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Together at Sky Ranch

Big as Life

View from my hotel room

'Country' is as much about a way of life as a place. Slowing down, I woke up with this view that morning. I tend to wake up so early ready for church. One of our friends who is based here in Texas volunteered to drive us to The Potter's House Church  headed by Bishop T.D Jakes. I am so excited to worship to a place where I only get used to see in you tube channel and podcast, but today I am going to see them live! 

Steppin’ out in a not so high boots and light pink dress, I am inspired to start this week with worship. I guess I have to thank God first, as I sensed that this week awaits with full of surprises. 

Later that day, the whole IJM team is driving down to Sky Ranch to continue some of the fun-filled activities only for IJM staff. Nothing but full of excitement! Praise God that I still be able to squeeze time for church before a long drive going to Van, Texas. 

Sheraton Hotel, Dallas

Dinner Party at Sky Ranch

Texas Rudy's BBQ

     Best food in town

We arrived at Sky Ranch- around 3'in the afternoon. Mr. Gary Haugen the founder and CEO of the International Justice Mission welcomed us, and not only that, he helped all the girls in our team to carry our heavy luggage. 

 I might say that he's truly a servant by heart and honestly, he's a very kind person. I even gave him a high five for being so pleasant and thoughtful to all of us. Oh God he's an amazing follower of Christ! 


After we get into our assigned cabins, freshen up, little did we know that a huge dinner feast awaits for us in an open air field at Sky Ranch.

All of the best food in Texas were served, like the famous Rudy's BBQ, roasted butter corn, fish fillet in a sour cream dip and home made pickles and beans, fruits and  a lot more... Did I say a lot more? I must say that my state side appetite woke up at the highest level. This pork barbecue is really the  box office! There's just something about it because they say don't dare ask for a fork; the best BBQ is for fingers only.



No wonder that I got two spoons instead of a fork, but actually its really a finger licking taste!  After dinner, there was a band on site and then there were dancing all around, delightfully chatting with friends from other IJM offices. While those who are into sports went for some physical activities like freeze bee, and the very famous Rodeo bull machine. That was absolutely fun! 

My Morning Devotion in front of the lake

Enjoying my Quite Time

We have a pockets of bustling activity during the day, and there's a fiesta every night on the Lake side. 

 I remember it was very cold during this moment, I should have stayed inside our cabin to read properly but I shouldn't want to miss this early morning view while waiting for sunrise. Here's one of the sweetest prayer moments I had during my stay in Van. Nothing more to ask because all that I've uttered at that moment were only words praises and pure gratefulness. I actually started to think like.... Ah what can I ask for, Lord? 

The Big outdoor activity

My competitive spirit increased all the more when I joined IJM. I must say being placed in an all American male team is a way of saying-  ready or not- just shoot the ball! It's always like a buzzer beater with a tree points sure ball. Men! they're born ready, always on-the-go as if no one can beat the time. I learned how to move fast and think sharp in order not to be left out. But honestly these smart gentlemen are surely brothers to me. I must say that my team is indeed amazing. They truly brings out the best in me. Wait why am I mentioning all these? Just watch this cheering video, sports is not just sports for Filipinos and my American friends at IJM Philippines - its truly a part of life. 

IJM Manila Chant          

 IJM-PH soccer team
I've always heard the moment I arrived that Texas is big…really BIG. 

 Just a quick trivia based on what I red in one website. Texas is more than 261,000 sq miles big, in fact: that's larger than Germany, England, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands combined. 
On our third day, we had  the IJM's Sports fest where all IJM satellite offices world wide compete through various sports activities like basketball, volleyball, table tennis and soccer in one open field. 
We compete with El Salvador in soccer. You can see here the relentless commitment of a Filipino spirit.  
It was a close fight, but these El' kids got this game. We may not made in the championship, (IJM US-headquarters won) all what matters is that we finished strong.  That was indeed fantastic! 

Giant Swing with IJM Friends!





In the west, three mountain ranges top more than 7000ft, and Sky Ranch in Van is one of the state's premier outdoor and primary camping destination. 
Inside the ranch were soaring pine forests and sinuous, cypress-lined bayous are perfect for hiking and kayaking. 
Here I am with friends, trying my first ever giant swing in front of the lake side view and forest trees.


To end, I later realized that this event is not just a like the usual getaway - Together was a picture of God's faithfulness to those who respond to the call of His redemptive purpose to end violence and slavery on whatever cost. So here's what IJM's  forever battle cry - we, and those who partnered with us on this mission - 
One Team, One Fight! Until All Are Free.

IJM's Battle Cry to End Slavery
#UntilAllareFree
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