I once read that; the top of one mountain is always the bottom of another. I've always thought I understood what it meant, but now I realize I haven't.

For now, I'm literally seeing it happen before my eyes. How many more mountains must I pass over before I arrive? After nine hours on a bus, I shifted in my seat uncomfortably, releasing a breath as the bus took each and every turn, traversing the zigzag and uphill road that leads to our destination.

I took in a breath as I gazed outside the bus' window, now fascinated as I watched rays from the sun peek through the mountains' summit, its light a coating glory to their vibrant green.

Once more I felt incitement bubble from my core, a growing desire to finally arrive gripping my being.

Seven years. I have been waiting for this for seven long years. After I've finished Bible School a year ago, I just couldn't wait to finally be sent out - to be with my father in the mission field.

Ever since the Lord had revealed to me His call, the desire had never left my heart, and today that I'm finally able to begin fulfilling this calling, somehow the bliss is indescribable.

I don't really know what awaits me there, or what the conditions there are, but I trust the Lord is in control. Surely He will be with me no matter what may come.

A vibration from inside my bag intensified, tearing me from my thoughts. I pulled the phone out in haste, the word 'Mamma' appearing on its screen.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Anak*?"

"Yes, Ma? What is it?"

"Ah, I just wanted to check on you," She began, "Have you reached Tabuk already?"

I shifted my gaze towards the window once more, "Not yet, Ma, I think I'm still about an hour away from there,"

"Oh, really? That's strange you should've arrived by this time already," She remarked, "Anyway, do call me when you arrive, okay?"

"Yes, Ma," I replied in assent, "Bye,"

With this, I slid the phone back to my bag and reclined on the chair, shutting my eyes as I sought to calm my excited nerves.

Lord, my life is Yours. Use me as you please...

After about forty minutes, the sound of honking vehicles and busy chatter filled my ears, waking me from my sleep. Immediately I sat up straight, my gaze probing the environment. The bus had now come to a full stop, and the other passengers have begun to leave.

We've reached Tabuk - the Capital city of Kalinga.

My heart jumped in excitement at the realization, and I stood to my feet, gathering my belongings with me as I prepared to walk.

Immediately, a gush of warm air overwhelmed my form, the sun's rays touching my skin as I got down the bus. I scattered my gaze at the people filled establishments, watching as tricycles and other vehicles freely roamed the streets.

"Anak!" I jolted upright, immediately recognizing as the voice came in contact with my ears. I searched the crowd, and upon doing so I identified my Father's features among them, a smile on his face as he waved towards me.

"Daddy!" I made my way to his direction, swinging my arms around his neck as soon as I've approached. "I missed you," I mumbled, a smile upon my face.

"I missed you too, Anak," He replied. I pulled away and studied him with my glance. The joy somehow abated as I saw the crutches that held him up.

"How're your legs now, Daddy?" I asked, sinking to my knees as I observed his bandage wrapped leg. It had been a month since he'd broken it, and I couldn't help but worry if there's an improvement at all.

"The Lord has healed me, Anak," He replied, his tone now reassuring as I stood once more. "I've recovered greatly. I'm doing much better now compared to when it had just happened."

I felt relief surge my heart at his word, and instinctively my lips curved to a smile.

How I admire him, I've always been amazed by the commitment He had to do what God had called him to do. At times I find myself asking if I will ever be able to do the same. He'd lived his life away from us, his family, a life void of privileges a normal person would have, and yet... his zeal for God never seemed to diminish.

"Amen, thank God for that, Daddy," was all I can say, his declaration of faith enough to satisfy my worrying heart.

"Alright, let's get going, Anak," He beckoned, positioning his crutches to his arms as we began to walk. "Brother Carlos will be driving us, he is also the one who drove me here,"

"Oh, that's really kind of him, Daddy!" I remarked, "I can't wait to meet him,"

"Hello!" A tall man with shining olive skin called out, his arms stretching towards my direction as we approached, "You must be Sherah!"

"This is Brother Carlos, Sherah." My father introduced, "He's the overseer for the Father's ministry in the church." I nodded in percipience at the information.

"Hello, it's nice to meet you!" I replied, taking his outstretched hands. The middle-aged man smiled once more and beckoned us to get in the vehicle. I shifted my gaze to the maroon Pick Up before us, its wheels and fenders all muddied up from assumingly the rough terrain it had always traversed.

With a nod, I walked to the side of the car, helping my father inside before I went in. I turned my gaze towards the window as the car began to move, the wind now blowing aggressively against my skin. I couldn't suppress the gladness that brewed in my heart, watching in fascination as trees replaced the people-filled streets. Before I knew it, we were already crossing over the great bridge, the bridge that stretched over the mighty chico river.

"How are you feeling so far, Anak?" I heard my father ask.

"I'm honestly so excited, Daddy," I gazed towards him, "But also really nervous. This is the first time I'm sent out officially."

A chuckle mingled with his speech, "I understand what you feel, child," A smile adorned his face, "I felt the same when I first came, I didn't know what to expect. But rest assured," he placed his arm upon my shoulder, "The Lord will be with you. God always equips those that he sends."

For a moment I could only look at him, a smile upon my face as I pondered his words. True, I may have been taught of all theology back in Bible School, but, it's always different when one who has experienced it speaks, the authority in their words is tremendous, and all I could do was nod in assent as I listened to his words.

Seconds turned into minutes, and minutes into hours. The journey to Tinglayan had begun to wear me out. We've branched away from the main road hours ago, and our once smooth sailing ride had become a bumpy one, the rough and rocky road taking its toll. Dust and sand flew in the air as the car's wheels came in contact with it, making the air hard to take in.

I felt beads of sweat slide down my forehead, the intense heat intensifying even more as the day progressed. Had I worn my usual Baguio City clothes, I would've had the ability to fry eggs inside my clothes right now. Thankfully, Mamma had advised me to bring my lightest ones - and all the more I felt grateful for her wisdom as I felt the intense heat.

After a few more turns, the car finally came to a stop, parking the pick-up truck in a clearing with about three houses scattered around the corners. I opened the door immediately, helping my father down as he got out of the vehicle.

"Just a few meters walk now and we'll reach the church." He informed, and a sigh of relief escaped my lungs. At least we won't have to walk any further. My body ached and longed for the comfort of a bed. I lifted my bags and followed behind them as they trekked on a narrow path. I lifted my gaze, wiping my face of the sweat that smothered it. Pine trees towered majestically over each other, their presence like a wall from both sides of the trail.

Gradually, the number of houses that lined the path increased as we walked on, and as we reached a wide clearing, the cross atop a wooden building occupied my vision, bright light shining from its windows against the dark environment.

We've arrived. Faint voices grew louder as we drew near, and as I stepped in the church the view of people, both young and old met my gaze. I couldn't suppress my lips as it curved to a smile, overjoyed as I saw the people's gladness.

"Hello, Pastora*!" A woman greeted, her long dark hair swaying as she approached.

"They've prepared a small celebration for your arrival, Sherah," My father whispered from my side.

"Hello!" I greeted back, taking her outstretched hand. "Wow, I didn't expect this kind of welcome!"

"Of course, Pastora," The lady spoke with a smile, "We're very happy to have another minister with us. You know very few ministers actually come here to our place because of how far and deep in the woods it is. So it means a lot to us that you've chosen to come here,"

"Oh, It's an honor," I replied, "I'm happy to have come. I'd rather be here than anywhere else."
With this a wide smile adorned the woman's face, her eyes gleaming with gratefulness. "Thank you, Pastora. By the way, my name is Leonora. You can call me Nora,"

"It's nice to meet you, Nora," I gripped her hand tighter as I spoke, "My name is-"

"Sherah," She spoke up, "Sherah Baguilat. You're the daughter of our very own Pastor Robert,"

I nodded in confirmation, "Yes, yes I am."

"Oh, by the way," She pulled away and motioned towards a door towards the side of the church, "If you want to freshen up, the Pastoral House is right through that door,"

"Ah I see," I gazed towards the wooden door, "Alright! I'll go change and I'll be back shortly." I flashed father a glance and went towards the Pastoral house.

As soon as I shut the door behind me, a sigh of exhaustion escaped my lips. I made my way to the wooden chair, placing my bags on the floor beside it as I searched for my phone. I need to tell Mamma I've arrived.

Her phone ringed for a few seconds, and soon my mother's voice was heard through the phone.

"Hello? Sherah, how's it going?"

"Hello, Mamma," I breathed, "It's all going well so far. I've reached Tinglayan safely," I informed, sitting on one of the chairs as I spoke.

"Oh, that's great, Anak!" The sound of gladness echoed in her voice, and I couldn't help but smile along with it. "So how's the first day in there so far?"

"Oh, Mamma, the people here are so welcoming. I didn't even expect what I've just seen. The people here prepared a little celebration for my arrival! Can you believe that?" I recanted excitedly.

"Really, Anak? Oh wow, that's wonderful! Well, I know you still have much to do there. I'll leave you to be acquainted with the people. Call me later tonight, okay?"

"Yes, Mamma, I will," I took in a breath, unsure if I was to hang up already. "Ma?"

"Yes, Child?"

"Love you," I heard a slight chuckle from the other line.

"I love you, Anak, stay safe!"

With this I pulled the phone away from my ears, standing to my feet as I searched for another blouse to use. After scrambling inside my bag, I've decided to wear a flowy white blouse tucked in a dark high waist jean. Slipping on the boots I previously wore, I excited for the door.

"No!!!"

I was held to a halt, my eyes widening in confusion as I heard sudden screams from the other side of the room. What is going on?

Once more I took a step, but even before I could reach for the door a sound foreign to me filled my ears, making me jolt away. I lifted my gaze in confusion,

Was that... a gunshot?

----

(*)Anak - The Filipino term for My Child
(*)Pastora - A term used by Filipinos to address female pastors, preachers, missionaries.

Media: Sherah