Changes

Last Saturday, we made this announcement to our Comlec family (to those very few who were present anyway): For the coming year, changes will have to be made. We needed to "pass the torch", so to speak. Pando could no longer serve as the project coordinator while I need to gradually delegate my functions to another member who will eventually have to take my place as the group's coordinator. All these for a very simple and inevitable reason--we are getting married next year.

About five years ago, we were 'appointed' to our respective positions. Looking back, it was a rather shaky transition but as with all things, the change was eventually accepted and we all adapted. Now, it is time for change to take place once again.

Our announcement was received rather well (I'd like to think) by our nominees: Rica for the Project Coordinator position and Eloisa as my 'partner in crime' for the time being. Of course, all were generally happy but a few tears were shed as well. It was all because of what the announcements brought to light: things will change. Our comfortable routine will now be broken.

It's funny because we know that things always change--status, disposition, circumstance, etc.--but when they do change, there's still that certain feeling of 'unpreparedness'. While we have no choice but to welcome the new, I feel that it is our nature to lament the loss of the old, if it was good in the first place.

I have been with Comlec for almost 11 years now. 11 years!! That's half my age! Joking... For that span of time, it is impossible for changes to be absent. Here are a few that I can recall:
- We had our spiritual adviser back then. Mainly because we were still starting as a group.
- We were all single back then. Hehe... I was still in high school then tapos yung aming elders (te majo, te wilma, sir george) ay mga totoy at nene pa...
- Hindi pa ganon ka straight ang buhok ni ate Majo!
- My 'co-playmates' were still here--Pat, Ellen, Donna. Sigh... Miss you so much!!
- Mutual girls walked to and from the meeting venue. Bonding moment namin yun (nila te Shai, te Kathy, Tillah, Karen)
- Ilonggo Grill pa ang cool na tambayan.. thanks to fr. Peter
- Caliraya pa ang ating default outing destination
- Lagi kaming napapagkamalang magkapatid/kambal ni rica
- Babies ng group ay sina Eloisa, In, and Paula
- Crush ni alexis si donna (yiheee...)
- Fishing became a fashion
- Twinkle once described me as being 'alienetic' (whatever that means)

And many many many more. All the bloopers, tampuhans, and other moments that I cannot put into writing warm my heart and put a smile on my face as I type away. I love the group and all who have become a part of it. Promise. And it is because of these (and of conversations with the "nings") that I am now feeling sentimental. I am proud of what this group have become. I am happy that almost all my siblings are with me in the service. It is through this group that we became buddies and best friends. Here I found my friends for life and my future lifetime partner. Most importantly, it is here that I have learned about God and service better. It is my prayer that all are blessed in this way as well.

Despite all the changes that will ensue, there are things that will never change:
- The reason for our existence-we were all called by God to proclaim His word
- The friendship - which will weather the changes that the years may bring
- Growth - in most aspects in life
- Ang pagiging autistic queen ni ate majo; pagiging autistic princess ni icel
- The blessings that serving Him and His community (through our outreaches and other activities) bring

At present, so many among us have left for another country/location or have chosen to pursue a different path. We now have a number of newbies and Comlec babies that we are all proud of. Someday, that number will multiply and we will all be equally proud of them as well.

So yes, we're getting married. Yes, things will change. And yet, I pray and know that some things will always stay the same.