A Change of Plans

Last May, a routine “Are-you-on-your-way-home-from-work-yet?” call to Mike turned my uneventful Tuesday afternoon into a major turning point for the Mercado family’s life.

It’s practically a law of nature that life just doesn’t go as planned… even when it seems a coin toss has already decided your fate. You may recall that last April, Mike was assigned to be an alternate for his colleague who was chosen to deploy to Afghanistan (see “Heads or Tails” for the story). As an alternate, Mike still walked around with the cloud of possible deployment over his head, not convinced that he was in the clear until someone physically left on a plane to Afghanistan. I thought it was just his pessimistic side coming out. But maybe that was God’s way of preparing him, and me, for the news that would eventually push Mike’s cloud to bear precipitation.

Just 2 days before our trip to CA, we learned that there had been a change of circumstances for Mike’s colleague who was now unable to deploy …and we knew it meant that Mike must go in her place. That brief phone conversation on Tuesday opened an emotional floodgate, filling me with disbelief, disappointment, and devastation, especially with Max and the new baby at the forefront of my mind. Praise God for giving us a getaway to CA to absorb the shock!

Since then, I’ve taken advantage of quiet times alone to process my own thoughts and feelings about Mike’s deployment and the implications for each member of our family. Through meditation and journaling, talking with God, and reading His Word, I’ve come to a place of acceptance and peace. It’s also been encouraging to talk with family and friends and be reminded of His sovereignty and His goodness. In fact, the only thing that abates any feelings of anger, doubt, or resentment is knowing that He holds the whole universe in His hands (Psalm 8:3-4) and that things happen for a divine purpose (Romans 8:28).

After much prayer and family discussion, we made the decision to relocate temporarily back to CA while Mike is deployed. I’ll be staying with my parents in Bakersfield and will return to Guam with Max and the baby tentatively by next summer.

So here we go on another Mercado adventure, taking a step in a new direction.

In his heart a man plans his course,

but the LORD determines his steps.

--Proverbs 16:9

California Adventures - part 2

After celebrating Sid’s graduation, we proceeded north to Stockton, CA, to enjoy the hometown life with Mike’s side of the family. Grandma Linda and Grandpa Jun had a fantastic time with Max at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where they witnessed first-hand Max’s passion for marine life! He also discovered the joys of karaoke, shopping, and the smooth ride of Great-grandma Lourdes’ walker.



Our final week on the mainland was spent at our favorite getaway in Dana Point, CA. And joining us in this place of escape were my grandfather, my parents, and my brothers and their families. With all of us being so busy and separated by distance, time with them is something to be treasured. It was an extra special treat for Max, though, to have 10 whole days with his cousin Josiah (just 5 weeks older than Max) who came all the way from Salt Lake City, Utah! …with George and Barbie, of course. ;)

California Adventures - part 1

After 10 months away from home, we finally made it back to the other side of the Pacific Ocean! We spent 3 weeks soaking in the presence of family and friends… and, of course, eating at our fave restaurants (Mike’s real reason for ever being homesick!).

The timing of our visit was focused on a grand event that took place on the grassy field of our alma mater Loma Linda University in southern CA. On May 25, Mike’s little brother Sidney joined the club of “Dr. Mercado’s”, receiving his Doctorate of Medicine degree as a member of the largest graduating class in the history of LLU’s School of Medicine. Among his classmates were Van Geslani (fellow Guamanian and son of Uncle Bevan Geslani who is the SDA Clinic director). Thanks to all the connections that come out of attending a reputable church-affiliated medical school, we were also delighted to run into old friends who were celebrating other graduates.

It was a nostalgic experience to watch Sid walk across the same stage that we and my brother George did just 4 years ago--the walk that symbolizes all the paths that lead there and those that go forward from it. Sidney has, so far, survived the first month of his Internal Medicine residency at the Harbor UCLA hospital in Torrance, CA. Although intern life is treating him as expected (quite rough!), we’re confident that God is growing his knowledge and character in preparation for the mission field—a desire that we were excited to see evolve and solidify during his visit to Guam. We’re proud of you, Sid!

Click on the picture below to see more:

Sid's Grad

We do owe a huge Si yu’us ma’ase to our faithful friends Merrick and Lynne for providing a comfy and Max-friendly home environment during our stay in Loma Linda. We were also more than grateful for the warm clothing they loaned us to help brave the rain and 53-degree weather which we were totally unprepared for!

Catch-Up

Ahoy mates! These past couple months have whizzed by without much “free time” to tell you all about the latest occurrences… hence, long time no blog. But now that Max is sleeping, and I have no other distractions while I’m sitting on this Amtrak train for the next few hours (more on that later), it’s time to get all you faithful readers up to speed on the Mercado family’s recent journeys.

So as not to overwhelm you (or myself, for that matter), I’ve decided to organize recent events in a series of entries that will be published over the next several days. So stay tuned and tread along with us on a path that has taken us to both peaks and valleys.

Happy Father's Day

This past weekend was Father's Day, and what a better way to spend Father's Day than with Gemma and Max! We enjoyed a wonderful Sunday brunch at one of our favorite dine-in spots, Top O the Mar, which has an excellent view of the Philippine Sea.

The joy that comes from being a father is indescribable! From the first smile to the first hand sign to the first step to the first vocalizations of the word "daddy", I am constantly reminded of the blessing that comes from having a precious son in Max.

Here are just a few snapshots of our "Max and Daddy" adventures ...

If I could be like "Mike"...




The beautiful island of Rota

Talofofo Falls




Max and Daddy at Sea World

The Days of My Youth

I never envisioned that my time spent on Guam would extend beyond the confines of Naval Hospital and the occasional day at the beach. How boring...! Despite having absolutely no experience (and no set of instructions), the Lord showed me a much more exciting endeavor: mentoring young people. These are some of the most energetic, intelligent, passionate, and loving group of kids whose desire to learn about Christ has enabled me to grow exponentially in my own spiritual walk. Each with their own individual personality and life story, but each with a similar desire to have Christ formed within.

Meet the crew...

The key to working with youth is to take them seriously.

...but not too seriously!

Cassi and Lance

Max enjoying his favorite thing...Attention!

"Let no man despise thy youth;
but be thou an example of the believers,
in word, in conversation, in charity,
in spirit, in faith, in purity."
- I Timothy 4:12

Round 2

Ding, ding, ding! Well, I guess that since I just can't hide it anymore from my fellow Guamanians, it wouldn't be fair to hide it from our friends and loved ones across the globe...

We're pregnant! Yup, Baby #2 is on the way! We are certainly excited to expand our family a bit and have a playmate to keep Max company. I can't quite tell if Max comprehends this whole "Mommy's having a baby" concept, but whenever little Jasmine Lee is nearby, he seems to want to check in on her and make sure she's okay--as if those big brother instincts are ready to be activated!

So, the Mercado adventures shall soon take on a new dimension. The due date for this little one is September 7, 2008, which means I'm going to have a really hot summer! In the meantime, we're praying that Mike doesn't get called for that deployment to Afghanistan (which would start in August) and thanking God for each moment that God gives us together as a family.

Our first glimpse of the baby's face. In the middle of the dark area are the baby's nose and lips.

Profile shot.

Drum roll please...

It's a girl!!!