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This year's ICON is something I looked forward to. It's not only because it will be my official first time visit to Davao , but the theme itself inspired me to attend. I was excited to do the same thing I did last year – travel, roam around Mindanao and visit my mom’s home town in Surigao Del Sur before or after the ICON. But God interrupted my plans again.

Before the year 2009 ended, I had a few storms – nearly lost my job, family feud – just to name some. I ended up financially challenged. I found myself selling some of my belongings, enough to survive for a couple of months. I sacrificed my material possessions just to afford things that were essentials – ICON is one of those. It is already something I really looked forward to. But still, what I have that time was something really enough.

I found myself desperately begging for God’s wonder. It was nearly December and I knew back then that fares are high. But the hope was there. Looking at my spare $200, I asked God to send something special, something that will make it possible for me to attend the ICON. With all the desperations of some of my friends waiting for promotions, they booked but I still waited. Until one day, $115 flight came from a heaven-sent airline. In short, I was meant to attend the ICON. Due to budget constraints, I cancelled my travel plans and focused on what really is essential – the ICON.

ICON came and I had a unique and yet God-filled experience. When I celebrated my New Year’s Eve with some of my closest friends in the community, I shared to them that I feel 2010 will be a great year and indeed it is, until now, and I believe it will be. And I was inspired during the Blueprint of Purpose workshop by Fr. Xavier Olin. “Eto pala un” (so this is it). I found myself in contemplation that night and telling God, “Eto pala un. The peace and happiness inside me, in my heart, this is what You need me to have. Inspite of last year’s storms and detachments from material possessions, I remained focused and choose to focus on You. Now, I found consolation in You.”

Another affirmation came when Fr. Xavier Olin gave the homily on the second day of the ICON. He mentioned about the “interruptions” that God is giving to us. He emphasized the meaning and importance of STOPPING from things we’re familiar with. That evening, I realized, that was what He did to me. When I had a problem with finances and I shouted (literally), “Lord, I only have $10 in my wallet plus some ringgits,” He interrupted me and let me see around and realize what essentials are. When I worried with my previous employer, He disrupted my worries and reassured me of abundant life and everything He planned will be fulfilled. When I was interrupted because of life issues, He made His own interruption, told me to STOP and calmed me down.

With God’s interruptions, I realized most of the routines stopped. I had time having a ME time, had the chance to be with my beloveds and had so much time to feel loved, blessed, empowered and full. I had drawn inspirations from a lot of things too from this year's ICON: the fact of being part of a bounty feast prepared to everyone by God; the rising hope of conversion inspite of worldly lures such as possessions, power and pleasures; God's promise of grace as we fight for the fullness of life in Christ; and the continuous effort of the community to remain in His love by still abiding to SFC’s mission and vision.

2010 and years to come will be great and I believe so because long before, a life of fullness is my destiny and everybody’s destiny as well. And if God interrupts me again for any other unknown reason, I would gladly give in. So far, all His interruptions are doing significant difference in me.

Full and not fool,

Bro. Almin Manalo

SFC Singapore