OneFlo Forever

The days, months, and years continue to move faster than we want them to. But no matter how much time passes by, I will never forget the joy and friendships I have made from the Couples for Christ organization I was heavily active in for years. What has compelled me to decide to publish this WordPress a year later is knowing that even in the most challenging and painful times, this love and this community will forever be my crutch to lean on, and for that I am incredibly grateful.

Whether we pulled all nighters together, said hi passing by, screened one another for talks, ate a meal together, left an air mattress on top of the car, shared my water jug, or whatever crazy but fun thing we did together — If you’re reading this today, know of my prayers and that I have never forgotten the wonderful times and impact you had on my life.

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September 19, 2021

Lately I’ve just been reminiscing on my days as CFC-Y area head. The three years of service, friendship, prayer, challenges, and joy will always hold near and dear to me. So much has happened since I stepped down on the role along with Cris Buenvenida, and in the littlest ways, I’m reminded of the gratitude I will always hold for the ministry. From brief or long encounters with friends and families I’ve met through Couples for Christ, heart to hearts with other people, seeing my mission trip friends, I am constantly reminded of the joy from above that truly makes my heart whole. As I miss the days of “normal” meet ups, retreats, conferences, and meetings, I write this to express what my heart has been feeling for some time now.

P.S. – Father Alex Carandang, Alliana Necio, The Merino Family, my 1 Flo Core boomer chat, and to all the families and friends I’ve made and met throughout the years that shined light into my life, this was inspired by you.

I wish I could go back

To the days we planned and prepped

For the events we had and the traveling we did

The memories are in my heart where they are kept

I wish I could go back

To give those hugs, laughs, high fives

Living far from friends always stung my heart

The community is great, and changed many lives

I wish I could go back

And re-watch all talks and worships

The time we had for Sisterhood and Brotherhood  

No doubt it’s why I would always make the trips

And be reminded that as God loves, we also should

I wish I could back

To that Discovery Camp in 2019

Where the hurricane almost stopped us

The storms are always a Florida routine

But nothing could stop us to prep

We prayed and persevered in between

The times we met and screened

The outcome of the event was a beautiful scene

I remember Yna’s stolen bed and my room being a public bathroom

Awake for 24/7 planning and meetings on Zoom

Leg Wrestling, Windex, and Boodle flights

Here we go with workshops and talks for our life to have light

I wish I could go back

To that one summer in Cali

3 months flew by since I last saw OneFlo

My heart burst as I jumped into arms

True love and friendship wrung in me like an alarm

It felt like home to be back with the crew

I was so excited and I think they all knew

I wish I could go back

And pull that all nighter for Surrender

Prepping my talk and asking for the right words

That when I go up it is only God I remember

I hope we learned Into-me-you-see

Look at those hearts on fire they’re free

And flying high to worship and give praise

To the Lord who never fails us and in our heart He stays

I wish I could go back

And laugh, cry, and pray

With the community who teaches me

How to love in so many ways

Writing letters, quiet time, and pineapple shorts

Conference season, Camps, RYC comps and sports

I wish I could go back

And see the silly but joyful times

Yacht club, Croc Gang, Miggy doing splits

Twin peaks, SoFlo, Central with romper fits

I wish I could go back

And say one last thing

Thank you to all the parents who loved me like their own

I experienced another love so unknown

Thank you to all the leaders who held me accountable

Who made me better and taught me area head wasn’t just a label

Thank you to the youth who carried me and kept me going

Everyday I pray for all of you and pray we remember some things

Remember that Behold He makes all things new, just looking at you

To let our hearts rest and only with the Lord

Heaven is our goal and we gotta keep marching forward

That we are loved beyond measures and have purpose

To show His light and forever be apart of mission service