There’s no such thing as a PERFECT COMMUNITY!

I don’t know how many times I’ve tried to blogged, mentioned or proved my point that there is no such thing as a perfect community. Even well-known community leaders preach about this to their members. For instance, Bo Sanchez. Communities are made up of people and people make mistakes even if they are supposedly our leaders.

That’s the situation of my community right now as a whole.

I must agree that people do feel low and disheartened because of the situations (Who shouldn’t). But there is no reason to shift communities just because of the problems we are arising and just giving up on the community that blessed you with so much during your yesteryears. Maybe, after receiving all those blessings, we should also consider on repaying it by helping our community instead of living it on stray. Maybe, after receiving all those blessings, we should have at least developed our commitment to our community and realize that this is God’s gift to us when we had troubles of our own.

But as they say, there’s no forcing in this community. You may come and go as you want. But let’s say you shifted to another community, and problems happen again, Are you still choosing the easy way out?

Says a lot on our personality, doesn’t it?

The Apprenticeship Program

Earlier, I attended a small briefing at Imagine-Nation for those who are interested to join John Ong’s Apprenticeship Program. Luckily, i was able to read his post at shutterbox last Tuesday and decided to email him to show my interest. I thought this was a huge leap for me and this would be a great opportunity to learn all about the ins and outs of being a wedding photographer.

There were 20 of us who attended the briefing and only 4 will be accepted. From what I understood, the criteria will be based on our heart and commitment. The skill will also be a considerable factor. Later this night, John will be emailing us a new form to confirm if we would still agree to all his conditions on being an apprentice. If we decide to join, we will be sending those forms back filled-up and if not, we could just ignore it. Frankly speaking, anyone who is in a community right now, would consider this program a dream job. At least, it is one for me. A Christian employer evangelizing his employees, conducting bible studies regularly as part of his program, mentoring and managing. That is why, I really want to be considered for the position.

Hmm, now, this is where God comes in. To tell you guys the truth, I’ve been in a deep slump for months now. (well, what’s new?). I don’t know if this is one of His BIG plans but I would really like to believe that its one of his saving graces for me in the works. First, by finding out what I really want to do in life this year. Second, by having all the opportunities knocking on my door and a chance to grab it. If by chance, I get accepted, there’s no doubt He is behind all these things. But if not, well, there’s a lesson that I need to chew on and understand. So Lord, you know what’s best for me, please bring me to where you want me to be and clear the path. Help me understand the things you want me to understand.

Photography Workshop vs Call of Service

Last Saturday, I was so excited to attend my photo workshop but service calls and God wanted me to attend the dialogue between the elders and the SIGA facilitators/volunteers (to enlighten them about the needs and programs of SIGA). God made it possible for me to enroll in this class and grow in my new passion so who am I to ignore his call. It was hard though. I was hesitating to attend the meeting because I really wanted to attend and finish the workshop. In the end, I couldn’t bear in my heart and mind to just cover my ears and pretend I didn’t hear him.

Fortunately, there was a Sunday class for photography so I asked my teacher if I could make up the afternoon class and attend on Sunday instead. As God has promised, he took care of my problem and I was allowed to attend the Sunday class. So in short, I got to attend two classes: a half-day on Saturday and a whole day on Sunday. The best part was, my 2nd entry about mushrooms last Sunday was chosen to be featured in DPP magazine for a critic portion =P Regardless of what critiques I may receive, I’m just happy that my shot was worthy of featuring in a photo magazine. So I’ll just have to wait for August issue of Digital Photographers Magazine.

Oh, my Saturday entry: The post, received two nominations as best shot and one “needs improvement”. Man, I hate that girl who picked on my picture. She threw a lot of technical terms that we haven’t discussed yet on our first day and she spoke there like someone who’s a pro. Well, she won the award but I still don’t think she deserves the best picture because she didn’t even bother looking for an interesting subject inside the walls of Intramuros. Haha, I may have sounded bitter there. Anyway, here’s our assignment for next week: 1 portrait and 1 still life. Let me know what portrait do you vote for while you may also comment on my still life. The girl on orange is Mary Jane while the other is Lyca =) Both of them are my friends from GK – Janssenville.