Living Alone

I heard them talking about why were there so many policemen in our neighbor's house? It's only about 7am on that Sunday morning. As they (my mom, sister, niece and other friends) load in the car, they were so curious of what was happening at that house. I could only care less because I was the one driving! (grrr... i hate it when I have to drive on Sundays for very, very petty reasons!) I decided to give a simple look to see how many people are there. But maybe, I was so pre-occupied that morning (which by the way, didn't know what's on my mind that time) that I haven't even glanced on that house.

So there we are at church, listening to the sermon of Doc Alex (in fairness, carry nya ang mga jokes nya ha) and there I was, shivering from the coldness of the aircon and too focused (okay, this may not be the exact word but its the closest, haha!) on the message that I did not even bother to think about that neighbor.

As we were on our way back home, my "passengers" were again talking about that incident. Until my sister said something like, "Si Kuya --- pala yun, kawawa naman..." That was the first time it got my little attention. And I asked, "Who? Who's Kuya ---?". I can see my sister's irritation and frustration on my first and initial reaction. And finally, it all dawned on me. He is our neighbor, actually his house is just a few meters away from ours. I saw him in a very few occasions, and didn't even bother if he knew me or not. He and his spouse were childless, they got married at a pretty old age. His wife passed away one year ago and he lived in his house all by himself. I never really took notice of him until that day happened. He was found lifeless in his home and as the experts said, it maybe more than 24hours that he was dead. It may sound morbid and horrifying to tell the details here, so just to make it short the alleged reason of his death was bangungot.

That night, as I was having dinner with my dad, he's telling me again of the details and how he was found and how he looks like in the coffin. It maybe disgusting but I really felt that I want to stop eating and tell my Tatay to stop telling me those things. But then more than that, I felt compassion towards him, our neighbor. It gives assurance though that he is in heaven now, I hope, for I assumed that he knew the right Way. I felt sad that he died alone, that there was no one he could have told what he was feeling before his death, that he was even a stranger in our place (his hometown is in Manila).

As I lay myself down to bed last night, thoughts of that early morning incident kept on waking up my mind. What if I'll have the same fate? What if I never get married? What if I don't have someone with me when my time comes? . . . These may be crazy questions, but I can't help thinking about my own life . . .

And as always, my loving and caring and compassionate and understanding and faithful heavenly Dad reminded me of His message from that morning sermon, "You are not alone, never alone!".

I had a sweet and peaceful sleep...

I heard Him again...

I've read this passsage for the nth time. I've heard it preached for so many Sundays and in so many bible studies and even taught in our small group.

And then last Sunday, I heard it again. The "Lord is my Shepherd" hit my core for the nth time . . .

Was it because we have typhoon signal # 3?
Was it because there was no electricity during the worship service?
Was it because the church's senior pastor delivered the message?
Was it because the only light in that church came from 5 small candles?
Was it because the downpour of rain and intensity of wind took hold of my surrounding?
Was it because I have so much concerns inside my head?
Was it because after about three weeks, I was back in church again?
Was it because I needed to hear my Shepherd in His louder voice?
Was it because I needed rest from the tiredness of life?
Was it because . . .

"Don't force your will to be God's will."
"Do not trade biblical principles for God's blessings."
"Sometimes, the good Shepherd breaks the leg of His sheep. He will carry him until the leg heals. And the sheep will be closer to the Shepherd."

These were the words that took my being again.
It happened and now I trully understand.

The Lord is my Shepherd . . . surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.

One-week Work

It has been one long, tiring week for me. Arrived in Bangkok on Sunday and went straight to Saraburi. Oh yes, my colleagues brought me to see the relics of a temple in Ayutthaya.

Monday was a full-day training. I couldn't believe we will end at past 6pm! But I enjoyed their questions and clarifications. I think I understand how the teachers feel when they have confirmations of their students' learnings. After three years, some things are now clear to them. Dinner: authentic Thai cuisine

Tuesday, a whole-day audit. Hmmm, it was nice seeing the improvements after two years. Dinner: Go Japanese! (syempre pa, nakadami ako ng salmon!!!)

Wednesday, continuation of audit and hands-on training. I felt good this day, though sakit sa ulo ang marami at paulit-ulit na tanong. Hehe. Dinner: Western dishes

Thursday, went to Nakhorn Pathom (this place is spelled with so many versions and I believe any is acceptable). Tried upgrading the software but to no avail. More trainings and explanations (and translations!!!). Dinner: Authentic Thai with tamarind juice at the side! (can't believe they have that here)

Friday, audit again and more chats with the staff. More questions, more talks, more learnings. Oh, that room is making my head ache so hard! It was so funny for the lunch, lost our way to the resto, was late for the meal, and after all the U-turns and left turns and right turns (with rotonda ha!), we finally saw the resto. And guess what we're looking for such long time? Lechon Kawali!!! Sana sa Pinas ko na lang sila dinala, Gerry's grill is the best! Dinner: Italian. (bumawi! hehe)

Saturday - today and it's more than 30minutes that I'm here at the hotel lobby waiting for them. I missed 3 calls and there were no number! Grrrr, it maybe them. I think I will be able to post this blog before they arrive. It's the culmination day of the one week stay.Whew, it's really been a long week. It feels good anyway to share and learn from from others. Dinner: i dont know yet. hehe

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

.... And I will be finally home sweet home. Thank God!

Photos, Pics and Poses

left to right then downwards: on our way to church (Vero, Pam, me), with the bride - Gem, at the church, i luv my curls!!!, with the couple, new love team? (Vero en Flip), at the reception, our masks!, wacky pose.

left to right then down: tamed shot (me, bes, Vero, "ninang" Cecile, "ninong" Kiko, another pose with Edwin and Gem, posing at Greenbelt, we're waiting for a seat at Italiannis, balloons!!!, bes en me, "masked" photos, lakad-lakad...

Hope we could do this again . . . Sino kaya kasunod???

Another Friend's Wedding

It was wonderful! It's a long 15 years of friendship. And it's good to be with old friends again.

Gemma's wedding is one of the most memorable get together of the Tropa, though some members were not able to come. First, I am so happy for Gem marrying Edwin, who seems like a responsible, loving and kalog man. We weren't able to know him personally before their wedding for he works overseas. The wedding was simple (pero dami pakulo), organized, and enjoyable. I like the part where they held ballloons and released them to the sky. Sobrang saya, everyone is smiling and very happy for the couple.

Second, it was one of those times that the ECE group was almost complete. (Si Rej kasi di nakahabol, abay pa naman. Hehehe) Ang saya makipag-kodakan with them. Too bad, I haven't transfered the photos from my cam yet (tamad, hahaha). It was also fun throwing jokes at each other and talking nonstop about everything. Madami pa rin ang single! Hahaha.

Third, we hang out at Greenbelt after the reception. Pam treated us to Italiannis (sosi Bes ko!). Inspite of the rain and the strong wind that day, nothing can stop me from drinking my favorite fruit shake. Haha! This time I tried strawberry, grapes and pineapple. It's the best! (lahat yata ng combi the best for me eh, hehe). Elaine was so surprised when she saw me finished that huge glass of shake. (Mare, see me when I eat sushi. Hahaha)

Fourth, we saw Kuya's bahay! We were running out of time when we left the hotel so we were not able to pose at the PBB house. Then we planned of going back there after the reception to take photos in our pang-abay costumes. We even thought of wearing our masks to look like we are yet another group of house players. Hahaha! Jologs! But then again, we were frustrated because the road was closed for that night was an eviction night so may live program sa bahay ni Kuya. Nevertheless, happy na kami to see the PBB house. Hehehe, babaw!

The wedding was memorable because I liked my hairstyle! Vain me! It was curly at the ends, I like it so much. I even asked Bes to take photos of my hair before I slip on in my dress. I'll post the photos here . . . I don't know when. Hahaha.

And the most memorable is that we were like princesses in our gowns and tiaras. The giveaway is a glass jewelry box with a note on the top that says "Princess". Was it a coincidence? . . . I don't think so.

I am a beloved princess, my Father says so.