Around this time in 1994, twelve years ago I, Ida Marie Z. Miranda accepted the Lord Jesus as my Savior.  I, as a mother, had one grand dream thereafter… that all my three daughters (aged 4, 2 and 1 in 1994) be great bearers of the faith.

Currently, my daughters Toni is 17 years old, Nicole 14 and Chelsea 13.  All have a tender relationship with Jesus.

As a family, my three daughters and I, my Mama, my daughters’ paternal grandparents, aunts and uncles draw from each other for support.  Recently, the spotlight beamed so bright on my youngest, Chelsea.

Chelsea was chosen to represent our country in the very First World Junior Wu Shu Championships in Malaysia on August 20 to 25, 2006.  This event was participated in by 39 countries from Asia, Europe and the United States.

This meant she had to stop regular schooling which she loved, train for six to eight hours a day, six days a week.  Sleep was a luxury.  Everyday, I would drive her from Provident Village in Marikina to the Wu Shu Federation (the Fed) in Adriatico, Manila.

Ideally, she was supposed to be billeted at the Fed but because conditions were not so good, she had to go home every day.  During the rainy days in July and August, her bedroom floor would get submerged in about two to three inches of water because of ceiling leaks, causing an uneasy dampness.  The athlete’s kitchen at the Fed was not suitable for eating so that she had to eat in the training hall. 

Correct nutrition was not a big thing for our local athletes.  Rice or noodles, vegetables and a sprinkling of corned beef were very common.  Allowance per athlete was one hundred pesos a day (or two dollars and fifty centavos).  With this meager amount, a Filipino Wu Shu athlete must be able to buy himself breakfast, lunch dinner, laundry soap, toiletries and other essentials.  Many would rather buy cell phone cards to call their families whom they have been away from for months.

As a More Than Medals/More Than Conquerors athlete, Chelsea was taught to be mindful of nutrition.  Whey protein, yogurt, bananas, glutamine, antioxidants and multi vitamins were part of her two huge lunch boxes containing complete lunch, merienda and dinner aside from a thermos of hot sinigang or nilagang baka, her favorite soups.

Sometimes, I felt my heart melting when Chelsea would complain that her Chinese coach would not allow even a water break within a three to four hour training period.  At the end of the day, her hands would be blistered, her arms bruised.   Pulled muscles, aches and body pains were a daily thing.  She would rigorously train for three events:  the bare hands, the spear and the sword.  I would bring her home every night and wonder if she can actually endure more pain the next day.  I oftentimes ask “Is the Philippines worth fighting for?”  I was physically and emotionally exhausted myself, with five hours of sleep every night and driving a minimum of six hours a day besides my usual duties at work and at home.  God knew the condition of my heart and he allowed me to receive a letter meant for Chelsea.  Sunny Conde*, now in China, has been very influential to Chelsea.  She writes:

August 14, 2006
Monday

To my ever dearest Chelly,

            Hi honey, how are you?  I hope everything’s excellent and that you’re increasingly growing in strength and all other aspects of your training.  I have been thinking a lot about you, and it just makes me happy-sad all at the same time.  I can’t tell you how proud I am that God has brought you to this next stage of your More Than Medals/More Than Conquerors walk with Him.  After a mere two and a half years in wushu, you’re going to this level.  Imagine, the first World Junior Championships!  I’m just overjoyed!  But why do I say happy-sad?  Well, because unlike last year in Singapore, I can’t be there to help you along the way.  I can’t be there to help you stretch, bring your water, do your make-up, prepare for the competition… and I really miss that because I was blessed and happy doing that for you.  But then again, we both know God has His own ways.

           I had wanted to write you for some time already, but I didn’t know what to say.  I have been praying for you sweety, but for some reason, couldn’t get a message.  It’s funny, though, ‘coz the Lord’s timing is really perfect. I remember telling you guys in Tianjin how life is sometimes difficult for me here in China, and these past weeks have been especially hard.  I’m alone in my house now, haven’t been able to go to school ‘coz I’m sick.  I’ve been surviving on cup noodles for the last three days ‘coz I don’t have enough strength to cook, and I was kinda feeling extra lonely. I can’t go to church either, not only because I’m physically weak now, but the government is secretly watching the Christians here.  It can be really tough sometimes, what can I say?  But you know what?  I write to you now from my sick-bed, with a soul that has just been refreshed and strengthened.  Just a few minutes ago, while watching TV, I saw a full rainbow outside my window.  It was so beautiful, and it just stayed there, as if on display only for me!  (I live on the 16th floor, so it looks really near)  I’ve seen several rainbows in my life, but this was the most beautiful just because God was talking to me.  It was His way of saying “Get well soon”, honey.  It was one of His thousand kisses.  (Remember the song?)  He was telling me that even behind this “Bamboo Curtain” our Jesus also walks with me.  In my toughest and loneliest times, He reminds me that He’s right here.  Now why am I telling you this?  Chel, I may not be there and able to see what you’re going through right now.  Your mom told me you’re training 8 hours a day, and I know it can be tough sometimes too.  But see, here’s the thing… the two of us have this in common: we are standing in the center of God’s will.  So no matter how tough things may be sometimes, we can always rest assured knowing He’s just right there with us, giving us the power and strength to carry out His perfect plan for our lives.  Sweetheart, you have a special gift… and a special mandate from God.  And I know the reason for His giving us the opportunity to be seen by others (like you on the carpet) is this:  “So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.” (Hebrews 12:12-13)

            Chel, honey, I’m reminded of the time before I left for China I was at the prayer mountain and I just asked God why He allowed me to live at a time when the whole world is laughing at our country and our people are hopeless.  And He told me, that’s exactly the reason.  We are called to be Filipinos for such a time as this.  We will be the new Filipinos.  And it’s happening, Chel.  You know Kevin Tordesilla* (the little boy from Paris) heard our stories and said that he will be the “Rizal” in France.  He is also class president now!  Imagine Chel, a little boy who we think is far away from us also opening himself for God’s use!  It starts with us, God’s people.  I pray that God will strengthen you and empower your spirit when you step on the carpet in Kuala Lumpur.  And even though I can’t be physically there, always remember that I’m praying for you, and my love will be with you as well.  I pray that God’s will for you in Kuala Lumpur will be accomplished.  Godspeed, Chel.  I pray that He will also always give you the joy in training.   Take care and never forget that once you step on the carpet that you are there to dance.  And He is the Lord of the dance.

Love always,
 Ate Sunny

This letter ignited the fire that would keep Chelsea and me burning until today.

God gave me a powerful verse during the time my daughters and I went to the prayer mountain to pray for the First World Junior Wu Shu Championships:

From Jeremiah 46:10:  “That day belongs to the Lord, the Lord Almighty.”

To Chelsea He gave Psalm 50:6 and 15:  “And the heavens proclaim His righteousness, for God himself is judge.  And call upon me in the day of trouble and I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”

To Nicole He gave Proverbs 21:31:  “The horses are prepared for battle; but the victory belongs to the Lord.”

And as if to summarize all of God’s messages to us, Toni wrote in her letter to Chelsea:

“Always remember to trust in God, Chel.  Hold on to His promises and stand in His strength.  Make the Lord your inspiration  and motivation.  Use this competition to raise the flag of the Philippines and to glorify God.  Never forget why you are there.  Never forget who you represent and serve.”