03/02/2024
Embarking on an Adventure with the Almighty: The Apolo 7 Chronicles
Hello there! I’m Jojo, the captain of the spirited and adventurous crew known as Apolo 7. Our journey isn't through the stars but through the warm and bustling lands of Indonesia, where my wife Joy, our five incredible explorers—Gabby, Carissa, Patricia, Michael, and John Christopher—and I have been planting our roots since 1991.
Our saga with the Almighty began in 1995, a time when our young adventurers were just tiny tots. We stumbled upon a treasure map, not of gold, but of something far more precious—faith and family unity, guided by the light of Couples for Christ (CFC). Reflecting on our voyage, it’s crystal clear; the fruits of faith are bountiful when God steers the ship.
Here’s a nugget of truth: I used to think being a superhero meant doing everything solo. But, boy, was I wrong! Surrendering to God’s plan was like finding the ultimate sidekick—except this one could move mountains and part seas.
One day, I confessed to my young crew that I felt like a pirate who had lost his way, guilty for not spending enough treasure—time—with them due to my quests with the CFC. To my astonishment, they rallied the sails and declared, “No need to dock the ship, Dad! We’re proud to see you sail the high seas of service.” Their words were like a gentle breeze guiding our ship forward.
Allow me to share a tale that still tickles my funny bone. When we were house hunting, our littlest pirate, JC, set his eyes on a mansion that seemed more fit for a king than us humble sailors. Despite the price tag being a treasure chest we couldn’t open, JC rallied his siblings with a battle cry prayer for the “big house with six toilets!” Miraculously, by God’s intervention, the house owner lowered the anchor, and the price dropped by 60%. Our new home became a lighthouse, guiding many a CFC activity and warming our hearts.
Now, here’s a funny quote that still has me chuckling. During a family huddle, Michael, our young philosopher, compared GK (Gawad Kalinga) to God, saying, “GK is like God because it shares, cares, and brings smiles, just like God does.” His siblings, digging into their imaginations, mimed shovelling, exclaiming, “Wow, you’re digging deep, Mike!”
Our quest took a dramatic turn during our first Family Recollection in Indonesia. It was like discovering a hidden chamber within our hearts, revealing treasures of communication and bonding we never knew existed. Our family gatherings transformed into a festival of stories, laughter, and shared dreams, sometimes sailing past midnight.
As the captain of this ship, I’ve watched in awe as my crew grew from shy sailors into bold navigators of faith, braving storms and sharing their light with the world. Gabby, once as timid as a mouse in a cat’s den, now leads worship like a lion roaring with pride. Carissa and Patricia, our guiding stars, shine their light, sharing their journey with others.
In the vast ocean of life, the greatest treasure we’ve discovered is the peace and joy anchored in our family, a gift from the Almighty. Through storms and calm seas, our faith has been our compass, guiding us to shores of love and unity.
So, here’s to the Apolo 7 adventure, a journey not of solitude but of togetherness, laughter, and the undeniable presence of our Divine Navigator. As we continue to sail the seas of life, we hold our map close—a map not marked with X’s but with hearts, each beat a reminder of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness.
By the way, this tale was penned with the thumbs-up from the entire Apolo 7 crew and our honorary member, Sister Joanne, our guiding star from CFC. Together, we navigate the seas, always aiming for the horizon, where faith, love, and joy merge into the perfect sunset. Ahoy to more adventures with God as our captain!
So, here's to the Apolo 7, a crew that's a little quirky, a lot faithful, and forever grateful for the journey. After all, as the captain of this lively crew, I've learned that sailing with God means you're always in for an adventure, and trust me, it's better than any pirate's tale—because in this story, the treasure is real, and it's eternal.
