Photo by Sherwin Llames

[Ryan&Sheila Video]

At around 4 o’ clock in the afternoon of July 11, 2009, a church door opened wide in Tayuman. After which, a line of wonderful people started to pace the aisle. Some were smiling, a few were projecting, several were striding, and a number were trying to walk with caution. Yet all of them were filled with happiness and so was the audience witnessing the parade. Then at the entry door, finally a familiar face was seen. She was beaming and her joy was overflowing and evident. Her name was Sheila. She walked down the aisle steadily looking towards a young man at the altar. The lad she gazed upon was bursting with excitement. He smiled politely with his soiled sharp eyes from uncontrolled tears many hours before. Ryan was his name and with love he patiently waited for his beautiful bride. As they met, he took her by the hand and went to the altar. The ceremony started… Our Ryan and our Sheila…

Many of us witnessed how they matured as friends to lovers. They came from a long battle fighting for the things they hoped for, for the things and people they love and for the belief they hold on to. And they fought a good fight! And that afternoon at the altar was the day they fully grasped victory holding the promise they claimed years and years before.

As sent by Ryan after the wedding, in his thank you text message, “one chapter closes and a new one begins” …indeed, and for this new chapter, with the Love they have, they shall face it with the grace, God has given them. They shall face it in light of prayer and discipline. They shall face it with God on their side. And they shall continue to seek Him and know Him knowing that the future they face is safe, prosperous and full of hope. Many battles are up ahead but they will not fear for God will help them and we as their friends will also be there fighting with them side by side.

God bless Ryan and Sheila! Cheers!