I take the subway to go to the office and to go home during rush hour. Most of the time, the train is jampacked with people. I have to push myself in and if I can’t hold on to anything, try to balance myself so I don’t fall while the train is moving. It’s not an enjoyable experience and I wish there was a more comfortable way to travel.
One time, I was on my way home after a particularly busy day in the office. A half-empty train pulled into the station. “Wow”, I said to myself, “This must be my lucky day!” I got in, sat down and promptly fell asleep. A few stations past, I woke up and heard unfamiliar station names being announced. It was then I realized that I had taken the wrong train. No wonder it wasn’t full as usual! So, I was forced to turn back and I got home later than normal.
It’s tempting to take the easy way out of any situation. We go by the route that will cause us the least discomfort and inconvenience. But that route may not always lead us to the correct destination.
The easier path is not always the better path. Sometimes, we just need to accept the twists and turns, trials and difficulties in life because they will make us stronger, wiser and better persons in the end.
Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few. (Matthew 7:13-14)
November 4, 2009
October 29, 2009
Pain Management
For some reason, I thought of pain this morning. I have experienced all sorts of physical pain – from 6 childbirths (all normal delivery), 2 surgeries, a broken leg, a serious burn, not to mention my ongoing struggle with migraine. I have also gone through emotional pain from disappointments, failures, separation and loss of loved ones.
How did I survive the pain? While giving birth, for example, I tried to focus on something I loved, like chocolate. With each contraction, I imagined myself eating a huge chocolate bar. The pleasant thought kept my mind away from the pain.
During painful times, I tried to project weeks or months ahead and pictured myself looking back and saying “I made it through.”
But, over the years, I have learned a more powerful way to overcome my pain. Focus on the cross. The cross is a strong reminder that Jesus Christ shared my pain and offered himself up for me.
I am not really in pain right now, just extremely tired from all the demands of my work, family and community. Perhaps the pain will come later, with aching joints, a burdened mind and possibly exhaustion. But even now, I know that I can lay down my tiredness, aches and cares at the foot of the cross. Pain is only temporary. Victory has been won.
If the LORD were not my help, I would long have been silent in the grave. When I say, “My foot is slipping,” your love, LORD, holds me up. When cares increase within me, your comfort gives me joy. (Psalm 94:17-19)
How did I survive the pain? While giving birth, for example, I tried to focus on something I loved, like chocolate. With each contraction, I imagined myself eating a huge chocolate bar. The pleasant thought kept my mind away from the pain.
During painful times, I tried to project weeks or months ahead and pictured myself looking back and saying “I made it through.”
But, over the years, I have learned a more powerful way to overcome my pain. Focus on the cross. The cross is a strong reminder that Jesus Christ shared my pain and offered himself up for me.
I am not really in pain right now, just extremely tired from all the demands of my work, family and community. Perhaps the pain will come later, with aching joints, a burdened mind and possibly exhaustion. But even now, I know that I can lay down my tiredness, aches and cares at the foot of the cross. Pain is only temporary. Victory has been won.
If the LORD were not my help, I would long have been silent in the grave. When I say, “My foot is slipping,” your love, LORD, holds me up. When cares increase within me, your comfort gives me joy. (Psalm 94:17-19)
September 30, 2009
Hail Mary
When my daughter is hurt or scared, the first word she says is “Mama!” I guess it is instinctive for us to cry out our mother’s name when in distress or pain. Having emerged from her womb, we all have a special connection to our mother. She is our source of comfort, grace, help and inspiration.
Such also should be our relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the Philippines, Jojo and I never failed to attend Wednesday novena at our parish church (which incidentally is named Our Lady of Grace). We credit our answered prayers to God’s mercy and Mama Mary’s powerful intercession.
We have not been able to continue the novena here in Canada due to our work schedules. Although there is a 12:00 noon novena at the church near our office, I am not always able to attend. But there are days when I feel a stirring within me, days when I need a mother’s embrace, and I make an effort to go to the novena. There, in front of the image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, I cry out to Mama Mary for comfort and help. When I leave the church, there is always peace in my heart which is hard to explain.
Even if my earthly mother is no longer here, I know that I have a Heavenly mother who will always be there for me. Ave Maria!
And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. (Luke 1:46-48)
Such also should be our relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the Philippines, Jojo and I never failed to attend Wednesday novena at our parish church (which incidentally is named Our Lady of Grace). We credit our answered prayers to God’s mercy and Mama Mary’s powerful intercession.
We have not been able to continue the novena here in Canada due to our work schedules. Although there is a 12:00 noon novena at the church near our office, I am not always able to attend. But there are days when I feel a stirring within me, days when I need a mother’s embrace, and I make an effort to go to the novena. There, in front of the image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, I cry out to Mama Mary for comfort and help. When I leave the church, there is always peace in my heart which is hard to explain.
Even if my earthly mother is no longer here, I know that I have a Heavenly mother who will always be there for me. Ave Maria!
And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. (Luke 1:46-48)
September 22, 2009
Fear of the Unknown
Lately, I have been bothered by thoughts of changes in the community, unplanned expenses, pending bill payments, problems with relationships, worries about my children. This is my greatest fear – the fear of the unknown – not knowing what the future holds and not having control over a situation. It makes me sick to the stomach.
This happens all the time. Just when I think that everything is going fine, that my plans are happening according to schedule, that I can enjoy some peace – something shakes up my quiet little world. Anxiety is my weakest point. But the Lord knows that where I am weakest, there He is strongest. When I’m smug and comfortable, I don’t need to rely on Him. I’m okay with my life. But when I’m anxious and afraid, that’s when I cling to Him for strength.
Fear is all in my mind – I waste so much time worrying about things that have yet to happen. The Lord needs to constantly remind me that He is in control. His love is greater than all my fears.
There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)
This happens all the time. Just when I think that everything is going fine, that my plans are happening according to schedule, that I can enjoy some peace – something shakes up my quiet little world. Anxiety is my weakest point. But the Lord knows that where I am weakest, there He is strongest. When I’m smug and comfortable, I don’t need to rely on Him. I’m okay with my life. But when I’m anxious and afraid, that’s when I cling to Him for strength.
Fear is all in my mind – I waste so much time worrying about things that have yet to happen. The Lord needs to constantly remind me that He is in control. His love is greater than all my fears.
There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)
September 16, 2009
Nurturing our Marriage
Six years ago, I bought a plant. I placed it inside the house and took care of it. I watered it regularly, removed the dead leaves, trimmed the branches and fed it fertilizer. The plant grew and it was beautiful to look at.
Last year, we moved the plant to our new house. In a few weeks, its leaves started falling off one by one. Then, the branches began to dry. I thought perhaps that it was adjusting to the new house temperature. But it showed no signs of recovery. This summer, Jojo pruned it and moved it to a new pot.
The plant is now dead. I wonder how a plant that has grown strong roots and flourished for five years can still die just because of a change in environment.
Last weekend, Jojo and I attended a marriage retreat (part 2 of the one we attended in April). The talks made me realize that no matter how long you’ve been married, you need to keep working on your relationship. Life here in Canada presents new challenges which can break even the strongest marriage. Pressures of adjusting to a new culture, finding a job, taking care of the family, doing house chores, coping with homesickness, can create a lot of friction. Even a difference in work schedules can make a couple feel emotionally separated. (This is a common scenario – wife works days, husband works nights or vice versa.)
Just as a plant needs regular care, a marriage needs constant nurturing in order to survive. Though I can no longer save my plant, I can do my part to keep our marriage alive and well. I pray that I will be a better wife than gardener.
Happy the husband of a good wife, twice-lengthened are his days; A worthy wife brings joy to her husband, peaceful and full is his life. A good wife is a generous gift bestowed upon him who fears the LORD; Be he rich or poor, his heart is content, and a smile is ever on his face. (Sirach 26:1-4)
Last year, we moved the plant to our new house. In a few weeks, its leaves started falling off one by one. Then, the branches began to dry. I thought perhaps that it was adjusting to the new house temperature. But it showed no signs of recovery. This summer, Jojo pruned it and moved it to a new pot.
The plant is now dead. I wonder how a plant that has grown strong roots and flourished for five years can still die just because of a change in environment.
Last weekend, Jojo and I attended a marriage retreat (part 2 of the one we attended in April). The talks made me realize that no matter how long you’ve been married, you need to keep working on your relationship. Life here in Canada presents new challenges which can break even the strongest marriage. Pressures of adjusting to a new culture, finding a job, taking care of the family, doing house chores, coping with homesickness, can create a lot of friction. Even a difference in work schedules can make a couple feel emotionally separated. (This is a common scenario – wife works days, husband works nights or vice versa.)
Just as a plant needs regular care, a marriage needs constant nurturing in order to survive. Though I can no longer save my plant, I can do my part to keep our marriage alive and well. I pray that I will be a better wife than gardener.
Happy the husband of a good wife, twice-lengthened are his days; A worthy wife brings joy to her husband, peaceful and full is his life. A good wife is a generous gift bestowed upon him who fears the LORD; Be he rich or poor, his heart is content, and a smile is ever on his face. (Sirach 26:1-4)
September 8, 2009
A Culture of Convenience
I never cooked laing before I came to Canada, even though it’s one of our family specialties. (My parents are both Bicolanos.) That’s because cooking it the traditional way can be so laborious. First, the fresh gabi leaves and stalks have to be dried in the sun for a few days, and cut into small pieces. Then, you need to grate the coconut (using the old fashioned grater where you have to sit on a wooden contraption) and squeeze the grated coconut by hand. Then, you can start cooking the gabi in the coconut milk.
Here in Canada, you can buy dried, cut gabi leaves and frozen or canned coconut milk, and all you have to do is put together the ingredients. So laing has become really easy to cook.
I can now understand where my old folks learned the value of hard work. They needed to exert effort to come up with something good. And it was well worth it. Nothing beats the taste of laing cooked the old-fashioned way.
Today, we are so used to a comfortable life that we like to take shortcuts or the least painful route. We prefer convenience over hard work. Look at how it has affected the way we view situations. If something doesn’t work, we throw it rather than fix it because fixing requires more time and effort. (And this applies as well to relationships.) If a task requires some sacrifice from us, we hesitate and make up an excuse not to do it.
Sadly, in a culture where personal comfort takes precedence, the important values of hard work, sacrifice and commitment get lost along the way.
Anything you can turn your hand to, do with what power you have; for there will be no work, nor reason, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the nether world where you are going.... (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
Here in Canada, you can buy dried, cut gabi leaves and frozen or canned coconut milk, and all you have to do is put together the ingredients. So laing has become really easy to cook.
I can now understand where my old folks learned the value of hard work. They needed to exert effort to come up with something good. And it was well worth it. Nothing beats the taste of laing cooked the old-fashioned way.
Today, we are so used to a comfortable life that we like to take shortcuts or the least painful route. We prefer convenience over hard work. Look at how it has affected the way we view situations. If something doesn’t work, we throw it rather than fix it because fixing requires more time and effort. (And this applies as well to relationships.) If a task requires some sacrifice from us, we hesitate and make up an excuse not to do it.
Sadly, in a culture where personal comfort takes precedence, the important values of hard work, sacrifice and commitment get lost along the way.
Anything you can turn your hand to, do with what power you have; for there will be no work, nor reason, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the nether world where you are going.... (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
August 30, 2009
Looking Back
I sometimes Google search for former work colleagues to find out where they are now, since I’ve lost touch with many of them. One of my searches led to my former boss who’s now Vice President in a large pharmaceutical firm. We exchanged a few e-mails and I asked the whereabouts of common acquaintances in the HR field.
As I received news from him, many “what-if” scenarios played in my mind. If I had stayed in the Philippines, what would my position be now? If I continued my HR career there, where would I be working and how much would I be earning now? But I quickly put a stop to these thoughts. After all, I had already made a choice to go to Canada and there was no turning back. I had nothing to go back to – no job, no house, no property.
I’ve met some immigrants who keep referring to their old life – “I was a manager”, “I was a businessman” – and how they lived a comfortable and luxurious life back home. As a result, they are very unhappy with their life in Canada and often voice out their wish to return.
It’s not bad to look back, but to be stuck in the past prevents you from moving forward to a new future. In a way, I am happy that we decided to dispose of everything when we left because it made us determined to “make it” here. Going back was never an option. As God has brought us here, we can only look forward to what He has in store for us.
See for yourselves! I have labored only a little, but have found much. Acquire but a little instruction; you will win silver and gold through her. Let your spirits rejoice in the mercy of God, and be not ashamed to give him praise. Work at your tasks in due season, and in his own time God will give you your reward. (Sirach 51:27-30)
As I received news from him, many “what-if” scenarios played in my mind. If I had stayed in the Philippines, what would my position be now? If I continued my HR career there, where would I be working and how much would I be earning now? But I quickly put a stop to these thoughts. After all, I had already made a choice to go to Canada and there was no turning back. I had nothing to go back to – no job, no house, no property.
I’ve met some immigrants who keep referring to their old life – “I was a manager”, “I was a businessman” – and how they lived a comfortable and luxurious life back home. As a result, they are very unhappy with their life in Canada and often voice out their wish to return.
It’s not bad to look back, but to be stuck in the past prevents you from moving forward to a new future. In a way, I am happy that we decided to dispose of everything when we left because it made us determined to “make it” here. Going back was never an option. As God has brought us here, we can only look forward to what He has in store for us.
See for yourselves! I have labored only a little, but have found much. Acquire but a little instruction; you will win silver and gold through her. Let your spirits rejoice in the mercy of God, and be not ashamed to give him praise. Work at your tasks in due season, and in his own time God will give you your reward. (Sirach 51:27-30)
July 30, 2009
Opportunities
I was our school contestant to a Metro Manila spelling contest. I prepared hard for it and I was so excited. However, we got lost on our way to the venue. By the time we arrived, the contest had already started and I was no longer allowed to participate.
When I was just starting my career, I was called to a job interview with a large multinational company. When I got there, I was intimidated by the number of candidates who all seemed more qualified and confident than me. I got cold feet and decided not to proceed with the second interview.
Missed opportunities. Who knows what blessings awaited me if I only showed up on time, or simply showed up? Sometimes, that’s all God asks – just turn up.
I got my first job in Canada because at the exact time I was handing in my resume, the hiring manager happened to be there to pick up the resumes. I introduced myself and said I was interested to work for her. By the time I got home, I already received a call for a job interview.
Despite initial misgivings, I decided to attend the marriage retreat with Jojo last April. Because of that, I received a book that planted a desire in my heart to start writing my reflections.
Seized opportunities. I was there where I was supposed to be at the precise moment. God asked me to turn up and I did.
If you’re not there when manna falls from heaven, how can you receive it? If you’re not there when a brother/sister shares, how can you be uplifted? If you’re not there to listen to a teaching, how can you grow in understanding?
When opportunities come, may our response always be “Here I am.”
The LORD called Samuel again, for the third time. Getting up and going to Eli, he said, “Here I am. You called me.” Then Eli understood that the LORD was calling the youth. So he said to Samuel, “Go to sleep, and if you are called, reply, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” When Samuel went to sleep in his place, the LORD came and revealed his presence, calling out as before, “Samuel, Samuel!” Samuel answered, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:8-10)
When I was just starting my career, I was called to a job interview with a large multinational company. When I got there, I was intimidated by the number of candidates who all seemed more qualified and confident than me. I got cold feet and decided not to proceed with the second interview.
Missed opportunities. Who knows what blessings awaited me if I only showed up on time, or simply showed up? Sometimes, that’s all God asks – just turn up.
I got my first job in Canada because at the exact time I was handing in my resume, the hiring manager happened to be there to pick up the resumes. I introduced myself and said I was interested to work for her. By the time I got home, I already received a call for a job interview.
Despite initial misgivings, I decided to attend the marriage retreat with Jojo last April. Because of that, I received a book that planted a desire in my heart to start writing my reflections.
Seized opportunities. I was there where I was supposed to be at the precise moment. God asked me to turn up and I did.
If you’re not there when manna falls from heaven, how can you receive it? If you’re not there when a brother/sister shares, how can you be uplifted? If you’re not there to listen to a teaching, how can you grow in understanding?
When opportunities come, may our response always be “Here I am.”
The LORD called Samuel again, for the third time. Getting up and going to Eli, he said, “Here I am. You called me.” Then Eli understood that the LORD was calling the youth. So he said to Samuel, “Go to sleep, and if you are called, reply, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” When Samuel went to sleep in his place, the LORD came and revealed his presence, calling out as before, “Samuel, Samuel!” Samuel answered, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:8-10)
July 17, 2009
Weeds
When we arrived in Canada in 2001, it was spring and flowers were blooming everywhere. I saw open fields and lawns filled with yellow flowers, like small daisies. I thought they looked lovely, until someone told me that they were weeds called dandelions. Soon enough, the flowers wilted and turned into white balls which then dispersed seeds into the ground, assuring the growth of more weeds.
Dandelions are the bane of gardeners. They are difficult to remove and spread quickly, choking up good grass. Lawn pesticides have been banned in Toronto, so Jojo has resorted to using different concoctions and the old fashioned method of pulling out the whole plant. The secret is taking them out early enough so they don’t develop deep roots and making sure your grass is healthy and lush, so there’s no room for weeds to pop out. But this takes a lot of regular care and maintenance, and of course, time.
That is pretty much how temptation works in our life. It deludes us into thinking that it will bring something good and pleasing. Only later do we realize that we have already fallen deep into sin. By then, it’s difficult to stop, and then we resort to making all sorts of excuses for our behavior, or we feel guilty and stop, but go back to the sinful behavior again.
Living a holy life requires us to cling to Jesus and constantly seek his mercy and forgiveness. By filling our life with what is pleasing to God, there will be no room for sin. The secret to a healthy soul? Turn away from temptation, stop sin in its early stage and feed it daily with God’s word.
Therefore, sin must not reign over your mortal bodies so that you obey their desires. And do not present the parts of your bodies to sin as weapons for wickedness, but present yourselves to God as raised from the dead to life and the parts of your bodies to God as weapons for righteousness. (Romans 6:12-13)
Dandelions are the bane of gardeners. They are difficult to remove and spread quickly, choking up good grass. Lawn pesticides have been banned in Toronto, so Jojo has resorted to using different concoctions and the old fashioned method of pulling out the whole plant. The secret is taking them out early enough so they don’t develop deep roots and making sure your grass is healthy and lush, so there’s no room for weeds to pop out. But this takes a lot of regular care and maintenance, and of course, time.
That is pretty much how temptation works in our life. It deludes us into thinking that it will bring something good and pleasing. Only later do we realize that we have already fallen deep into sin. By then, it’s difficult to stop, and then we resort to making all sorts of excuses for our behavior, or we feel guilty and stop, but go back to the sinful behavior again.
Living a holy life requires us to cling to Jesus and constantly seek his mercy and forgiveness. By filling our life with what is pleasing to God, there will be no room for sin. The secret to a healthy soul? Turn away from temptation, stop sin in its early stage and feed it daily with God’s word.
Therefore, sin must not reign over your mortal bodies so that you obey their desires. And do not present the parts of your bodies to sin as weapons for wickedness, but present yourselves to God as raised from the dead to life and the parts of your bodies to God as weapons for righteousness. (Romans 6:12-13)
July 1, 2009
Filipino-Canadian
We took our oath as Canadian citizens in 2005. Not that we were excited to renounce our Filipino citizenship. I must admit that our primary reason for applying for citizenship was to be able to cross the border to the USA without any visa. As permanent residents, we were already enjoying the benefits that citizens had, except the right to vote.
Still, the oath taking was an emotional ceremony. We had been in Canada for four years, had reviewed for, taken and passed the citizenship test. There we were, in front of a judge, together with about a hundred immigrants from different countries, taking our oath to Canada, our new country. You can’t help but feel a sense of pride and belonging as you individually receive your certificate of citizenship and a Canadian flag.
Citizens or not, we are still Filipinos at heart. Our daily diet has not changed. We still eat rice and Filipino food everyday. We cook sinigang, adobo, munggo, kare-kare. The two younger kids love daing and tuyo. Jojo and I still speak in Tagalog at home and the kids understand, even if they reply in English. Our hearts still ache when we think of family and friends in the Philippines. We watch and read Filipino news all the time. We also feel pain and anger when we hear about how the political and economic landscape has not really changed since we left.
But Canada has been good to us. Despite the initial challenges, we’ve had a lot of opportunities. Here, we enjoy education and medical services for free, two of our major expenses had we stayed in the Philippines. In the midst of the worldwide recession, we have a comfortable life. There isn’t a day that I don’t thank the Lord for the blessing of this country that we’re in. I’d like to think that God has graciously given us not a new country, but two countries that we can call our home.
If you live in accordance with my precepts and are careful to observe my commandments, I will give you rain in due season, so that the land will bear its crops, and the trees their fruit; your threshing will last till vintage time, and your vintage till the time for sowing, and you will have food to eat in abundance, so that you may dwell securely in your land. (Leviticus 26:3-5)
Still, the oath taking was an emotional ceremony. We had been in Canada for four years, had reviewed for, taken and passed the citizenship test. There we were, in front of a judge, together with about a hundred immigrants from different countries, taking our oath to Canada, our new country. You can’t help but feel a sense of pride and belonging as you individually receive your certificate of citizenship and a Canadian flag.
Citizens or not, we are still Filipinos at heart. Our daily diet has not changed. We still eat rice and Filipino food everyday. We cook sinigang, adobo, munggo, kare-kare. The two younger kids love daing and tuyo. Jojo and I still speak in Tagalog at home and the kids understand, even if they reply in English. Our hearts still ache when we think of family and friends in the Philippines. We watch and read Filipino news all the time. We also feel pain and anger when we hear about how the political and economic landscape has not really changed since we left.
But Canada has been good to us. Despite the initial challenges, we’ve had a lot of opportunities. Here, we enjoy education and medical services for free, two of our major expenses had we stayed in the Philippines. In the midst of the worldwide recession, we have a comfortable life. There isn’t a day that I don’t thank the Lord for the blessing of this country that we’re in. I’d like to think that God has graciously given us not a new country, but two countries that we can call our home.
If you live in accordance with my precepts and are careful to observe my commandments, I will give you rain in due season, so that the land will bear its crops, and the trees their fruit; your threshing will last till vintage time, and your vintage till the time for sowing, and you will have food to eat in abundance, so that you may dwell securely in your land. (Leviticus 26:3-5)
June 10, 2009
Our House
I grew up on a busy street in Caloocan. It used to be a quiet residential area but over the years, it slowly became commercialized. Soon, there were stores, buildings and the LRT. Ever Gotesco was built right at our back. We became accustomed to the noise of tricycles, jeepneys and neighbors who drank and fought all night.
Here is where Jojo and I decided to also put down roots for our young family. We found security in having my parents live just in front of us and look over our children when we were away. We knew it also gave them joy to have their grandchildren around.
On our last day after our house was sold, I cried for an hour. It was painful to leave behind 40 years of memories. But with Papa and Mama gone, it was the right time for us to move on and find a new home in Canada.
The night before our flight, my brother called from Toronto and asked if we could postpone our trip. After weeks of searching, he still had not found a place for us to stay. We had sold everything we owned, our bags were packed and we were ready to go. So I joked that he could just probably look for a park where we could sleep. With the last minute preparations, the tearful goodbyes, and making sure all our children and luggage were accounted for, I had no time to worry about where we would stay once we landed in Canada.
Fortunately, the night we arrived, a basement apartment was found for us. There were two rooms but only one was available. All eight of us squeezed into that one room, with only blankets for our bed. After two weeks, the other room became free, so we had the whole basement to ourselves. We had a small living area, a tiny eat-in kitchen and our own bathroom. But nobody was complaining. The house was in a great place. As the kids exclaimed, walking outside was like going to the park. The streets were clean and the houses pretty.
We were getting used to the cramped quarters but after 3 months, the owner suddenly decided to sell the house. We only had a few weeks to look for another place. I called several apartments but I never got past the question “how many are you?” before being told there was no room for us. I started looking for rental houses. But no landlord wanted six kids in their house. Every single one said they had given the place to another tenant.
Finally, we found a house owned by a Filipina nurse who agreed to rent it to us. This became our home for two years.
With the high cost of rent and utilities, we knew it made more sense to put our money towards our own house. But we had no down payment. We learned about a government program that allowed us to solve this roadblock. Almost everyone said that the banks would not allow it but as a family, we again prayed and the bank approved our mortgage application.
We started looking for a house that would meet our requirements. We found the perfect place – it was within walking distance to almost everything – school, church, bus stop, park, library, grocery, even a Filipino store. As an added bonus, I found out after moving in that the school bus pick-up point was just three houses to our left, and there was a babysitter two houses to our right. We stayed five years in that first house we owned.
Last year, we decided to look for another house that would meet the needs of our growing children. This is where we live now. It’s not a big house but it’s cozy and practical. We have a wonderful neighborhood and the folks are nice and friendly. God has even blessed us with a Filipino neighbor who always gives us cooked food (he is a caterer).
I believe that in every place we lived in, God put us exactly where he wanted us to be at that time. Every house has been a blessing to our family. Though we no longer have any intentions of moving, who knows what God has in store for us. Where He leads, we will follow.
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go. By faith he sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise; for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and maker is God. (Hebrews 11: 8-10)
Here is where Jojo and I decided to also put down roots for our young family. We found security in having my parents live just in front of us and look over our children when we were away. We knew it also gave them joy to have their grandchildren around.
On our last day after our house was sold, I cried for an hour. It was painful to leave behind 40 years of memories. But with Papa and Mama gone, it was the right time for us to move on and find a new home in Canada.
The night before our flight, my brother called from Toronto and asked if we could postpone our trip. After weeks of searching, he still had not found a place for us to stay. We had sold everything we owned, our bags were packed and we were ready to go. So I joked that he could just probably look for a park where we could sleep. With the last minute preparations, the tearful goodbyes, and making sure all our children and luggage were accounted for, I had no time to worry about where we would stay once we landed in Canada.
Fortunately, the night we arrived, a basement apartment was found for us. There were two rooms but only one was available. All eight of us squeezed into that one room, with only blankets for our bed. After two weeks, the other room became free, so we had the whole basement to ourselves. We had a small living area, a tiny eat-in kitchen and our own bathroom. But nobody was complaining. The house was in a great place. As the kids exclaimed, walking outside was like going to the park. The streets were clean and the houses pretty.
We were getting used to the cramped quarters but after 3 months, the owner suddenly decided to sell the house. We only had a few weeks to look for another place. I called several apartments but I never got past the question “how many are you?” before being told there was no room for us. I started looking for rental houses. But no landlord wanted six kids in their house. Every single one said they had given the place to another tenant.
Finally, we found a house owned by a Filipina nurse who agreed to rent it to us. This became our home for two years.
With the high cost of rent and utilities, we knew it made more sense to put our money towards our own house. But we had no down payment. We learned about a government program that allowed us to solve this roadblock. Almost everyone said that the banks would not allow it but as a family, we again prayed and the bank approved our mortgage application.
We started looking for a house that would meet our requirements. We found the perfect place – it was within walking distance to almost everything – school, church, bus stop, park, library, grocery, even a Filipino store. As an added bonus, I found out after moving in that the school bus pick-up point was just three houses to our left, and there was a babysitter two houses to our right. We stayed five years in that first house we owned.
Last year, we decided to look for another house that would meet the needs of our growing children. This is where we live now. It’s not a big house but it’s cozy and practical. We have a wonderful neighborhood and the folks are nice and friendly. God has even blessed us with a Filipino neighbor who always gives us cooked food (he is a caterer).
I believe that in every place we lived in, God put us exactly where he wanted us to be at that time. Every house has been a blessing to our family. Though we no longer have any intentions of moving, who knows what God has in store for us. Where He leads, we will follow.
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go. By faith he sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise; for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and maker is God. (Hebrews 11: 8-10)
June 9, 2009
In Control
I’m sure you’ve heard the story of the man who fell into a cliff one night and was able to hang on to a branch. He cried for help three times and each time, a voice would reply “Let go.” But he thought, “Why will I do that? I don’t want to fall into the cliff!” So, he hung on to the branch the whole night. When morning came, he looked down and saw that he was only one foot above the ground.
I often like to tell this story because it speaks so much about my being a control freak. Everything has to be planned and in order. When things go wrong, as they often do, I freak out. I pray to the Lord for intervention, but my mind still controls the situation. It is so difficult for me to just let go.
Applying for immigration to Canada was a leap of faith. At that time, we didn’t even have money to pay for the application fee. I would spend sleepless nights worrying. In my mind, I had no idea how we could possibly afford everything that we had to pay for. Yet, at every point that we needed to spend – for passport applications, filing fee, medical exams, landing fee – God would always provide us the exact amount in unexpected ways – an inheritance, shares in insurance stocks, a new job contract, a consultation fee, a bonus, somebody’s offer of help.
We finally got our immigrant visas in October 2000, but our biggest problem was – how were we supposed to fly to Canada? Our fares alone would cost almost P200,000. We didn’t even have money in our bank account. But in faith, we prayed as a family and told the Lord that we were leaving on Black Saturday, April 14, 2001.
We had been trying to sell our house for the longest time. It was in the family’s ancestral property, and was to be sold together with my parents’ house. When she was alive, Mama had always expressed a wish for the property to go to a buyer who would take care of it as we did for almost 50 years. But everyone who was interested either planned it to be a warehouse or a building, as our place had become a commercial area.
An agent approached us and told us that she had a buyer. What a surprise when that buyer turned out to be a religious order that wanted to build a house for their priests near our parish church. God answered our prayers in one shot – Mama got her wish and we were able to leave on April 14 as planned.
People often ask me how I was able to bring such a large family to Canada, and I have no rational answer. Some of them think we must be very rich or that Jojo is a banker or Vice President of some company. But really, we’re just ordinary, simple folks who placed our trust in God.
It has been an uphill struggle to let go of the reins over my life. But slowly, I am learning to let God take full control and trust that He can do a better job than me.
Man may make plans in his heart, but what the tongue utters is from the LORD. All the ways of a man may be pure in his own eyes, but it is the LORD who proves the spirit. Entrust your works to the LORD, and your plans will succeed…In his mind a man plans his course, but the LORD directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:1-3, 9)
I often like to tell this story because it speaks so much about my being a control freak. Everything has to be planned and in order. When things go wrong, as they often do, I freak out. I pray to the Lord for intervention, but my mind still controls the situation. It is so difficult for me to just let go.
Applying for immigration to Canada was a leap of faith. At that time, we didn’t even have money to pay for the application fee. I would spend sleepless nights worrying. In my mind, I had no idea how we could possibly afford everything that we had to pay for. Yet, at every point that we needed to spend – for passport applications, filing fee, medical exams, landing fee – God would always provide us the exact amount in unexpected ways – an inheritance, shares in insurance stocks, a new job contract, a consultation fee, a bonus, somebody’s offer of help.
We finally got our immigrant visas in October 2000, but our biggest problem was – how were we supposed to fly to Canada? Our fares alone would cost almost P200,000. We didn’t even have money in our bank account. But in faith, we prayed as a family and told the Lord that we were leaving on Black Saturday, April 14, 2001.
We had been trying to sell our house for the longest time. It was in the family’s ancestral property, and was to be sold together with my parents’ house. When she was alive, Mama had always expressed a wish for the property to go to a buyer who would take care of it as we did for almost 50 years. But everyone who was interested either planned it to be a warehouse or a building, as our place had become a commercial area.
An agent approached us and told us that she had a buyer. What a surprise when that buyer turned out to be a religious order that wanted to build a house for their priests near our parish church. God answered our prayers in one shot – Mama got her wish and we were able to leave on April 14 as planned.
People often ask me how I was able to bring such a large family to Canada, and I have no rational answer. Some of them think we must be very rich or that Jojo is a banker or Vice President of some company. But really, we’re just ordinary, simple folks who placed our trust in God.
It has been an uphill struggle to let go of the reins over my life. But slowly, I am learning to let God take full control and trust that He can do a better job than me.
Man may make plans in his heart, but what the tongue utters is from the LORD. All the ways of a man may be pure in his own eyes, but it is the LORD who proves the spirit. Entrust your works to the LORD, and your plans will succeed…In his mind a man plans his course, but the LORD directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:1-3, 9)
June 3, 2009
Changing of the Seasons
It is spring now and a warm 22⁰ outside. It’s such a relief to be able to walk outdoors without two layers of clothing, a heavy winter coat, boots, scarf, hat and gloves. Spring is one of my favorite times of the year. You see plants you thought were dead suddenly shooting up from the ground, leaves sprouting from bare trees, flowers budding and starting to bloom. The grass is green again, and the sun is warm on the skin.
Of all the adjustments we had to make in Canada, adjusting to the weather was one of the most difficult. Winter in Toronto can be harsh and bitterly cold, with temperatures going down to as low as -20⁰. With the wind chill, it can actually feel like -40⁰. It’s like walking into a freezer when you leave the house. Even ten minutes outside can cause your hands and feet to go numb.
I remember the first time we saw snow. It was such a beautiful sight, with the ground all covered in white. We probably spent an hour looking out the window, and when it was over, we went outside to play on the snow and make a snowman. Looking at snow is fun but walking out in the cold is not. While in the midst of a winter storm, many times I would cry out, “Lord, why did you bring us to this cold country?”
But seasons pass. What kept me warm during the cold winter months was the thought that spring was not far behind.
As sure as the seasons change, situations change and fortunes change. What keeps me going during trials is the hope that this too will pass. In a few weeks or months, I will look back, smile and say, “Now why did I worry about that?”
As God is at work in nature, ensuring that winter flows into spring, summer and fall, so too is God at work in our lives, turning failure into victory and sorrow into joy.
There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant… What advantage has the worker from his toil? I have considered the task which God has appointed for men to be busied about. He has made everything appropriate to its time, and has put the timeless into their hearts, without men's ever discovering, from beginning to end, the work which God has done. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 9-11)
Of all the adjustments we had to make in Canada, adjusting to the weather was one of the most difficult. Winter in Toronto can be harsh and bitterly cold, with temperatures going down to as low as -20⁰. With the wind chill, it can actually feel like -40⁰. It’s like walking into a freezer when you leave the house. Even ten minutes outside can cause your hands and feet to go numb.
I remember the first time we saw snow. It was such a beautiful sight, with the ground all covered in white. We probably spent an hour looking out the window, and when it was over, we went outside to play on the snow and make a snowman. Looking at snow is fun but walking out in the cold is not. While in the midst of a winter storm, many times I would cry out, “Lord, why did you bring us to this cold country?”
But seasons pass. What kept me warm during the cold winter months was the thought that spring was not far behind.
As sure as the seasons change, situations change and fortunes change. What keeps me going during trials is the hope that this too will pass. In a few weeks or months, I will look back, smile and say, “Now why did I worry about that?”
As God is at work in nature, ensuring that winter flows into spring, summer and fall, so too is God at work in our lives, turning failure into victory and sorrow into joy.
There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant… What advantage has the worker from his toil? I have considered the task which God has appointed for men to be busied about. He has made everything appropriate to its time, and has put the timeless into their hearts, without men's ever discovering, from beginning to end, the work which God has done. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 9-11)
June 2, 2009
Sorting the Garbage
Friday is garbage pick-up day in our area. It’s one of those services that I’m really thankful for, living here in Canada, because it’s regular and efficient. It’s such a stark contrast from our Caloocan neighborhood, where garbage trucks come every two weeks or so, and you never know when. In the meantime, all your garbage bags pile up and start to stink, and the garbage man won’t even pick them up unless you hand him a P5.00 bill.
Sorting the garbage here in Toronto can be a complicated and sometimes confusing process. There are three bins provided and you have to separate your trash as they are picked up on different weeks. To the green bin go the organics and bio-degradable items. Then there’s the blue recycling bin where you throw bottles, cans, paper, plastic and everything that can be recycled. The rest go to the gray garbage bin. Some items you have to scrutinize, like certain plastics cannot be recycled. And because we are being taxed for the amount of garbage we throw out, I have become more conscious of our trash, making sure that everything goes to the right bin.
I know that, over time, I also accumulate a lot of trash in my life – bad habits, negative thoughts, resentments, grudges, hurts. And like garbage, they need to be purged on a regular basis – transform/recycle bad habits into Christian practices, negative thoughts into positive vibes, and discard completely all sin and ill feeling towards others.
I am sometimes successful but then after a few days, garbage starts accumulating again. How I wish that my self-cleaning will be as regular and efficient as the garbage truck that comes to our neighborhood every Friday.
Rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, insincerity, envy, and all slander; like newborn infants, long for pure spiritual milk so that through it you may grow into salvation, for you have tasted that the Lord is good. (1 Peter 2:1-3)
Sorting the garbage here in Toronto can be a complicated and sometimes confusing process. There are three bins provided and you have to separate your trash as they are picked up on different weeks. To the green bin go the organics and bio-degradable items. Then there’s the blue recycling bin where you throw bottles, cans, paper, plastic and everything that can be recycled. The rest go to the gray garbage bin. Some items you have to scrutinize, like certain plastics cannot be recycled. And because we are being taxed for the amount of garbage we throw out, I have become more conscious of our trash, making sure that everything goes to the right bin.
I know that, over time, I also accumulate a lot of trash in my life – bad habits, negative thoughts, resentments, grudges, hurts. And like garbage, they need to be purged on a regular basis – transform/recycle bad habits into Christian practices, negative thoughts into positive vibes, and discard completely all sin and ill feeling towards others.
I am sometimes successful but then after a few days, garbage starts accumulating again. How I wish that my self-cleaning will be as regular and efficient as the garbage truck that comes to our neighborhood every Friday.
Rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, insincerity, envy, and all slander; like newborn infants, long for pure spiritual milk so that through it you may grow into salvation, for you have tasted that the Lord is good. (1 Peter 2:1-3)
May 26, 2009
Keeping the Faith Alive
Toronto is a multicultural city. Everywhere you go, you meet people of different nationalities, colour and faith. Canada puts a high premium on tolerance and equality of rights, which is good. Except that in the desire to be politically correct, people avoid any mention of God or religious reference because it might offend someone. Even the Christmas tree in front of our city hall is no longer called Christmas tree but holiday tree. And in stores and offices, people must not say “Merry Christmas” but “Happy Holidays”.
And yet, Canada is the only country I know of that has two government-funded educational systems – one public and one Catholic. The children enjoy Catholic education up to high school for free. To me, this is such a great blessing because the school reinforces Catholic teachings, and guides the kids through their first communion and confirmation. In such a liberal and free-thinking society, it is important for the children to get a good, solid Catholic foundation.
The Catholic faith is vibrant here in Toronto, thanks largely to immigrants, especially Filipinos. There are many Catholic communities. And every church you go to is always full. In our previous parish, going to mass was like walking into a church in the Philippines. About 80% of the parishioners were Filipinos, and for a few years, the parish priest and assistant parish priest were both Filipinos.
Sunday mass is one of the non-negotiables we have set for our children. There are no excuses when it comes to attending mass on Sundays, even if they have to go to work, or even if it is snowing heavily. The kids tell me that some of their classmates only go to mass twice a year – on Christmas and Easter Sunday. I reply that this is the way we want them to grow up, keeping their faith alive and receiving regular spiritual sustenance through the Holy Mass.
The kids are not active in our new community as we would like them to be, but for now, we are happy that they are continuing to live and practice their Catholic faith.
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, virtue with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with devotion, devotion with mutual affection, mutual affection with love. If these are yours and increase in abundance, they will keep you from being idle or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:5-8)
And yet, Canada is the only country I know of that has two government-funded educational systems – one public and one Catholic. The children enjoy Catholic education up to high school for free. To me, this is such a great blessing because the school reinforces Catholic teachings, and guides the kids through their first communion and confirmation. In such a liberal and free-thinking society, it is important for the children to get a good, solid Catholic foundation.
The Catholic faith is vibrant here in Toronto, thanks largely to immigrants, especially Filipinos. There are many Catholic communities. And every church you go to is always full. In our previous parish, going to mass was like walking into a church in the Philippines. About 80% of the parishioners were Filipinos, and for a few years, the parish priest and assistant parish priest were both Filipinos.
Sunday mass is one of the non-negotiables we have set for our children. There are no excuses when it comes to attending mass on Sundays, even if they have to go to work, or even if it is snowing heavily. The kids tell me that some of their classmates only go to mass twice a year – on Christmas and Easter Sunday. I reply that this is the way we want them to grow up, keeping their faith alive and receiving regular spiritual sustenance through the Holy Mass.
The kids are not active in our new community as we would like them to be, but for now, we are happy that they are continuing to live and practice their Catholic faith.
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, virtue with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with devotion, devotion with mutual affection, mutual affection with love. If these are yours and increase in abundance, they will keep you from being idle or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:5-8)
May 25, 2009
At the Table
In the Caloocan house where I grew up, we had a long dining table that could seat 14 people. It was big enough for our large family (my parents and 11 children). I recall many happy meals on that table, with us sharing news of the day and Papa regaling us with his stories (which he told over and over again). We had countless relatives who ate with us on that table, and we had to put additional chairs so everyone could sit. I would bring along my school friends for lunch and sometimes, dinner. I remember crying on that table when no special food was prepared for my birthday and scalding myself when I poured hot water from a thermos. On lazy summer afternoons, Rusty, Beng and I would play ping pong on that table and thankfully, did not break anything in the dining room.
On that table we laid out food for my 18th birthday. It was also there where I served my then fiancé Jojo the first food I cooked for him – burnt fried chicken. We shared our first meals together on that table as a young couple during the early years of our marriage. At that table, the whole family would gather together for Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries. It was also at that table where we last shared a meal after Papa’s and Mama’s deaths.
The Caloocan house is now gone, and I don’t know where that table went. But if I should see it again, it will surely bring back memories of fun, laughter and tears shared over the years.
The first place we lived in here in Canada was a basement apartment. It had a small eat-in kitchen with a table good enough for 2-3 people. So we had to take shifts for our meals.
When we moved to a house, someone gave us an oval glass dining table with six chairs. The chairs needed some fixing, so we bought some leather and Jojo upholstered them himself. Aryan and Yobel had to sit on folding chairs, one at each corner of the table. It was a bit cramped for eight of us, but we were thankful to have it for free.
That dining table became the hub of our family activities. On it we dined, read newspapers, made homework, completed projects. On it we served food for birthdays, reunions, prayer meetings and other celebrations. On it we also had many serious discussions on family issues.
That table served us well for seven years. When we moved to another house, we decided to give it away and finally buy a table that would fit all of us. We settled for a long wooden table, much like the table that we had in Caloocan. It has eight chairs with room for more. There’s plenty of space to spread out school materials, textbooks, newspapers, even my portable sewing machine and sewing kit.
We are already starting to build memories around this table. As a family, we try to eat together as often as possible. We like to invite relatives and friends to share meals and stories with us. After all, it’s not really the table that’s important but the people who gather around it. At the table, we not only eat food to nourish our bodies but share of ourselves and give thanks to the One who provides for us. This table will be a witness to all the special people and events in our lives and we intend to keep it for a long, long time.
There, too, before the LORD, your God, you and your families shall eat and make merry over all your undertakings, because the LORD, your God, has blessed you. (Deuteronomy 12:7)
On that table we laid out food for my 18th birthday. It was also there where I served my then fiancé Jojo the first food I cooked for him – burnt fried chicken. We shared our first meals together on that table as a young couple during the early years of our marriage. At that table, the whole family would gather together for Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries. It was also at that table where we last shared a meal after Papa’s and Mama’s deaths.
The Caloocan house is now gone, and I don’t know where that table went. But if I should see it again, it will surely bring back memories of fun, laughter and tears shared over the years.
The first place we lived in here in Canada was a basement apartment. It had a small eat-in kitchen with a table good enough for 2-3 people. So we had to take shifts for our meals.
When we moved to a house, someone gave us an oval glass dining table with six chairs. The chairs needed some fixing, so we bought some leather and Jojo upholstered them himself. Aryan and Yobel had to sit on folding chairs, one at each corner of the table. It was a bit cramped for eight of us, but we were thankful to have it for free.
That dining table became the hub of our family activities. On it we dined, read newspapers, made homework, completed projects. On it we served food for birthdays, reunions, prayer meetings and other celebrations. On it we also had many serious discussions on family issues.
That table served us well for seven years. When we moved to another house, we decided to give it away and finally buy a table that would fit all of us. We settled for a long wooden table, much like the table that we had in Caloocan. It has eight chairs with room for more. There’s plenty of space to spread out school materials, textbooks, newspapers, even my portable sewing machine and sewing kit.
We are already starting to build memories around this table. As a family, we try to eat together as often as possible. We like to invite relatives and friends to share meals and stories with us. After all, it’s not really the table that’s important but the people who gather around it. At the table, we not only eat food to nourish our bodies but share of ourselves and give thanks to the One who provides for us. This table will be a witness to all the special people and events in our lives and we intend to keep it for a long, long time.
There, too, before the LORD, your God, you and your families shall eat and make merry over all your undertakings, because the LORD, your God, has blessed you. (Deuteronomy 12:7)
Waiting
There we were in the doctor’s office, my kids and I, waiting for our turn. We had been sitting there for three hours, and there were still three patients ahead of us. It’s always like this when we have a doctor’s appointment. The waiting takes too long. But it’s difficult to find a family doctor here in Toronto, so we hardly have any option. Besides, our Filipino doctor really takes time to explain everything (that is why each consultation takes so long) and I’d rather have her than go through a quick 10-minute visit with another doctor.
Patience is certainly not one of my virtues. And I hate it when I have no control over circumstances. But every day, I am placed in situations where I have to wait – for the bus or train to come, for the traffic light to change, for a document to arrive, for the manager to approve some papers, for dinner to be cooked.
There have also been many occasions in my life when I had to wait for months or years for something I really wanted or hoped for. I had to wait one year for my first job after college, 22 years to have my first boyfriend, 3 years (and 18 hours in labour) to have my first child, five months for our application to Canada to be approved, four years to get our citizenship.
The waiting sometimes makes me anxious, because not knowing “when” forces you to put your hope on something that is unsure. But I’ve realized that I cannot always make things happen at my own time. Prayers are answered; dreams are fulfilled – at their appointed time, when God wills them to happen. So, even now, I am still waiting for some of my petitions to be heard.
Waiting to be called in the doctor’s clinic, I know I will get good service when my turn comes. In the same way, I know that God, in His own good time, will grant my request in the way that He knows best.
In the meantime, I shall patiently wait.
Good is the Lord to one who waits for him, to the soul that seeks him. It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord. (Lamentations 3:25-26)
Patience is certainly not one of my virtues. And I hate it when I have no control over circumstances. But every day, I am placed in situations where I have to wait – for the bus or train to come, for the traffic light to change, for a document to arrive, for the manager to approve some papers, for dinner to be cooked.
There have also been many occasions in my life when I had to wait for months or years for something I really wanted or hoped for. I had to wait one year for my first job after college, 22 years to have my first boyfriend, 3 years (and 18 hours in labour) to have my first child, five months for our application to Canada to be approved, four years to get our citizenship.
The waiting sometimes makes me anxious, because not knowing “when” forces you to put your hope on something that is unsure. But I’ve realized that I cannot always make things happen at my own time. Prayers are answered; dreams are fulfilled – at their appointed time, when God wills them to happen. So, even now, I am still waiting for some of my petitions to be heard.
Waiting to be called in the doctor’s clinic, I know I will get good service when my turn comes. In the same way, I know that God, in His own good time, will grant my request in the way that He knows best.
In the meantime, I shall patiently wait.
Good is the Lord to one who waits for him, to the soul that seeks him. It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord. (Lamentations 3:25-26)
May 21, 2009
Home Service
I often joke that the person I miss most is our ever reliable helper, Mylene. And that is partly true. What a relief it would be to have her here and help us with our daily chores. But the reality is, everyday, I have to wake up early to prepare breakfast, take out food from the freezer for dinner, and when I get home from work, prepare dinner, help with the children’s homework, do laundry, etc., etc. Weekends are spent going to the grocery, cleaning the house and doing more laundry. My day’s work is never done.
So, the rest of the family have to step in and do their part. Jojo and I have agreed that I take care of everything inside the house, and he takes care of everything outside, like shoveling the snow, mowing the grass, and gardening. He is a handyman, so we have saved a lot of money for small repairs, as these services are very expensive here. The kids follow a schedule of chores. The two younger kids clean and set the table. The older ones take turns washing the dishes (it would be a dream come true for them if we used paper plates everyday). They prepare their own lunches and snacks for school, and cook their own merienda when they get home. They also do their own laundry. I told them that if they don’t wash their clothes, they don’t wear anything.
Sure, I love serving my family and I enjoy cooking. But it’s difficult to manage a large household and there are days when I just want to lie down and sleep. So there are nights when we buy cooked food or settle for noodles.
Such is the routine of our life here in Toronto. Used to having helpers around, we took some time to adjust. But we have all learned valuable lessons in taking responsibility and relying on each other for help. God has given us the opportunity to serve and show more love to one another. It has also given us a whole new appreciation for the service our helpers used to provide.
Still, it wouldn’t hurt to have Mylene around.
Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. (1 Peter 4: 8-10)
So, the rest of the family have to step in and do their part. Jojo and I have agreed that I take care of everything inside the house, and he takes care of everything outside, like shoveling the snow, mowing the grass, and gardening. He is a handyman, so we have saved a lot of money for small repairs, as these services are very expensive here. The kids follow a schedule of chores. The two younger kids clean and set the table. The older ones take turns washing the dishes (it would be a dream come true for them if we used paper plates everyday). They prepare their own lunches and snacks for school, and cook their own merienda when they get home. They also do their own laundry. I told them that if they don’t wash their clothes, they don’t wear anything.
Sure, I love serving my family and I enjoy cooking. But it’s difficult to manage a large household and there are days when I just want to lie down and sleep. So there are nights when we buy cooked food or settle for noodles.
Such is the routine of our life here in Toronto. Used to having helpers around, we took some time to adjust. But we have all learned valuable lessons in taking responsibility and relying on each other for help. God has given us the opportunity to serve and show more love to one another. It has also given us a whole new appreciation for the service our helpers used to provide.
Still, it wouldn’t hurt to have Mylene around.
Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. (1 Peter 4: 8-10)
May 20, 2009
The Will and Grace of God
My husband Jojo and I went through a period of discernment before deciding to move to Canada. We never dreamt of living abroad. But God planted the desire in our hearts to consider uprooting our family to another land. It was a difficult decision reached at after many months of praying. God confirmed His message many times through brothers and sisters in the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) community. We shared in three different BCBP breakfast venues one after the other and the response song after the sharing was always the same – “Yahweh the Faithful One”. A verse in the song goes “Go now and leave your homeland, and I will give you a home.” What could be a more direct message than that?
It wasn’t easy for us when we first came here. We had to deal with issues like finding a place to live in (no apartment wanted to take in all 8 of us), looking for work, adjusting to the freezing cold in winter. I didn’t work for the first few months because we didn’t want to leave Yobel (who was only 1) with a babysitter. Jojo’s earnings were not enough, and the money we brought with us was slowly drying up. I was at a low point in my life. I was unemployed, Jojo was working but unhappy with his job, our money was almost gone, and I missed so much the comfort of having family and friends around. There was a time when I found myself staring into space and asking “Lord, did you bring us here to suffer?”
As I gave in to my worries and fears, God remained faithful. Jojo and I eventually found good jobs; we were able to purchase our own house in 2 years (with no money for a down payment, but that will be another sharing); we found a new community to belong to; Jojo’s brother and sister eventually migrated, and with my brother here, we now had a larger extended family; we made new friends and re-connected with old ones (my high school classmates, Jojo’s college classmates, long lost relatives). We certainly are not swimming in cash and we still sometimes worry about our expenses, but we have never been in want. God continues to provide for our every need.
About four years ago, Jojo and I were at a Christian bookstore when we saw this large framed picture of a road leading to somewhere unknown. Below was written “The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you.” It was such a fitting message for us. But, we could not afford to buy the frame at that time. We did come back for it when it was on sale. It now hangs proudly in our living room, a constant reminder that God’s grace will always be overflowing because we have followed His will. And yes, He really has given us a new home in Canada.
For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future full of hope. When you call me, when you go to pray to me, I will listen to you. When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, you will find me with you, says the Lord, and I will change your lot. (Jeremiah 29:11-14)
It wasn’t easy for us when we first came here. We had to deal with issues like finding a place to live in (no apartment wanted to take in all 8 of us), looking for work, adjusting to the freezing cold in winter. I didn’t work for the first few months because we didn’t want to leave Yobel (who was only 1) with a babysitter. Jojo’s earnings were not enough, and the money we brought with us was slowly drying up. I was at a low point in my life. I was unemployed, Jojo was working but unhappy with his job, our money was almost gone, and I missed so much the comfort of having family and friends around. There was a time when I found myself staring into space and asking “Lord, did you bring us here to suffer?”
As I gave in to my worries and fears, God remained faithful. Jojo and I eventually found good jobs; we were able to purchase our own house in 2 years (with no money for a down payment, but that will be another sharing); we found a new community to belong to; Jojo’s brother and sister eventually migrated, and with my brother here, we now had a larger extended family; we made new friends and re-connected with old ones (my high school classmates, Jojo’s college classmates, long lost relatives). We certainly are not swimming in cash and we still sometimes worry about our expenses, but we have never been in want. God continues to provide for our every need.
About four years ago, Jojo and I were at a Christian bookstore when we saw this large framed picture of a road leading to somewhere unknown. Below was written “The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you.” It was such a fitting message for us. But, we could not afford to buy the frame at that time. We did come back for it when it was on sale. It now hangs proudly in our living room, a constant reminder that God’s grace will always be overflowing because we have followed His will. And yes, He really has given us a new home in Canada.
For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future full of hope. When you call me, when you go to pray to me, I will listen to you. When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, you will find me with you, says the Lord, and I will change your lot. (Jeremiah 29:11-14)
May 19, 2009
Hungry for News
When you’re thousands of miles away from family and friends, you grab at anything that will connect you with the place you once called home. E-mails, photos, news articles, TV shows and movies – I devour everything about the Philippines.
Since we hooked up to TFC, I have become a TV addict. I will watch any show, even those that I never even cared to look at while in the Philippines. And with TFC’s new technology, I can actually watch at my own time, pause, fast forward and watch a show over and over again. After work, I need to get my daily fix of my favorite telenovela. The two younger kids watch eagerly with me.
I get even more excited when I receive e-mail updates from family and friends. And I just love pictures – I look at every face to see if I still recognize each one and check what has and has not changed.
Yes, I will grab at every bit that fills my hunger and takes up the empty space that aches for home.
I pray every day that I will have the same hunger for God’s word – to know Him more, find out what pleases Him and what He wants for me. I know that my TV addiction is taking precious time away from praying and reading the Bible, and I am struggling with it. For what can be better news than the good news of salvation?
He therefore let you be afflicted with hunger, and then fed you with manna, a food unknown to you and your fathers, in order to show you that not by bread alone does man live, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of the LORD. (Deuteronomy 8:3)
Since we hooked up to TFC, I have become a TV addict. I will watch any show, even those that I never even cared to look at while in the Philippines. And with TFC’s new technology, I can actually watch at my own time, pause, fast forward and watch a show over and over again. After work, I need to get my daily fix of my favorite telenovela. The two younger kids watch eagerly with me.
I get even more excited when I receive e-mail updates from family and friends. And I just love pictures – I look at every face to see if I still recognize each one and check what has and has not changed.
Yes, I will grab at every bit that fills my hunger and takes up the empty space that aches for home.
I pray every day that I will have the same hunger for God’s word – to know Him more, find out what pleases Him and what He wants for me. I know that my TV addiction is taking precious time away from praying and reading the Bible, and I am struggling with it. For what can be better news than the good news of salvation?
He therefore let you be afflicted with hunger, and then fed you with manna, a food unknown to you and your fathers, in order to show you that not by bread alone does man live, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of the LORD. (Deuteronomy 8:3)
May 13, 2009
God’s Purpose for Me
I was in my usual hurry this morning to get to work. I looked at the clock and saw how time was quickly passing by. Time has really passed me by. It’s been eight years since we landed here in Canada. A lot of things have happened to us since then, but I never really got to share any of those experiences with my relatives and old friends. Save for an occasional e-mail, oftentimes forwarded by someone else, and the usual Christmas greeting, we haven’t really been in touch.
Someone sent me an e-article by Bo Sanchez “How to Know if your Dreams are God’s Dreams” where he talks about finding your life purpose. He suggests asking yourself two simple questions: “What do you enjoy doing?” and “What do you do well?” Also, recently, I received a miniature edition of Rick Warren’s “The Purpose Driven Life”. It summarizes the main points of his book (I should read the book one of these days). Again, it talks about finding God’s purpose in your life.
Even as a kid, I’ve always enjoyed writing and I do it well. All the bosses I’ve had in this country say that writing is one of my strengths. And that has led me to thinking what God’s purpose is for me. He wants me to share this gift with you, and not just writing about anything, but writing how God has worked wonders in my life. Our eight years in Canada have brought us many rich experiences of God’s love and protection. What better way to witness than to write about those experiences!
So, permit me, my brothers and sisters, to start writing my reflections. I cannot promise how often, but I will write them as they come. I do not plan to be like St. Paul and preach. I want to tell you what has been happening to us in this part of the world, but more importantly, to share how God has been working in our life. If I make you smile or cry with me, that will be great. But it will be even greater if God can speak to you through me.
In him we were chosen; for in the decree of God, who administers everything according to his will and counsel, we were predestined to praise his glory by being the first to hope in Christ. (Ephesians 1:11-12)
Someone sent me an e-article by Bo Sanchez “How to Know if your Dreams are God’s Dreams” where he talks about finding your life purpose. He suggests asking yourself two simple questions: “What do you enjoy doing?” and “What do you do well?” Also, recently, I received a miniature edition of Rick Warren’s “The Purpose Driven Life”. It summarizes the main points of his book (I should read the book one of these days). Again, it talks about finding God’s purpose in your life.
Even as a kid, I’ve always enjoyed writing and I do it well. All the bosses I’ve had in this country say that writing is one of my strengths. And that has led me to thinking what God’s purpose is for me. He wants me to share this gift with you, and not just writing about anything, but writing how God has worked wonders in my life. Our eight years in Canada have brought us many rich experiences of God’s love and protection. What better way to witness than to write about those experiences!
So, permit me, my brothers and sisters, to start writing my reflections. I cannot promise how often, but I will write them as they come. I do not plan to be like St. Paul and preach. I want to tell you what has been happening to us in this part of the world, but more importantly, to share how God has been working in our life. If I make you smile or cry with me, that will be great. But it will be even greater if God can speak to you through me.
In him we were chosen; for in the decree of God, who administers everything according to his will and counsel, we were predestined to praise his glory by being the first to hope in Christ. (Ephesians 1:11-12)
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