I had an enormous amount of paperwork to clear from my desktop during the weekend.  And then on Tuesday, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the desktop is clear of to-do lists. I suddenly had nothing to do… hmmm.  With time on my hands, I have the chance to reflect.  Something’s been bugging me lately.

Immediately after the New Year, Jinky, the church secretary at Project 8, told me that my father was preparing for his interview at the US Embassy.  He was applying for another US visa.  He was given a visa a few years ago but his trip then did not push through.  This time, he had a booked flight and all.  He leaves the day after Valentine’s and will come back just before Holy Week in time for the church camp.

I was with my Dad at Christmas and New Year – every Sunday, in fact and he never said anything to me about that.  Immediately I knew why.  I knew him to be the last person to travel to the United States.  He has been accused of being ‘anti-American.’  These days, ‘anti-American’ is synonymous with ‘terrorist’ and that’s not a good thing.  No, my father’s ‘anti-American’ sentiment is borne out of faith.  He believes that the God of the Americans is also the same God of the Filipinos.  The God he believes in who blessed America is still the same God who is willing to bless the Philippines.  He does not believe that he has to go to America for God to bless him.  That is as ‘anti-American’ as he gets.

Imagine my surprise then, when at 74, he’s all set and ready to travel to the United States.  He has been invited to speak at conferences there.  Why they would know about him and why they would want him there is beyond me.  Then I thought, most of the pastors in the Filipino communities in the States are Filipinos.  Maybe they want a bit of ‘lutong Pinoy’ or Filipino-flavored preaching.  That’s ok.

After I had accepted the fact of my Dad leaving, I suddenly felt protective.  He is 74, after all.  He has had a mild heart attack brought on by fatigue.  He is hypertensive.  I felt like he shouldn’t go, really.  This is the worst time for him to go.

Also, my Dad is not a very patient man.  He’d itch as he stands in line at the airport.  He’d bristle as his body and bags are searched.  He’d hate to take his shoes off.  He’d hate being asked questions.  He’d  feel like the 12-year old Manobo boy from the mountains on his first trip to Manila all over again. He’d feel a little lost.  America is such a big place.  The rules there are different.  He’d be so tempted to drive on the wide interstate highways – dangerous for him as he thinks traffic rules are mere suggestions.

This is probably how my father felt when I was about to leave for a study trip to the US when I was just 15.  Conflicted, yes.

I know this trip will be good for him – it’s long overdue.  He’d meet people he taught in Sunday School and at the Bible College and he’d be surprised to see how God had touched their lives through him.  He’d see how he has influenced Filipino pastors’ thinking.  His senses will also be overwhelmed.  He will see the world, he will be out of his comfort zone.  He will have to learn new rules of behavior and he will have to be resilient and adjust to the new environment.  It will be a learning experience for him.  It will sharpen his wits and it will broaden his perspective.

Godspeed, Dad.  I’ll be here when you get back home.  You can tell me all about your adventure when you come home.  Go and conquer the world.  Just don’t forget to bring your medications.  Don’t forget your cellphone and your charger.  Text me from time to time so I’ll know that you’re OK  so I don’t worry about you.  PM me on FB.

Who am I kidding, though?  My Dad doesn’t text or call me to relieve me of my worries about him.  He’ll be off having a grand time or he’ll be off mired in his own worries and he won’t tell me a blessed thing.  So, as always, I will trust God.  He has a plan for your life.  I will trust God: He’ll guide you there and He’ll take care of you.

Besides, I already talked with Pastor Edwin Tan, his travelling companion.  I told him he’d answer to me….. Bon voyage, Dad.  God be with you.  The God who has kept you safe thus far these 74 years in the Philippines is still the same God who will keep you safe while we are far from each other.  I’ll see you soon.  Chin up!  Show them just what you’re made of….