relay your question to your seatmate - she'll also relay her question

er and so on until it reach the end side.

the end side will stand up to relay his question to the other end - I and a brother whom I secretly call SSS were on both sides. I’ll tell you it's not easy to walk inside a running jeep. But I like the thought that he's going to me and I’m going to him next - wide grin

when all is done relaying the game begins!

5

On the other hand when you have the answer you're still clueless on

whatever question that your opposite will bring out. That's what makes it

an exciting one! And as expected some questions had the corresponding

out-of-this-world answers. Some contradict; others don't have any

connection at all but still many had the fittest answers. They must be

practicing it well – (laughs!) We played the whole time that we didn't

noticed we've reached home by 4:00 PM. It was a tiring day and all I

knew I was knocked out on bed. I thought my next wake up was on the

assembly day itself. That night I really don't remember how I managed to

prepare the dress to wear and the things to bring for the assembly.

6

June 1 - Circuit Assembly First day

It all goes smoothly on preparing and going to the assembly hall. The

next thing I kne

at the congregation whom I cal

whole long bench for 10

2-3 benches in front of the stage. Hilary’s with them. Now I knew the

feeling when the one you are studying the Bible with decides to dedicate

herself to serve Jehovah.

I haven't introduced

I often call her ‘If’ or ‘

me. Would you believe at a young age she already knew what she wants

in her life? We're both an auxiliary pioneer at that time. Aside from

working at call centers I learned that she also experienced working at a

restaurant and private homes. And now, she's accompanying me at

Nueva Ecija. Yes, she's the friend I’m going with this

more mature than me mentally and physically. *smiles

Circuit Assembly First day

It all goes smoothly on preparing and going to the assembly hall. The

ew is that I’m sitting comfortably beside my close friends

at the congregation whom I call 'igsoon' or 'if.' We almost occupied the

whole long bench for 10-15 people. Candidates for baptism were seated

3 benches in front of the stage. Hilary’s with them. Now I knew the

feeling when the one you are studying the Bible with decides to dedicate

herself to serve Jehovah.

I haven't introduced a friend sitting beside me, have I? The name's Darell.

‘If’ or ‘Dada’. She's in her 20 but is more experienced than

me. Would you believe at a young age she already knew what she wants

life? We're both an auxiliary pioneer at that time. Aside from

working at call centers I learned that she also experienced working at a

restaurant and private homes. And now, she's accompanying me at

Nueva Ecija. Yes, she's the friend I’m going with this weekend. She's a lot

more mature than me mentally and physically. *smiles

7

And wait! The out of town thing, it's tomorrow isn't it? Why I haven't

prepared the things? By the way we're not talking about it the whole

morning as if we're not excited. I'm more focused on jotting down my

notes and the verses. I seldom lose my sight and realize I’m falling asleep.

You know this is what happens when you didn't prepare yourself and

your stuffs ready the day before. Okay you can imagine my penmanship.

Just don't open my notebook. *smiles

In order to stay awake I managed to make small conversations with

Dada. Again it's not about for tomorrows. It's about the brother in red

long-sleeve she's been taking glimpses of. He’s sitting with the other

brothers at the left wing, just a stone-throw away from where we sit. I,

too, took chances of looking at their spot but to no avail wasn't able to

see whom I wanted to see. I just thought he's sitting with them.

They are the brothers from our congregation but this time I thought we

enjoyed looking at them. Why they don't seem to fall asleep? They're not

distracted. In fact they are all focused in listening. All eyes are on stage.

Including them is my younger brother.

8

Uh-oh... Is he looking this way? The one wearing the red long-sleeve I

mean. We quickly resumed our eyes on stage but the wide grins on our

faces made it obvious. "Still looking?" Dada asked. "I don't know I won't

look again, he might catch us." And we can't help but laugh a little. My

other igsoons must be noticing us chatting at session time but they chose

to pay attention to the program. I felt guilt. Same on Dada I think. We

went back on listening and writing until the end of the program.

Our congregation was assigned to sweep the floor of one small part of

the hall. I should be helping them but I’m already at the parking area

sitting inside the jeep. Why? It’s like I went to see mother, my poor

grandma pleaded me to carry a bag for her. It was quite heavy. Good

thing she has a strong granddaughter. - grinning.

I just put the bag inside their service and was ready to go back to hall.

But then I decided to stay. I just blew the hair on my forehead as I

watched the brothers and sisters rushing their ways home. Many of them

have their services too but others were commuters. I don't wanna go

against the flow so I decided not to go back.

9

Going home requires long suffering. Heavy traffic on some roads. It keeps

on raining that's why some streets were flooded. Not to mention that I’m

only sitting on my mother's lap so that others could sit comfortably. In

spite of that I fell asleep for an hour. I can feel my stomach complaining

but I’m keeping it until we reach home. I'm sure I’m not the only one.

We got closer at home and were surprised to know it didn’t rain in this

place. I opened the house and the mess around welcomed me. I thought

we could take some rest. Mother went to buy foods for tonight and

tomorrow while I clean the house especially the kitchen for an hour or

two. I want to sleep early so I won't look like a dreamer on the last day of

our circuit.

I was resting peacefully only to remember that I don't have a prepared

dress to wear for tomorrow. I remembered mom promised me a dress a

week before. I thought of wearing an old one, a dress that I wear the

least. I beamed when mother said she'll be making me one as soon as

she's done with Dada's. Yes, mother has Dada's dress to repair. I wonder

if mom could do it. It's past 9 PM.

10

Dada said she'll come to get her dress at 10 PM. I waited while watching

mom work on my dress. Before long she knocked. Some more repairs

and she'll be wearing it for tomorrow. I offered her but she refused to

sleep with us. She has to prepare herself too that's why. Before leaving

she reminded me of the travel.

I almost forgot! I only asked permission from mother, not from father. I

know he won't let me. It's all planned and I don't want father to ruin it.

I’m getting nervous but to my surprise mom said he already knew that

I’m leaving and is now permitting me. Is this for real? I thought I’m going

to sneak again. That's what I do when I feel like father's not letting me go

even if I asked his permission a thousand times.

I'm not sleepy anymore. I finished bagging my things for a week. Mom

somehow was done with the dress. It was a green pleated long skirt

which she attached to a green top making it a semi-long dress. I love the

color green! Every assembly I always try to have a green dress and now I

have another one. Poor mom, she looks so tired. Anyway all is ready for

tomorrow. She can sleep now.

11

June 2 - Circuit Assembly Second Day

Things to bring:

- a gallon of water CHECK!

- a bag for foods CHECK!

- spoons (I always forgot this) CHECK!

- copy of the watchtower study CHECK!

- medium sized cloth (we

- toothbrush (and just ask somebody for toothpaste) CHECK!

- a pair of slippers (I’m wearing a high heels today) CHECK!

- a HEAVY bag (for the travel this afternoon) CHECK!

Looks like I’m

According to him, the attendance of those who will ride the jeeps was

given to him so he has to be there early. Okay I have no choice but to

carry these things and walk a several meters going to the contact point. I

should've worn my slippers first. Too bad it was placed at the bottom.

Mom, on the other hand seemed to be used on her pair of heels. There's

no difficulty in her walk.

Circuit Assembly Second Day

a gallon of water CHECK!

a bag for foods CHECK!

spoons (I always forgot this) CHECK!

copy of the watchtower study CHECK!

medium sized cloth (we agreed to have a picnic on the grasses) CHECK!

toothbrush (and just ask somebody for toothpaste) CHECK!

a pair of slippers (I’m wearing a high heels today) CHECK!

a HEAVY bag (for the travel this afternoon) CHECK!

going to carry all these things. My brother left early.

According to him, the attendance of those who will ride the jeeps was

given to him so he has to be there early. Okay I have no choice but to

carry these things and walk a several meters going to the contact point. I

ld've worn my slippers first. Too bad it was placed at the bottom.

Mom, on the other hand seemed to be used on her pair of heels. There's

no difficulty in her walk.

12

We reached the service and I’m all exhausted and perspired. Tito

Jonathan saw me and immediately gave a help.

leaving them and might not return anymore. To whom did he learn a

the travel later? I saw Da

excitement of travelling later. I noticed she only has a small travelling

bag. I wonder how she managed to put all her things inside. Mine is quite

big but I really had a hard time last night. It's not that I brought too much

stuff. I only got few pairs and what is really needed but still the bag looks

like it's going to explode.

My mind started wandering as our service goes its way to assembly hall.

Things like: how will we ride a bus going there? what time will we arrive?

how does big boss look like? If only I’m

answers as fast as bullets. She went there last year that's why I know she

have answers.

Same time, same place. We're on this bench again. Aside from additional

occupants, it's just the same as

pair of shoes must have a replacement. I put my slippers on but looks like

I’m going to wear this shoes again. "Let's take pictures!" says one of my

igsoons. It's a usual thing before and after every assembly. M

assemblies and conventions like this are not complete without any

photos taken. I don't think so. I do not own a camera. Maybe I could get

one if my budget permits me.

To be continued ..

We reached the service and I’m all exhausted and perspired. Tito

Jonathan saw me and immediately gave a help. Even teased me that I’m

leaving them and might not return anymore. To whom did he learn about

the travel later? I saw Dada as I entered the jeep. This time I felt the

excitement of travelling later. I noticed she only has a small travelling

bag. I wonder how she managed to put all her things inside. Mine is quite

big but I really had a hard time last night. It's not that I brought too much

only got few pairs and what is really needed but still the bag looks

like it's going to explode.

My mind started wandering as our service goes its way to assembly hall.

Things like: how will we ride a bus going there? what time will we arrive?

g boss look like? If only I’m sitting beside Dada I could get

answers as fast as bullets. She went there last year that's why I know she

Same time, same place. We're on this bench again. Aside from additional

occupants, it's just the same as yesterday. I can feel my feet soaring. This

pair of shoes must have a replacement. I put my slippers on but looks like

I’m going to wear this shoes again. "Let's take pictures!" says one of my

igsoons. It's a usual thing before and after every assembly. Maybe

assemblies and conventions like this are not complete without any

photos taken. I don't think so. I do not own a camera. Maybe I could get

one if my budget permits me.

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