Finally! I have visited Camp Forrest in Cebu, City! I fell in love in its beauty upon seeing the photos posted by former colleagues.
I was not invited and that’s okay, I’m no longer part of their team; although it felt a little uncomfortable and unfair like “I wanted to be invited even if I can’t go.” I guess it’s time to move on and do things on my own, until I’ll meet another team that’s open for my service and companionship as friends.
I’ll trust the process of healing, solitude and bravery to help me create a new me; an even better version of me that can move mountains, conquer obstacles, develop my ability to connect and be thankful and grateful. It always felt awkward and scary at first, but with prayers and positive thoughts, I arrived at @camp Forrest, safe and secure.
It’s hard to be with someone when you travel, but not so hard. There’s also a benefit of travelling in a team specially if they’re going to make you exist no matter how awkward and isolated you are; I’ll always think of them as family because it’s a team. But after that, it will always be broken; nothing stays permanent, I am always left behind. With no choice, I’ll end up doing things on my own.
Something recurring, a pattern that I want to break; or maybe these repetitive experiences were designed by God itself to see how I will respond everytime a challenge like this is going to happen again. Maybe this won’t change until I change my approach to life.
The last time I remember being a part of a family that I thought was fine, everyone’s working hard; I felt abundant, I played on my own; a free child yet full of fear, demanding everything I want with grumpiness so that I will get attention. I am entertaining my parents so that I will be forgiven. I am visiting my neighbors, uncle’s and aunts and stay until lunch so that I will be invited to eat with them.
Feeling uninvited brings back a lot of childhood feelings; not all relatives were good to me, some were just forced to. I got bullied by my male cousin and female cousins felt jealous of me, but not everyone does. They were just wondering why I’m visiting them; which I also did wonder. I just want to do something and not sit at home waiting for my father to be home.
Now that I’m grown up and able to work and earn my own funds; I can do the things others can. I’m doing it on my own, better than finding someone or joining a group that doesn’t want me around; it’s more peaceful everytime I step out and observe rather than being in it. Removing myself from a toxic environment takes courage. I was discouraged; I was gossiped; I was judged; and you will be, if you want change and follow the path that leads to change.
So buckle up and let them talk and wonder; move on, focus on your path and change your direction; instead of focusing on other’s discouragement. They don’t know you, NOW. They knew the old you: fearful, emotionally attached to parents, to toxic connections, etc. Now, you must travel the less travelled; adjust and embrace other’s culture; talk, ask and be polite.
If you want to visit a place, be specific; don’t just say Philippines, find the city, next the town, then your destination; after that, look for the guide and contact person; from there, you ask questions. You’ll also have to carry things that will help you fulfill your desired moments. Like for example:
“I carried all my stuffs that will help me have a good night sleep! It’s heavy right? It’s big and I had no idea how to get there; but with little help from the host, I found the place. I listened to my intuition, I kept on moving; I engaged with my driver and I was fine. He even picked me up the day after. I was so thankful and grateful. I learned a lot from that travel.”
- Carry the cross that will make your dreams come true.
- Nothing comes for free, embrace the sacrifice and reap the benefits .
Mabini isn’t that known to people, you will only hear Talamban, Pit-os; but not Mabini. Cebu city is indeed mysterious and so full of hidden gems. I have visited most of them and I will definitely be visiting them before visiting others. That place isn’t that far from me, just like Camotes, Island; I really thought I have to travel for 8 hours, ended up travelling for only 2-3 hours and it was already so worth it.
Just like that spring in Banyan in Catmon. It’s on the highway; very accessible.
Not to mention, Camp Adella. It offers the best view of Cebu City! You will feel like you are in the heart of Cebu, Philippines!
Climbing, Rocks! 