Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee wherever thou goest.
Joshua 1:9

My gaze cruised the unlit houses where the van I rode in passed by; my breath mixed with deep sighs as I peered through the glass window. All I could do was pray God would make the situations less intense. Oh Lord, what are you trying to say to me right now? What am I supposed to do? The whispered prayers in my head remained unanswered, continually keeping me from receiving the peace I needed badly.

My thoughts altered as I felt the vibration from my phone intensify. It’s uncle Nestor.

“Yes, hello?”

“Aginaya… I just received your message. It’s good you finally thought of coming home! Why didn’t you inform us earlier? Ina would be so surprised to see you!” I heard my uncle’s cheerful voice speak in our tongue, calling me by my native name.

“Well uh… it’s been three years since I last came home, after all. I missed you guys so much. Besides, it’s the university’s sports fest next week so I won’t be missing anything at school.” I assured.

“Oh alright, that’s great then. Just text me as soon as you reach the stop in Lagawe, okay? How much luggage are you carrying?”

“Oh… just a few clothes actually. I’m only carrying one bag so don’t worry about me, uncle.”

“Alright… I’ll see you later then.”

“Yup, I’ll arrive at Lagawe at around six am, so I’ll probably be there by eight o’clock.”

“Okay, Take care Aggin…”

I slowly pulled the phone away from my ear as I heard my uncle’s last word. Well, I suppose I should get myself some sleep now. I would hate to show myself to Grandma Inwaya looking like a complete panda after not being able to see her in three years.

After whispering a short prayer I slowly leaned my head to the window as I felt myself surrender to sleep.

---

I began to gather my consciousness back as the voice of the dispatcher announced our arrival at Lagawe. Three of the passengers started to gather their belongings as the van slid open making way for the passengers who were going out of the vehicle.

As I opened my phone to check the time the view of twelve missed calls on my screen met my gaze; all from Melchour. Pain automatically surged back to my heart as I began to recall the previous events that had happened. I suppose he’s worried sick, but last night’s events gave me no choice. The urge I felt to get away as soon as possible was so intense that I had no time to consider what others might have felt. A bad defense mechanism I had, I admit.

I drew a deep breath as I tried my very best to shake the memories off my mind. I’m already in Ifugao, for goodness sake! I should turn my attention to more interesting things. Like meeting my grandmother’s sister again- how I missed her. The thought of being able to be with my cousins again after three long years gave me a feeling of incitement.

After a few more hours in the van, the view of the terraces continued to be revealed as we came closer to Banawe. Excitement filled my heart as I watched the high towering mountains and hills that laid at the horizon, blue skies perfectly complimenting the bright and deep green glasses that decked the land. The feeling of being home again brought many memories back to my mind, the cool morning breeze that gently swept the strands of my hair reminded me of how the fresh air once filled my lungs as we played in the meadows with my cousins years ago.

Wow… It feels so good to be finally home again.

---

“Oh!” I heard Grandma In-wa’s gasp as soon as she laid her eyes on me, “Oh! I-it’s my Ag-gin!” She exclaimed in our tongue. I immediately made my way to her as she engulfed me in her embrace.

“Yes, it’s me Apu. How have you guys been?” I replied in Tuwali; my tongue instantly adjusting to the sound and intonation of our native tongue. 

“Ah well… life’s been going as it has always went, child. I’m just glad you’ve finally decided to come home! After three long years, I was beginning to wonder if you completely forgot about us here.” Her statement broke my heart.

If only, if only I had the opportunity to come home, if only I had the permission of Aunt Riza, I would’ve run back here the minute I had the chance.

“There was never a day that went by that I hadn’t thought about you, Apu. By the way, where’s Julia and the others?” I asked as I searched for a sign for where my cousins were.

“They all went ahead to church; Aggin… said they’ll be leading the congregational singing today.” I heard uncle Nestor state as he made his way to our direction.

“Uncle!” I exclaimed as I met him with an embrace.

“Welcome home, Aginaya…”

“Wait---congregational singing, you mean like worship?” I began to ask as the curiosity I felt increased.

“Yes, worship.”

“You mean… you guys are-” confusion surged my mind as I pondered on my uncle’s words.

“Well… it all began three years ago when a group of Pastors led by Pastor Fernando came and conducted a crusade here.” My Grandma began to explain.

“After that night your cousins, who seem to have really been blessed with what happened, decided to attend the church that those pastors started.”

I was shocked by the news. The last time I was here my family had been unbelievers; pagans to be exact. The news they disclosed certainly surprised me. I felt my heart bubble with gratitude as I realized how God mightily moved not only in my life but in the life of my family as well.

“Wait, though, grandmother… Pastor Fernando? What is his surname?”

“Ah, his complete name is Fernando Aluyen.” My grandmother replied with a smile. To which I felt my eyes widen.

“Seriously!?”

“Yes, why?” I saw my uncle’s brow furrow as he focused his eyes towards me.

“That is the senior pastor of the church I’m attending right now! He’s our senior pastor!” Shock was painted on both my uncle and grandmother’s face as they heard my words.

“Really Aggin? Wait—you attend church now?” I nodded enthusiastically in response. I saw a tear roll down my grandmother’s eyes as she looked at me.

“What’s the wrong Grandma?” I asked as I knelt beside her.

“I-it seems that… God had already answered my prayers.” I heard her reply in sobs.

“What do you mean, Grandma?”

“For the past two years, child… you had always been in my prayers. I knew nothing of how you were doing but you always had a place in my heart. Every night I pleaded with God for your soul and, and… now that I heard you say that, I…” Her words were interrupted by another set of tears.

My heart was moved as she spoke… all this time, I never knew she had been praying for me like this. My lips curved to a smile, fascination washing over me at the beautiful revelation.

Oh Lord...

Oh Jesus You are good!

Ina- Tuwali term for Mother
Apu- Tuwali term for Grandmother
Lagawe- One of the municipalities of Ifugao.