An Open Letter to the Crew

To the best dgroup/Crew/set of girls in the entire world,

Belated happy anniversary to us! :D YEHEY!

OYEAAAAAH!

I still can't believe we've reached 3 years together. It feels just like yesterday that I first met some of you. Super nene days, if you know what I mean.

When I first became a discipler, it wasn't a bed of roses. I thought I would always have a full set of girls attending my dgroup. But there were times when I found myself face to face with just one disciple, wondering what unknown force ate the other girls.

During ONE Summer Camp, I gained more girls with different interesting (and very odd) personalities. One disciple was non-existent, kept vanishing from our sights. Another disciple bought UNO cards and her badminton racket, disappointed when no one wanted to play UNO.

And of course, let's not forget that fateful game of human amoeba. Also, 1,2,3, HOPIA! 1,2,3 MANI! 1,2,3 BALOOOOT!

So nene days

Afterwards, I gained more disciples, went to more camps and basically build relationships with a bunch of interesting bebe girls.

We've shared many memories with each other for the past 3 years. Apart from the drama and tears, we've had our fights and our laughs; surprise birthday parties na nakaka-init ng ulo (ha-ha!Sorry talaga), dalaga na us moments during debuts, late night iyakan sesh and super korni moments.

Example:

Me: ...masarap yung BREAD
Random disciple 1: Bread? Di pa yun yung asawa ni Angelina Jolie?Si BREAD Pitt?
Random disciple 2: Hindi! Yun yung tawagan ng mga fratman. Uy BREADer, kamusta na?!
Random disciple 3: Di ba parang tanong sa aso yun? Ano yung BREAD ng aso mo?
Me: . . . . .

Hmmkaay.

Anyways...

I thank God for giving me this undeserved privilege of serving you girls. Becoming a dgroup leader encouraged me to take life with Christ up a notch, to live beyond reproach and to make sure I minister His Word to you. Admittedly, there were times that I wanted to give up, especially when I think I'm no good for some of you. But during such times, I remind myself that I serve you because I serve God and His calling to disciple.

I'll be very honest in this part: handling you guys is a bittersweet experience. Di ko na matimbang kung gaano kabigat yung galon galon ng luha na naiyak ko dahil sa inyo. Don't worry, most of them were happy tears but some were just sad.

Indeed, investing emotions and time in relationships can suck the life out of you but it can also infuse lessons. So far, I'm loving what God is teaching me through you guys.

I wasn't able to tell you my favorite experience with each one of you. I'll dedicate this part now. Here it goes:

Maloi - kung merong Captain America: the First Avenger, merong Maloi: the First Disciple. I'll never forget the first time we met, how you immediately gave me your trust. When you texted me, telling me how thankful you are and how excited you are to share your walk with Christ with me, I was near tears. And now, you're leading, an example to your girls. So proud of you, nak. So proud.
Dana - my constant Won by One disciple; I will never forget that time you told me about your struggle. Pareho pa tayo! It was that time that God confirmed that I made the right decision of telling you guys, that I was not alone in the battle against pornography. Ever since, I've enjoyed watching you grow. Now, grabe ka na bumanat, mas kumorni ka pa. Hahaha! :D Labyu.
Pat Lerman - "Ate Ash, uhm kasi...uhm...ate...kasi ganito yon. Ah... Ate Ash huhu...ATE ASH!" Cue in a storm plus confession, you have ultimate Pat de Leon-Lerman moment. I've got tons of fave moments with you. Isa na din yung nag overnight ka. Haha :D You may be moody, but I love you for it.
Jaymee - our first one on one; that time you shared about your struggle with love life and I was like: Oh no, this girl's ALL ABOUT LOVE LIFE. Haha! You transferring to my group has been a blessing. Marami ka na ring pinausong tag lines. Like IPISSSSSS! 
Janelle - every time you hug me is my favorite moment. It's no secret you're so cuddly and cute. One look at you is enough to wipe my stress away. Thank you for being so clingy, baby! :D
Shia - that first time you actually opened up to me and I knew how to respond right; there's still so much to improve on our accountability and you know that :) you were so hostile and I didn't know how to handle you.I'm still learning but I appreciate you trying. :))
Ana - every time you make effort to see me wherever I am, LB or Makati, means so much to me. It may seem ordinary to you but to me, I appreciate the effort. Sorry kung di mo napanood yung That Thing Called Tadhana. Maybe it wasn't tadhana at all, Cute. :D
Patrice - there's just something about you and UNO cards. Haha! You were so young the first time we met. Cute mo sobra! "Ate Ashley, can I play badminton now?" kahit na mag-isa ka lang maglalaro! Haha! You're so dalaga na :(((
Andrea - when you tried to tell stories when you were so new. You were such a baby! You've outgrown your childish stutter already. Remember those times you would always tell us about your crush? Which crush? Dunno. Super dami eh!
Ritch - this is super recent: that time I was telling you about your napulot lang status and how amazing God has worked through you. When you react, it's so cute. All them braces and Ritch-like smile. I'm really glad na napulot kita. It's made such a big difference and you've been such a good example of bringing others to Christ no matter what it takes.
Hazel - you're relatively new to the Crew but I already have one. Clue: #ihavealife. Haha! I'm excited to create more memories with you, Hazel Grace. Hihi :D You're more than who you think you are, especially in the eyes of God
Monique - I just realized that we've never had a solid one on one yet :( ARGH. Soon! I love it whenever we talk about you, pati yung pagbilang natin ng pimples mo. Haha! Of course, who can ever forget that time #MONINAIAH was born. I take credit, haha!
Moji - yung umiyak ka sa prayer room. HAHAHAHA! Joke. But I think that's it. Or maybe that time you wore a dress for Maloi's birthday. That time we talked about artistic nerd stuff? I miss you! Please come back soon!

There are still disciples I have not yet seen for a loooong time. I'll share my fave moment with you, once we see each other again! :D

As we approach another year, I just want you to remember little things:

1) God should always be the number 1 priority in your life. Not me, not love life, not money- God. Remember, we're depraved sinners who don't even deserve a second chance but He chose to save those who surrender to Him, only by His grace.

He deserves all that you've got.

2) Live humbly, considering other's greater than you. God does not want us to carry pride in our hearts. Be the first to give, the first one to say sorry. We are servants, slaves of Christ.

3) Accountability is important. You can't grow well if you're not accountable with fellow Christians. I'm always here for you, but you can also approach your dgroupmates if you're kinda hesitant. I'm bound to know anyway...HAHAHAHA. Joke.

4) I may be your discipler now but we don't know what will happen next. Just keep your eyes on Jesus. I always aim for your spiritual growth. Let's all be prepared for whatever God has planned for us, all right? I'll still be here while I still can.

5) Being WEIRD is okay. When we say weird, we mean weird because we do not conform--we TRANSFORM. How? By God's grace. We try our best not to blend in with the world. We strive to be different for His greater glory.

And lastly.

6) Labyu mga beh.

Happy 3rd Anniv to this Crew. Am so blessed to see how God has worked in our once-little group.

Cheers!!

#BESTCREWEVER