Stories: Dreams Do Come True
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| From a humble beginning who would believed that we would encounter such a remarkable experience. It's six years now and yet when reminiscing we still need to convinced ourselves that it did happened. But there lies a difference now. Heavenly Father answered our prayers. He granted the desires of our hearts. It was a gift.
A blessing. A reward.
I was born in Tolosa, Leyte one of the provinces of a tropical country, the Philippines. Belonged to an average family. The second child of ten siblings. Pursued my studies through hard worked and was able to finished two courses, Practical Electricity and A.B.Economics. Became a member of the church July 10, 1977 and served the Philippines Davao Mission in 1980 – 1982. My whole family was sealed in July 2, 1985.
My wife, Jujo Ontoria Calda was born in Donsol, Sorsogon, Philippines. The sixth of seven children. She was baptized in General Santos City Branch on December 11, 1971 with her whole family. Her brother Augustus Ontoria was among the first to submit their genealogy during the year 1985 Manila Philippines Temple Dedication. Jujo joined the Philippines Cebu Mission on September 1985 to March 1987 under mission President Roy Boulter.
We were sealed in the Manila Philippines Temple on May 13, 1989. Have four children named JS Kikuchi, 16 years old, Jelah Dawn 13 years old, J.Princess 8 years old and Juis Regal 4 months old.
Ever since becoming a member was a serious responsibility for us. Tried very hard to fulfill all the requirements of the gospel. Walked with life through the guidance of the church. Lived with faithfulness, diligence, humility and service to others. Magnifiers of callings. I lived worthily for my priesthood and a true man of God.
True to his words, our living prophet once said, “…give the very best that you have to offer. There will be no cost in this, because you will discover that it will become an investment as long as you live.”
In the year 1992, the Lord began to work that someday would be a realization.
I was a district counselor then and having a conversation with the Mission President’s counselor, Elder Evans. I came up telling all my aspirations in life. Elder Evans suddenly told me, “Judy, if you want your dreams to come true put it into writing.” I just shrugged my shoulders upon hearing it but followed the advised and wrote it in my journal.
At that time, I was a part time church custodian with a monthly salary of five hundred pesos and was still on the verged of resolving how to improved my family’s condition.
Hence, that night I told my wife about it. Got my journal and wrote:
“to go to Salt Lake Temple, Utah, U.S.A.”
Since 1991-1993, I served as District President. Torn between the needs of my growing family and calling. I decided to seek the advise of the present mission president, Elder Carlos Revillo.
The members were teary eyed as I bid farewell. I was touched by Mission President’s last word to me.
“Well Done Thou Good and Faithful Servant.”
I felt lonely leaving what I was used to do. However, the responsibility of being a father kept me going. It was another sacrifice for me to be a sailor.
But all the hardships I went through were worth it. I was now a crew to one of the famous shipping agency in the Philippines. I started from the lowest rank and was constantly promoted. At present, I am a stateroom steward of P&O Princess Cruise Ship abroad.
My wife Jujo, continued to play her role as a mother and an active member. She served in various callings in the church.
A month before this thing happened, I was talking to my friend also a member of the Church, who was working in the technical department. I told him that as soon as we finished our contract we will try to ask permission from the company if we can go and visit Salt Lake Temple before proceeding back home. We were already excited discussing the how to do and what to do.
The following month , May 2000, I am working on board the SEA PRINCESS CRUISE SHIP. One of my duty is to instruct the passengers to be safety conscious and so that they will know what to do during emergency. So I went to inform the passenger in one of the cabins assigned to me. But one of the passengers complained of the schedule of the safety drill.
“It will be a conflict to UTAH JAZZ GAME.”
Hearing about the Utah Jazz Games…I thought to myself and…
I lighted up and asked, “Are you Mormons?”
The introduction began. They are brother Mike Ewing, a Ward Mission Leader and a Stake Missionary. His wife is Sister Sharon Ewing, a Young Women President. They are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary on a cruise to Panama Canal. Their companion are brother Paul Wheeler, an assistant ward membership clerk and nursery leader. His wife is Vicki Wheeler a current District PTA, Camp Director of the Stake and Nursery Leader on Sundays. All of them are from Springville, Utah.
One day, an unexpected incident happened to one of my new found friends. According to the doctor on board brother Paul will not enjoy the rest of the cruise. Brother Mike turned to me.
Had asked, “Judy, are you out of trouble?”
Brother Mike asked me if I could assist him in giving the sick one a priesthood blessing.
On the other hand, I was very happy that I was able to exercise my priesthood even though I was far away from my family and ward. Brother Paul was miraculously healed after he was blessed. Totally contradicted the doctor’s findings.
May 7, 2000. I was invited to attend the sacrament meeting held in one of the room. It was first Sunday and testimony meeting. I went to the front and bear my testimony. I couldn’t explain what prompted me to include in my testimony one of my greatest dream.
“I have a goal that someday I will see the Salt lake Temple… I don’t know when… I don’t know how…but I know it will be. Someday.”
Afterwards, on my way back to my work, I received a pat on my back from my friend.
And he simply said, “Judy, do you want to go to Utah?”
I just smiled. I thought it was only an inspiring words coming from a friend
My wife was astonished after receiving an overseas call from me. She was uncertain if she would believe what I had related to her. We are invited to visit the United States. To go to Salt Lake Temple and attend the 170th General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah to be held on the 7th and 8th of October 2000. We are even offered to stay at the Ewing’s and Wheeler’s home and a free round airfare. Approximately, we will be staying for about two weeks.
It was confirmed when my wife received a letter.
“…excited that you will be coming to visit on October. We felt so blessed meeting Judy on the ship. Your willingness as a couple to do the best for your family has reached beyond our family and blessed our lives. We want to thank you again,” from the Wheeler couple.
“…it was so wonderful to meet your husband. It was such a blessing to have him as our steward and have him to assist in giving a priesthood blessing to our friend. We are excited when you accepted our offer. We are happy that we will be able to meet you in October,” words from the Ewing couple.
Problems arise as the day neared our goal date. It was my wife’s first time to travel abroad and thus, securing her own passport didn’t entered her mind. Aside from the complication of not having her birth certificate. She was losing her hope but I was behind her. Getting one was her good news to me upon my arrival from the ship.
Applying for the visa was the hardest part. Consequently, an agent informed us that the next interview would be possible on December or January of the next year. We are about to give up. Unexpectedly, Sister Linda de Aro (one of my wife’s closest friend) referred us to her cousin who happens to be a travel agent .
We were very happy upon learning that the briefing was on the 21st of September and the interview was scheduled on the 29th of the same month.
Both of us were nervous on the day of our visa interview. Especially, after noticing other interviewees are heavily dressed and full of jewelries. Some say, it was effective for show-off but still those people were denied. When it was our turn, my wife was surprised how I carried myself. The consul was intently reading our files. Had asked only one question.
“How long have you been a member?”
Unbelievably, our visa was approved on the same day with a multiple entry.
On the 6th of October, we are carrying our luggage and electronic ticket.
Even at the last minute something was trying to hold us back. At the immigration an official questioned me if I have a permission from the POEA to travel. As I was explaining for I have none, my wife silently prayed. Coincidentally, just after my wife opened her eyes, the official said, “ok.”
The plane arrived at exactly 1:20 PM in Salt Lake City. Our friends welcomed us. It took an hour drive from Salt Lake City to Springville.
October 8, 2000.Sunday. The second session of the conference in the presence and under the direction of the prophet President Gordon B. Hincley
That morning while on our way heading towards the New Conference Center, we were able to monitor the morning session through a small TV. The prophet was conducting the new conference center dedication. Asked the members to waived a white handkerchief and shouted hossana three times.
“The strong presence of the Holy Ghost inside the car strengthened my testimony even more. I know the church is really true…” my wife said.
On the same day at 2PM, afternoon session, we went inside the Conference Center. Hand in hand, as if assuring ourselves that we are actually seeing the things we’ve read only in he church magazines. We felt blessed to be able to come and received the counsel of the Lord our Savior as He inspires the First Presidency and the General Authorities.
On the 11th of October was the realization of the dream. Finally, the Salt Lake Temple.
“I haven’t felt secured in my life until I was inside the temple,” I said.
“I don’t know what to feel. I can’t see anything but I felt an invisible and very powerful spirit was there hugging me. I was really sobbing,” my wife told me.
It was mixed emotions. We could hardly breathe nor speak. The feelings were very overwhelming. All we could do was to embraced our friends who became an instrument for being there. It took all the effort before we could whisper, “Thank you.”
Aside from the Salt Lake Temple, we attended sessions at the Manti Temple, Provo Temple, Logan Temple, Jordan River Temple and Bountiful Temple.
The rest of the days were spent for sightseeing and touring. We went to the Museum of Church History and Art where we enjoyed the Mormon Historical Exhibits.
The historic Temple Square, The Beehive House, the home of Brigham Young, Pioneer Memorial Museum, noted as the world’s largest collection of artifact on one particular subject. We were impressed on seeing the Family Search Center, located at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, has computerized genealogical records for hundreds of millions of deceased people. We watched the movie…’The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd.”
Trekked to Timpanogas Cave, Hobble Creek Canyon and Kennecott’s Bingham Canyon. With us were the sweet couple Evelyn and Robert Holmes.
Attended missionary reunions and surprised to see my mission president Arthur J. Sperry and wife, who served in the Philippines 20 years ago.
Watch NBA live at Delta Center, the UTAH JAZZ GAME.
As a remembrance, Sister Sharon Ewing gave us a miniature figure of Salt Lake Temple. It is made up of fine porcelain over a solid walnut with an engraved wordings…
“DREAMS DO COME TRUE”
(October 11, 2000)
October 19, 2000. The date of our departure from the United States. Going back in the Philippines. Going home to our children.
As the plane took – off. My wife Jujo vividly remembered the time when she suddenly woke up in the middle of the night and saw me staring at them while they were sleeping.
I would asked her, “What will happen to us?”
Both of us look up and saw the stars brightly shining through the holes of our roof.
Time flies so fast. But with us were good memories and experiences. A testimony to share. An unforgettable blessing from the Lord.
As we re-entered the Philippines, I took out my journal inside my bag and once again wrote the goals I desire from the bottom of my heart.
At present I am still connected to P&O PRINCESS CRUISES.
The visa with a multiple entry (for ten years) gave us more chance to visit our relatives in the U.S. from time to time.
Countless blessings from the Lord were bestowed upon us. I know that if we put God first in our lives we will be blessed.
Write all Your goals and work for it. Have faith to make it happen.
JUDY V. CALDA
Imus Ward
Cavite Philippines Stake |
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