November Learning Faith Through Difference and Immersion

November Learning Faith Through Difference and Immersion

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
Colossians 3:23-24

November began with movement rather than rest. We went to Mindanao for Tanghal Mindanao, and once again I stepped into my role handling contracts, monitoring finances, and coordinating with various artists. It was demanding work that required attention, patience, and emotional steadiness. The environment unfamiliar, and the experience undeniably formative.

Being part of Buswak Mindanao reminded me that God does not only create people differently. He also allows communities to stand distinctly from one another. Coming from the Philippines, I know we are rich in diversity, yet witnessing it fully in Mindanao still moved me deeply. Their performances reflected the vibrancy of their life and culture through colors, costumes, makeup, movements, and the stories embedded in their work. Everything felt rooted in identity, place, and history.

This experience deepened my appreciation for the differences between Visayas and Mindanao Tanghal. Not as a comparison of which is better, but as a recognition that each region carries its own voice. Each speaks a different creative language, and each deserves to be honored and understood.

At the same time, I must be honest. Tanghal Mindanao was also the stressful for me. I was not fully updated on the list of artists I needed to approach or who required contracts. I often found myself unsure of where to begin or who to coordinate with. I was learning in real time while still being expected to function professionally. It felt intense, messy, and overwhelming, yet full of growth and meaning.

One of the highlights of November was YATTA’s Galloween project, where we produced four different short plays. Galloween, organized by Youth Advocates Through Theater and Arts, is designed to challenge young artists not only to create but also to reflect deeply, express ideas without fear of judgment, and produce works that spark thought and conversation. For me, this was an incredible opportunity. As someone still learning to navigate creative spaces, I researched, asked questions, and sought guidance to understand the issues behind each play and how to make them meaningful yet reflective.

The process itself was as valuable as the final product. Every night, we met, brainstormed, debated, and refined our ideas. We questioned every aspect of our drafts, discussed how to represent the issues effectively, and supported each other in pushing creative boundaries. Finally, presenting the plays to the YATTA team successfully was deeply satisfying. It was a healthy, collaborative, and enriching experience that reminded me how much God works through shared effort, humility, and openness to learning.

I realized that this season continues to place me in learning spaces. I am discovering how to hold responsibility while not always having clarity, and how to grow alongside others even in challenging circumstances. One truth became clear: we only truly appreciate people, cultures, and processes when we immerse ourselves in them. Appreciation grows through conversation, listening, and shared effort. God met me not only in the beauty of creativity but in the discomfort and joy of learning and producing alongside others.

As November comes to a close, I recognize that faith is not only trusting God in stillness. It is trusting Him in unfamiliar spaces, among unfamiliar people, and while doing work that challenges both my limits and my confidence. Colossians 3:23-24 reminds me that every effort, every late night, and every challenge is ultimately an offering to the Lord. Even in uncertainty, God remains present, patient, and faithful.