God knows everything. . . Trust Him

       
 "Sometimes you are delayed where you are because God knows there's a storm where you're headed.  Be grateful!"

I am truly grateful to God for protecting my brother Fernando from the corona virus that plaguing Wuhan China and spreading to other countries.  He came home to Manila from Xiamen China before the corona virus spread in Wuhan. 

 He was renewing his work permit and visa in Xiamen but documents from the Philippines did not arrive in Xiamen in time for his renewal of visa.  He was so stressed and disappointed because of the hassle it brought to him especially on his work.  I was the one working on his papers here in Manila.  I encountered a lot of problems and delays in requesting for his school record and its authentication from Commission on Higher Education and Department of Foreign Affairs.  He would follow up the status of his papers everyday through WeChat.  Almost every hour he would send messages.  Sometimes, I intentionally don't answer them anymore.  His patience got so thin because he will be forced to leave China when his visa expired and so, that what happened.  He went home to process his papers in Manila.  It costs him a lot but he cannot do anything but to it in Manila.

The consolation he got was our other siblings are in town too.  It was very rare that we get to be together.  Our sister a Poor Clare nun was in Manila for her medical treatment and our youngest brother was still in Christmas vacation. All of us is grateful to God for gathering us together.  Reminiscing our younger years made us feel young again.  It was really great and we were overwhelmed with joy.  We spent more than a week together before each one left for work and community.  

Fernando is still here in Manila processing his papers.  Looking back to the stressful days, I cannot help but say thank you to God for delaying things to protect my brother from the virus that is now in China.  Little did I know that God is just protecting him and the family from worries. God really works in mysterious ways. We may not know His plans but trust Him and have faith.  Things happen for a reason.  We may not know why this corona virus is plaguing us but as we go through the tunnel of uncertainty, we are assured of the light at the end of it.  

I pray for the people of Wuhan and the rest who are affected by the virus that healing be upon them.  May the authorities be guided in finding solution to this epidemic and the necessary help be given to the people.  In gratitude to God, I pray fervently on my knees that this corona virus be over and everybody can move on to their normal lives.