When those who aimed surprise got surprised

January 29, 9:34 P.M. Emie created a conversation on Facebook and she named it Pastor H Bday Celebration and Kumustahan. The very first to respond was Nancy who could not confirm yet her participation since she's having a hectic schedule at that time. Ecel, Jeanette, Rizza, and Nancy later responded YES. T. Analyn joined in the conversation and replied positively. Emie then confirmed Ptr. H's availability on the date agreed on without giving him any hint about the surprise birthday celebration. So, the surprise birthday celebration was set on February 13, 6:00 P.M. at Ate Nelcy's residence.

January 30, 6:30 P.M. Nurse Tess sent an OK sign. Even Lorna who's in Canada sent the same symbol as if she could attend. February 2, 9:27 A.M. Ate Nelcy suggested for a change of time. February 4, 4:11 A.M. Emie added April Boongaling to the group. The conversation about food assigment arose and group members indicated what they will be bringing to the venue. I joined in the conversation as my name was mentioned. I promised to bring pizza but later on decided on bringing puto provided Rizza and I would have time to cook prior to the event. 

February 8, 7:56 P.M. Nancy informed the group that she would not be coming anymore as she would be in Pampanga to see the Hot Air Balloon Festival. 

February 13, 11:10 A.M. Emie asked on everyone's readiness for the occasion. The message was followed by another message from Ptr. Herald telling her of his uncertainty concerning his presence in the awaited event. She even asked for a prayer regarding Ptr. Herald's sister's situation. 

We pursued what we agreed on nonetheless. Everyone came with her respective food assignment. As the possibility of Ptr. Herald's coming was no longer conceivable, we settled on going to his place and bring him what we prepared for him. 

As it was already dinner time we decided to eat and take pictures before we dealt with the trip to the celebrator's place.

These are what we had on the table.

A large box of pizza  and coffee jelly 

pancit bihon, pork barbecue, lumpiang Shanghai, banana cake and pork dinuguan

L-R (standing): Rizza, Aileen, Jeanette, Nurse Tess, Nelcy, Analyn and Oliver
L-R (sitting): Maricel, Lanie, Emie and Faye 

Emie, Nelcy and Nurse Tess

After eating, we proceeded to K-7th East Kamias Quezon City and located Ptr. Herald's residence. Got there safely and presented our preparation before the object of our impromptu trip.

Oliver and Ptr. Herald

Jeanette, Lanie, Analyn and Maricel

Nelcy, Rizza and Aileen

Well, togetherness might have drawn out the excitement and appetite in us; thus this happened.

And those who have gone beyond the limitation:

Kidding aside, it was really because we got surprised that Ptr. Herald could not come to attend our surprise celebration for him plus the fact that we have gotten hungry of waiting for Rizza and Oliver.

Thus, when we got to the place, we just shared each of our stories and laughter.

No matter what's left of the food, Ptr. Herald didn't seem to mind (although he kept on commenting about the pizza). He just ate what we provided while listening to our sentiments.

We left Ptr. Herald at 11:00 P.M., as it was quite late and we were considering "peace" for Ptr. Herald and other occupants of the mission house.

We just hope we made him happy. 

Photo credits: Jeanette delos Santos, Emie Mateo, Analyn Cervo, Melanie Perez and Marites Oliveros