What happens when the future you carefully planned suddenly begins to unravel? This reflection is about a season when our wedding plans changed unexpectedly, and God gently led us from certainty into surrender—teaching us to trust His guidance one step at a time.
Psalm 32:8
“The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’”
Toward the last quarter of 2024, Dennis and I began planning for our wedding—a season filled with excitement, dreams, and careful preparation. We envisioned celebrating both in Arizona and in Manila so that our families and friends from both sides could be part of this sacred milestone.
I immersed myself in the details—researching suppliers, booking venues, securing the church, coordinating with florists, photographers, videographers, invitations, and completing our wedding entourage. Everything seemed to be falling into place.
We had a clear plan: travel to Arizona in April for a civil wedding, return to Manila for our church wedding in June 2025, and then begin our married life together in Arizona.
It was all set. Or so I thought.
One conversation changed everything.
While sharing our plans with a close friend, she gently asked, “Are you sure about your life plan? Why don’t you consult a lawyer to see if this will work?”
That question led me to seek advice from two immigration lawyers. Both gave the same counsel: our plan was not the best path forward. Instead, they advised us to cancel the Manila wedding and proceed with getting married in the U.S. first—for compliance and to secure my permanent residency.
In a moment, everything I had carefully planned seemed to unravel.
I was at the CCT Staff Retreat when I received this news. For hours, I felt overwhelmed—my heart racing, my mind clouded with stress and disappointment.
It was only the first week of January 2025, and suddenly I found myself calling suppliers, explaining cancellations, and letting go of plans I had poured my heart into.
Then I paused.
In the midst of the chaos, I turned to the Lord and told Him, “I surrender everything to You.”
Every plan, every timeline, every expectation—I laid them down at His feet.
I knew the bigger picture: Dennis and I were meant to be married. But the path to get there was no longer in my control.
Dennis and I explored every possible route—even some that felt unrealistic—just to find a way forward. But deep inside, I knew I needed to hear from God, not simply rely on our own understanding.
So I opened my Bible and asked Him to speak. The verse I landed on was Psalm 32:8.
And in that moment, His peace flooded my heart.
Not because everything was figured out—but because I knew He was in control.
Despite all the changes, I still decided to proceed with my trip to Arizona. The tickets were already booked, and I had planned for my niece, Sophia, and my sister-in-law, Ching, to travel with me.
But this time, the purpose of the trip had shifted.
I was no longer traveling with a fixed timeline for marriage.
I was traveling in faith—waiting for God’s perfect timing.
This change also meant something very practical: I would need a long-term place to stay while waiting.
Another unknown. Another step that required trust. Another invitation into a deeper faith adventure.
Sometimes, God does not just redirect our plans—He rewrites them completely.
And in the process, He teaches us that His guidance is not only about the destination, but about trusting Him in every step of the journey.
To be continued...