Finally, after weeks of discerning as to whether I will join this upcoming contest or not, I finally decided that I will...at 2:00 in the morning.

It was a typical weekday. I just arrived from the preschool, and as part of my routine, I would check my email and then read through the messages. But something was different during that day. I got an email from The National Youth Commission, informing me about the World Bank International Essay Writing Competition. My eyes brightened up. I read through the email not just once, but more than three times. I knew in my heart that among the many writing competitions that I have read about , it was only this that really caught my attention. Why? Well for many reasons.

First, it targeted the youth. Participants were asked to write about their experience with community work and solving community problems. While reading, I felt the same feeling I had a year ago, when I passed through one of the offices in UP and chanced upon a poster from the National Youth Comission.

It was a call to youth organizations to participate in the Ten Most Outstanding Youth Organization in the Philippines. I didnt think twice about it. I got a form for our organization, (UP Family Life and Child Development Circle), who was then working on our Touch A life Program in a poverty-stricken community in Marikina. I filled out so fast and hurried back to our tambayan. I was so excited to the point that I wanted to even get the poster, so the whole organization can actually pray for it. The rest is history. We were able to be part of the screening finalists then down to the top 20. Although, we werent able to make it to the top 10, still what mattered most to us was the experience we had in that community empowerment project.
Going back, when I read through the email, I knew that it was the same feeling Ive had when I first saw the poster. Not that I rely heavily on insticts or vibes, it's just that I was too overjoyed not with the prize money but with the thought of actually sharing such a wonderful experience to others. I then printed out the form, and then placed the requirements on my desk. I became so busy with work that I totally forgot that I have an essay to submit. Two weeks passed by, then a week to go before April 2. (It was the said deadline for the essay)

Three days prior to April 2, I went through the requirements. I prayed hard to God about it. I said, "Lord, I cannot seem to find any inspiration now, but I know in my heart that I really want to join this contest. Help me that I will join this for the right reasons. Help me not to feel any pressure at all. Help me to do this because I love to write and because I love my organization. This is for you, Lord." After that, I began writing a draft of my essay. Then I arranged a phone interview with my professor (who is the best in the field of community work and family life) and she was very much willing to help me inspite of her busy schedule. But the struggle did not end there.

I was quite distracted with so many things this week. Friends coming over to our new house, Gimiks with Family and Relatives and ofcourse, the comfort that this new home brings to me is just so overwhelming. I could just stay in the house all day, fix my things, help in arranging the furnitures and never get tired doing it. This home has become such a blessing to us and to other people as well who have sought refuge and relaxation here. (at times, i even think that others have made this as their own hideaway heheh) Again, I was enjoying this too much that I again, left my essay pending.
It was only Saturday evening, when I decided that I should pursue this. There is no harm in actually trying, but what really motivated me was the experience of leading an organization and a community for a year. It has really made me a better person. For someone like me who has always seen herself as a follower, the turning point was when I took upon the role of leading an organization on my last year in college. I never knew what was God's plan back then why he allowed me to lead 15 or more members. Right now, I knew his very purpose. It was for me to realize what servant leadership was all about.:)

From 2:00 am to 7:00 am, I was in front of the computer. Writing my essay. At 7:30 am, I clicked the " Submit essay" button in the world bank's website. Then I smiled. And gave a sigh of relief, "Praise God!".

For those who want to read my essay, Just message me here. I would love to share to you my experience.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for me. Please continue to pray..

The results will be released by May 1. whether I win or not, It wouldnt matter because as what my friend has told me, "You already won in life by giving a part of your heart to others..."
To God be the Glory!

Tanya Wrote On The Sand At 9:47 PM
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