It's been four years since I joined a mining company and I like the task that part of my job is to frequently visit the well-known "Last Frontier - Palawan" because our mine site is located there. There are so many things to discover and look forward to in that place. Actually for this year, last July 4 was my third visit. However, I realized that there were several events I didn't expect.
Unexpected event number 1 - Delayed flight! I was a bit disappointed and frustrated after learning that our flight will be delayed (8am turned 10am departure). Good thing I did not have any meeting set that day. Instead of getting irritated, I decided to be productive, make use of time wisely and focus on reading. Thank God for the devotional book I brought and was able to finish until we boarded the plane. I guess no time was wasted at that moment and I even highlighted inspirational insights in my notebook.
Unexpected event number 2 - Hi-Lux Service late (again) due to malfunction of some car parts. I was scheduled to visit another mine site in Brooke’s Point. From Berong, travel normally takes 2 hours before reaching Brooke's Point. Our supposed departure was 9am unfortunately was postponed. Guess what I did? While our service was being fixed, I visited and talked to some new laborers in the company - launderers, admin personnel, woman pressing the clothes, etc. I routed around the camp site to check some new things and do ocular as well. I was able to see how the shipping happens, stockpiling, etc. until the service arrived at 2pm. Not bad to stay for a while!
Unexpected event number 3 – Almost met an accident! We already finished our visit in Brooke’s Point and we were on our way going to Puerto Princesa. It was such a tiring long travel, more than four hours. Anyway, I just appreciated the sceneries along our way. We even chatted on community folk tales, horror stories, among others. After a while, we were caught by surprise when a van was fast approaching us, driving on our lane and about to hit us. I was seated in front, took hold firmly of hand grip, in fear but immediately prayed, “Protect us Jesus!” Thank God because He indeed protected us! The van was back to its lane!
More so, I just realized there were enormous blessings I gained in my third visit.
- I met old and new employees I only knew by name. New friends, new colleagues!
- I had a better grasp of our business and appreciated more the process of direct nickel ore shipment though I heard about it several times.
- I had so much of fresh seafood viands served to me during my stay.
- I was able to buy fresh seafoods from Palawan for "pasalubong" and my home use. Truly tastes even better than the those available in wet markets here in Manila.
- Lastly in my flight going to Manila, I saw a very beautiful island so I immediately took the liberty to take a shot. Guess what? I took an aerial photo of the well known DOS PALMAS.
Now, what should be our response when unexpected events occur? Get mad, bitter, afraid? For me, I learned that it helped to BE WISE, to BE PREPARED ALWAYS and to PRAY ALWAYS. I believe it's consistent with what the scripture says.
1. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12
2. Always be prepared in season or out of season... 2 Tim. 4:2
3. Pray unceasingly. 1 Thes. 5:17
Lastly, we will never be able to face with a right character any unexpected events without the guidance and direction of our God. Right?
