We may recall the words of the Old Testament poet found in the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 3:1 To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven. This scripture passage has had a deeper meaning to me recently as I recalled the many blessings I received, and challenges surmounted.
I was hired as a teacher in 2007 and got married in 2008. My husband and I were blessed with 3 kids and lived on the beautiful island of Bohol. In 2016, my husband was offered a job at another place. After many prayers and supplications, we finally decided to accept it. For the meantime, I was left in our place with my 3 kids, while pregnant with our 4th child. Life was hard since then. I was trying to balance my work and calling as a mother.
The following year, I decided to take a leave of absence for many months in addition to my 2-month maternity leave. In May 2017, we left Bohol and relocated our family to Bacolod city where my husband had worked. Moving to a new place is quite challenging and emotionally draining. In just few months after our arrival, my son has diagnosed with HSP or Henoch-Schonlein purpura (also known as IgA vasculitis). According to mayoclinic, it is a disorder that causes the small blood vessels in your skin, joints, intestines, and kidneys to become inflamed and bleed. He was hospitalized for 9 days and was placed in an ICU. While my son was still in the hospital, I was also about to give birth to my daughter. We had quite a tough time, especially we don’t have relatives living in the area. But angels came in a form of newfound friends and churchmates. Then, relatives traveled all the way from Bohol to support us.
The following month, my 2nd daughter was admitted to the hospital for gastroenteritis. Then, my oldest son again had chickenpox which infected my 3rd daughter and my newborn baby. I started to murmur why bad things happened to us, then I remembered that what we experienced was just for a small moment and for our own good.
Despite the enormous challenges that were upon us and seemingly unanswered prayers, we never lost faith and confidence in God that we would surpass them. We always believed that everything happened for a reason and there is a purpose and proper timing in everything. The passage “to everything there is a season” strengthened us in our trying times. We never ceased praying. We kept on supplicating to God for my application to transfer, so I can help my husband support our family. It never happened. Then, I started to doubt again, but, I chose to believe that one day God will answer my prayer.
In April 2018, my husband received a new assignment in Bataan. It was heartbreaking news for us. I was forced to return to duty at my station in Bohol while he was preparing to transfer to Bataan. We parted ways again. I was with my 4 kids and went back to work in our original place. I began thinking that maybe we made a wrong decision, but I chose not to forget the tender mercies we received and that we made the right decision.
In May 2018, I tried my luck and submitted my application to the Division of Balanga City. With it, was the hope that I would be accepted so that my family would be together again. In just less than 2 months of my application, I received a phone call informing me that I was hired and anytime soon I can start teaching at Bataan National High School. I leaped with excitement and thanksgiving. I know Heavenly Father is never too early nor too late in giving what my heart desired most. He is on time. He hears and answers my prayers.
I started working at BNHS on September 3, 2018. Our sacrifices have paid off. We are now living together and enjoying the little things in life. We are optimistic and grateful to the many wonderful people who have become part of our journey. To everything, there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.
By: Joselyn L. Gardoci|Teacher III|Bataan National High School|Balanga City, Bataan
