A Blessing Called St. John Vianney

Three years ago, I got a call  from St. John Vianney's Primary School and was asked if I was available to do casual work the next day. I was and so, this chapter of my journey begins.

One day led to a few more days, a few more days led to a few short blocks, and a few short blocks led to a temporary full-time position, the last one being an instrument of blessings and a big blessing in itself. 

How do I even begin? 

SJV has allowed me to re-ignite the passion I have for teaching and share it with people who also do not see it as a job but a vocation. A chance to make a difference in the lives of our students. An opportunity to teach them not only about letters or numbers, but about life itself. To mold them to be men and women of faith and of character. After all, at the end of the day, it is all about our students and not us, teachers. And I would like to believe that everyone in the teaching profession share the same principle.

SJV has allowed me to meet and work with amazing people who did not think twice of sharing their talents, skills, and expertise. Ready to lend a helping hand and answer my never ending questions so I can get things done. I will never forget the first day I did my casual work when one angel, disguised as a colleague have given me reminders before we went to church and celebrated mass with the students that morning. That was just the beginning! From opening their doors so I can attend their Staff Development Days to meet my requirements with BOSTES, to helping me photocopy materials, to laminating visual aids, to even sharing their passwords so I can access shared files, to watching over the class when I needed to go toilet, to swap duties so I cannot miss out on my kids' after-school activities, to letting me use their computers so I can print to the coloured printer, to giving tips when I had my first Parent-Teacher Interviews, and to those who offered help when I needed to write the reports. To those who believed in me and saw the real me. To my colleagues who stopped what they were doing to listen to my stories. And yes, even to those who even shared valuable parenting and holiday tips! It's endless! Everyday was an opportunity to meet angels in disguise.

On a personal note, SJV has given me and my husband the opportunity to go out of our comfort zones so we can both make things work at home, at work, with our studies and with our service -- which I thought was impossible at the beginning. It was an instrument for the two of us to grow together and work together and for that I am forever grateful. 

SJV has given me the opportunity to meet 30 beautiful angels who have taught me more than what I have taught them. The times they taught me the value of patience when I was almost at my wits end. The times they taught me to celebrate life, to be tough, to learn lessons from the wrong choices we've made...the list goes on. 

This year has been truly special. More than the opportunity to teach them to become better readers, writers, artists, mathematicians or athletes, I am happy to know that I was able to touch the lives of my students in the best way I can. The times when they needed someone to listen to them and share their joys, achievements, fears and disappointments -- when they had an argument with Mum, when Dad didn't show up as promised during an assembly, of how the family is faring as Dad tries to battle an illness, of how they went up their swimming class level, of how they fared during their karate class assessment, and of how they showcased their dancing and singing talents within the community. The times when they needed someone to believe in them when everyone else has given up on them. The opportunity to push them because you know they can do it. The times when you needed to be more of a parent, than a teacher. The opportunity to remind myself why I said yes to this calling 15 years ago. All of these, would not have been possible without SJV.

Today, another chapter of my journey ends and I will be bringing along with me all the happy memories I have shared with colleagues, all the lessons I've learned as I tried to become better at this vocation, the new friendships (and hopefully, lasting friendships) I have made. I will forever be grateful and thankful for this blessing, a blessing which is called St. John Vianney.

"1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

 5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

 6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8

Lastly,  a time to let go and a time to move on.

Trying to Convert

Like you, I might be as guilty as the other millions of mums (or dads), who post their kids' photos on social media. It started with Friendster. I was so happy and impressed with the idea that I can already show photos of the latest events in my life. It didn't help that Facebook came into the picture. When it came, as others put it, the rest was history! Every event, every new thing, everything...share, share, share. I think it became worse when I had my kids! As a proud mum to two beautiful children, I can't help but feel the "need" to share their achievements, craziness and a whole lot of other stuff. This until I came upon this article:

There were some powerful words that struck me as a parent and made me think about my social media habits.

Here are some:

"The problem is that Facebook is only one site. With every status update, YouTube video, and birthday blog post, Kate’s parents are preventing her from any hope of future anonymity."

"But they’re essentially robbing her of a digital adulthood that’s free of bias and presupposition. "

One of the reasons why I post their pictures on my account, aside from the one I stated above, is the fact that I want to share it too with their grandparents, uncles and aunties based in Manila. But the article made me think because it does make sense. Now, when we gather with family and friends for an occasion, my son gets surprised when people greet him for a recent award he got or for a recent event that happened at school or at home. People are starting to create an impression of my children of how they are, their attitude and behavior based on what I post on my account. And if my kids suddenly get temper tantrums or acts differently from the image they have created in their minds, our family and friends get shocked. This I think is unfair for my kids. I feel people are putting them in a box, when they are actually circles, as a result of the posts I have made. This, in addition to the effects stated in the article. 

At this time, I am trying to convert. I have discussed this with my husband and he was very much agreeable to it, after all, he is one of the few who has decided not to create a Facebook account up to this very day! Will this mean no more photos posted and shared? Not really. Hubby and I agreed to continue to share family photos but no more specific albums done for the children. No more picture tags and will try my best to lessen what I'm sharing, yes that includes the status updates involving my kids. Thinking about it, some special moments at home have lost its magic because I shared them with the "whole world."

I hope it's not yet too late to start again and protect the identity of my children. 

Giving Thanks for 2014

2015 is now just around the corner and I would not let the opportunity pass without recalling the things which made our journey this year a great one!

First on the list of course is our Home, Sweet, Home. It started our year with a bang! We didn't have any idea that our good Lord will lead us to into something that big this year. The construction is yet to start but everything is set. It's the paper work that keeps us in this waiting game. We still can't believe that one of our biggest goals is now on its way. We were led and we just followed.

Second, my full-time job this year. Again, we didn't expect that such an opportunity will come my way. It landed on my lap as a complete surprise. It was challenging and hard but it was all worth it. I will be back doing casuals next year but looking back, this opportunity to work full time has served its purpose and we believe it was God's way of helping us and reminding us that He is in control, easing our worries about how we are going to finance the home which we purchased earlier this year.

Third, the opportunity to travel again as a family, overseas. There was a longing inside me but I knew it might not materialize especially after we bought the house and lot. But God is really a generous God and he gave us this bonus. The kids loved it and Alvin and I did too. It's one experience I would love to do again (maybe next year?).

Aside from the overseas travel, we were able to go back again to Snowy Mountains and actually experience real snow! It was memorabe because my in-laws and my parents were with us. Another opportunity to marvel at God's creations!

It was a good year for both me and hubby, career-wise. We both got back to school and I, of course, got my Professional Competence accreditation for BOSTES.

More than the monetary or material things, there were a lot of things which made this year a truly memorable one. One, my parents and my in-laws were able to spend time with us and their grandkids.

Two, relationship-wise, I have never been more proud of me and hubby. It was a pruning stage for us, but unlike in the past when we just ended up nagging and fighting with each other, this time it was much different. We came out of our comfort zones and rose above the occasion. We've made a lot of sacrifices and adjustments so we can work out things at home, at school, at work, and in our service. It was a year of realisations and achievements. Achieving things, together.

2014 was also a year when we grew in faith. A time to realise that He is control. A time to show our faith. Truly, it was only thru His grace that we were able to do everything what we have done this year. I still can't believe we've managed to survive having to juggle everything. He started working with Alvin, with me and with us. I know He's still not done with us.

This year was a year of rediscovering passion. Career-wise I was able to re-ignite my love for teaching and why I have chosen to respond to this vocation. It wasn't easy. There were humps along the way but God sent many angels too along my way. I have learned a lot of lessons and is ready to face the next chapter of my professional life.

As parents, we also grew tremendously this year. We had many first with our kids and it is through His guidance and the help we got from people around, particularly from our CFC community, which made the task a little bit bearable. We had a lot of time to bond as a family. Had the oportunity to watch APIA early January, go back to  Canberra twice, and our long drives with family and friends.

Speaking of which, it was also a good year for the kids. Liam, even with a difficult and slow start, was still able to excel in class and in his extra-curricular activities. More than this, I am happy that he is now more self-confident. Sam, although she drives us crazy with her stuborness and feistiness, continues to become better with her talents and skills. Our home will not be laughing out loud every night without her crazy antics!

I know that like in the past, God has something great planned for us next year. And we know, just like in the past, He will just continue to surprise us.

2014 is indeed a year of  thanksgving for us. We're still one month shy away from its finish but I am already looking forward to what awaits our family next year.

Thank you Lord for 2014!

Of Wishes, Hopes and Dreams

This was taken during my 3rd birthday. I actually don't know what I wished as I blew out my birthday candles, but at this point in my life, I feel that all wishes already came true.

There were some humps and bumps, heartaches and wrong turns. Looking back, I now see that it was all part of God's grand plan for me. I am what I am today and I appreciate everything that I have today because of all of those. 

I often hear this phrase from people as they celebrate life's blessings: 

"I think I did something good in my life to deserve this." 

I beg to differ. 

I have what I have now not because I did something good in my life but simply because

 God our Father is a very loving, generous and awesome God! 

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

As I celebrate another year, I look back and give thanks to a year that was. 

Over the years, wishes have lessened, 

but the "thank yous" have definitely increased. 

I wish. I hope. I dream.

I pray. I claim.

I am thankful. I am grateful. 

An Abundance of Little Blessings

I am happy that recently, a "positivity or gratefulness" challenge  has been going around social media. I am a pessimist by nature so it takes extra effort for me to see things in a more positive way. Since coming to terms to my being a pessimist I decided to do and act on it. After a difficult and very slow start I am happy to say that I have made progress and I am also happy to see that more people are in the same boat as me. I feel that in a world where so much negative and sad things happening,  people really need to see that there are still a lot of good things out there. There are still so many things to be thankful for!

Little blessings are abundant each and every day. To wake up each morning. To say my prayers. To have quiet times. To be updated and be connected with my friends all over the world. For the opportunity to eat healthier. For good books and finally having the time to catch up on my reading! To finally able to blog again! My kids hugging me when they sleep at night. My kids saying very beautiful and sincere prayers not for themselves but for other people. For movie nights with popcorns. For the opportunity to cook home-cooked meals on the weekends for my family. My veggie patch becoming a reality. The beautiful little flowers that blossomed in my garden. To do gardening with Sam. For Liam  getting used to doing his weekend chores minus the complaints. For warm weather. For extra time on Saturdays. To play in the park with the kids. For an ad which I saw which can help raise red flags for breast cancer.  For the kids to climb trees. For playing basketball at the park with Liam and Sam. For the physical sustenance hubby and I get every week working full time and being full time parents. For the opportunity to visit and get ideas for our future home.  For the travels we've had this year. For the opportunities to make friends. To start new friendships. To maintain old friendships. To dry my laundry under the warmth of the sun. For the music that fills the home every time Liam plays the keyboards and Sam sings with him. For the Family Daily Rosary prayers coming a reality. For the good food.  For the good reflection articles I get to read. To be up close and chat with one of the greatest OPM singers, Gary V! For not worrying about my studies and my requirements which I haven't touched for two months now!  For the full time job I have. For the affirmations of my students and my colleagues and even parents! For the beautiful sunshine. For the clear skies. For spring time. For the service. For the giggles of my children. The opportunity to ring up a close friend from overseas and be with her during a very difficult time. For parenting styles I learn from friends. For the opportunity to see, appreciate and be thankful for even the smallest things I have, around me, within me, everyday! Believe me, my list can go on and on! But aside from these, I am also thankful for the worries and stress I experience everyday which leads me back to God.

Please do not get me wrong. Of course, we are thankful for the blessings we receive. But admit it, more often than not, we tend to see the bigger blessings and overlook the smaller blessings. Personally, it took extra effort to see the blessing in the smallest of things. But believe me, once you get the hang of it, it's a piece of cake!

Everyday is an opportunity to give thanks to different things! This practice has made me become a more appreciative person and yes, less whiny. Still working on having lesser complains, but with His grace, I will eventually get there.

Let's continue to spread positivity and love to make this world and our children's future a much happier place!

What is Your Purpose?

Two weeks ago I had the chance to do an on-line retreat in preparation for the feast of St. Mary of the Cross Mackillop (Australia's first saint). The theme for day one was The Potter God.  We used the material in one of our HHPMs and it allowed me to ponder more on the message of that session.

I found myself asking these questions:

First, have I already achieved my purpose in life? I am now a mother and a wife -- two of the biggest dreams I had which were given to me with God's grace. Is this my purpose? Which actually led me to my next question: if this is not yet my purpose, then what else does God want me to do? What is His purpose for me? Is being a mother, a wife and a teacher only a part of His bigger plan?

Have you asked the same question to yourself? I am pretty sure, like me, you are also at peace and happily contented with what you have now, but have you ever thought of, what if God wants to still use you in a different way?

It has been two weeks since I have asked those questions to myself and I have found myself not even being close to answering it. I know it will take rime. I need His grace and wisdom for me to find out. As for now, I am continuously asking and seeking His will during my me-times and quiet moments. May He soon lead me to the answers. May He soon lead me to where He wants me to be.

What about you, do you know what your purpose is?

My Cup Oveflows

Today, like the previous days was another gift. Both kids are under the weather. Before, I always dreaded the time when they are both sick. But today was different. I am thankful they got sick because it paved the way for other blessings to come in. It was what I focused on more. Maybe that is the reason why I don't feel exhausted or grumpy even if I spent the whole day being a doctor and nurse to them.

The past couple of weeks have been really challenging for me, juggling my time with full-time work, work at home, studies and service. It's been chaotic alright, but I have never been at peace, have never been contented.

Everyday, after I drop off Kuya at my brother's home (my parents are currently bringing and fetching him from school), we get to pass this high spot. From there, you can see the mountains over the horizon. I am at awe. It's a special moment I look forward to seeing and feeling every morning. It is a reminder and it is at that point where I always feel so thankful. That moment when I marvel at the view, I feel God's presence. The things that I am thankful for all come rushing into my mind.

First, I'm thankful I'm alive and get to spend another day with my kids and Alvin. I'm thankful for them and how we get to show our love for each other everyday. I'm thankful, hubby and I are continuously learning from the challenges that face us, making us stronger and closer. I'm thankful that Alvin is also growing in his faith everyday.

I'm thankful for the beautiful prayers of my children in the morning when we start our day. They pray not only for themselves and their wants, but they pray for other people. I almost cried when they prayed for the kids affected by the war in the Middle East and the victims of MH17.

I'm thankful for the challenges that are making me more mature. I am still in the process of growing up, but I think I have again improved when it comes to choosing my battles.

I'm thankful for the clean air that we get to enjoy that allows me to marvel at that beautiful creation which are kilometers away from where we are! I'm thankful for the clear blue skies we have here!

I'm thankful for the safe and peaceful country my kids are growing up.

I'm thankful for the inconveniences that I meet everyday.

The last couple of weeks may be very tiring, physically exhausting for my part, but it has allowed me to appreciate more the things around me, whether big or small. I may be dealing with sick kids (like now) or a problem over at work or my on-line studies or my accreditation, thinking of how to finish off all my back log of duties at home -- but with God's grace I have now come to that state that I know all these shall pass and I need not stress or worry about it.

My cups overflows with thanksgiving.

While Waiting

I'm waiting for my files to be uploaded and I just decided to write while I'm waiting.

I've missed blogging.

I have so much to write but other things are obviously more important to spend time on.

I have missed writing Kuya Liam's half-yearly letter. I have missed writing my journey to career blessings. I have missed writing about our Snowy adventures even the lessons we've learned when we were selling our property in Manila. My adventures with the parents of my students, my accreditation, my studies...tralalala...the list goes on!

As I was just driving home this afternoon, an overflowing feeling of gratitude and peace came over me. Yes, I'm physically tired, everyday. I have never been this tired in my life! But there are so many things I'm learning along the way and many things I am cherishing each day, which I am more thankful for.

I hope to get the chance to write all of them.

God willing.

Things To Look Forward To

The last week of the term came with a lot of surprises and blessings. I was not prepared to receive them but I am just in awe on how our good Lord really works.

A week before the term ended I was actually looking forward to the school holidays. I had a chat with the boss and he said that my full-time contract expires on the last day of Term 2 as the Asst Principal will be coming back next term. I was already planning of what to do during the school break and was ready to embrace a more relaxing terms 3 and 4. But our good Lord had a different plan for me. 

In the middle of being stressed over "stage parent" with unbelievable expectations of their kid I was again called again to the Principal's office 4 days before the term ended. To make the long story short, I was asked to continue with my post not only for next term but up until the end of the year! I was overwhelmed! I didn't have any chance to think it over as they were expecting me to give my answer straight away. I knew I was in for a more challenging term since my in-laws are due to fly out mid of this month but I said yes anyway, not only for me but for the kids who are under my care. If I said no, it would only mean a new teacher will be coming in and it will already be their 3rd teacher for the year! I think I owe it to the kids.

I am just thankful that when I had the parent-teacher interviews, most of the comments I got from the parents were positive. They liked my strictness, they liked the way I am handling the class and the changes they see in their kids, their kids like me (well, I can actually sense that because I can see them responding to me and my challenges) and they like my class management. The feedback I got boosted my self-confidence and it made me accept the offer much easier. Not to mention that the set of kids I have now is such a group of beautiful kids (they are not perfect but they are sensible most of the time).

Now, aside from this huge task that awaits me, I have busied myself planning and preparing for our forthcoming trips! Yes! Even before the position was offered to me, the trips were already in place. We have one this winter break and one in Spring break. We'll go back to Snowy this winter and we're going to Perisher this time. We'll be bringing my parents and my in-laws with us. We hope it would be a more enjoyable trip this time. As for Spring break, I'm really looking forward to our New Zealand trip! Took a while before hubby and I finally decided where to go. He now wanted to go to Japan but I was not up for it especially after viewing the documentary about the government's news blackout on the real status of the radiation in the country (effect of the Tsunami). In addition to this, we will be spending more money when we go to Japan. During the time that we were deciding where to go, my contract was still not extended and with the settlement of our lot getting nearer, we needed to be more practical. I did try to convince hubby to try Cebu Pacific and fly to Manila for Christmas but hubby is not keen. He said the next time we will be going home to Manila is when one of our younger siblings finally decides to tie the knot!

I am nervous. Yes, I know that it will be more difficult and challenging for me and hubby running our household when both of us are working full-time but more than that I would like to focus more and put my energy on the other blessings we get to enjoy. I am happy that we get to travel again as a family and fly as a family. I am thankful and grateful. I am happy and excited!

Can't Wait!

It's been a very busy and hectic term.

So many new lessons about life to be shared.

So many new things to blog.

So many things to look forward to.

Can't wait!

My hands are warming up :-)

Sam 3 1/2

My ever dearest Sammie,

Mama's first letter for you this year is a month early because come next week, Mama might become a bit busier.

The last couple of months have been really special for the two of us. I have seen you grow from that little bub, slowly moving away from our shadows and now slowly having your own personality.

Mama will be starting her full time work in a couple of days and I feel guilty. I know that after my teaching block last year, I said that having a full-time job will not be an option for me, until both of you are already in the big school. That is why I feel guilty, most especially for you. Part of me is saying I am being unfair to you as when Kuya Liam was your age, I was a full-time mum. Believe me when I say I want to be as fair to you and Kuya, spending the same amount of time and attention...but our circumstances have changed. The opportunity which came two weeks ago was too good to pass and was a big blessing not only to me but to the entire family! I thank you and your Kuya for allowing Mama to get the job. For assuring me that we will all handle it and as always, all shall be well.

Let's try to make the best of the remaining precious days, okay?

How about recapping the hi-lights of the last six months?

Here are the things that I have observed, things that you did, that made me thank God everyday for giving you to us!


You are growing up to be a fashionista! I can't count anymore the number of times we had an argument all because of the clothes you wanted to wear! When you have set your mind into something, there's no making you change your mind! You are into dresses and boots at the moment. You feel like a princess everytime you wear one. Can't blame you because indeed, you are our princess.

You have started with you Physie classes and you have enjoyed it to bits! I remember there was one instance when you didn't want to do one routine because you had to shake your bottom. You were so close to tears, but you muttered enough courage and did it! Well done Sam!

You are very observant and you remember stuff with precision! I always get into trouble every time I promise you something and hope you won't remember it, because you do! I have ran out of excuses!

You now understand that rules will always be a part of growing up. I am happy that you try your best to follow them especially when you are at school.

You became a Frozen fanatic! I can't count the number of times you've watched the film, sang the theme song, and pretended to be Queen Elsa! I love your mini-shows and concerts! :-) You've even wanted to dye your hair blond and wanted to grow your hair instantly just as so you can have the same hairstyle as Elsa!

This blew my mind off...one day, after picking you up from school, you told me you had a boyfriend, Darcy. You told me a LOT of stories about him and even told me that when you grow up you are going to marry him! Alarm bells went wang! wang! wang! You didn't want to open and share the stories involving Darcy to your Papa. For you, it's a girl thing! Ha! Well, I'll try my very best to keep all our secrets, safe.

There was a time when you kept on bugging me for a baby sister. There was a even a time when you requested that our family have 5 girls and 1 boy. As if it's that easy! You were assuring me that you are going to help Mama take care of the kids, you even said that you'd skip classes so someone can change the nappies of the kids! hehehe

You are a sweet girl and I know that you are always on the look out for all of us. You might be a bully at home, but when we're out, you are always there to protect your family. When you hear me say ouch or I get into a small accident at home, you come running or ask straight away, "Are you okay mama? Do you need help? Be careful!" You will then kiss that hurt part and try to soothe it. You are like that with me, Papa and Kuya. Yesterday, Kuya was getting all upset because of his Lego Chima. You painted him something so "he can be happy again" without any of us asking you. You are such a sweet girl.

You had some bleeding episodes and though it made us worry a bit, we're thankful that it was nothing serious.

"I promise" this was your favorite line when you get into trouble (like being silly, or when you again poked my eye!) and process the whole thing with you. "I promise, I will" was what you answered when I asked you if you'd still do the silly faces that make me laugh when I'm sad or say "You're the best Mum ever and I love you!" when you're all grown up. I am hoping, you would.

You definitely made my day when you presented me an award, for "shopping, painting flowers and
butterflies." With that award I realized you were aware of the special days we spent together, just bonding and enjoying each other's company.

You are one artist. You love to paint and it took you for me to learn to let go some more of my being a cleanliness freak! I love all your creations! I m a very proud of you! I plan to continue to expose you to different forms of art and hopefully help you hone this God given talent.


Sweetheart, let me just tell you some things we need to work on...you have the tendency to compare yourself to others and rely on their approval first before you can actually feel good. Lately too, you have started to become more expressive when you do not agree or when you are upset. Don't worry, you're not in trouble, yet. Remember that you are a joy to us. A breath of fresh air from the toxicity brought about by the stress or worries we have. I love hearing your boisterous laugh, your giggles and screams. I will forever cherish each moment and thank God everyday that I get to see most of these special moments.

I love you forever.

Mama

Back to School

As the saying goes, you're never too old to learn new tricks!

Australia as they say is the land of opportunities (kung hindi ka maarte, okay?) and I am taking advantage of what is available for me, hoping that it in the future it will be of use to me and my family.

Even back in Manila, I have always dreamed of putting up my own pre-school. That was the reason why I actually took Educational Administration for my Master's degree. But destiny intervened and we migrated here and that plan was put aside.

I was blessed to have been able to still practice the same profession as I had in Manila and it was also an opportunity for me to study the ropes of the trade. In our almost five years of stay here I have learned that they are stricter when it comes to your training and the work you're after. Unlike in Manila, where you can teach even if your course is not related to teaching, here you can't. Much more when you deal with smaller kids.

Sa atin, kahit ang layo ng kurso mo, kung gusto mo mag-teacher, go! Kung gusto mo magtayo ng pre-school (syempre dapat may pera ka) kahit kulang ang qualifications mo o wala kang ni isang kurso sa early childhood, go pa rin! Dito hindi. BAWAL.

They take your training seriously. Ako nga, Educ graduate na, hindi pa rin pwede magturo sa elementary unless mag-aaral ulit ako ng Teaching in Primary School (nakakturo ako kasi tinignan nila yung seven years teaching experience ko sa grade school).

Back to my blog. To make the long story short, I have reignited that dream of mine to hopefully put up my own pre-school (and childcare) in the future. You always have a guaranteed clientele for childcare here as nanny or yayas are not really part of the culture. In Sam's childcare alone, there are already 5 unborn kids who are on the wait list! Yes, unborn kids! With the standard of living getting higher every year many parents have no other choice but to work and that is when childcare centres goes into the picture. There is really a need in chidcare especially in our area where there is a boom in real estate!

Thankfully, both my undergrad and Masters' degree were validated and were accredited as to being comparable to Australian degrees. Now I only need to work on my early childhood qualifications. This is the reason why I decided to pursue a Diploma on Early Childhood Education and Care.

It took me a couple of years to muster enough strength to actually do it. It took a lot of emails and researches, comparisons, and inquiries to different schools and providers. I am not just sure if my timing is right as now my plate is already full because as I start with this, we are also very busy with the home project.

I chose to do the course through online study. It will be my first to do online studies and after 3 weeks, I can say that I still have to establish a routine or a style that will be most effective for me. I have three years to finish the course. I am hoping that I could finish that before the deadline.

Thankfully, I didn't have to shell out a single centavo as I am qualified with the government aid, being an Australian citizen. I can study now and pay later, as soon as my annual salary reaches their cap. At this point, I am still not worried because if I continue to work as a casual, I am safe of having to start the repayments to the government. So even if we have started with the mortgage payments, I can safely say that it will still not add to our expenses.

Finishing it in three years' time does not mean I will already leave the teaching force in the big schools. Putting up a childcare here is costly, no make that very costly! I plan to make baby steps. But as for now, I'll just take it one subject at a time.

You might ask, why study again when I can already teach here? Well, as I've said, when I'm much older, I wouldn't want to still be inside the classroom. I want to see myself and my career evolve. I hope to have moved on from teaching to doing the admin work, more of the person behind the curtains.

Big dreams? Yes. I see nothing wrong with it. It's worth a try, right? Libre mangarap. At least when I'm there, I can confidently say that I am ready to cross the bridge.

Keeping the faith!

Growing Together, Praying Together (Overwhelmed - Part 2)

Yesterday, I mentioned to one of my friends, Mitch, more than this dream becoming a reality, I am more thankful of the opportunity for me and Alvin to again grow together and work together both spiritually and mentally. After this, particularly last Saturday, I felt our relationship went up one notch higher.

When I wrote that we continued to pray for it, we were not pushing for us to buying a house. We were praying that if it is His will, let things fall into place. We were praying for guidance for every decision. And most importantly, we were praying for His grace to prepare our hearts, so we can humbly accept His will for us.

We grew together, mentally. Since the time we started sitting down only three or four weeks ago, we had a lot of intelligent and mature conversations. I am the type who feels bad whenever he "audits" me every now and then. I was surprisingly okay when he asked where our money went and why our savings only reached a certain amount. There were a lot of computations involved in those after-dinner conversations. Both were very patient and open to suggestions. We worked together in a way that he led and I did the supporting role by doing errands that were needed in this "project."

On the day the priority numbers were released (which was only last Saturday), we again, like in the past, came as a family (me, hubby and our two kids). Everyone was present and everyone patiently queued. Everyone had a say especially when our first two choices were gone already! Everyone prayed for it.  It was a family thing and I couldn't be happier!

Although we were 18th on the line and started queuing before 7am, (some people were more desperate than us!) we still didn't get the original lot we wanted. It could have been a better choice, a bigger lot, a bigger house, a better plan for the value of money (it's bigger but it ends up cheaper) we're paying. But God had a different plan for us. He directed us to another one, which was actually our 4th choice. Initially, we were sad that we didn't get what we wanted (the ones who got our first two choices spent the night in the queue!). But looking back, we were thinking we could have been spared from a possible stress because of the builder assigned on that lot and God probably pointed us to a different lot so we can be more comfortable with our future finances. The lot that we were able to nominate is 8 thousand cheaper than our first choice. (Now there is NO immediate need to sell our lot).

We took a gamble.

I was scared to let go of this opportunity because I felt that the prices of properties will just continue to rise with the rate things are going here and it would have been harder for us to buy our own home. (The first release was only two months ago and prices have gone up $12000 more!) One professional advice we got recently is, "if you have the money now, then go for it!"

I guess, the gamble paid off.

At this point and looking at the future it's still not 100% kink-free. There are still some areas that causes me and Alvin to worry. But I guess, God would want it to leave it like that so we can have an opportunity to have faith. So we can learn how to trust Him and let Him be in-charge!

The kids did and are doing a marvelous job of helping us. They helped us pray for it. They helped us by being patient when we visited display homes, talked to builders, and even when I queued last Saturday for 3 hours! They are helping us save money. They are excited as us, helping Mama and Papa choose possible themes for their future rooms.

The praying part is not over.

We will continue to pray as we continue to grow on with this part of our journey, as a family.

This is the second release which we tried our luck on :-)
The peach-coloured lots were part of their first release,
two months ago! Our future home will now be in front of the park.
Our future community will have our own shopping centre and will be just across
the newest Ikea and Costco, how convenient is that!

A glimpse of our future home.
We really wanted a 2 car garage so we can house both Maggie and Ben.
But after consulting our financial advisers and family,
we humbly embraced what God might have prepared for our family.

Keep an eye on this space as I will continue to share the developments of this part of our journey. 

Overwhelmed - Part 1

Overwhelmed.

That is the best word to describe what I am feeling right now.

Emotions are running high.

Overwhelmed.

Another big dream is about to materialize and we can only thank and praise God for it!

We are one step closer to getting our dream home! Our own home!

The past week was the peak of our discernment process.

In my last blog entry, I told you that I, we, were willing to wait and see if everything will fall into place.

And it did.

Our plans of buying our first home has happened earlier than we have planned.

Proves that God's plans for us far better than what we have for ourselves!

After we met with the broker almost two weeks ago, we had the impression and got to a conclusion that it's not yet time for us. We were still thankful for that meeting as it paved the way for us to set our financial goals so we are better prepared when another opportunity comes. That was Tuesday, 21 January.

Long weekend. Even if we were sure that it will be impossible for us to buy, much more try, a home on the 8 Feb release, we kept on praying for it. Over the long weekend, we went to the Sales Office and hubby got the plans and prices of the home and land packages for the upcoming release.

Seeing the prices, our dreams came crashing down at us again as the prices has increased tremendously from their last release end of November 2013. The cheapest now is $544k and the most expensive ones were somewhere around $720++ thousand!

Another reason for us to give up, right?

We really didn't give up 100% because we kept on praying and discerning for it, still.

And in His goodness, He sent people our way to help us arrive at a decision, to gamble.

My friend Vera got the actual land value of the package and it gave us hope!

The funny thing is, the ideas to continue trying came in dreams and very early morning! As my friend puts it, a Eureka moment!

Alvin and I haven't really told one another to make computations and see if we can work out something, financially. But when he gets home from work, he starts talking about the topic and lo and behold, we have, on our own made some plans on how we can possibly try to work it out. And from there, we sit down and discuss Plans A, B and C. Including the implications for each. I've never had a more interesting discussion than the ones we had last week! Maths. Big Time!

Mid of last week, we have our eyes set on a particular lot which costs $560thou. We were ready to gamble but there was fear in our hearts. First, it will deplete our savings and I REALLY need to have plenty of casual work to have enough funds before the land settlement late this year. This is just in case the amount being loaned to us by the bank doesn't meet the amount we need. And another implication is we REALLY need to sell our lot in Manila.

But God in His goodness had a different plan for us.

New Sacrifices

Before I start my new entry let me just share two "messages" I got yesterday and today.

Yesterday morning, as soon as I woke up, the first thing in my mind:

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and everything shall be added unto thee."

This morning when I read the reflection of today's reading, the message that struck me was:

"Our God is a God of surprises!"

I guess these two messages set the "stage" of how I am dealing everything what's on my plate now.

I remember mentioning in my previous blog entry that one of our major goals this year is to buy our first home, LATE this year.

I don't know what happened but one thing led to another and we suddenly found ourselves being led to buying our own home, NOW.

It's a big decision alright!

Hubby and I were just reading articles that will keep us informed and knowledgeable of the processes but in two weeks' time so much has happened!

We really haven't bought the house but we are finding ourselves doing baby steps.

We've studied our finances, asked advice, watched and looked at the market for the last two weeks (in two weeks there was so much movement in the market), visited possible sites, compared buying old and new houses,  talked with builders, studied the buying process, registered to new home and land releases and prayed like we've never prayed before! We're not praying that He grants our wishes but we're praying for guidance as this is really a very big investment. To make the long story short, we're new to this and we don't want to make any mistakes so we're carefully doing one step at a time.

Nakakakaba talaga. 

With this new investment comes a whole new set of sacrifices.

If you have been following my blog, you know that there is a deep desire for me to travel locally and globally because I felt I have deprived myself of that when I was younger. I really wanted to go to the US April of this year because I know that once we take the big plunge of buying our own home, travelling will be the first one to be sacrificed. And yes, my worst dreams came true!

Hubby and I had an initial study of our finances and it will be very difficult for us to squeeze in traveling for the family (to give you an idea how much new homes now cost in our area, it ranges from $500,000 and above). Unless I work full time and get the full annual pay of teachers on my level, then talagang maluwag kami, maraming sobra. But I still decided to work as a casual mainly because of the kids. At the end of the day, it will be a choice between spending time with my kids and taking care of my family well over the extra money and owning our own home with much ease.

Knowing me, I should be all grumpy and already super sad because of the would-be scenario. All traveling plans for the year and the next few years, scrapped. But I'm unusually okay. I'm not crying, I'm not grumpy, I'm not mad. I guess I was ready for it. I have long faced the music and so when we found ourselves already in that situation, I was ready emotionally.

I am thankful I'm taking all these things positively. I am also inspired by my kids as they are also cooperative and making their own little sacrifices in helping achieve our goal of saving up for our own home. When we go out and they see something they like, we just tell them NO and remind them of our future plan, and they are okay with it. No more crying and whining, especially for Sam. Everyone is focused on the big project!

I am actually not giving up. In my heart I know that all will fall into place. That there will be a time for all those traveling plans to happen. It might be a difficult start for us, but I'm keeping the faith that it will be easier in a few year's time -- the time when the kids are much bigger and I can go back to work full-time.

The search is on and our hearts are in place ;-)

Friendships in the Future

Admittedly, one of the reasons why migrating became difficult at the beginning was because of the simple fact that we left a lot of established friendships back home.

I found myself getting homesick especially during the times I wanted to rant, ask advice or share joyful stories to my friends. I missed laughing my heart out tears came out from my eyes.

It took me sometime to realise that I needed to move on. I found myself guarding and protecting my old friendships in favor of the newer ones. I have been here for almost five years and in that span of time I have been actually weighing down those people I have met and was checking which among those newly formed friendships I can nurture and keep. Sadly some "bad" points always come up. I'm not saying I'm perfect but I wanted to cultivate friendships that will bring out the best in me, influence me to become positive and inspire me. People who can teach me. People who can share and not just take every time. People who can help us raise our kids. People who can support us and see us as is, no competitions. Actually, the last one is the biggest turn off for me. Being migrants you can't help but sense if one is trying to compete of what you have and what your family can get especially during the sharing of stories. Ayaw papatalo. People who only know you when they have a dilemma or when they need something (yes I know friends should be people whom you can always count on, pero nakakainis when you see them with their other friends pag happy sila or my celebrations sila, pero nada sa iyo unless they are asking for a favor).

Last Christmas, I found myself slowly forming the very short list. It actually included cleaning my FB list too. I removed from my FB friends those people who only radiate negative energy. Those people I can actually say, "walang akong paki at walang paki sa akin/amin."  Those people who think they are the best, the grammar geniuses (just because they are well-read and are English teachers! yun na! lol)

Seeing a lot of reunion pictures being posted in FB actually inspired me to start acting now. Most of my co-migrants have already started forming friendships and my fear is that by the time I'm ready, I might end up not having any. I am particularly happy to see these group of friends based here, they have long known each other for 10+ years. I guess they have seen each other's family grow and the kids too. In that span of 10+ years you can see that they have established their yearly traditions. Every year, especially during the Christmas season, one family hosts the gathering. Umiikot sila ng bahay which I think is good. This year they had themed parties during their birthdays. Everyone was in even the dads! No killjoys! I can't really say I'm ready for costumes, and so is Papa A, but the camaraderie and joy radiates from the smiles on their faces.

This year started with me and Alvin getting invited to one of our good friends' home here in Sydney and it felt good! It was so relaxing and the stories just kept coming up. We actually felt we needed to do that more often.

I actually am not comfortable in big groups. I may be super talkative, but believe it or not when it's a big group and I really don't know personally each one of them (ex. fb friends lang kami) I have the tendency to be quiet. I am not comfortable sharing my stories with them. I will be super talkative if it's an intimate gathering of friends. For this big reason alone, I plan and I'm praying that this year, I will be successful in cultivating the "small" friendships I have now on my very short list and hopefully in years' time, I will be a much happier and a more positive person because of them.

P.S. Me cultivating and nurturing these newly formed friendships doesn't really mean I'm letting go of the ones I have back home. I guess you understand when I say it's been too long already and I need to move on. I'm sure they have. But we know deep in our hearts that the friendship is there and we have each other's back. I guess this is all part of growing up :-)

Family Traditions

I am inspired to write more family-themed blog entries because a few days ago I got a text message from a friend and told me how she enjoys reading my entries, "so much thought and depth put into each post/blog."

I was actually surprised because I didn't know she was taking the time to read my blog entries! She is one very busy mum! It was a humbling experience. Admittedly, there was a time in my blogging life when I felt I lost focus. Instead of focusing on what really pushed me to have a blog in the first place, my entries focused on some of the not-so-important ones :-) The shallow ones. I'm happy I survived that stage and I'm back on track.

Now to my real entry -- family traditions. Over Christmas break, I chanced upon an article that tells parents that the best time to start introducing family traditions are when the children are still young. It posed a question at the end of the article asking the reader what family traditions do you want to impart to your kids? It made me think and reflect.

Ano nga ba ang mga tradisyon na gusto kong kalakihan ng mga anak ko?

The following are a result of my quite moments:

Christmas

- Christmas eve mass is non-negotiable

- Christmas eve and Christmas day family should  be complete

- Christmas eve dinner, family should be complete
- Mass for the Feast of the Holy Family, the family should be complete

New Year

- bless the home, every nook and corner with Holy Water at the stroke of midnight (this was passed on by my own Mum)

- always start the year right by attending the Jan 1 mass as a family
- reading of "Thank you Jar" notes for the previous year as we have our Thanksgiving prayer during New Year's Eve

Birthdays

- family should be complete in the celebration

- celebrant should always have Mass in thanksgiving for another year

- birthday cake
- birthday photo and hand print for every year

Easter/Holy Week

- annual family trip

- Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday are non-negotiable. Family has to be complete to attend church services regardless where we are

I don't know how to group these, but:

- always bless from the elderly and priests

- use "po" and "opo" when addressing the elderly kababayans here

- praying the rosary as a family everyday (I'm proud and happy that Liam is now okay with praying the rosary and Sam now knows Our Father)

- morning prayers as a family

- going to church on Sundays is non-negotiable

- teaching of "Angel of God" to kids as their first prayer
- grace before meals
- praying over before major trips, major events (like job interviews, exams) or when someone is sick
- there should only be ONE TV at home! no TV inside bedrooms

I realized most of the things I listed above are practices of the faith. I agree with our parish priest when he said that the parents are instrumental in letting the future generation understand and do the practices of the faith so I guess you can't really blame me :-)

I might have missed some so I'll be updating this list from time to time.

Aside from the religious family traditions, we want to have:

- regular mum-son, dad-daughter, mum-daughter, dad-son bonding and dates
- family portraits every year
- one major family outreach to the less fortunate

I'm also compiling a group of projects, which I hope I get to do while the kids are growing up. I'm not expecting them to do the same, but if they continue with the practice, then I guess these projects will now be a part of family tradition :-)
Here are some of the projects I want to do:
- school portfolio of their best works in school with their school photo
- balloon birthday photo (kids holding balloons, the number of balloons depend on their age)
- hand print key chain every birthday
- letters every year they will open when they grow up

I actually have a long list of projects, I'll be making a separate blog as soon as I start doing them. But for now, I'll be doing baby steps.

To date, we have started doing most of the religious family traditions. Hopefully when both kids are much older we can fully explain to them why we are doing such practices. For now, we are happy that they are being exposed to such practices.

As for my personal projects, I have started doing the letters and I'm happy that I have been consistent with it for the last two years! :-)

I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping that we will be able to establish all of these family traditions.

What about you, what family traditions do you want to impart to your kids?

2014 Goals

Happy new year!

I really can't believe that Christmas break came too quickly!

Alvin is back to the daily grind so I am left with the kids until Kuya Liam goes back to school on 29 January :-)

It has been a habit that during my quiet moments, I find myself reflecting, thinking and praying for my goals for the coming year.

I started with this list late last year and I can only hope and pray that I will be able to achieve all these goals and projects for 2014.


For 2014, I plan to become more active in helping and in taking care of our environment. After all the natural calamities we had last year, I think it's about time we seriously think about our environment and the ways how we can protect it especially for our kids. As they say every little thing counts! So here is my share. I:
-will bring my reusable eco bags when I go shopping or when I do the grocery
- will be making compost pits at home
- will refrain from using plastic plates spoon etc if there is an affair at home

For 2014, I plan to better take care of my health. I am learning through the sad experiences of relatives who faced major health issues towards the end of 2013.
For 2014, I:
- will bike at least 10 minutes a day (stationary bike at home)
- will continue with apple cider vinegar therapy to start my day
- will continue with lemon water
- will have vegetable salad as starters before having the mains
- will (try) to lessen use of internet, trying to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome

For 2014, I will be wiser in handling our finances. I/we:
- will lessen buying stuff with brands
- will lessen buying and giving kids what they like in a whim
- will lessen my habit of impulse buying
- will continue training the kids how to handle their money wisely
- will start sponsoring a Filipino scholar thru Ancop
- will continue helping our chosen NGOs as a means of sharing our blessings

This year, we are praying that all shall fall into place and:

- I can finally submit and get my Professional Competence accreditation  from NSWIT early this year
- travel as a family (again, interstate or out of the country)
- buy our first home (late this year)

I am actually toying with the idea of going back to school by taking an online course. I feel that my brain needs it :-) Hubby is actually okay with it so we'll see :-)

These are the only things I have considered and reflected to do in 2014. I know there will be a lot of other things that can happen which are unplanned. I am actually not worried for whatever unplanned things that might happen, I am very sure, God is in control. So bring it on 2014!