Praise God for all His goodness and provision!
When pandemic came, I stopped my piano lessons. I began to see uncertainty for my music teaching career and doubt my calling as a teacher. My colleagues in the music and education fields have opened their online programs, and some have invited me to teach. But I was hesitant. Hesitant because we don't have a quiet and clear space at home and I was unsure how to use technology. I was afraid to fail. And so, I depended on and kept myself busy with our online shop, which by God's grace, boomed at the start of the pandemic.
Through these two years focusing on online selling, I periodically asked myself if this is all I can offer for my family and community, especially for my kids. (But don't get me wrong. Being in the marketplace is also a calling from the Lord. God has placed me here for a reason. Remember the apostle Paul, and disciples Priscilla and Lydia, to name a few?)
And then after fruitful months in the marketplace, I saw our online business declining. New competitors were entering the online commerce platforms as the pandemic ensues. Realizing the need to add income to my family, I asked God for a job. I even considered and actually looked at job openings of BPO companies. But God knows my heart more than I do. I then specifically prayed these things before God: First, that God would give me a job that is close to my heart, and second, that the job will not make me stop from homeschooling my kids. Praise the Lord, indeed! God did not just give me a job that is close to my heart, but also literally! My job is just a few steps away from our home! And I can now say that this job will not be any kind of job. This is a ministry!
When we learned about a vacant unit at the front of our neighbor's house, we quickly secured it. At the first time of seeing it, I imagined that it would be a place of teaching aspiring musicians. Though small, I know that God will make it big in His time.
Jonathan and I are really grateful for people who helped us along the way - from securing the unit, to giving wise counsels, furnitures, paints and equipments in renovating the studio, and even gadgets! The Lord is so good! We are so overwhelmed by all the people who prayed with and for us in this endeavor.
We would like to take this opportunity to give a shout out to all the people who helped us. First and foremost to Mommy. Thank you for everything, Mommy, you know it. You are a blessing to all of us in all aspects. To my husband, Jo, for dedicating your precious time doing most of the renovations, and for all the brainstorming as we discuss concerns about the music studio. We really are partners in all things. I thank God He gave you to me. To our co-music educators Sharyne, Wen, Sir Jhun and Ma'am Michelle, for sharing with us your knowledge in running physical and online studio lessons, and for your encouragements, super thank you. To Tita Cecille, our super generous neighbor, thank you so much. Sir Mike, for all your business advise and giving us specials perks. Doc Bing, our ever-gracious pedia.. We are so overwhelmed by all your help when our kids get sick. Thank you for being God's hand of miracle and healing. Pastor VJ and Ate Alice for supporting us with your prayers and blessings. To our family, Tatay and Nanay, our siblings - Manang Cherry, Manang Pinky, Walter, Lala, Cheits, Chaits and Fhy, for your unending love and support. We love you.
Truly God is the Giver of dreams and visions. By His grace, He accomplishes it, if we allow Him to use us as the living vessels to carry out these dreams and visions.
Yesterday, we dedicated the studio to the Lord. May we not only mold musicians, but ultimately, to mold them to love and serve the Lord.
Psalm 108:1 - "My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul."
- Teacher Blossom