07/04/2026
It was a pleasure to accommodate this lovely group of people.
Caption from the lead guest:
Once upon a Friday, in a season when weary hearts quietly longed for rest, the Lord watched over five bubbly families from Tri-City Presbyterian Church as they drove to a little getaway.
With laughter packed alongside bags and baon, they journeyed to a charming nook in the City of Lipa known as The Cottages — a place that felt, from the very first step, like a gentle exhale.
There, they found a garden lovingly kept, as though it, too, had been waiting to welcome them. Nestled within were four pretty cottages — each one dressed in warmth and character, with spacious beds for physical rest, cozy lofts that children quickly claimed as their own little kingdoms, and window bays perfect for quiet moments with the Lord.
Nearby stood a welcoming hut, where a well-appointed kitchen made preparing meals a shared delight rather than a chore. Just beyond it, a long table rested beneath a flowering trellis, overlooking a sparkling pool that shimmered under the sun. Around the grounds, shaded tables and chairs seemed thoughtfully placed — as if inviting every guest to sit, linger, and simply be.
The little ones and "big kids" splashed freely in the clean, well-tended pool, their laughter rising like music. The grown-ups — well, they found their own kind of pleasure in unhurried conversations, in catching up on life and faith, and in the steady, comforting rhythm of fellowship (with snacks never too far away).
As evening gently fell, a different kind of stillness settled in. Gathered in the quiet of the AV/activity room, they listened together to “The Power of the Cross” by Alistair Begg. In that sacred pause, reflections were shared, and each one was reminded that the truest rest is always found in The Savior alone.
Morning came — bright, golden, and full of God's new mercies.
The grill crackled to life as more beloved families arrived, and soon the air was rich with the aroma of barbecue and the sound of joyful reunion. Seven families gathered around the table — what a feast it was! Not just of food, but of laughter, stories, and the quiet miracle of doing life together.
But as all good stories do, this one, too, came to its gentle close.
Bags were packed, hugs were given, and each family set off once more — hearts a little lighter, souls a little fuller, and spirits refreshed for the days ahead.
Not quite “The End”… but, by His grace, the beginning of many more chapters to come. 🌿
by Agustina Verdadero-Lanuza of Tri-City Presbyterian Church
Credits to Russel for the video and Sam and Denise for the photos
