2013, you called me apo and I called you lola.
This was the first time we met,
In a McDonald's, 9:45 PM after youth service.
I realized at that moment that you, were going to impact my life.

December 12, 2013, Bob, your best friend, and I
were scurrying through traffic,
With a cake and some balloons,
We climbed up the stairs,
and waited with your closest friends.

I was amazed by how many close friends you had,
I never knew you touched so many people's lives,
but that was just a small percent of the lives you've touched.

As time went by, I got to know you.
I saw your personality and quirks,
and they were all beautiful.

2015, I was attracted to you.
I wondered how God could create
such a woman with grace and elegance.
A woman more precious than jewels,
A woman that did good, and not harm
to the people she loved.

She opened her hand to the poor,
and reached her hands to the needy.
Her currency was love, and she was
rich.

You, Gia, were the first woman I considered
for matrimony.
The way you lived like a Proverbs 31 woman,
The way your heart cries out to people in need.
You were, a role model for women all around the Philippines.

Even when the attraction faded,
I knew God wanted me to pray for a woman like you.
A woman who lived by Proverbs 31 faithfully.
A woman whose sole desire is to be a blessing to everyone she meets.

You inspired the hearts of those in the Fort Campuses,
You fanned flames in the beleivers in Katipunan,
In the nations, you spread your infectious joy.

I'll never forget the day I asked you,
"What is your favorite animal, and why?"
You told me,"Quokkas!" in your very energetic ways.

I looked at you in bewilderment asking what a quokka was.
As we searched, I discovered that quokkas were considered
the happiest creatures on earth.
Just like you.

Gia Garcia, campus missionary, world missionary.
Leader, dancer, sister, daughter, and friend.
You are many things to many people,
but before everything you are,
a Child of God.

Enjoy His courts,
Rejoice with the Angels,
You fought the good fight,
you made it home,
you've blessed so many people,
and I look forward to catching up to you,
just as promised.
In eternity, where you can dance and praise the Lord
with all of our friends for eternity.