After the ministering, Pastor Smith wiped her tears and got our attention. "Announcement! Christmas vacation is coming near and you know what that means! I am happy to announce that we will be having our Encounter on December 22-23!" she said with a bright smile.

The room was filled with screams and applause at the announcement. While some of us got confused. Why were they happy? What is "Encounter"?

"The Encounter is a 2-day seminar in which we are going to dig deeper in our relationship with the Lord and once you finish it, you will never be the same again." she continued. "Yes!" shouted most of the people inside.

"By the way, the fee is 200 pesos. You can pay on the day of the Encounter. God bless you!" she concluded.

After service, Pastor Smith approached us and initiated a group hug. "I am so happy that you came." she said with a smile. One by one, my classmates said their goodbyes to her and went outside the classroom.

When I got out, I was stopped by a guy. Judging from his features, he looks like a college student. "Can I talk to you just for a few minutes?" he asked. I nodded in response and gestured for Vince and Denver to wait for me.

"How old are you?" he began. Okay, to be honest that was a creepy question but I answered with a smile covering all awkwardness "Uhm. 15." His eyes widened. I know I look like I'm over 20 years old but come on!

"Wow! I heard your testimony awhile ago. You are so blessed! I had my first dream from the Lord when I was 18 years old. Oh, I almost forgot to introduce myself! I'm Benjamin Mason! And you are?" he asked with a cheerful smile.

"I'm Gray Mitchell. Nice to meet you!" I then held out my hand to show that I'm polite and he shook it. "Okay, okay. I'm going back now. Thanks for this small talk. God bless you,Gray!" he let go of my hand and went back to Pastor Smith. I returned to Vince and Denver and we walked back to our classroom to get our stuff and go home.

When we reached the school gates, we waved goodbye to each other and parted ways. Once I got home, I ate dinner, did my homework and went to sleep.

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I'm standing in front of a gate in white garments. The ground was replaced by clouds and the sky was bright. I was standing outside the gate beside a man who seems to be waiting for someone. 

I tried to look at where he was looking but I didn't see anything. A couple of seconds passed, a faded figure begin to show. He seems familiar. I narrowed my eyes to see more clearly. As he neared the spot where I was standing, he was becoming more recognizable. When I could see him clearly, my face was painted with surprise.

It was Denver.

He was carrying something. He was carrying a big cross that is damaged. He doesn't look tired, instead he looked determined to carry it. No sweat, no tears. He didn't show any signs of fatigue or anything. In fact, he was smiling.

When he approached us, he just smiled at the man beside me. I looked up to see what the reaction of the man would be. He smiled back at him and gestured for him to enter. Denver followed and proceeded to enter the gates still carrying the cross. He didn't even notice me.

The next person I saw was my classmate, Christy. She was carrying a lot of roses. All red and not even one was giving a hint of wilting. She walked cheerfully and when she reached us, she did as Denver did. She smiled at the man and went inside the gates.

"What's up with them? Where am I?" I asked the man. He gave no answer. He just pointed to his north where I faced to see Regina. Out of all of them, I was mostly confused with Regina's arrival.

She was not carrying a cross nor roses. She was carrying thorns. A lot of thorns. In fact, she was holding on to them tightly. I took a closer look because that looks so painful. I was worried that she'd get wounded but no, not a single wound nor hint of blood was revealed. She was smiling as she approached us. 

She entered the gate and the gates closed. I looked up to the man and he just smiled at me.

Then, I woke up.

It was another dream.

Another dream that needed an interpretation.

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Saturday and Sunday came and now it's Monday again. I got ready for school and ate breakfast. Dad told me to tag along with them for Matt and he will be riding the car to school. I usually take the jeepney because the two usually ride the motorcycle on their way to Matt's school. In rare occasions, my dad would drop us off our schools riding the car. Me and my brother have different schools so dad just drops him off using the motorcycle and just gives me my fare.

As I was sitting in the car, I was reminded of that recent dream. I remembered that I have to ask Pastor Smith for an interpretation again.

I didn't have any intention of telling Denver, Christy or Regina about my dream without a clear thought of what it means. I arrived at school and as usual, I was almost late. That tends to happen when I ride with dad and Matt but it doesn't matter. Besides, riding with them would mean that I wouldn't have to pay 7 pesos to go to school and Mrs. Cobblestone enters the classroom 5 minutes late.

When it was Math time, I proceeded to sit in front which is close to the teacher's table. The one who is originally seated here is absent for the day so I took the chance to sit in her chair. Mrs. Smith gave us some problems to answer in our notebook. "Your 30 minutes starts now." she said and all of our heads looked down on our notebooks.

I solved hurriedly because I can't wait for the interpretation. When I was done, I first made sure that she wasn't busy. When she stood up and looked at me, I knew that that was my cue.

"Mrs. Smith, I had another dream." I asked. She walked to me and told me to start the story. I told her all about my recent dream and she gave me a smile.

"Do you know what it means?" I asked her. I had my fingers crossed behind my back hoping for a yes. She thought for a couple of seconds and faced me again.

"Yes."

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I have bad news and good news. The bad news is I've been busy for this past few weeks and I haven't had the time to write succeeding chapters to the story. GOOD NEWS IS I STILL HAVE 2 DRAFTS RESERVED! Told you reserving drafts would help if ever these times come hahaha.

The progress of the book is overwhelming! I look at the demographics and I am amazed to see people from all around the world reading this book! And I am beyond amazed by the testimonies you send me either through my inbox or through the comments. Keep on sending 'em! I love reading about the amazing things God has done!

And by the way, this update is a day early because I will be competing in an oration contest tomorrow. It's my first time to ever compete in a division level contest and I am just so blessed to have God open this door of opportunity for me. He is just so amazing!

All the love guys! Keep supporting the book! Share to others to get them inspired as well!

God Bless you :)