One more time... SMELL!!! :P
Like we said, it was just an excuse to go out on a Friday evening. They're only a jeepney drive away from our house, anyway!!! :P
No, honestly, when I got news that the Dedels are saying goodbye to ICS to be a part of another church in Makati, a few stuff circled my mind. They may not know this, but I was actually battling crying when I was at the Dedels a week prior to THIS event. During Ptr. Jesse's (or Dada, as I call him over the net) surprise birthday party, I officially heard straight from the horse's mouth (and what a dashing horse it is, he he he) about the whole family transferring to another church. To work there. I'm an emotional sucker, and goodbyes make me cry. But due to the nature of the festivities of that night, I turned the actor in me on so as not to spoil all the fun that's happening (the videoke, the exchange of stories, the playful punches between me and my "brothers", etc. etc).
Sunday came, and I decided to rally some of the family's closest friends from ICS to a small, surprise, despedida party of sort. Actually, I wasn't surprised at all when people I talked with said yes when I asked them to come and bring food for the party (it was a pot-luck event).
Just a small story before we go to the pictures. The first time I saw Ptr. Jesse was during one of the rehearsals of a presentation for the church. I have no idea who this person was, but when he started talking to me, I felt a connection... and there is a connection... sa pagkain, sa kalokohan, sa pang-aasar, sa kakapalan ng mukha!!! It's like I'm looking in the mirror, and there in front of me was a ten year older version of me (plus a couple of pounds more... JUST KIDDING!!!) Kidding aside, those aren't the only stuff we have in common. Actually, there are people who mistake me as one of his kids. And you know what? I have no problem with that. He is, in a way, my Dad. He is the Dad that is proud of me and tells it to my face. He is the dad that told me that same day we first met that it was time for me to shine.
"Nio, time to shine." I never forgot those words, Sir, and I guess I am doing that now, for God's glory!
I fell in love with this family the first time I was able to saw and talk with them. They somehow have touched a chord in my heart which will forever be strummed, played, or heard in my memories. In the short time I was able to know them, I'm sure I've found friends for life.
So to the Dedel Family... Dada, Te Rose, Ne, Chuck, and Josh (pati na si Kayu)... I love you guys... and I'm just a text, call, twit, or jeepney ride away (pwede din homing pigeon or smoke signal)
GOD BLESS YOU ON THIS NEW AND EXCITING JOURNEY IN YOUR LIFE!!!
