I and my wife, Jenny, finally attended the BCMR #3, after about 4 previous invitations.
We finally heeded to God’s call. Truly God is amazing and understanding. On the first BCMR, we didn’t go because Chloe, our daughter, who was very young at that time had nobody to look after her; when we decided to go to the second invitation (that was in Baguio and the participants are allowed to bring their children), we went to Baguio one week before that but Chloe had travel sickness thus we opted not to attend. The third invitation came when the CAMANAVA Chapter sponsored the BCMR in Tagaytay, we were kind of reluctant to attend because we don’t know anybody there (both from the participants and the service team) and the place won’t allow children, since Chloe was still three years old that time we don’t have anybody to attend to her needs.
The fourth invitation came last April 2008. Though we didn’t discuss yet to join the BCMR, God prepared everything for us. Two weeks prior to the scheduled BCMR, the company where we work had our annual company outing for two nights stay in Ilocos Sur and Norte. We joined the trip, left Chloe with her nanny and ask my in-laws to watch over. Miraculously, Chloe never cried at night looking for us (since she was a child, our daughter would always look for us when night time comes). That was the sign God gave us that we could join now and attend the BCMR. He assured us that everything will be in place and alright if we have faith in Him.
Friday came; we were at Bro John’s car together with other two-couple participants. That gave us the chance a little bit to chit chat with them. When we arrived, though the service teams were busy preparing, they were warm and happy to welcome us. After registration, all participants were asked to rest in their respective rooms.
After a good rest and heavy snacks, we were called to assemble in the session hall and everybody was in high spirits, very eager to start. Bro Rey, being the course director, was very good in what he does. He made us comfortable, “break the ice” especially to me, Jenny, and the other two couples from Olongapo Chapter. Majority of the couples were new graduates of CLP #6. Somehow, they have this bonding already making them comfortable with each other’s presence.
Ann Raquel’s Resort was nice and cozy, a place where you could relax and enjoy the ambiance. They have this big swimming pool though we never have the chance to swim. The room is comfy, but the sheets were so thin that it can hardly protect you from the coldness of the air conditioning unit. But who need blankets anyway if you have the warmth of your partner? Ha ha ha! The food was great; I think I gained more pounds during that weekend. The only regret I had was there was not enough time to enjoy the place, because most of our time was spent in the session hall. We would start at 8am and end at almost midnight.
During the entire BCMR my experience was great. It was totally new and refreshing. I and my wife got a chance to get to know more and understand each other well that makes our relationship grow more. From the many sharing from both the speakers and the participants as well, there were eye openers, new learning and realization.
The topics were very informative, from the serious talks of Bro Noel and Bro Cito to the more comical dialogue of Bro Rey in the “Sex and Marriage”. Who would ever forget the character of Bro Obet, a.k.a. Batman and other different cat calls of our elders in the community?
What I loved most was during the last night of our stay, the reading of love letters to their respective spouses. Our activity was writing a love letter to our spouses and another for our sins which we would burn to symbolize our freedom from the bondage of sin. These were emotional scenes; many were touched of other’s letters honoring their spouses, some were even crying. I, for one, was teary-eyed when it was my turn to read. But, in every serious occasion there would always an incident of bloopers. Bro Chito, hubby of Sis Sonia, after the constant reminders accidentally interchanged the two notes that we made. To our surprise, he burned his letter to his wife. That was hilarious, everybody was laughing. Of course, that was an honest mistake. Thus, he made an impromptu speech to his beloved wife. The atmosphere was very romantic. Everybody would agree with me that everybody was in love that night. I would say that every hurts, misunderstanding and shortcomings were forgiven and forgotten at that moment. The night ended with playing of sweet music, Bros Rey, Cito and Noel even performed live. Everybody was happy as we went to our respective rooms.
The renewal of vows on the last day of the BCMR was truly remarkable; after what had transpired from the first day to the last day, what a great ending to renew our marriage vows in front of our dear Lord and everyone present as witness as we profess our love to our spouses. It brings back memories the day when we made our pact with our partners.
To sum it up, I never really expected this event the way I imagined before I went there. It was indeed a memorable happening, an encounter of a lifetime! I salute the BCMR Service Team for the job well done, for making this experience an unforgettable one. Thank you all!
Really, God is good all the time, all the time God is good!
Signed,
Bro Bong Lachica
