the ordinary "fairy"

Travel Diary

2011-06-18T14:00:00.001-07:00

Travel Diary Slideshow: Fairy’s trip from Philippines to 18 cities Pennsylvania, Ontario, Thailand, New Jersey, British Columbia, New York City, Alberta, Singapore, Montreal, Vancouver Island, Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Northwest Territories, Davao, Washington (near Cashmere, Washington, United States), Saskatchewan and Lumbang (near Pagsanjan, Luzon) was created by TripAdvisor. See another United States slideshow. Create your own stunning free slideshow from your travel photos.

Life Begins at 30

2011-05-27T20:09:00.000-07:00

"for me, life begins at 30 (talking about extremes here). I know you might react with it.

Yes, I am on my early 30's. I look back on my first 2 years after I turned 30, I am quite amused on what had happened to me in an extreme way. Despite of my fears in heights, cold, to get drowned... God was with me."

Before I reached 30, I remember I had a countdown. Yes, "30 days before I turn 30". I read it again and twas fascinating to look back.

I am an ordinary Fairy. You might think at my age what the heck I am doing with my life. Well, I am not throwing it somewhere. I am at the time of discovering God's goodness and to testify it to you. Despite of my weaknesses, my fears and not knowing of what's ahead, as what I've said, God was with me. And I am just enjoying it.

You might ask, "Do you have plans to get married?" Many people asked me that actually. And my answer is YES. But for now, while my prince charming is not visible yet, I know I need to do something.

So here are some of what I did:

kayaking, Subarctic Trip, ice fishing, dog sledding, Aurora Borealis viewing, Ziplining, Skydiving, Snowboarding, WallClimbing

"I am greatly blessed, highly favored, imperfect but forgiven child of God."

Just a short note: Not all my wishes do come true. But they were things had happened or I received unexpected for my own good. Happy!

Kaibigang Matalik

2011-02-20T21:26:00.000-08:00

ni Feigh Lacbay L

Kelan lang, ang daming laman ng isip ko. Well, sabihin ko nang mula kagabi hanggang ngayon. Aminin ko na durog ang puso ko. Nadurog ito ng ‘di sinasadya nang itinuturing kong kaibigan. Ano ba ang nangyari? Kahit ako parang ‘di ko maintindihan ang sarili ko sa naging reaksyon ko. Pero ‘un nga, durog ang puso ko. Kagabi, humagulhol ako sa paanan ng Diyos. Nagtanong. Sa kalagayan ko ngayon, na durog ang puso. Bigla kong naramdaman na napakasakit pala ng sa aking palagay ako ay nagamit lang. Alam ko ‘di nya sinasadya. Naiintindihan ng isip ko pero hindi ng puso ko. Nasaktan akong masyado, at kahit ngayon parang ang hirap ngumiti sa harap ng tao at magkunwari na ako ay okay lang. ‘Di ko kaya.

Hindi ko malilimutan ang aking dasal kagabi, sabihin ko na kaninang madaling araw. Nagtanong sa Diyos. Bakit sa ilang taon ko na dito sa ibang bansa, tulad ng pagbabayad ko sa renta ng aking matutuluyan, pakiramdam ko nakikirenta rin ako ng kaibigan, ng makakasama o ng makakausap. Biglang dumapo ang matinding sakit sa aking puso. Bakit? Wala akong masasabing aking sariling kaibigan. Na kung gusto ko bumulabog sa buhay nila, okay lang dahil tunay ko silang kaibigan. Naiba ba ang paningin ko sa ganitong relasyon? O, dahil iba talaga dito at walang dapat ikumpara. Ayaw kong isipin ang alin man sa dalawa.

Kagabi, habang lumabas na ang uhog ko ng walang tigil, ng humiga na ako sa carpet na sahig ng aking kwarto, ibinigay ko na sa Diyos ang aking puso. “Wala na,” sabi ko. “Durog na at kailangan ko ng Diyos para bumuo nito.” Kahit ang hangarin ko na umibig sa lalaki. Ang manalangin ng spesipikong tungkol dito ay nabanggit ko rin. Inisip ko lang ang nagdaan. Kung.... well... isang beses ko lang naman sinabi sa lalaki na gusto ko sya, sa internet pa. Pero walang nangyari. Kahit ang hangarin kong iask ang lalaki sa church para mag cafe sa labas. Kahit yon nawala rin. O ang sumali sa small group at doon ay may nakita na parang siya ang kalooban ng Diyos sa akin. Pero ng lumaon ni ang sarili kong schedule ay di na nagwork out pa sa nasabing activitiy. Dasal ko, o sabihin ko na: “Kalooban mo ba na maging single ako? E di bigyan mo ako ng pusong masaya sa pagiging ganito. Pero hindi. Kabaligtaran lahat ang tunay kong nararamdaman. Nagtatalo ang isip at puso ko. Alam ko na ito ang tawag Mo sa akin. Pero hindi ganoon kadaling gawin. Sa isip ko may mali. Kasi, kung ginagawa ko ang kalooban mo, may saya sa puso ko kahit mahirap.”

Well, nagulat lang ako sa napag isip isip ko kaninang madaling araw. Naalala ko ang relasyon kong personal sa Diyos. Siya nga pala ang tunay at matalik kong kaibigan. Ang nag iisang ‘di tatalikod sa akin kahit super dami Nyang kaibigan. Top priority Nya ako. Nahiya akong bigla, kasi feeling ko nagamit ko rin Sya. Kung ako super nadurog ang puso ko, paano kaya Sya. Sya na super loyal sa akin.

Alam ko, madami akong makikilang tao at magiging kaibigan sa mundong ito. Pero isa sa natutuhan ko ay ang ‘wag kalimutan ang aking pinakamatalik na kaibigan at iyon ay ang Diyos na nagbigay ng nag iisang anak Nya para tumubos sa aking mga kasalanan. Si Cristo na ipinanganak sa mundong ito, ipinako sa krus, namatay at inilibing at pagkalipas ng tatlong araw ay nabuhay muli. Tanging Siya ang dapat kong unahin higit sa lahat dahil iyon ang deserving na affection na dapat Nyang matanggap.

At isa sa mga ipapaalala ko sa aking sarili, na hindi lang Sya isang tunay na kaibigan, Sya ay aking tagapagligtas at nangako ng buhay na walang hanggan.

Meron pa ba akong dapat damdamin???

On the Way to Subarctic

2010-12-21T21:37:00.001-08:00

Two months ago, I felt detached from my dailyness. I had a feeling that I need to go somewhere...that I need to do something. Where, when and how were in my thoughts. I prayed about it. One day, during my reflection time on our workshop held in Surrey, it got clearer. Well, that I need to do something besides on what I am currently doing.

I was thinking where I would like to go or where God would like me to go. My days went on thinking and praying. I went in the library where there was an access of internet on that time. From there, dates, places and how to get there were clearer. But so much questions and battling against with the ideas.
A month notice? I need to book my holiday 2 months before!

Up North? Hey, It's winter. It's -40deg Celsius there!Common, I would like to have life!

By plane? Oh my goodness, way too expensive!

How about by bus? Oh dear, so my break is more about journey on the road then!

On that same day, I asked my supervisor about my upcoming holiday. And she approved it. "Oh dear, it will happen." The next day, I went to Greyhound station and purchased the ticket. I got discount, the price of 15-day discovery pass was the same as 7-day pass. "Oh no, it's really happening."

Accomodation? That's a different story.
I usually travel with either free accomodation or stays in a cheap youth hostel. So for me, my thought was, "Well, God put this desire in my heart so I won't worry about it." Thruth: I wasn't but my emergency contact person was.
To be honest, the original plan was to stay at Hay River and not in Yellowknife.
But my personal interest was so visible and I decided to stay in Yellowknife. So, the night before my departure, I booked a cabin in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.

My journey: from Jasper, I met a nice man who have a heart for Filipinos. When we got to Edmonton, he gave me a ride to the resthouse where I planned to stay for a night before heading off to NorthWest. Mr. Jerry showed the nearest Mennonite Church. So, the next day, I went at the church and asked for their prayers as I would travel alone all the way up to Yellowknife. I shared my journey and at the end of the service, I've got invitation for lunch. Two invitations... I felt like home. I was welcomed very well in Edmonton.
My journey continued. I arrived at Hay River after 15 hours on the bus. I took a van to Yellowknife. I was the only passenger from Hay River to Fort Providence. I felt that I was a refugee, going to a place of the unknown. We crossed the frozen lake in the evening, it was dark and cold...So much in my thoughts on that time. Grateful on what had happened in Edmonton but prayed for the next adventure. For 7 hours in the van, I got time to reflect on what had happened to me on this year 2010. "What an extreme year for me."
Finally, I arrived at Yellowknife and been picked up by the owner of the cabin.

Here are some of the pictures:

The weather: It was -23deg Celsius. As what my guide said,"It's a bit warmer today!"

It was supposed to be cloudy. But on that night, the wind blew those clouds away for us to see the Northern Lights.

Do you think my adventures ended here? No, no, no!

After 2 days at Yellowknife, I decided to go back to Vancouver. I was dropped off at Enterprise,NT to catch the Greyhound Bus to Edmonton. The bus was on time. We had stop over at High Level, Alberta. From there, we heard that the road was closed between High Level and Manning. Not of the weather but because the propane truck was exploded. But still, the driver decided to go on. In the middle of nowhere, we needed to stop along with those big trucks and waited for notice from the municipality if the road will be open or not. After eight hours, the driver phoned the main station what to do. It seemed the road will not be opened for 4 more hours. "Oh what an adventure."

The driver talked to all of us (passengers) that we will be dropped off to where we've picked up. "No way, I came all the way from Yellowknife and I don't know anyone here," I said to the driver. The driver phoned the main station and asked what to do. On that time, I was thinking 'Is it like Jonah's story? Lord, do you want me to go back to Hay River? the original plan?' The truth: Yes, it was like Jonah's story. The difference, all passengers except me, decided to stay at High Level. It was only me who decided to go back up to Hay River. I was meant to get there and stayed even for a night. I had a good rest in the motel. In the morning, I met a Filipino in the motel's dining area, Ate Norma. We had a good chat while I was eating my breakfast. She shared a bit of her life. I'll never forget the first few sentences she said, "If you need a place to stay, you don't need to pay for the motel. Lots of Filipinos here who will open their homes for you."

Realizations: God's promises never fail. He's provision and protection is always there if I will ask. He will let me to do things that I want but He will make a way for me as well to do what He wants me to do.

Sakim's story

2010-08-20T22:15:00.000-07:00

I always walk on Sussex Street, either heading on Metrotown, Downtown or going to my friends' place.
One day, while I was walking, I smiled to a slim young lady who did gardening in her yard along Sussex Street. I was a bit envy but amazed on how she does a good job in her garden, She smiled me back and got to know her name. At first, I thought she was a Filipino, same height as me, same color of skin... but no... she's Cambodian. She's here with her employer from Malaysia. Her name is "Sakim". From then on, most of the time I walked up, I saw her. We chatted a bit and saying "Good day!" with each other.
Today, I was walking with my housemate to mail her 2 postcards. I saw Sakim again, we smiled, chatted a little bit and I intoduced her to my housemate and we parted. After we've done mailing, we saw her again. She was so happy when she saw us. The happiness of having someone that she can talk to. My housemate invited her to come over for dinner, well actually on her birthday celebration 2 months from now. My housemate, who just knew Sakim for a little while, was so ready to welcome her in our house. She was so welcoming person. That's what I liked on her. From that little invitation, Sakim started to open up her situation. I was shocked on her story. I never thought that it is existing here in Canada. She earns less than $US200 a month, 5 hours of sleep a day for 7 days a week. She is not happy and really wants to go back to Malaysia. Her situation is really stressing her but the only reason for her to stay is her family. I don't know what to say to her... I gave her a hug and assuring that God will not leave her. "Is it enough? A hug? word of encouragement,..."I thought to myself.
My heart is really broken from her story. One of the million stories, real stories in the world. Can I do something to change the rest of it? For sure, not for the million stories in this world, but maybe even for Sakim. But how?

The filipino word "sakim" means greedy. But knowing my friend, Sakim... it's the opposite of that word. She is giving her life to give life to her 8 siblings back in Cambodia.

How much more of God's love for me.He sent his son, Jesus Christ for me to have an eternal life.Next time, I will share this to her. I know what Sakim needs is peace. Peace that I cannot give, it's the peace that God can only give. I don't want to be "sakim" (greedy) on my faith. But I hope, she will take it.

scared but dared with faith

2010-08-03T23:44:00.000-07:00

I have fear of heights. Never ridden in roller coaster nor done bungee jumping. With fear with myself but with faith in God, I dared myself to conquer my fear. I did ziplines and skydiving this year of 2010.

Camp Sabros zipline, Digos City Philippines
Xcelerator zipline, Davao City Philippines

skydiving, BC Canada

2010-01-16T21:09:00.000-08:00

Saturday, I woke up a bit early though I slept late last night. It was sunny day. I don't want to waste the "once in a blue moon" weather in Vancouver on Winter time. I had my breakfast and went off. I took a day pass for my bus and train, so I saved quite a bit. "I know that I will be in different places , day pass is the best option," I thought. Actually, ang kinuha kong ticket ay yung pang estudyante kaya naka-save ako ng 2 dolyares. I went in Londsdale Quay. Kuripot talaga ako kaya ang lunch ko...pizza and a ginger ale. so, pagkabili ko dali dali ako malapit sa fountain kung saan mas mararamdaman ng aking skin ang sunshine. when i was about to sit down, ay naku kay bilis ng mga ibon... my pizza was stolen by those birds... oh dear... my pizza was been a feast of those birds that afternoon. so in the end, I bought another pizza that cost $1.50 more.
I just remember what I did in my bus ticket.... Kay bilis talaga ng masamang effect ng isang maling action. Hindi ko na uulitin.
Patawad!

What If I do have 365 days left

2009-09-23T21:23:00.000-07:00

It's just in my thoughts tonight the question: What if I have 365 days left? What do I wish to do and not do. What were the things that I've done that I would like to do again and things that I've done that I will not do again...

Well, I don't have 365 things do's and dont's at this moment. But I have some tonight:

1. I will hike again to Grouse Grind but this time not alone but with a friend/s.
2. I will bike again even I had an accident before.
3. I will not engage to conversation where my heart will fall into it and ended up broken.
4. I will say again and again how much grateful I am to have a supermom, supersiblings and a superdad.
5. I will enjoy every moment with different people that I have now because I know I might not have them for a second chance.
6. I will live with contentment in the present and hoping not to expect too much in the future.
7. I will spend more quality time to every one close to my heart.
8. I will still be me to every one. "Being me" means a person with a changed heart from worse to a good one. oh Thank God!
9. I will still end a conversation with my mom over the phone with prayer.
10.I will not gonna say, "I like you." to the guy. I did it once but it ended up with nothing.
11.I will travel more to see people of God with different cultures,food and traditions. Althought BC is a perfect place to see those people, but it would be very neat to be where they came from.
12.I will seek first God's kingdom, be contented in His love and be willing to obey His will for my life.

My thoughts are uncleared, my heart is broken but I know this will not last.

Faith Works

2009-08-01T23:27:00.000-07:00

I had lots of stories of how faith in God worked in my life. This story is one of them.

Last Saturday, July 25th, I was wondering how to get to Abbotsford to watch the concert of Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman on Sunday. I was in Metrotown, thinking who to contact for that event. I remembered one of the former hosts of my coIVEPer...so I gave her a ring. It was a successful one. She could pick me up in Greyhound Station and drive me to the Entertainment Center. Good.
So, Sunday came, I had a ride to Abbotsford. I was a bit early, so I chat a bit with Anne. On that time, I was wondering again.... how about going back to Burnaby???? Oh dear....Anne suggested me to make a sign asking for a ride back to Burnaby which I did though I was not one hundred percent convinced to do that. But on that time, I knew that God will provide me a ride back home. (Is it God's way for me to have a ride back home??? Putting up the sign: "Can someone give me a ride to Metrotown area or Skytrain Station?") Anyways.... I was a bit early in the venue, I saw a drinking fountain so I had a drink for a while, I saw an old guy and asked him where he lived and asked if he and his group has space for one more person. Nice try, but they don't have any...UHmmm. Well, the water was not enough for me so I decided to have a cup of coffee. I bought a cup and went directly to my seat. As I was sitting, with no exact answer to my ride back home, I sipped my hot coffee and found out that it was too black. I don't like black coffee. So I went outside to get sugar and cream. And on the way, I saw group of Filipinos....aha... that time was my time to ask once again for a ride.... so I did... and yahoo it was successful. I'll have a ride back home.

So, while watching the concert, I was at peace, God answered my prayer. They (people who gave me a ride) were amazed on what faith that I have..

While I was there, I was so blessed! I was happy on my decision to go somewhere that I knew God will take care of my going back home.

Michael W. Smith's "Friends" and Steven Curtis Chapman's "I will be here" reminding me of my family and friends in the Philippines...
especially when I was there, I sat with my fellow Filipino who told me that she remembered her highschool friends back in the Philippines.
The concert was very moving!

I will dare my self to do it again and again... going somewhere and doing something with my dependence on God alone...which a lot meaningful story to share to everyone to be amazed in His Power... in His love for someone like me. God is amazing!!! Praise Him!

Am I Tested?

2009-07-17T22:29:00.000-07:00

This morning, I woke up and was grateful to God and said to Him, " Thank you, God! I am alive and no complains."

After a moment, my housemate knocked on my door for the urgent call. After the conversation over the phone, I was so upset. I walked out from my room, I went upstairs and threw the phone in the chesterfield as well as the phone list that I had on my other hand.

I wasn't feel good. I had meeting in the Main Building, had a talk on the phone with a friend, asked advised... and lots of complains came out from my mouth, grr...

At dinner time, I was a bit okay. And in the middle of the conversation on the table, I remembered what I've prayed this morning. Yaaikks! "Am I tested today and failed?"

"I still thank God for today. I was upset and had complains during the day. I asked for forgiveness on that and I know He already forgave me."

Next time, I must pray, 'Lord, thank you I am alive. I might have complains but I know you'll listen. I might be upset but I know you're ready to uplift me. I might not gonna control somebody else' decision but I know everything is beyond your control. I have nothing to worry about and I know I have so much to pray... and in the end, I will still be grateful for what you've done into my life. Amen.'

Kay Nanay

2009-07-14T23:14:00.000-07:00

I found this poem written personally by my brother. This piece is dedicated to our mother.

"Para sa iyo 'to, Nanay! Isinulat ni Kuya, at gusto kong ilahad sa mundo kung sino at kung gaano kayo kabuti sa amin, hindi lang para sa aming magkakapatid pati na rin sa ibang tao. Maraming salamat po!"

"Kay Nanay"

NANAY SALAMAT PO

Sa matatag mong mga kamay kami’y inaruga,
hinubog ang isip, espiritu’y kinalinga.
Pagal na katawan kahit nais mamahinga,
mga mata’y tutukuran para may dagdag kita.

Yaong pasakit mo ay di naibalita,
sa maraming tao nung kami’y mga bata.
Ngayong sumapit na sa pagiging matanda,
sa yo ko inaalay itong aking tula.

Wala kang katulad Nanay naming dakila,
naging ulirang ina sa aming limang bata.
Aking dalangin sa Poong maylikha,
buhay mo’y dugtungan, namnamin ang yong punla.

Pinalaki mo kami na may dignidad,
inalalayan mo sa aming pag-unlad.
Di namin sasapitin kalagayan namin ngayon
Kung wala ka mula pa sa aming pagkabata.

Salamat sa pag-aruga, salamat sa pangaral,
salamat sa palo, salamat sa remedyo,
salamat sa mga dasal, salamat sa dangal,
salamat po sa Dios, ikaw ang aming NANAY.

(Para sa aming ina, Nanay Anicia Garcia Lacbay viuda de Lagrada)
Lumban, Laguna
Philippines

~ by ovid26 on July 14, 2009.

Photo Exhibits

2009-07-10T23:01:00.000-07:00

Bc is a beautiful place. All the time that I went out, I always had my camera. I am grateful the one that I have, really captures beautifully. Enjoy my photos...

Astonished by the sunset nearby YVR Airport.

A Walk to Remember alongside Seawall

A SleepOver in the Nun's House

"The Conscience of the Gray"

"Line of Friends"

Gastown at Night

"Companions at Far"

"Calmness in Chaos"

"Colors of Spring"

I do like painting on canvas but being here in BC made myself engaged more in photography.

Prayer Works

2009-06-27T21:49:00.000-07:00

Well, I had many stories of how prayers in my life really work.

Here's one of those:
Two days ago, I was in the middle of needed-to-make decision. While walking going back home, I was praying that my friend from West Side of the World would phone me so I could talk to him what was going on. Yesterday, I received a message from him thru Facebook that he might gonna call me on that day. I was in a hurry replying his message that I would be available on that day. In the afternoon, he gave a ring. He told me, "why not sending email?"... I told, "Prayer is better... and it works!" Well, I was happy and thankful to God that He answered my prayers.

I am thankful that God is always available to listen to my prayers, to feel what I feels... to be my everything...

This post is quite short. I just like to share one of my stories that God revealed his power and His love to His daughter.

Praise Him!

Wonderfully Made

2009-06-24T21:52:00.000-07:00

I am in the middle of confusing thoughts and a needed-to-make decisions... about life... my journey in the reality of this world.
Why am I here for? I questioned again myself... Until when will I be here? Am I happy on what I am doing right now? Is this the right track on investing on what is eternal? Am I enjoying my stay here for awhile and move on later? Was it my own decision or is this God wants me to take to for now?
Thoughts and Questions inside of me... and God answered it from...

Psalm 139 (New International Version)

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.

5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.

19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!

20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?

22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

The Present, the Past and the Future

2009-06-10T23:00:00.000-07:00

"I am here now in the present. Actually, I am enjoying it but I know that today will just be a history of tomorrow."- fairy lagrada

I just came back from Metrotown. I went straight into my room and my housemate saw me and we chat a bit. She saw her desk and she told that that's hers. I was telling her that I know it and just reminding the future assistant that that's desk is hers. She told me that she couldn't get what I was saying. So I rephrased it, " In life we don't know what will gonna happen. We are here today but tomorrow, we don't know.. Only God knows..." Then I asked, "Do you know what will gonna happen on your tomorrow?" She quickly responded, "Fairy, tomorrow is Thursday!!!" Well, I just laughed... Yeah, tomorrow is Thursday. Always Thursday after Wednesdays.

After my one year here in BC, I thanked God for my rich experiences in life, in love and in faith. I accepted eventually the differences of people (still in the process of accepting it fully) and being grateful for what the Lord has done in me... for his blessings, for the challenges, for the joy and laughter, for the friends and for the good and not so good memories... I am truly blessed.

How about my tomorrow, my Future??? I don't know yet. I am giving it up to God and I know that it is for my own good. I have nothing to worry about.

On my warm days... 5thJune2009

2009-06-05T14:49:00.000-07:00

Last Monday, I went in Crescent Beach by skytrain and bus. It took me more than an hour from Metrotown. It was hot but the breeze from the ocean was quite helpful for me to forget the humidity of the air.

After spending three hours at the beach, I decided to have a walk in Stanley Park. Well, on the other side of Greater Vancouver... It was nice. I sat and read a bit in betweens of my walk.

Then at night, I watched AbaKada Ina starring Lorna Tolentino with my friend. It was good Filipino movie.

Today, Friday... as I am waiting for something to do... I decided to relax myself on the hammock that's hanging in our backyard. Oh good. It's not too hot today compared yesterday....

Thank God for the sunshine!!!

My He@rt S!gnS

2009-05-23T23:10:00.000-07:00

Maganda at nakakatuwa ang kwento ng puso ko ngayon. I'd rather writing it in Taglish dahil feel ko at ito ang pagkakahugis nito ngayon. Hay naku ang buhay ko nga naman.

Lately, lumabas ako for lunch kasama ang aking dating housemate. We decided na mag meet sa harap ng Superstore. On time naman ako, alas dose ng tanghali ng makarating ako sa meeting place namin. Nakita ko sya... leaning on the wall, looking at far.. sa way na kung saan I was supposed to take. Pero nag-iba ako ng landas kasi need ko muna kumuha ng cash sa bank. Naroon siya,... at sa may wall kung saan sya nakahilig... ito ang nakasulat...

nakakatuwa, pati ang mga signs nagpapaalaala sa akin na ang imi-meet kong friend ay... mr.

aminin ko, nagustuhan ko siya. sa bait nya at pagiging siya sa akin, nahulog ang loob ko sa kanya. kaso... engaged na siya at very soon na ang kanyang kasal. I am happy para sa kanya. At excited rin naman ako sa susunod na chapter ng buhay ko lalo na ngayong summer. hahaha. Sana nga may magandang mangyari. (At ewan ko ba kung bakit interesado rin sya sa susunod na kabanata ng life ko.) Hay, na naman. Mag-isip na naman ba ng iba...Ano nga ba ang will ni Lord para sa akin???

Kahapon, ang despedida party nya. I was the one who made reservation sa pub. At sa table ito ung nakalagay...
at ang sabi nya, "I like that." Hahaha, sign naman siguro para sa kanya, reminder na
nakareserved ako for someone.. Kaya??

My Own Interpretations:
Superstore- a big store that sells different kinds of food that signifies Canada for me, a country with multicultural groups. -ang lugar kung saan kami ay nagkita...

Alas Dose ng tanghali- kung saan sa mga fairytale ang princess ay umaalis na kung kailan nameet nya ung prince charming nya. kaso sa kwento ko sya ung paalis, kaya siguro tanghali at hindi hatinggabi...

Pagkuha ng money sa bank- I am here enjoying my work, pero one of the reasons ay makahelp sa family ko financially, although gusto ko rin naman mag settledown at knowing na naghihintay rin naman si prince charming ko sa aming tagpuan.

He was looking sa path na dapat sana ay dadaanan ko- naiba nga ako ng landas dahil isa nga sa mga goal ko ay ang pagkuha ko ng cash sa bank. ay sayang...

but in the end nagkita kami sa aming tagpuan pero... ang bungad sa aking mga mata
No Loitering and Private Property- ay ...ang puso ko ay humarap na sa katotohanan... siya ay pag-aari na ng iba and no way na magpakalat kalat pa ako sa paligid nya.
at kahapon nga: Reserved Fairy Lagrada Reserved-

Anyway, natutuwa lang ako sa mga road signs at whatever signs na nakikita ko sa ngayon.

You wanna leave a comment??? Ay, please... gusto ko rin naman marinig interpretation nyo sa mga signs na nagpapakita sa akin, hahaha.

A Roller Coaster Week

2009-05-16T18:33:00.000-07:00

Monday, I went out for lunch with my former housemate in a Thai Restaurant. After that we went to bookstore, looked around and read books regarding interpretation of dreams. Well, I was in his dream and he told me that I am "pregnant". So we looked for the meaning of that. And so on. He was the second one who dreamt me about being pregnant. Anyway, whatever the meaning... I don't care, hahaha. Then, we had coffee and hang-around. Lastly, I went in the Filipino store and rented Filipino movie and watched it in my room.

Tuesday, meeting in the morning and faithsharing at noon. And we played Dutch Blitz at 10pm.

Wednesday, ohohohoh...meetings and meetings... a bit confidential about what we've talked but good it ended well. The day I was thinking on until when I will gonna stay here in BC. In the afternoon, before the Community prayer, I received my extended working permit.

Thursday, a long day for me. I had talked with my big brother thru skype. I was a bit homesick and telling him I wanna go back home. He told things that made me realized that I don't on that time. I was so quiet after our conversations and made my housemates worried about me. And they reminding me that they love me. Oh life...

Friday, I was okay. I slow down a bit and trying to enjoy my day which I was. I mowed the lawn in the afternoon...had a walked in Surrey, went back home and talked a bit with my college friend whose residing now in Japan, a quick chat with a friend in Germany and at night, camped outside with my friend at the backyard.

Saturday, I woke up this morning, I forgot that I was sleeping in the tent. I did the wake-up and some cleaning in the house and in the afternoon, I went for massage appointment and had drink in Arby's with my housemate...did some weeding and had a cup of tea in a garden with them...just being there, sitting besides each other and relaxed.

Sunday, I don't know yet... I just want to post my thoughts for now... what was and is my feeling for the past few days...

"It's been a month since I came back here in BC. I was just telling to myself that homesickness is normal and it will be gone and it might be back as well. I asked God to remind me for everything that I have right now and be grateful for that. And wherever I am right now, God has a good reason."

My Kayak Adventure Lesson, 10th May 2k9

2009-05-12T23:55:00.000-07:00

Saturday evening, I tried to call my mom in the Philippines to greet her, "Happy Mother's Day!" but I couldn't get through in her phone. I decided to phone my sister. I did but the line was busy. How could be? I was so excited to greet my mom before she goes to church but why the line was busy. So, I tried to ring the phone of my friend, Len. I heard the ring. Good. I talked to her and in the middle of our conversation, she had an idea to record my voice and play it to church. That was brilliant. I didn't plan it but that was the best. After three hours, I called my sister and she told me that she heard my greetings and that was fun. I talked a bit to my mom and found out that she was happy for that. Good, good, good. I wanted to talk to her more but on that time I needed to go to meet my friends in skytrain station. I had a good night with them in Downtown Vancouver.

Sunday, 10th May, Mother's Day. I went with my friend in her church in Vancouver with the other friend. The message was quite in the right timing for me. It's about making decision. On that time, I was in the midst of making a decision on until when will I gonna stay here in BC.

After church, we went out for lunch in Japanese Restaurant on Kingsway. I had already decided what to order but the waitress told me and my friend that what we ordered will take 20 minutes to wait. So both of us changed our orders. But in the end, we've waited more than 20 minutes on what we ordered.... Well...well...well...

Then we head off to Deep Cove in the afternoon. We decided to do kayaking. That was a good idea. Well, honestly, I was so nervous because I don't know how to swim. But I said to myself, "I'm gonna try it. I might gonna conquer my fear in a deep water... to get drowned."
We reached the Deep Cove. There, I was quiet and don't know what was going on in my mind. Am I gonna kill myself???? I don't know... There it goes, after some tips from the staff, the kayak was been pushed to start the adventure.

I felt the movement... oh dear!!! I couldn't move my legs, what was going on? I was so nervous, I closed my eyes for few seconds and prayed, "Lord, this is it... I trust you. No matter what will gonna happen, I know you are with me..."
My friend was the first one who paddled the kayak. I was so sorry... but I can't... we were behind...the rest of the group were fast and I couldn't almost see them from where I was... and there the waves....guoughdhdkdhgdj... But my friend was gentle to me and assuring me that everything was okay and waves were there to face and not to be scared of.

Well at the end of our kayak adventure, I enjoyed it. And I want to do it again. I was so happy... that was quite an achievement for me. I know that was just a simple kayaking for some people but for me it meant a lot.

This afternoon, Tuesday, on our faithsharing, we read the book of Matthew 8:14-27. One of the verses was struck me and reminding me of where I was last Sunday afternoon.

He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
Matthew 8:26, NIV

Truly, if I put my trust on Him, everything is fine.

What am I waiting for??? Next adventure....uhmm... maybe HotAir Balloon ride... I have fear of heights... What do you think???

A Heart of Spring

2009-05-02T22:48:00.000-07:00

I went back to my country,the Philippines two months ago. It was winter season here in BC...the same as my emotion. Trees were bare, no leaves and everything were covered with snow. It was cold... The nights were longer than days. The same time that I was longing to go back to the Philippines to see my father alive. But it didn't happen...

But after 5 weeks of staying there....the season here in Canada has changed. It's not winter anymore... The same as my emotion. I went back here renewed... happy that I had a wonderful time with my friends and family back home after the funeral of my dad. Happy that the sun welcomed me here with...

trees in pink, white and light green... grass are now green with the touch of wild yellow flowers.

those tulips who are not visible last season, are now blooming and add more colors to the nature... like my friends that I have right now here in BC...are very happy to see me again (before I thought I was not existing) but now I have them and they add colors to my heart...to my life...

though at the end of the day the sun will gonna set down, still the heart of Spring will be here and always reminding me of Hope from God.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. -Romans 12:12,NIV

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; -King James Version

Memories of my Dad

2009-04-14T23:16:00.000-07:00

I am back here in BC. As I am sitting right now in front of my borrowed laptop, I remember my dad...my Tatay.

My Tatay was born during the second World War.He is the second child among the six. His dad passed away when he was young so he had to work at a very young age to support his family. But education for him was really important. He did janitorial works in high school to suppport his expenses in school and at the age of 25, he graduated with the Most Perseverance award. He had one sem in college but decided to get married. He was 27 then. He got married to a very nice woman...well of course my Mom...my Nanay. They have 5 children alive.

My dad was very hardworking person. I've never seen him just sitting in our house nor at the street corner doing nothing. He was a security guard, carpenter, mason, farmer, embroiderer, wood curver, sticker designer, broom maker, businessman... and maybe more that he did beyond my knowing... to provide our needs...not only for food but also for our education. He was very punctual, organized (always reminding us to bring all the documents that we needed even things that we taught we don't needed...just in case), determined person, concerned citizen especially to his co-senior citizens.

He is not a perfect person nor a perfect dad for me. He has weaknesses as well. But thru his weaknesses, God used it as a way for me to be closer to Him. I had a good journey with my dad. And I thank God for that one. God gave us time and space for opening up our emotions with each other. A time of forgiveness in each one's fault...knowingly and unknowingly. Amazing, isn't it?

He passed away at the age of 67... I know with peace in his heart. The same peace that I have right now. Peace that the world cannot give nor understand. It's the peace that comes from God alone.

Below is the video of his 67th birthday. It was taken before his second operation in Rizal province, Philippines.

my 30th on the 18th

2009-03-20T22:43:00.000-07:00

I am here now in the Philippines. My 30th has come. I had a good talk with my L'Arche Friends in BC thru Skype in the morning and in the afternoon, my sister and her family went in the house to greet me as well. They brought young coconut for my birthday celebration. While my auntie cooked the chicken noodle soup and rice cake. I went first in Sta.Cruz with my mom to arrange something in her account and we went back home. At three,my kuya Fritz, Ate Annie and my Nanay, we all went in the cementery to visit the tomb of my father and went back home. At five in the afternoon, guests arrived... my cousins, my friends and relatives. We all ate what my auntie had prepared, and my sister Annie Fe was the one who gave a plate of "everything" to our neighbors...
It went okay.... My older brother phoned me and greeted me as well. My younger sister sent her greeting thru SMS and my filipino friends as well. My friends all over the world greeted me and wishes me a Happy Birthday thru Facebook. Thank you very much!

"It's hard to be happy knowing my first reason to come back here in the Philippines is to see my dad alive... But God helped me to be happy and to celebrate life on my 30th year...assuring me that he is with God now...free from pain and suffering."

thanks...

2009-03-03T01:41:00.000-08:00

I am still "in my countdown before my 30th" but life is really unpredictable. Today is March 2nd in Canada. I got a phone call from the Philippines that my father passed away on March 2nd in the Philippines' time.
Please pray for me and my family. I am happy that my father is in God's hand now.
Thank you very much for supporting me in different ways.

my 30days before my 30th...still in the making

2009-02-19T19:30:00.000-08:00

17th February 2009
Tuesday, I did the wake up at 7:00am after that, I went to meeting in the morning and decided to stay in the Big House and had lunch with the other house... had a nap before the another meeting. After that, I went back home, organizing for the birthday party. We went in a Japanese restaurant for dinner and thank God it went okay.
Intriguing Question: What if Fairy was the one who cook the food, will you eat it?

18th
Wednesday, I woke up at 8:50am. Good a bit sleep-in. And meeting again before heading off to the hospital till 7:00pm. Had good dinner and did some office work that I knew I needed to finish on that time but my guy housemate kept reminding me to take my renewal time. So, I watched movie (dragonfly- kevin costner) in my room. Oooops, kinda scary...for me...i muted the volume for sometime...
Intriguing Thought: Why he wanted me to watch this movie? It's not good to have it before bedtime...

19th
Thursday, I was the wake-up person again. And finished some paper works for my working permit before heading off to the hospital. Thanks, Celine for dropping me off. (The weather was sunny, which I liked it.) I went to Post Office for my papers and went back home. Had dinner and went to my room and chat a bit with my cousin in the Philippines.And also I found Cathy on line, so we chat a bit longer.
Inspiring Phrase: Go for it, Fairy! Enjoy the moment! That's not illusion, that's real!

20th
Friday, I woke up 9:10am. Good weather, sunny, the mountains with snow on top at far were so nice to look up to. While having coffee and cereals...I talked a bit with Liza. She told me how was her life in Trinidad and Tobago. I found out some similarities of her culture to mine in the Philippines. At 12:00nn, I went to Metrotown to unwind myself...then to Library and went back home to start working. In the evening after dinner, I went with my friends in Bonsor. We watched movie, had some pop and chips but... we need to go though the movie was not done yet...well...time is up for movie...
Gain information: Gossip is just around the world.

21st
Saturday, I was talking with my college friend till 1:00am. I woke up at 8:20am and made pancakes for breakfast, with kiwi and grapes... we cleaned the house before I was dropped off to the hospital. I stayed there for 4 hours. When I was there, I wrapped the house gift for our housemate and signed a belated birthday card. Then I went back home, I stayed for a while before I was dropped off in New Westminster. I was alone, no phone, no TV, no internet...but I had dinner...the Filipino noodles with 2 boiled eggs plus red wine... I nap a bit before I went back to the Crossing. I gave the gift to my housemate and then...I made some popcorn and lemon zinger tea and watched Filipino movie in my room. Before I watched it, I called my Nanay and talked to her and my Tatay... My friends, Joca and Janet were there to visit them. Nice, eh?
Realization of the day: Creativity is possible where ever I was. And that I accepted it as a good gift.
Verse of the day: Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times,and a brother is born for adversity.

22nd and 23rd
Sunday and Monday, I went in Willingdon church on Sunday morning. Had lunch in Surrey, besides Filipino restaurant and went to New Westminster and stayed for a night. I sleep-in on Monday and in the afternoon, I went to my dentist and checked my teeth again. I went to the mall and bought my luggage to use going back home. I went to the BigHouse and had dinner in one of the houses and went back to New Westminster and sleep-over again.
Contemplation of the day: The Presence of God while I was alone

24th
Tuesday, I went to the Bighouse for meeting in the morning, then grabbed lunch in Creation House and popped into Faithsharing Group till 1:30. I went back to CH and chat a bit, and walked back home with my french friend before heading off to the hospital till seven. Did what I have to do in the house and talked a bit with Hilda on the phone.
Prayer of the Day: Guidance on My family and Friends in the Philippines and friends all over the world

25th
Wednesday, meeting in the morning and had a nap in the afternoon. I was dropped off to the hospital and stayed till seven, had dinner and did almost the same as Tuesday night. Around 11pm, I found my friend in Europe- on line and we had chat till 1:30 in the morning. That was a good chat. I enjoyed it though I was kinda sleepy.

26th
Thursday, I woke up at seven. I was surprised to the beautiful mountains of British Columbia- totally white, covered with snow. Amazing!!! My eyes were fixed there for a little while. I was so happy... just happy. I was telling to my housemates about what was my feeling but I 'd better keep the details of my happiness by myself....(Just be happy to me, too). And in the afternoon, I did some office works. Had dinner and went to my room at seven in the evening, had a nap till 11pm and got on-line again.I talked to my Pastor via YM in the Philippines while updating my blog.

Beach Trip on Winter Time,9thFeb'09

2009-02-12T22:29:00.001-08:00

Monday was my day away. I decided to go out with my L'Arche friends...

Katrin from Germany and Ali from England

Wreck Beach...not too farm from UBC

nice weather... pretty good to us...

30 things about me (in random)

2009-02-12T21:55:00.000-08:00

1. I was born and raised in the Philippines. My whole family is there and biologically speaking, I am alone in British Columbia. But God sent so many angels for me that made my journey easy.

2. I am a typical Filipina... a bit conservative not in the way I dress but my principles in life.. And staying in North America, made me realized that I am extremely conservative compared to what I thought I was... But I did one thing that I thought I can't do it but I did...(sorry, it's very personal, I can't tell it on line)

3. I was very nationalistic before living in Canada. I didn`t even want to speak english because for me I have my own language to speak to... but being in Canada... is not possible... so I changed and accepted the fact that speaking english is okay to be understood.

4. Four years ago, I don`t have an email address nor Friendster and Facebook... how much more having Blogspot account... (I just remember how was my communication with my MCC coordinator in the Philippines... photocopy and sent it thru snail mail...yaaaikksss...) But 4 years ago, I had cellphone... but now I don`t have one...thanks for the phone booth...kinda cheap...

5. I am 4th among my 4 siblings. I am blessed to have 2 kuyas, 1 ate and bunso....plus kuya rudy, ate mheann and ate maribel plus my nephews and nieces...(I think I need to contribute...what do you think?)

6. I have a good journey with my father...not like a sugar-coated journey but the very real one that made me feel closer to God...where forgiveness was given...when love was and is unconditional... when embrace was unforgettable...when being together was a bit intensed and now to be with him is completeness with his journey.

7. I am grateful to have a mother like my Nanay. No word is enough for her... How I wish to write a book about her...her story...her faith... her love...

8. I like music, arts and crafts. Without `singing` my day is not complete. Without arts and crafts...i am a bit empty...

9. I`ve been in USA, Canada, Thailand and Singapore...and wants to travel more... not just to see the beauty of the world but to know more about the people that God has created on it. I`ve enjoyed being an IVEPer of Mennonite Central Committee where I have met young adults from Asia, South America, Europe and Africa and became friends and connected till now...well thru Facebook...

10.I like cakes, cakes and cakes... I had my first birthday cake in my life when I was in Emmaus...baked by my good friend, Anne. That was year 2006.

11.I had so many first time experiences in North America...wall climbing, ice skating, baking, carousel ride, visit to the zoo (weird, I`ve never been in Manila Zoo nor in Malabon Zoo... my second Zootrip was in Singapore), Sheepfarm trip, international foodtrip adventure, Starbucks coffee (kinda expensive for me)...whale watching, ice sliding in the middle of the night at Burnaby Mountain.

12.When I was 6 year-old, I used to play as teacher to my younger sister and other kids in our street... giving exams after that and at the end of the day, I gave them paper medals and ribbons for their effort... But now, I couldn`t picture myself teaching kids as profession...even though my college professor urged me to take B.S. Education...but i did some DVBS classes...

13.I had wished to be sent in Africa as missionary but instead God sent me in Canada as volunteer thru Mennonite Central Committee here in LÀrche Greater Vancouver and now living in one of the houses.

14.I`ve been in different provinces of Luzon, Philippines: Laguna, Rizal, Bataan, Pangasinan, Pampanga, La Union, Tarlac, Batangas, Cavite, Baguio, Benguet, Mt.Province, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora and Quezon. But I am a complete stranger to Vizaya and Mindanao.

15.I had a wonderful college life in Laguna State Polytechnic College. That was the time I fell in love and be loved(kay kilig...)And had broken hearted as well. And where I've met my friends...Joca, Janet, Lea, Cely, Balat, Gucci, Ilong, Viterbs and Ella. My friends, during my hard times...were there to cheer me up...I thank God for having with them.

16. I've been in Edmonton for seven days, then went back to BC, after one day in BC, I flew to New York City and stayed for 8 hours, I took Amtrak train to Pennsylvania and stayed for two days. I went back to New York City and stayed in New Jersey for two nights ...then went to Montreal by train for 13 hours and stayed for 1 day and two nights in a youth hostel and went to Toronto and tour around for one day before the Year-End Conference in Fort Erie- three hours away from Toronto. FYI- with my 2 big luggages and backpack...ay kapagod (tiring)... but I was so happy that I did it with my Korean friend, Eunji. (To add how many days those were: 14 days)

17.I booked my flight with Cathy to Singapore without knowing where to stay but we ended up treated like princesses by Manuel's Uncle and family. Thanks RuDasuGe!!

18.If I don't like my suitor, I said it directly. But if I do...I don't even dare telling him that I like him... Hopefully he could sense it. (As what my European friend told me: confusing!)

19.I like reading inspirational books, watching movies=rated GP, videoke even in internet and listening to Joyce Meyer and Ptr. Ed Lapiz podcasts.

20.I like to go to church on Sundays, remembering God's goodness and worshipping Him with other Christians. Thank God my weekend is: Sunday/Monday...

21.I like all shades of colors except on PURPLE that makes me sick. I am one of a kind who could get sick to the ROYAL color... too good I'll be healed if God might be wearing a purple robe in heaven.

22.I enjoyed having lunch most of my Tuesdays in Creation House. And the potluck lunch every second Sunday of the month in our church, Lumban Mennonite Bible Church in the Philippines.

23.I graduated my primary year with "Most Behaved Pupil" award. When I told that to my college friends, they didn't believed me. In my school, Most Behaved means Most Quiet pupil in the class. Well, I talked a lot when I was in college...till now. And I'm gonna die if will not talk if I know I have somebody to talk with.

25.I like fried and steamed peanuts. I had it in Canada fresh from the Philippines as "pasalubong" from my Nanay brought by my friend Len who visited me for 15 days.

26.I'll go to the library on my spare time. I've found out that when I started to write on my journal and on my blog, my reading interest increases. I want to feed my mind.

27.I was baptized at the age of 13 in Lumban River, Lumban,Laguna. But I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior when I was 17 and that was 17th April 1996, Wednesday night in Lipit, San Fabian, Pangasinan.

28.I am enjoying my stay in British Columbia where people from different parts of the world migrated, worked and lived and shared their cultures, traditions, food and languages with each other.

29.It's funny... I am thinking the 29th things about me and in my computer it says I have 29 minutes remaining to use the internet and now I am 29 years old and then what??? Next month, I am not. Hahaha! I'll be turning...

..........30... Well,I am leaving the last spot blank for you guys who know me to write something about...

BLESSINGS!!!
fairy

John 14:27

2009-02-02T12:30:00.000-08:00

John 14:27 (New International Version)
27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

-Last Saturday, I woke up a bit early. I wanted to spend my renewal time in a good and meaningful way...(although sleep-in was a very good idea)... I went upstairs opened the front door with my pjs...i saw my friend ready to head off somewhere. She asked me if i would like to go with her in Missions Fest. No second thought, I said, "yes". I got ready... changed my pjs, wore my shoes, my toque and coat and after 5 minutes, I was ready to go... Oh dear, I forgot my breakfast. We took the skytrain and got off to the last station. As usual, we were a bit late... the session was already starting...but better late than never, eh?...

The session was perfect on my day. A very good reminder for me... "Just to recline on Jesus as Lazarus did". After the session, I decided to stay in the hall, I prayed about everything that I was worried about... and laid it all to God... To recline -two words, that I did on that time... and it was amazing... after prayer and reclining on to God, I head off to Metrotown, had a cup of coffee and my favorite bostom cream donut. At noon, I went back home (with peace in my mind and joy in my heart) and started to work.

The day end, I wasn't tired...I talked with my mom via net and I shared about my day and her about their days in the Philippines... What a good day, eh? And after that, I saw my long lost friend on-line and we chat a bit and shared about what had happened to each of us for the past two years.

Now, it's Monday...while waiting on my dentist to do something on my teeth... I am still...

at PEACE.

John 14:27 (New International Version)
27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

trip to Nanaimo, 23-Jan-09

2009-01-23T23:04:00.001-08:00

Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the skies.
-Psalm 148:4 (NIV)

Money..money...money

2009-01-19T11:43:00.000-08:00

I watched the movie "Mama Mia"...and one of the songs was about MONEY.
Money-always an issue for couple when they have seen their kids starving to death... for a student who can't focus in reviewing her lessons for upcoming exams because she doesn't have money to pay for the examination fee...for family who have a sick dad- who needs a major operation...and for so much more in the world...

I woke up this morning, the weather was good...sunny.. and cold... But I received an email from the pissed-off woman, because of what??? MONEY. Weird, she was in my dream last night and we talked about the issue that she was really pissed-off today...

Truly, what's in the money that people get mad and ended up killing. stealing, cheating or even worse cursing other people? (for me, cursing is more worse that killing)...

I know money is important. With that, I'd sent my dad to hospital and had his operation...I could even fly back to the Philippines next month... and much more than I could imagine.

But I found out, though my dad had his operation...it doesn't end there. Operation doesn't mean getting better....he became worse...and the expenses got more higher..higher than my expectations...

Money is important..it is necessity for living...but the love of money is the root of evil.

"I thank God for He is my provider in all my needs. I have what I need to have right now because He is what He is to me. I thank Him for the strenght that He has given to me..to do the things that I need to do here on earth. If one day, I will be gone, I still could say...Praise Him!!!" Amen.

a visit of a FRIEND, 30Dec'08-15Jan'09

2009-01-17T15:13:00.000-08:00

my churchmate, my coMCCer, my friend... came to visit me here in BC. I was happy to see her. Before I left my hometown in the Philippines, we already talked about visiting me here in BC. God heard our conversation, and so our wish was granted. Praise Him!!!

making snowman at the backyard

yehey!!!

celebrating her birthday in Lynn Valley Canyon

pausing in front of Metrotown

God loves me enough to grant my wishes, to answer my prayers... not all but prayers that He know I needed an answer... I have no complains in my life right now. Truly, when I started to let Him do what He wants me to do in my life.... everything went okay and although there were challenges and will be challenges in my life... I have nothing to worry about.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:19, NIV

White Christmas...in BC, Dec.2008

2008-12-13T22:17:00.000-08:00

Remembering my past Christmas... this is my first white Christmas...
Wishing all of you a very merry Christmas!!!

The Singing Christmas Tree

2008-12-08T14:46:00.000-08:00

I was in Broadway Church yesterday to watched "The 41st Singing Christmas Tree". It was so nice to see the choir in the big Christmas Tree.

Hope you would like it too!!!

"Gala" for A while

2008-11-24T17:28:00.000-08:00

some pictures of BC that you would enjoy looking at...maybe as same as I enjoyed being there.... for a moment.

Well, honestly, I was sad today because of personal reason that I couldn't tell in the net. So I decided to walk around Vancouver and be amazed in God's creation. Nice pictures, eh?

You are free to leave comment on my blog. I would love to hear from you.

Science World

Wolves in Grouse Mountain

Londsdale Quay, North Vancouver

My "Soweto" Story, 01Nov2008

2008-11-10T11:11:00.000-08:00

That was saturday, November 1st,the weather was not too good to go out but on that day I decided to go out with my friends (actually, 5minutes they were about to leave). My friend told me that the ticket was expensive the reason why she didn't purchase ticket for me. But still, I decided to go with them. But on the way, when we were in the car, my friend told me to pray for an extra seat. But I said, "I'm gonna pray for an extra ticket for me.They might have an extra seat but no extra ticket. I need to pray very specific." Still in the car, my other friend asked me, "what will you gonna do if there's no extra ticket?" I just said, "let's wait and see." I don't want to imagine myself sitting outside the auditorium while them inside and watching the concert. We've reached the area where the concert will be held, at far I saw long line ups of the unknown. I was praying for an extra ticket. My friend reminded me to pray, too. We got off in the car and went in the auditorium. The usher told us if we have ticket just go inside but if we don't have, just line up and purchase a ticket. So the rest of group went inside except me and the other one who lined up on the other line- a line up for picking up the ticket that they've purchased already. My friend who was inside went outside to check on us. When I was talking to other lady behind me, my friend approached me and said, "Fairy, you need ticket come with me." So I went with her. I saw three ladies, and they were asking me if I need the ticket and said yes to that. When I was about to pay the ticket, the one who was holding the ticket told me, "You don't need to pay for this, we've got these tickets because somebody has given for us for free. So we are giving it to you to for free as well. But.... you don't have a choice, you need to sit besides us."
What can I say to what I've heard... I was speechless for a moment... I got an extra ticket. Yes, an extra ticket for free. Truly, God answered my prayer. Thanks God!!!

When I was telling my story with them, they told us that they were praying, too when they were in the car on the way to the Chandos Pattison Auditorium that they would give the ticket to the right person.... and that was ME.

Amazing, eh?

a walk in Stanley Park

2008-10-28T10:37:00.001-07:00

A nice weather to go outside today. It's cold but sunny...

and see the beauty of Stanley park once again...

where the blue skies kissed the river and...

and the maple leaves started to embrace the ground...

happy FALL season!!!

Mga Pinanganak bunga ng Katapangan- by Jhimel Austria

2008-10-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

TO ALL THE KIDS WHO WERE BORN IN THE 1950's, 60' s, 70's and early 80's !! First, some of us survived being born to mothers who did not have an OB-Gyne and drank San Miguel Beer while they carried us.

While pregnant, they took cold or cough medicine, ate isaw, and didn't worry about diabetes.

Then after all that trauma, our baby cribs were made of hard wood covered with lead-based paints, pati na yung walker natin, matigas na kahoy din at wala pang gulong. We had no soft cushy cribs that play music, no disposable diapers (lampin lang), and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, no kneepads , sometimes wala pang preno yung bisikleta.

As children, we would ride in hot un-airconditioned buses with wooden seats (yung JD bus na pula), or cars with no airconditioning & no seat belts (ngayon lahat may aircon na) Riding on the back of a carabao on a breezy summer day was considered a treat. (ngayon hindi na nakakakita ng kalabaw ang mga bata)

We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle purchased from 711 (minsan straight from the faucet or poso) We shared one soft drink bottle with four of our friends, and NO ONE actually died from this.

We ate rice with star margarine, drank raw eggs straight from the shell, and drank sofdrinks with real sugar in it (hindi diet coke), but we weren't sick or overweight kasi nga...... WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, and get back when the streetlights came on. Sarap mag patintero, tumbang preso, habulan at taguan. No one was able to reach us all day ( di uso ang cellphone , walang beepers ) . And yes, we were O.K.

We would spend hours building our wooden trolleys (yung bearing ang gulong) or plywood slides out of scraps and then ride down the street , only to find out we forgot the brakes! After hitting the sidewalk or falling into a canal (seweage channel) a few times, we learned to solve the problem ourselves with our bare & dirty hands .

We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 100 channels on cable, no DVD movies, no surround stereo, no IPOD's, no cell phones, no computers, no Internet, no chat rooms, and no Friendsters. ...... ...WE HAD REAL FRIENDS and we went outside to actually talk and play with them! We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no stupid lawsuits from these accidents. The only rubbing we get is from our friends with the words..masakit ba ? pero pag galit yung kalaro mo,,,,ang sasabihin sa iyo..beh buti nga ! We played marbles (jolens) in the dirt , washed our hands just a little and ate dirty ice cream & fish balls. we were not afraid of getting germs in our stomachs.

We had to live with homemade guns " gawa sa kahoy, tinali ng rubberband , sumpit , tirador at kung ano ano pa na puedeng makasakitan. .pero masaya pa rin ang lahat. We made up games with sticks ( syatong ), and cans ( tumbang preso )and although we were told they were dangerous, wala naman tayong binulag o napatay.paminsan minsan may nabubukulan lang. We walked, rode bikes, or took tricycles to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just yelled for them to jump out the window! Mini basketball teams had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't pass had to learn to deal with the disappointment.

Wala yang mga childhood depression at damaged self esteem ek-ek na yan. Ang pikon, talo. Ang magulang ay nandoon lang para tignan kung ayos lang ang mga bata, hindi para makialam at makipag-away sa ibang parents. That generation of ours has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers, creative thinkers and successful professionals ever! They are the CEO's, Engineers, Doctors and Military Generals of today.

The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had failure, success, and responsibility. We learned from our mistakes the hard way. You might want to share this with others who've had the luck to grow up as real kids. We were lucky indeed. And if you like, forward it to your kids too, so they will know how brave their parents were. It kind of makes you wanna go out and climb a tree, doesn't it?! -Jhimel Austria IT Administrator

Buhay Normal

2008-09-20T20:11:00.000-07:00

Ewan ko.... Gusto ko munang magpahinga sa wikang banyaga.Bakit? Ewan....
Maraming nangyari sa akin dito sa Kanada sa loob ng halos apat na buwan. Sabihin ko ng tatlo at kalahating buwan.
Maraming karanasan na hindi malilimutan...hindi dahil sa ito'y masaya o ito'y dahil sa malungkot na pangyayari... iba't iba...sumasalamin sa totoong yugto ng aking buhay.
magulo ba? iyan ay dahil sa ito ako sa ngayon o maaring magulo sa iba ngunit sa nakakakilala sa akin, ganito lang talaga ako. magulo???!
nagpapasalalamat ako sa Dios... naranasan kong magpadulas mula sa itaas ng bundok pabababa nito sa pamamagitan ng pagsakay sa bloke ng yelo sa hatinggabi...kung saan ang ang liwanag ng buwan at mga bituin ay nagsilbing tanglaw sa akin at sa aking mga kasamahan. Naranasan ko rin ang kumain ng aking katutubong pagkain sa banyagang lupain kasama ng aking mga kaibigan kung saan ang halaga ay mas mataas pa sa pagkain dito sa Kanada. Natutuwa ako dahil nagustuhan ng aking mga kasamahan ang pagkain at musikang nakahain ng mga oras na iyon. Naranasan ko rin ang maglibre sa aking kaibigan na umalis na at nagbalik sa kayang sariling bansa. Mas masaya talaga ang magbigay kaysa ang tumanggap. Naranasan ko rin ang mailibre niya sa pagtuklas ng mga pating sa gitna ng karagatan pagkatapos ng dalawa at kalahating oras. Naranasan ko rin ang mamangha sa kakaibang mga "fireworks" na nagliliwanagan sa gitna ng kaulapan. Naranasan ko rin ang makausap at marinig ang ibat ibang tao mula sa ibat ibang panig ng mundo. Naranasan ko rin ang manood ng mga Pinoy na programa na walang patalastas sa bahay ng aking Pilipinong kaibigan, haha...TFC ang aking tinutukoy...
At akin rin naranasan ang kalungkutan, nang ang aking itinuring na kaibigan ay umalis na at bumalik sa kanyang bansa. Naranasan ko rin ang kasabikan na makausap ang aking pamilya sa Pilipinas na milya milya ang layo nila sa akin. Naranasan ko rin ang magkaroon ng hindi pagkakaunawaan sa akin isang kasamahan dito sa aking tinutuluyan at pagkatapos ay ang pag-uusap ng masinsinan at maayos na natapos ang usapan. Naranasan ko rin ang kasabikan ng presensya ng kaibigan sa panahon na parang ako'y nag-iisa. Ngunit naranasan ko rin ang makita ang kasagutan ng Diyos sa aking mga dasal sa gitna ng aking kawalan.
Gusto kong pasalamatan ang Diyos sa lahat ng ginawa Nya akin at gagawin pa Nya.... Pinupuri ko Sya ng aking buong puso.... Walang hanggan ang Kanyang pagmamahal sa akin.. kaya nais kong malaman ng aking mambabasa na ang buhay ay sadyang kakaiba sa piling ng Diyos....normal lang ang malungkot dahil Siya ang magbibigay ng tunay na kaligayahan, normal lang ang maranasan ang kawalan, dahil doon makikita ang tunay na presensya Niya.... normal lang ang lahat...

A trip to Victoria

2008-09-08T21:23:00.000-07:00

I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”- Psalm 121:1-2

Good decision that I've made...a trip to Victoria with my French friend for two days. We dropped off first our things in the youth hostel and decided to walk around downtown Victoria. Then we decided to go to the beach to watch the sunset. Picture perfect...thanks, Marine! This picture was taken at the rocks... the same spot where we laid down and just be quiet, listening to the natural sounds of waves and enjoyed watching the beauty of sunset in Victoria.

This one was a self-timered shot. Nice, eh? It was just memorable to me of how was it taken....just don't ask...

The next day, we went out to Whale watching... I should say the main event of the trip. After more than two hours in the middle of the Strait of San Juan de Fuca, finally we found out what we've been looking for...killer whales...yahoo!!! but i was a bit nervous...
PLUS...we saw the sea lions sunbathing in their own home.
I thank God for trip....the worth of the experience that I have seen the beauty of His creation is much more than the money that I have spent.
Praise Him!!

Cry Out... Your Lord

2008-08-23T09:40:00.000-07:00

Last night,after reading the blog of a filipino young woman... same age as me (the reason i can relate to her) and after calling my family in the Philippines (though the communication was not so clear... We had a good talk)... I went in my bed, I was kinda depressed or homesick a bit. I don't know how to explain my feelings on that time. I cried out to God to give me a pat on my back, I longed for the physical assurance of my mother.... I cried out to the Lord to give me the Love that I could feel... especially this time that I am far away to my family, to my friends....I just cried and
in my thoughts were:
When I was in the Philippines, when my room is small and needs to share with my sister/s, I prayed to God for the room that I could have a space on my own, that I call PRIVACY. I prayed to be busy more as much as I was... But now, that I am here tonight in my own bedroom with a washroom... I felt so alone... and now that I am so much busy, much more busy when I was in the Philippines..... I am here tonight crying out loud to God to help me and just being with me.... I know He never ever leaves me.... but that's how I feel in this moment... Ironic, Isn't it?

I woke up this morning... went directly to the washroom see if my eyes seems teary... not too bad. My eyes were okay.. And when I was in the doorway of my room... I found a letter... the handwriting of one of the core members... though her handwriting was hard to understand, that time... I read it so clearly... Cry Out...Your Lord

August 24th
After the teary night, I woke up and went in the net and found my friend on line. I chatted with him and told how I was doing. That was a good chat. Thank you for cheering me up. It really helps.
Today, I went in the church and found my former host family. I was so happy... I embraced them before I totally sat and listen to the word of God. Then we went out for brunch and they prayed for me before they dropped me off in the skytrain station. Then I went in the mall and went back home. Then I phoned my Filipino friend and talk about everything for more than one hour. That was a good conversation.
I thank God for answering my prayers... for sending those angels to feel God's love and His assurance that He is with me and never ever leave me. Truly, God answers my prayers in His own and unique way.

1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.

5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.

19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!

20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?

22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

-Psalms 139, NIV

last 20 minutes

2008-08-20T22:21:00.000-07:00

I was in a hurry last Sunday... well, that's me. I always run to get the bus ...oh i mean the two buses after the skytrain ride going to Gracepoint Community Church. I was a bit late, well twenty minutes late. I missed the announcements...oooops. The kids for sunday school were all in their rooms. But thank God, I got there and that was time for the worship service. Then the sermon. The church had a guest speaker, he is from here in BC but living as missionary with his family in Africa. The message of God on that day was truly touching. He talked about life... on how short the life is... but life does matters. And here on earth we have something to hold on to (thankfulness, grace and joy) and something to let go (guilt, bitterness and fear). And this one from the scriptures:

Matthew 18:3 (New International Version - UK)
And he said: I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

He has a video from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nVLrI3hbZE. And you will see what I am talking about.

And he talked about his friend who was losing a son, their son who lived twenty minutes in this earth... truly life is short...

And he ended his sermon with this question: What did you do for the last twenty minutes?

After hearing the question... I paused for a while and asked myself.... yeah, what did I do for the last twenty minutes???

Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain. -Psalms 127:1,NIV

Ecclesiates 11

2008-07-09T21:46:00.000-07:00

what a great tuesday morning. the sun was up and the heat was quite nice to my skin. good to have this kind of activity somewhere in b.c.
my first time... pedalling with the group from different nations. i thank God for this experience.

9Be cheerful and enjoy life while you are young! Do what you want and find pleasure in what you see. But don't forget that God will judge you for everything you do. Ecclesiastes 11:9 (Contemporary English Version)

may i be"Esther"?

2008-07-01T21:15:00.001-07:00

12When Mordecai was told what Esther had said, 13he sent back this reply, " Don't think that you will escape being killed with the rest of the Jews, just because you live in the king's palace. 14If you don't speak up now, we will somehow get help, but you and your family will be killed. It could be that you were made queen for a time like this!" Esther 4
(Contemporary English Version)
May I be "Esther", Lord? Or am I an "Esther" right now? ..... Why do I really am in BC??? Do I need an answers??? Or the answers are already known for me... Yeah, it is clear to me... and thank you Lord for putting me back here once again in British Columbia. May my life be an instrument of your love, Your unfailing love. May my love be genuinely be given to Your people, your children ... and me, Your child be an "Esther" to my family in the Philippines... for this I pray in the name of your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.Amen!

week ends, june 08

2008-06-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

my past weekends in bc were a bit different than i was an mccer. i spent it with my former host family and this time...

with filipinos after church, we had picnic at port coquitlam

had dinner at sandy daza's restaurant for the celebration of wilma's birthday. yahoo!! ay kabusog ako.

had picture taking for the beautiful b.c.nice, eh?

Isaiah 42:16

2008-06-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

God when the path seems crooked and I stumble, remind me that you are always just ahead of me leading the way. AMEN. (Quiet Moments Alone with God, reflections on God's Gift of intimacy Inner Strength and Heart of love)

God's spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are.: Father and children. Romans 8:16 MSG

am i really here?

2008-06-14T22:57:00.000-07:00

June 8th, 2008, i was pretty busy checking everything that i needed to bring were in my luggage before heading off to the new adventure.sunday morning, as family, we prayed together for God's guidance in my trip and also for His assurance regarding to all aspects of living once again in a different country.

me, my sister and her husband headed off to the airport. while on the south express way, there was a problem... the bus couldn't run more enough because it got overheat. we needed to transfer to another bus and taxi to get at the airport on time. Thanks God. Everything went well. My flight was 4:45pm, but I needed to check-in 4 hours prior to my trip. so we decided to had lunch at the airport with our bare hands as we forgot to bring forks and spoons:::the typical filipino way of eating meals.

After long line ups to the immigration, the plane flew. i got back in bc. yahoo! but my emotions were mixed up of excitement and nervous, i rather say fear of not knowing what will be my life ahead of me. i've been here, yeah.... but, i've been back in my homeland and lived for almost two years, and got back to our routine... to our culture...

am i really here? am i really talking with those people that i considered as friends?

right now,after 6 days of walking to the unknown roads, with a dim light seen in front of me.....still asking... am i really here???

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Psalm 23 (new International Version)

How Far Faith Can Bring?

2008-05-29T07:09:00.000-07:00

Hebrews 11 (Contemporary English Version)The Great Faith of God's People

1Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see. 2It was their faith that made our ancestors pleasing to God.

3Because of our faith, we know that the world was made at God's command. We also know that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen.

4Because Abel had faith, he offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. God was pleased with him and his gift, and even though Abel is now dead, his faith still speaks for him.

5Enoch had faith and did not die. He pleased God, and God took him up to heaven. That's why his body was never found. 6But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and that he rewards everyone who searches for him.

7Because Noah had faith, he was warned about something that had not yet happened. He obeyed and built a boat that saved him and his family. In this way the people of the world were judged, and Noah was given the blessings that come to everyone who pleases God.

8Abraham had faith and obeyed God. He was told to go to the land that God had said would be his, and he left for a country he had never seen. 9Because Abraham had faith, he lived as a stranger in the promised land. He lived there in a tent, and so did Isaac and Jacob, who were later given the same promise. 10Abraham did this, because he was waiting for the eternal city that God had planned and built.

11Even when Sarah was too old to have children, she had faith that God would do what he had promised, and she had a son. 12Her husband Abraham was almost dead, but he became the ancestor of many people. In fact, there are as many of them as there are stars in the sky or grains of sand along the beach.

13Every one of those people died. But they still had faith, even though they had not received what they had been promised. They were glad just to see these things from far away, and they agreed that they were only strangers and foreigners on this earth. 14When people talk this way, it is clear that they are looking for a place to call their own. 15If they had been talking about the land where they had once lived, they could have gone back at any time. 16But they were looking forward to a better home in heaven. That's why God wasn't ashamed for them to call him their God. He even built a city for them.

17-18Abraham had been promised that Isaac, his only son, [a] would continue his family. But when Abraham was tested, he had faith and was willing to sacrifice Isaac, 19because he was sure that God could raise people to life. This was just like getting Isaac back from death. 20Isaac had faith, and he promised blessings to Jacob and Esau. 21Later, when Jacob was about to die, he leaned on his walking stick and worshiped. Then because of his faith he blessed each of Joseph's sons. 22And right before Joseph died, he had faith that God would lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. So he told them to take his bones with them.

23Because Moses' parents had faith, they kept him hidden until he was three months old. They saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king's orders. [b] 24Then after Moses grew up, his faith made him refuse to be called Pharaoh's grandson. 25He chose to be mistreated with God's people instead of having the good time that sin could bring for a little while. 26Moses knew that the treasures of Egypt were not as wonderful as what he would receive from suffering for the Messiah, [c] and he looked forward to his reward. 27Because of his faith, Moses left Egypt. Moses had seen the invisible God and wasn't afraid of the king's anger. 28His faith also made him celebrate Passover. He sprinkled the blood of animals on the doorposts, so that the first-born sons of the people of Israel would not be killed by the destroying angel.

29Because of their faith, the people walked through the Red Sea [d] on dry land. But when the Egyptians tried to do it, they were drowned. 30God's people had faith, and when they had walked around the city of Jericho for seven days, its walls fell down.

31Rahab had been a prostitute, but she had faith and welcomed the spies. So she wasn't killed with the people who disobeyed.

32What else can I say? There isn't enough time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. 33Their faith helped them conquer kingdoms, and because they did right, God made promises to them. They closed the jaws of lions 34and put out raging fires and escaped from the swords of their enemies. Although they were weak, they were given the strength and power to chase foreign armies away.

35Some women received their loved ones back from death. Many of these people were tortured, but they refused to be released. They were sure that they would get a better reward when the dead are raised to life. 36Others were made fun of and beaten with whips, and some were chained in jail. 37Still others were stoned to death or sawed in two [e] or killed with swords. Some had nothing but sheep skins or goat skins to wear. They were poor, mistreated, and tortured. 38The world did not deserve these good people, who had to wander in deserts and on mountains and had to live in caves and holes in the ground. 39All of them pleased God because of their faith! But still they died without being given what had been promised. 40This was because God had something better in store for us. And he did not want them to reach the goal of their faith without us.

....by faith, the ordinary me, believed that God could change the heart of the government leader...despite hindrances of thenother people around her... and God did it.in HIs awesome way, He changed it so the processing of my papers had come to finished...PRAISE HIM!!!

11/2

2008-05-28T03:26:00.000-07:00

I was in Metro Manila yesterday. I've waited 1 1/2 hours for the ticketing office to be opened. Good thing my transaction was successful. So, I decided to the second stop... at the government agency. but because my documents were not complete, I've waited one hour at the mall to be opened because that was the only place I knew there is an internet cafe. But unfortunately, there was no reply yet to what I've been waiting for.

but still I went in the government agency and asked staff what was the status of my transaction but sorry for me... no reply yet from the Oversea Agency of the Philippines...poor me.I was so tired waiting but in the end what was I hope to be happened was not happened.

(the EDSA Shrine where the Philippine Powers 1,2 and 3 were held)
so I decided to go to Rizal province in my cousin's house and with them we went in Calaca, Batangas for his brother's wedding...

got some rest and revived myself...

with those avocadoes, mangoes, santol. would you like to eat???

A Time for Everything
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. Ecclesiastes 3

Task from a Good Father

2008-05-02T21:44:00.000-07:00

It was so nice that I heard and obeyed my Father

... there were something new adventures with my life.
I had a chance to meet people
from different parts of the world
and be a friend with them
and still connected despite distance

and had a chance to look at the horizon...and be amazed on His creation...

and had time to meditate His word like taking time to listen with my younger sister...

If ever God will ask me to go once again...
I am willing to do it though I don't know what lies ahead...
Because of what He did to me when I followed His task
He was there and never abandoned me...

Confession

2008-04-12T21:52:00.000-07:00

If you know me before having Jesus Christ in my personal life.... sucks!!!

Yeah you read it right.I was the blacksheep i should say in family. I rebelled against my father.His strictness forced me to have anger in my heart and lead me to hate my life...My classmates in elementary... my world... this world. I had self pity and thought everyone was so rude to me except with my siblings and my mother.

When the time came for me to lead my life to end...or i would say to "stokwa" from the peole who hurted me.... God has a different way, He really loves me and never wanted me to go to hell. He used my sister.She told me to attend at the Annual Camp... after all, the place where i am going to was on the way from the Campsite.

April 17,1996.... The Holy Spirit revealed to me.He has shown my wrongdoings... my sins... i felt ashame in front of God... On that moment... i felt there was something different.... i felt light. The guilt of my heart was changed after i admitted to myself that i am sinner....and personally accepted HIm as my own personal God and Savior... I can't explain exactly how God has changed my emotions...
but on that moment i felt relieved...

God's grace is amazing... He never ever wanted His children go to hell. He uses people as angels to the people who at one point are astrayed.

Now, I have a good relationship with my father, and also with other people. By God's grace... I am saved... thru His son, Jesus Christ.

Praise Him alone!!!

Laguna's pride

2008-03-19T03:18:00.000-07:00

majayjay- producers of typical rootcrops e.g. kamoteng kahoy and gabi and other fruits and vegetables

pagsanjan arc was built during spanish era

the coconut producers- san pablo city

my hometown lumban's pride- barong tagalog

calamba city- the hometown of the Philippines national hero: Jose Rizal

A N I L A G's preparation

2008-03-11T02:57:00.001-07:00

at my back was the castle made of "banig"- the typical philippine mattress

the big pineapple represents the town of calauan- the pineapple-producers

the lanzones-roof-house of nagcarlan.

look at the big philippine cheese on the top of the house. big, eh? yummy, the real one, not that one. "keso"- the pride of sta.cruz town.

the matter of first importance

2008-03-06T23:00:00.000-08:00

On Monday, Alice bought a parrot. It didn't talk, so the next day she returned to the pet store.
"He needs a ladder," she was told. She bought the ladder, but another day passed and the parrot still didn't say a word.
"How about a swing?" the clerk suggested.
So Alice bought a swing. The next day, a mirror. The next day, a miniature plastic tree. The next day, a shiny parrot toy. On Sunday morning, Alice was standing outside the pet store when it opened. She had the parrot cage in her hand and tears in her eyes. Her parrot was dead.
"Did it ever say a word? the store owner asked.
"Yes," Alice said through her sobs. "Right before he died, he looked at me and asked, 'Dont' they sell any food at that pet store?"
--the cross centered life by c.j. mahaney

if there's anything in life that we should be passionate about, it's the gospel. And i don't mean passionate about sharing it with others. I mean passionate in thinking about it, dwelling on it, rejoicing in it, allowing it to color the way we look at the world. Only one thing can be of first importance to each of us. And ony the gospel ought to be.

time to gather

2008-02-27T20:41:00.000-08:00

nice to see them once again... my college friends that i hardly met these past few years... good to have "friendster" account.

Fairy's Tale

2008-02-01T22:55:00.000-08:00

a music teacher...

One afternoon, when I went in Sta.Cruz I saw my my music teacher when I was in Grade 5. We had a good talk though she couldn't recognise me anymore... maybe I look better now than those days when I was her student. Agree??? (Don't answer)...

I will never forget my music teacher... I remember, she always asked us to sing in front of the class. Well, part of the curriculum. I was shy and timid and couldn't stand in front of the class. How much more to sing in front of my 40 classmates....
Butterflies in my stomach wanted to fly out. But, do i have a choice??? None..I needed to sing....

"Grrrrr.mngaarrrrr." No words came out..... Try again..... "Oh God please help me," I prayed. Thank God He answered my prayer.. I sang... but my voice was terrible... sobra sa nginig.... My classmates started to laugh , I cried.... I didn't know what I did to them, why do they laughed on me.... Oh.... (poor fairy!!!)

But to my surprised, my music teacher depended me. She gave me a highest score among the rest, and she said to my classmates that I sang okay.... and nothing to laugh at...

Thank God, I had teacher like Ma'am Papera. She's 75 years old now and still teaching in private school.

Well.... that's one of my story that I will never forget about TEACHERS.

So for all the teachers there>>> I salute you. Be nice and gentle with your students, I'm sure they will never forget you.. and proud of.

Last Week of December 2007

2008-01-04T22:44:00.000-08:00

Dec.22nd: "The Wedding" of my college friend,Paete,Laguna

Dec.23rd: Kids Sunday School's "Christmas Party" (Len led that one.)

Dec.24th: "Noche Buena" with my family

Dec.25th: "Christmas in the Hospital" with my younger sister.(oh dear, we got dehydrated... thank God we're still alive!!!) Thank you visitors!!!

Dec.26th: Got out in the Hospital(We're better... thanks for your prayers!)

Dec.27th: "Family Outing" at the Japanese Garden...my brother and his family had vacation here so we went out no matter what the weather was.... it was raining cats and dogs...

Dec.28th: "At the Park". My sister and I played with our nephew and nieces at the park...

Dec/29th: "Parting Time". That was time for my brother and his family to go back to Nueva Ecija... huhuhu...

Oh...I guess, this time i need to go and take a good rest... do you think so?

F R I E N D S gettogether

2007-12-09T02:38:00.000-08:00

the dedication of my friend's unico hijo

my friends in the Philippines thru thick and thin

PhP174.00 unplanned Trip

2007-12-02T21:50:00.001-08:00

we supposed to collect Php174.00 to one of my mother's customers.On the way to the man's house was a breathtaking scenery plus the beautiful lambs(reminding me of how much I long to see them when I was in Canada which I did.Thanks Emmaus!)

winter speaks

2007-11-06T22:18:00.000-08:00

11"x15" oil on jusi cloth

11"x15" oil on jusi cloth

8"x10" oil on jusi cloth

winter invited me to paint her beauty despite coldness...

Philippians 1:2 & 3

2007-09-23T23:18:00.000-07:00

As I journey, I met different kinds of people.Not just an ordinary people ... those were who at one time I met in the intersections of time and space... who touched my heart in different ways... inspired to move on and live life to the fullest.

For the people that I've encountered with and considered as family, friends and God-sent angels in times of uncontrolled situations (and eventually those situations became enjoyable one)...

Thank you ver much.
Merci beaucoup.
Daken.
Muchas Gracias.
Kamsahammida.
Kabkunka.
Dakel ay iyaman.
Maraming salamat po!
...wherever you are.

"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank God upon remembrance of you." -Philippians 1:2 and 3, NKJV

Grandparents' Day. Sept. 9th

2007-09-09T22:37:00.001-07:00

"lolos" and "lolas"

a celebration for the grandparents in our church

with the grandchildren...

"Happy Grandparents' Day po!!!"

stranded II

2007-09-09T22:31:00.000-07:00

"Pha Yao"- 8"x10" oil paint on canvas

"A Sister of Ada" - 4"x6" charcoal on illustration board

Sacrificial Dinner, August 26th '07

2007-09-09T22:23:00.000-07:00

Our church held a sacrificial dinner to raise fund for a missionary family to be sent in Cambodia.

okay, let's eat!!! but do you have ticket?

the youth in action...

the family to be sent...

the members of LMBC.

do you want to help us?

intersections

2007-09-04T01:39:00.001-07:00

"We stand in different shoes, we have walked down different roads and we meet now at this intersection in time and space - I wonder, what will this intercestion hold?" -Karolyn Bert, Where Will They Sit? (The Life and Work of MCC Philippines)

wet August 2007

2007-08-08T21:18:00.000-07:00

... 1st day of august- a celebration of birthday of my other nephew. he turned 3..he was so cute when he blew the three little candles on a bun. the weather in Laguna.. much better than the other parts of the Philippines. still, i can wear flipflops and my sister wore an spaghetti strap-blouse.

Reflections

2007-07-25T22:24:00.000-07:00

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak then I am strong. -II Corinthians 12:9-10, NIV

A Purple-Ride on July,2007

2007-07-18T23:37:00.000-07:00

my July month.... a purple-ride. meaning a "kasakit ng ulo" and a reflecting month for me. a joyous celebrations of my nephew's birthday, a tour with family, a trip in Manila... yeah, a trip in Manila.. for a job interview but unfortunately, I didn't got that one...

my nephew's first birthday celebration

trip to my sister's house (25kms away from our house)

working at home...

my trip to Manila

well...that's life..my life... my journey in this month...

waterworld:what a world!!!, may 30th-june 2nd 2007

2007-06-03T23:32:00.000-07:00

>

we held a Vacation Bible School in Sitio Bay, Kalayaan LAguna here in the Philippines. Sitio Bay is a remote area. we took a banca (small boat) from lansay. it took us one and a half hour to get there. no electricity, i don't know how to swim even the other team members(ngrrrr).... but the experience of being here is definitely memorable.

siblings get together, may 2007

2007-06-03T23:25:00.001-07:00

Treasures Unlimited??!

2007-05-19T03:45:00.000-07:00

Oh what month of May...... Cockroaches did it again and again... Oh most of my mornings were with cockroaches' bites. Sometime I couldn't see because my eye was badly hurted by this insect. ... Well... well... well... that's part of my journey in the Philippines. I remember a friend in Canada.. she told me that she never ever seen a cocroach but here it's just around the corner.

This month I taught VBS in our church... in the youth class. It went okay and makes me more in love to music... Though I can't read notes .... i can beat a little from this kind of drums... much easier than the normal ones...

April weekends

2007-04-22T00:26:00.000-07:00

sa bahay nina A-te sa Siniloan,Laguna

hiking sa Tres Marias with YAF

ako at ang aking pamangkin na si JP

"I'm pregnant,"...

2007-04-13T00:06:00.000-07:00

Well, as you've read the title...

But anyway it's not from my own mouth. Today, my friends and I met in the mall. And I found out that my other friend is three months pregnant. Oh... I am so happy for that news. And also Joca (my other friend). We all waited that news to be heard from her. A new angel will be born soon in this world.

A prayer...

2007-04-12T23:56:00.000-07:00

FullPAcked

2007-03-18T22:46:00.000-07:00

I don't want to start this day...
Well it was only quarter to seven in the morning when I heard someone singing... but I ignored it. After 15minutes I decided to start this brand new day... the very speciaL day.

Oh.. what a beautiful sunny sunday morning. I started with prayer.. thanking God that I am still alive, in good health and for the experiences that I had for the past years and requesting that my life will still be on HIS path.

Then I went downstairs and all of them (my family) sang a Happy Birthday song. I was so happy. Then my brother-in-law showed to me the text of my friend in his cellphone.
Then we had breakfast and we head off to the church. Our church is small so everybody knows everyone. Most of them knew me well. So they greeted me and also the other youth who's the same birthday as mine.

After church, we had lunch at home. my sister cooked pansit and fried tofu dipped in soysauce with chili. Spiiccy!!! Around 1:05pm my brother, her wife and their son went there too to join the celebration. And from my kuya, I found out that my youngest sister can't make it today due to her schedule at work.

At 3:35 I went in one of the houses of the youth for fellowship. We watched movie, Lake House. A movie that made the youngsters confused. And what was funny while watching it, the teenagers were so intersted to know what's the ending, how was the movie made up and kept thinking and asking themselves: Is that really happening??? (Oh, well...it's better to watch it if you want to get what I want trying to say). After fellowship, I went back home for dinner. And found out that my brother phoned me to greet me. It's good to have a good family...inspite of distances there were always ways to be connected...to be present...

While the other young people went directly in the church for "Jampacked" Concert- orgAnized by different churches of Lumban. I went there too with my mother,Nanay.

The concert went okay but my Nanay and I went back home around 10:05pm. Until now my bedtime is 9:00pm. I was so sleepy. MAybe one of the signs of not getting any younger, hahaha!!!

At home, I ate again, a cup of rice and fried tulingan fish. (I got hungry watching the concert). And decided to end this day with a prayer and a candle as I remembered my birthday last year ; how it was celebrated with a friend/s, host family and Emmaus. Oh yeah... with a candle... passing of the candle- a nice tradition in Emmaus.

And tonight, alone in my room with a very thin and tiny birthday candle on my hand, I closed my eyes and thankfully praying, giving the glory back to God and wishing...

reunion with my college friends, march '07

2007-03-12T21:05:00.000-07:00

I was so happy meeting them again.
Not all of them were there ...most of them have families. After all we're seven years graduated from college.

but this is part of reunion in the Philippines... cellphone!

and these....

friends, friends, friends..... too good to have friends everywhere in the world.

revival and healing crusade, (sta.cruz,laguna)

2007-03-12T20:51:00.000-07:00

crusade with the cooperation of Presbyterian Church in Korea.

i remembered you Eunji as I've watched Koreans performing your traditional dances as their way of praising and worshiping our God.

Laguna Province

2007-03-05T01:32:00.000-08:00

victoria,laguna

coconut trees: a trees of life

mt. makiling in Los Banos,Laguna

Laguna was invaded by Spaniards and one of the marks that they left is Christianity (Catholicism).

Moments with Rhose Ann and Andrei, February 2007

2007-02-22T17:44:00.000-08:00

innocent children, eh?

i love this picture, this is their bathtub, hahaha!!!

praying together. I love them how to pray, they are very detailed.

with my younger sister, FelyAnn...

doing some activities with me. you know how i love arts.

i lived with them for almost 20days. From my experience, I salute every mother in the whole world taking care of her kids.

thanks to my Inay!!!

2007-02-22T17:30:00.000-08:00

my Inay is my bestfriend....

she with our father raised all of us very well...

and i want to say thank you to her and i thank God for having a...

mother like her. She's one of a kind. I love you po, INaY and
HAppy HaPPy 60th BIrthday. The verses in the bible are meant for you.

PROVERBS 31
11a The heart of her husband safely trust her;
12 She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
28a Her CHILDREN rise up and call her blessed;
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.

welcome to my hometown:Lumban

2007-02-22T17:20:00.000-08:00

if there is festival, most men went out to drink beer and most of them got drunk.

our town is known for hand and machine embroidery (Barong Tagalog).

the Mennonite Church, two blocks away from our house.

the tricycle of my brother. TRICYCLE is the public transportation within the town.

our house is the one with the window opens in front.

going back to my first home:Philippines

2007-02-10T00:23:00.000-08:00

going back home for the second time is different from last year when I went in North America for one year. I't s not as difficult in terms of adjustment: for food, the weather and the people to interact with.

my first month of 20o7, after ROADS MIssion Trip II was interesting. My little town celebrates festival, then my mother's 60th birthday and time for me looking for a new job. Actually, I found one, I already started training but I felt that's not the right place for me. I've been to different places in the world, I never went there to earn money, to earn lots and lots of money. And something that people especially Filipinos didn't understand. So, when I found out myself sitting in the training room, where the trainor told us, oh I mean teaching us that being successful is about money and fame. ohoh... I said to myself, "This is not my world." So, I quit.

Now, I am here at the cafe... i just skip to my niece and nephew. They are with me for two weeks. Their parents are in Indonesia for the mission training. We keep on praying for their future mission in Cambodia. I am happy taking care of them. Maybe I don't have lots of money but I am happy talking and listening with them, doing activities with them. I feel the same way when I was in Emmaus Day Program.It's fun!!! And I can't say a word.

Singapore Zoo, jan.7th,2007

2007-01-17T21:13:00.000-08:00

welcome to singapore zoo...

my friend catherine and ruth with the zebras...

it was os nice to be here where you can touch some of them...

but not these giraffes,hahaha!

singapore zoo is beautiful and seems they are kind to animals.

Al Forno Italian Restaurant, jan.6th.2007

2007-01-17T20:56:00.000-08:00

cheers for the upcoming year 2007

a dinner with German-Austrian family and a Filipino friend in an Italian restaurant in Singapore.

chinatown,singapore jan.6th.2007

2007-01-17T20:32:00.000-08:00

chinatown in singapore

ruth looking for some... i don't know what were those.

just keep walking, walking and looking... until...

we've got tired??? no, until we ended up standing in front of...

of a very nice and cold (air conditioned) store.

the weather in Singapore is like in the Philippines. It's hot compare where we've been in Northern Thailand.

welcome back to singapore, jan.5th.2007

2007-01-17T20:18:00.000-08:00

this is singapore.. very kind to animals... how much more to human, eh?
no chewing gum, or else a thousand SGD fine. i don't think i will take a risk of having a gum even in a little while.

welcome note from our friends..the Ofners, oh well ... the RuDaSuGe.

last day in Doi Saket, jan.5th.2007

2007-01-17T19:54:00.000-08:00

what a beautiful and cold friday morning in Doi Saket, isn't it? Lovely...

maesa elephant camp, jan.3rd.2007

2007-01-17T19:31:00.001-08:00

the moment with elephants. they're frolic and fun. I've enjoyed watching them. once again, my very first to see the elephants. what a record of my life, isn't it?

new year's eve in Downtown Chiang Mai

2007-01-11T02:37:00.000-08:00

street market in Downtown Chiang Mai

we were in the taxi to escape from downtown because of bombing news in Bangkok.

Thai's local icecream

the famous gate in Chiang Mai, if you look up, you'll see the beautiful lanterns tossed by the wind to somewhere.

Orange Farm, 12-31-2549

2007-01-11T02:27:00.000-08:00

"let's pick some oranges, yahoo!!!"

wowoweeeee!!!

we went in the Orange farm after church in Church of Christ in Thailand. I've been there for the first time,yahoo. Hope you enjoy my pictures.

what really matters in life?

2007-01-03T04:11:00.000-08:00

as I was seated on the lakeside, there was a question that puffed up to my mind: what really matters in life? oh yeah... what a nice question that made me think for a couple of hours.

i lived for almost 30days with kids here in the orphanage. what a different set of "family" I should say. i was amazed on how they were trained from small domestic chores to something they need to know in the future. do you get what I mean? maybe not?

kids helped me realized that life can be as simple as you ever think to be. it's a choice! like happiness and completeness... if you want to have it, it's a choice to have it whatever the situation is. though sometimes it's hard to choose from being simple and happy.

as of this time, kids are all in the church having a bible study, time for worshipping God for what He has done to them... kids from 2yrs old to 20... I almost cried yesterday when I heard them singing songs for our Lord Jesus Christ. and once again, the question appeared to my mind: what really matters in life?

one yellow MOnday in Thailand

2007-01-02T06:18:00.000-08:00

Monday is a yellow day in Thailand as a sign

of respect to the king.

Paka mountain and PhaYao City,Thailand 12/22-31/2549

2007-01-02T05:50:00.000-08:00

samoeng church

after the distribution of Samaritan Purses. I remembered the time when Iwas in Canada, my host mom and I bought something to put inside the Samaritan Purse. I was so happy seeing those people who received those boxes.

ROADSmissionteam in Thailand.

one day in PhaYao City. It was so nice to see God's creativity thru nature.

we sang in Church of Christ in Thailand.

maejo, payap and doi saket, thailand (12/15-21/2459)

2007-01-01T22:20:00.000-08:00

Christmas presentations in school and university, carolling, and "mukatha"(Thai traditional dinner)

wavee,Thailand (12/12-15/2549)

2006-12-24T07:21:00.000-08:00

we're looking for our lunch: some baby ferns on the mountain of VitaminC (oranges)
we have ferns, so we need some ricestraws to cook it. i like this picture.
teaching in the church with the team.
preparing and packing gifts for those kids living in this place.
the "pinaupong manok" or the seated chicken. are you ready my dear chick?

we stayed in the house of one of the members of our team.

Chiang Mai and Den Hom, Thailand, 12/10-11/2549

2006-12-24T07:04:00.000-08:00

we had a good talk, oh I mean though we didn't understand what we talked about with each other, good we can do signs. I had a good time with them. They are very nice.
Thailand, the country that I need to study their handwriting or else I'll get lost.
crusade on top of the mountain with kids and staff of the orphanage.
lovely, isn't it? kids at the orphanage. they performed at the crusade.
the very nice young girl from DenHOm. She toured me to her village. Beautiful strawberry farm. I love it!
finally, we made it. Praise God!!!People and nature look like Philippines. But their language, handwriting and food are totally different.

Singapore, 12/09-10/2006

2006-12-24T06:52:00.000-08:00

my friend and I planned to go to Thailand for the part two of ROADS Mission Trip that we had in Cordillera Region, Philippines. But we looked for the
cheapest flight to go there, the result: we need to stop in Singapore. And we ended up enjoying the country with the Ofners. (Thanks Manuelito!)

my family get together,11-2006

2006-12-05T00:23:00.000-08:00

my nephew Andrei, my niece Rhose Anne and my mother Anicia
yahoo, lots of children!!!
my family, ganda namin, noh?
i want you to meet my sisters, Annie Fe, me and Fely Ann, we look good,eh?

family get together is fun. the joy is undescribable and i should say "complete". hope you enjoy meeting my family.

trivia: we gather once a year, my brothers and brother-inlaw are pastors and their schedules are pretty complicated. ex. Christmas will be before or after December 25th. but we're used to it. "put God first"

celebrations, 11-2006

2006-12-05T00:12:00.000-08:00

my sister and cousins, 1st birthday of my cousin's daughter
early Christmas at home, with my mom and LeAnn- my sister
my father's 65th birthday, 11-22-2006
my whole family plus my nephew and niece.

filipinos celebrate everything in different ways. birthdays without cake( but i was so happy having my first and only birthday cake in my whole life and that was in Canada,thanks Anne!!!), Christmas without so much presents and so much more. but happiness revealed thru our pictures, right?

stranded,11-2006

2006-12-04T23:58:00.000-08:00

"conversation with a pastor", melted crayon on hard board, i did it last year
" filipino food", oil on canvass, 2001
"beyond life", oil on canvass, 2004

as i was stranded last month, God has shown me a different life here in my province. i've got a chance to see and do again what i did before going to north america. amd one of those is painting. hope you enjoy it.

october-ride 2006

2006-11-01T23:20:00.000-08:00

october!!! what a month for me. pagkatapos na pagkatapos ng bagyo... pagkalipas ng ilang araw lumindol ng mahina-hina, tapos pagkaraan muli ng ilang araw, may naganap na sunog naman isang bloke ang layo mula sa aming tinitirahan. grabe!

akala ko walang excitement dito sa Laguna pero nagkamali ako. there were so many things that you wouldn't know that it will happen. akala ko boring ang walang magawa, but God will do something para maging kakaiba ang pagiging walang magawa.

I thank God for everything: sa kalakasan, sa kaligayahan at sa kaisipan na ituloy ang buhay patungo sa inilaan Niyang hangganan.

halo-halo: my favorite ever

2006-09-18T01:48:00.000-07:00

when I first arrived here in Philippines, this was the one that I've been looking for. I enjoyed it a lot. It's not so sweet but sweet!!!