It was when I was 24 when I decided to study in a boarding school. It was 14 kilometers away from the city. Well, if you wanna go there, you have to take a jeepney (PUJ) and it will take you 30 minutes to arrive in my hilltop boarding school.
Most of the roads aren't paved yet. Seriously. So, just imagine the kind of dusty and a bit rough road you have to take just to get to school. But it's a boarding school so, you don't have to go to the city as often as you can.
You may wonder, how did I live there? What made me survive?
(1) God's Amazing Creations
First, one thing that made me stay there for almost 2 years was the beautiful scenery. Everyday was a delight. If you're a melancholic , nature loving individual, you'll really enjoy the silence, the fresh air, and the calm atmosphere of the mountains. My school is in Bukidnon, Southern Philippines, by the way.
I praise GOD for taking me there. It was difficult for me to at first give up my comfy-convenient city life. But I knew He led me there. :) I didn't have any regrets.
(2) Healthy Living
I'm actually trying to be a lacto-ovo vegetarian which means I don't eat meat (as much as possible)! So, as you may know, living close to the nature is beneficial to health. When I lived there, I do morning and/or afternoon walks almost everyday. That was utterly refreshing. We also hiked to a nearby hill. Every Tuesday, we have this farmers' market where you can buy cheap and fresh fruits and vegetables. I still remember when I bought a pretty PhP 17.00 cauliflower freshly picked from the seller's garden. How cool!
(3) Peace
Peace is found when we know that we are on the place where God wants us to be. In my school, I experienced peace. It was a kind of peace that I didn't experience when I was busily hovering over the amusements and the hustle life of the city. My days in the hilltop boarding school made me appreciate the tender, little joys of life - the blooming of the flowers, the dewy mornings, the cool winds, the silent prayers, and the wonderful devotional moments.
I still have stories to tell to you about my life in that Hilltop Boarding School. I met new friends and enjoyed their company. You'll see more of my hilltop stories on my next posts.