I wasn’t called to merely survive—I was chosen to conquer, and to do so with unwavering victory.

"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."

She was once a naive girl who only dreamt of eating her favorite food, having decent clothes to wear, and of course making her parents proud – a simple life, I guess. Did the naive girl make it?

Perhaps, Yes?
Perhaps, No?

The answer does not lie on her, but on you. And as you read the gist of her episodic life, I hope only one thing, but to be inspired.

Mabuhay! I am Riza Retuta, a loving daughter who wants only but the best. Ever since I was a child, I have been a dreamer and a curious kid ready to take on the leap. And because of these characters that became my foundation, I did not just survive, I conquered.

It was 2020 when I graduated from my High School life, and since then I started dreaming. Because I graduated valedictorian in the batch, I said to myself, “You’ll become a nurse–the career you’ve always dreamed of having,” but sadly a pandemic came, and the Lord redirected my heart to teaching. At first I was not happy–I questioned Jesus and I even planned to dropout– but on the latter, I started to grasp the plans of the Lord in my life, and I saw how mesmerizingly beautiful it was. So, I trusted. I walked. I even crawled. Ergo,I conquered it victoriously. I graduated with a latin honors-- A Cum Laude. This is grace alone why I made it. Nothing to boast about.

Now, I am a passionate and dedicated English teacher, who wants nothing for her students but to learn from the best. When I say I am an English teacher, I don't mean I am perfect when it comes to grammar, pronunciation, and diction, for just like you I am also a human– I commit mistakes. But you know what, everything I have now came with a greatest heartbreak. But my name became my walking testimony and a greatest reminder each time I stumble and fall in life.

What's in a name? Well, "RIZA" isn't just four letters thrown together; it embodies my spirit—Resolute Inside Zigzag Adversities. My life story, much like yours, isn't perfect. But through all its twists and turns, I remain grateful and steadfast. Why? Because I know that I am not alone. I have a God who is ready and able to come with me in the middle, to tame every storm I am experiencing.

I am the youngest of the family. I have a brother who passionately works for his family, a sister who is currently battling with thyroid cancer, and amazing parents who are always ready to go the extra mile just to provide all our needs. I know going the extra mile wasn’t easy for them, for it only means that going to the farm and experiencing the scorching heat of the sun just for us to have a penny to buy with our basics. But you know what, I never heard any of them murmur that’s how they loved us— that they are willing to sacrifice their life and happiness just for us to have a comfortable life.

During my college days, I managed to bring fresca tuna–canned goods– as my lunch. Did I even feel shy? No, because life humbled me; it taught me to be grateful for what I have. I became steadfast, patient, and eager for I know that someday, this kind of life won’t be like this anymore– it will be more bearable, more peaceful, more beautiful– that we don’t need to worry what to eat and where to get it.

During my 3rd year in college– the most crucial years– my lola died, and because of some sort of family problem I haven’t got the chance to see her. Because of this, I experienced PTSD, Post-traumatic stress disorder, but the Lord never left me. He delivered me through and through and in the same year, I experienced my breakthrough. I even passed my Civil Service Licensure Examination for Professional Level, while I was grieving. And I know this is not by my own might and power again, but only by His loving grace and glory.

My 4th year in college stepped in, I didn’t expect to be qualified as one of the International Students that will be bound in Thailand. Because who would have thought that a curious student, eager to learn from the best, would find herself among the fortunate few granted this golden opportunity? No one thought of this, not even myself. But the Lord is good. His plans are great, and His purposes are magnificent. This opportunity bears limitless chances for me where I taught with amazing Thai students and worked with Thai teachers with beautiful souls.

Did I make it? Yes, because of my parents' hard work and perseverance, I graduated– I graduated with Latin honors, I graduated being a Cum Laude. This life reminds me that I am not called to just survive. I am called to conquer and to do it victoriously.

Today, I am again blessed as I bumped into @antonette25 and @chinito as my on boarder who introduced me to this blog site. Through this site, I can finally broaden my horizon, enhance my writing skills, and of course to have an easily accessible diary where I can share my thoughts, feelings, and even my best experiences so that I can also be an inspiration for others.

She patiently and passionately shared her knowledge about the rules and policies of posting. And today, I can attest that I already understand that AI in posting is strictly prohibited and also the importance of quality engagement within the community.

And as I end this, one thing I would like you to ponder: Whatever you are experiencing today, just travel your knees unto God and surely He will not just deliver you, but He will also bless you all throughout your life. Trust Him, for you can never go wrong when you do it.