Last week, my journey's focus was on prayer.
During the staff prayer session, the daily readings and up until the Gospel last Sunday, it all focused on prayer. The struggles to pray, how to pray, what to pray for.
God is really a generous God.
I realized through my reflections that yes, I have asked and I received. I sought and I found it.
To make the long story short, one of the my biggest prayer concerns was answered. Everything fell into place.
I am just humbled and amazed.
Thankful and grateful.
Showing posts with label answered prayers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label answered prayers. Show all posts
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Monday, June 17, 2013
The Search is Over: Take 3!
Another major project ticked off the list for 2013 :)
Finding that 7-seater car for our family was not as easy as we thought :)
Here is the story of our adventure.
Early this year, we knew we will be having visitors coming over so we knew we needed to change one of our cars to a bigger car, to accommodate our guests everytime we need to tour them around. Yes, we will all fit into two cars, but I was too lazy to bring and drive the other car hehe
We initially thought of buying a second-hand car. Toyota Avensis was the number one choice only because it's not too big and we have had a good experience with it being the first car of my brother here. But when hubby started looking around, he chanced upon this news article saying Kia will be releasing a new people-mover car (not a SUV) that was quite similar to Avensis. It's the Kia Rondo (Kia Carens in UK and in the Philippines). Based on the pricing when it was released in other countries, hubby was telling me to wait for it to be released in Australia just as so we can see if it will be worth our hard-earned money. Sabi niya nga kasi, if there will just be a small difference in the price of the second hand Avensis (Toyota) and that of the new Kia Rondo, e why not go for the brand new na, right?
Initial reports said it will come out April. But April flew by quickly, wala. While waiting, family were kind of convincing us to look for another brand, as they are afraid of the reliability of the Kia Brand. We seriously considered it, thus, we thought of having a Nissan Dualis + 2. Alvin again researched, BIG TIME, about the Dualis + 2, name it, reviews, manual, etc. But I think I mentioned in my previous blog that when we checked the car the sales agent immediately told us that the third row seats were not designed for adults. It was very specific, kids ages 7-14 years old or anyone not heavier than 45kg. If you use the car beyond those specifications and you get into an accident, you can my sued. So, no.
So we were back to Kia Rondo. By this time, it has been released in the UK and based on the reviews, Alvin was getting more excited to get it. But when May came and there were no clear signs as to when it will be released here in Sydney, we started shopping again.
This time, we shifted our focus on the Mitsubishi Outlander. Alvin saw a great deal, an unused 2013 Demo Car from the dealer, 8k cheaper from the RRP of $40k (base model). Hubby again did his homework, he researched, downloaded and read a lot of stuff. Two Saturdays ago he passed by a Mitsubishi dealer and already enquired. But by this time Kia Rondo has been launched already. The problem was there were no available demo units yet so we can't actually see and check the car. Hubby was also surprised with the pricing. The base model alone costs $30k! Between Kia and Mitsubishi, di ba sa Mitsubishi ka na?
So we pursued the Outlander. We went there Saturday, there was an actual unit available, Alvin tried to sit on the third row, straight away. Kwenk. His knees folded was almost to the level of his chest. Not really a very comfy position esp when you do long drives, right?
Hay. We saw a Holden Captiva, ok, even if hubby is not okay with it, we checked it na rin: same and it was even narrower on the third row. Toyota Kluger: same :( My impression of these cars/SUVs e pinilit na mag seven seater :( So ano na? Alvin was trying to recall kung gaoon ba kami kasikip when we rode my Kuya's Avensis. Luckily, there was a Toyota nearby that had a used Avensis which was also for sale, for us to check it. Kasi kung masikip din e di we'll go for the Outlander na, right?
Hmmm, the third row of the Avensis had full adult seats. Very comfortable even on long drives. But, hubby is not yet ready to raise the white flag. He called Kia to check if may demo unit na, ayun, meron na! So from Blacktown we drove to Penrith...excited si hubby...the car was sooo pogi! Kaya pala mahal, but wait let's see the third row first --- fail!!!! :(
So ano na?
The dealer of the Outlander was very kind, he was suggesting if we are seating adults on the third row either we get the bigger car like Tarago or the more expensive ones na. E, mg mini-coach na lang kaya kami? Pwede ko pa ipang-service! Hahaha
Kidding aside, the family had a discussion. Yes, everyone had a say while having our afternoon tea at Maccas and checking all the cars. We went back to the reasons why we want a bigger car. We cannot compromise the budget. Over than $32k is no na for us, especially for me.
So to make the long story short, we went back to Avensis, kahit for hubby, namamahalan siya sa re-sale prices of the second hand Avensis that he sees online. Back to square one. Hanap ulit and we saw one 2009 Silver Avensis for sale in a Toyota dealer. Low kms for $22k. The dealer was 40 minutes away from our place. Saturday night, hubby was saying next week na daw namin balikan. Hihintayin pa rin muna daw niya quote ng Kia. (Ako in my mind: Wait? Pakiulit?! Kia ulit? And I thought we already decided to go back to Avensis?!) I just kept quiet.
Sunday morning, I told hubby for us to check the car na. Kala ko magagalit kasi baka isipin nagaapura na naman ako bumili. But I explained to him to check the car, if he doesn't like it, then we'll not get it. If he does, then he can give a DP na and work on the finances over the week so by next week we can already get the car. One week of delay can spell a big difference, right? Lalo no bank na on Saturdays. Since he had that option not to get the car if he doesn't like it, he agreed. Before leaving for church, he already checked the car's history. One owner, logbook, clean record. No write -off etc. So on that area, check!
We plan to go after our 9am mass. Before going to church, I silently prayed, "Lord, let us know naman what to get. Kung ano na ba gagawin namin." I don't know how I'll get the answer but I know I'll understand it when it comes. Like the colour of my rosary when we got our first car, Maggie. Magkakulay sila ni Maggie. On our way to church on our last turn, the first car that I saw was a white Toyota Avensis. Okay. Clear as the sky! But I didn't tell Alvin about it.
After the mass, hubby wanted to call the dealer first to check if the car is there. Para nga naman di sayang ang biyahe. After confirming that it was still available, it was then that I told Alvin about the white Avensis I saw. Siya rin pala he saw it but like me he didn't tell it to me. I guess it was what we needed to see. (Only to find out nung pauwi na kami after buying the car, we saw two DIFFERENT white Avensis. He said he didn't see the one coming from the church, what he saw daw was the one parked near our complex!) O di ba?
So yesterday, we went there. Check check...Usap usap.... tanong tanong, test drive, but we had the go signal from Bro, right? so there! Search finally over.
On our way home we were still discussing about this whole adventure. I told hubby na ako, I wanted a brand new one, pogi and ganda points sana di ba? But we were directed on a different path. May basbas naman Niya...we might not know the reason yet why He wanted us to get the second-hand Avensis, but in due time I know we will :) Baka daw sa bahay na lang na bibilhin gamitin ang pera kesa sa kotse hehehe :)
Like what I told my friend, I'm also happy because the car is not too big for me to drive (not too intimidating as compared if we pushed thru with the Outlander or another SUV) and we didn't have to spend too much. If we opted to maximize our budget baka our travelling projects will be put on hold hehehe, kaya, yehey! :)
Overall I found this experience very enriching...nakakainis na paminsan minsan especially if paikot ikot ang dating ng discussions, but I found it enriching as it allowed us to practice decision making skills for one big project or undertaking as a family :) Lahat kami magkakasama sa bawat dealer na pinuntahan at kinausap. Lahat kami may say, especially Kuya :)
We'll be welcoming Ben (or Ven?) next week :)
Sorry, haba pero thanks for reading hehe
This is how he will look like, minus the bars on top :)
picture c/o nrma.com.au
Finding that 7-seater car for our family was not as easy as we thought :)
Here is the story of our adventure.
Early this year, we knew we will be having visitors coming over so we knew we needed to change one of our cars to a bigger car, to accommodate our guests everytime we need to tour them around. Yes, we will all fit into two cars, but I was too lazy to bring and drive the other car hehe
We initially thought of buying a second-hand car. Toyota Avensis was the number one choice only because it's not too big and we have had a good experience with it being the first car of my brother here. But when hubby started looking around, he chanced upon this news article saying Kia will be releasing a new people-mover car (not a SUV) that was quite similar to Avensis. It's the Kia Rondo (Kia Carens in UK and in the Philippines). Based on the pricing when it was released in other countries, hubby was telling me to wait for it to be released in Australia just as so we can see if it will be worth our hard-earned money. Sabi niya nga kasi, if there will just be a small difference in the price of the second hand Avensis (Toyota) and that of the new Kia Rondo, e why not go for the brand new na, right?
Initial reports said it will come out April. But April flew by quickly, wala. While waiting, family were kind of convincing us to look for another brand, as they are afraid of the reliability of the Kia Brand. We seriously considered it, thus, we thought of having a Nissan Dualis + 2. Alvin again researched, BIG TIME, about the Dualis + 2, name it, reviews, manual, etc. But I think I mentioned in my previous blog that when we checked the car the sales agent immediately told us that the third row seats were not designed for adults. It was very specific, kids ages 7-14 years old or anyone not heavier than 45kg. If you use the car beyond those specifications and you get into an accident, you can my sued. So, no.
So we were back to Kia Rondo. By this time, it has been released in the UK and based on the reviews, Alvin was getting more excited to get it. But when May came and there were no clear signs as to when it will be released here in Sydney, we started shopping again.
This time, we shifted our focus on the Mitsubishi Outlander. Alvin saw a great deal, an unused 2013 Demo Car from the dealer, 8k cheaper from the RRP of $40k (base model). Hubby again did his homework, he researched, downloaded and read a lot of stuff. Two Saturdays ago he passed by a Mitsubishi dealer and already enquired. But by this time Kia Rondo has been launched already. The problem was there were no available demo units yet so we can't actually see and check the car. Hubby was also surprised with the pricing. The base model alone costs $30k! Between Kia and Mitsubishi, di ba sa Mitsubishi ka na?
So we pursued the Outlander. We went there Saturday, there was an actual unit available, Alvin tried to sit on the third row, straight away. Kwenk. His knees folded was almost to the level of his chest. Not really a very comfy position esp when you do long drives, right?
Hay. We saw a Holden Captiva, ok, even if hubby is not okay with it, we checked it na rin: same and it was even narrower on the third row. Toyota Kluger: same :( My impression of these cars/SUVs e pinilit na mag seven seater :( So ano na? Alvin was trying to recall kung gaoon ba kami kasikip when we rode my Kuya's Avensis. Luckily, there was a Toyota nearby that had a used Avensis which was also for sale, for us to check it. Kasi kung masikip din e di we'll go for the Outlander na, right?
Hmmm, the third row of the Avensis had full adult seats. Very comfortable even on long drives. But, hubby is not yet ready to raise the white flag. He called Kia to check if may demo unit na, ayun, meron na! So from Blacktown we drove to Penrith...excited si hubby...the car was sooo pogi! Kaya pala mahal, but wait let's see the third row first --- fail!!!! :(
So ano na?
The dealer of the Outlander was very kind, he was suggesting if we are seating adults on the third row either we get the bigger car like Tarago or the more expensive ones na. E, mg mini-coach na lang kaya kami? Pwede ko pa ipang-service! Hahaha
Kidding aside, the family had a discussion. Yes, everyone had a say while having our afternoon tea at Maccas and checking all the cars. We went back to the reasons why we want a bigger car. We cannot compromise the budget. Over than $32k is no na for us, especially for me.
So to make the long story short, we went back to Avensis, kahit for hubby, namamahalan siya sa re-sale prices of the second hand Avensis that he sees online. Back to square one. Hanap ulit and we saw one 2009 Silver Avensis for sale in a Toyota dealer. Low kms for $22k. The dealer was 40 minutes away from our place. Saturday night, hubby was saying next week na daw namin balikan. Hihintayin pa rin muna daw niya quote ng Kia. (Ako in my mind: Wait? Pakiulit?! Kia ulit? And I thought we already decided to go back to Avensis?!) I just kept quiet.
Sunday morning, I told hubby for us to check the car na. Kala ko magagalit kasi baka isipin nagaapura na naman ako bumili. But I explained to him to check the car, if he doesn't like it, then we'll not get it. If he does, then he can give a DP na and work on the finances over the week so by next week we can already get the car. One week of delay can spell a big difference, right? Lalo no bank na on Saturdays. Since he had that option not to get the car if he doesn't like it, he agreed. Before leaving for church, he already checked the car's history. One owner, logbook, clean record. No write -off etc. So on that area, check!
We plan to go after our 9am mass. Before going to church, I silently prayed, "Lord, let us know naman what to get. Kung ano na ba gagawin namin." I don't know how I'll get the answer but I know I'll understand it when it comes. Like the colour of my rosary when we got our first car, Maggie. Magkakulay sila ni Maggie. On our way to church on our last turn, the first car that I saw was a white Toyota Avensis. Okay. Clear as the sky! But I didn't tell Alvin about it.
After the mass, hubby wanted to call the dealer first to check if the car is there. Para nga naman di sayang ang biyahe. After confirming that it was still available, it was then that I told Alvin about the white Avensis I saw. Siya rin pala he saw it but like me he didn't tell it to me. I guess it was what we needed to see. (Only to find out nung pauwi na kami after buying the car, we saw two DIFFERENT white Avensis. He said he didn't see the one coming from the church, what he saw daw was the one parked near our complex!) O di ba?
So yesterday, we went there. Check check...Usap usap.... tanong tanong, test drive, but we had the go signal from Bro, right? so there! Search finally over.
On our way home we were still discussing about this whole adventure. I told hubby na ako, I wanted a brand new one, pogi and ganda points sana di ba? But we were directed on a different path. May basbas naman Niya...we might not know the reason yet why He wanted us to get the second-hand Avensis, but in due time I know we will :) Baka daw sa bahay na lang na bibilhin gamitin ang pera kesa sa kotse hehehe :)
Like what I told my friend, I'm also happy because the car is not too big for me to drive (not too intimidating as compared if we pushed thru with the Outlander or another SUV) and we didn't have to spend too much. If we opted to maximize our budget baka our travelling projects will be put on hold hehehe, kaya, yehey! :)
Overall I found this experience very enriching...nakakainis na paminsan minsan especially if paikot ikot ang dating ng discussions, but I found it enriching as it allowed us to practice decision making skills for one big project or undertaking as a family :) Lahat kami magkakasama sa bawat dealer na pinuntahan at kinausap. Lahat kami may say, especially Kuya :)
We'll be welcoming Ben (or Ven?) next week :)
Sorry, haba pero thanks for reading hehe
This is how he will look like, minus the bars on top :)
picture c/o nrma.com.au
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Witnessing
This was what I just posted on my FB status:
"Blessing, after blessing, after blessing. It has been 3 weeks now since Alvin and I responded to the challenge of our Parish Priest to pray the rosary, DAILY, as a family. It was hard for both me and Alvin because admittedly, we are both LAZY when it comes to praying the rosary. But true enough, like what Fr. Ruben said, the week doesn't end without us receiving a blessing. I'm not talking about the small stuff here, but the big stuff. And today, we received the biggest answer to a petition we have been asking for more than 4 years already! Thank you, Lord! Bringing back all the glory to You. P.S. Thank you Mama Mary for the BIG help."
I already mentioned in my previous blog that we started praying the rosary every Sunday after we made it as one of our action plans during our Marriage Enrichment Retreat. But now, we have managed to pray it everyday! I'm just thankful that Sammie and Liam are both cooperative and are trying their very best to be quiet every time we have the prayer at night. I am actually proud of Liam because he is the one reminding us about family prayer time every night and he is willing to skip some shows or parts of his favorite shows for us to be able to pray.
Blessings? accreditation matters (big developments!), more work for me (which are scheduled ahead of time...I've actually turned down a couple of calls in the morning because it will be impossible for me to make it on time...and I just can't wake up the kids from their sleep), approved 3 year multiple entry visa for my in-laws and the means to finance their travel, a big opportunity opened for Alvin at work to shift his field from Manufacturing to planning (office-based) and now.....drum roll....a permanent job for Alvin! hurrah! :)
Just thankful and grateful. :)
"Blessing, after blessing, after blessing. It has been 3 weeks now since Alvin and I responded to the challenge of our Parish Priest to pray the rosary, DAILY, as a family. It was hard for both me and Alvin because admittedly, we are both LAZY when it comes to praying the rosary. But true enough, like what Fr. Ruben said, the week doesn't end without us receiving a blessing. I'm not talking about the small stuff here, but the big stuff. And today, we received the biggest answer to a petition we have been asking for more than 4 years already! Thank you, Lord! Bringing back all the glory to You. P.S. Thank you Mama Mary for the BIG help."
I already mentioned in my previous blog that we started praying the rosary every Sunday after we made it as one of our action plans during our Marriage Enrichment Retreat. But now, we have managed to pray it everyday! I'm just thankful that Sammie and Liam are both cooperative and are trying their very best to be quiet every time we have the prayer at night. I am actually proud of Liam because he is the one reminding us about family prayer time every night and he is willing to skip some shows or parts of his favorite shows for us to be able to pray.
Blessings? accreditation matters (big developments!), more work for me (which are scheduled ahead of time...I've actually turned down a couple of calls in the morning because it will be impossible for me to make it on time...and I just can't wake up the kids from their sleep), approved 3 year multiple entry visa for my in-laws and the means to finance their travel, a big opportunity opened for Alvin at work to shift his field from Manufacturing to planning (office-based) and now.....drum roll....a permanent job for Alvin! hurrah! :)
Just thankful and grateful. :)
Saturday, October 20, 2012
A Time for Everything
I told you I will have the time for all the things that I plan to do, one of which is to write another blog entry ;)
This week has been quite busy since I worked for four days. I had to let go of some things in favour of the more important ones. I had my first two-week teaching block and I can say that it was an affirmation that indeed, I am cut for teaching.
Monday was a bit chaotic but I got to get back on track as soon as I figured out and settled the things that needed to be settled. It was a chance for me to see that I haven't lost my magic inside the classroom ;) One week down, one more to go.
****
Sammie has been a bit clingy to me the past two days. I have been leaving her for two extra days at Yogies. I know that it was a change from our usual routine of swimming lessons every Mondays and Gymbaroo lessons every Tuesdays. I thank her for her understanding. She has grown over the past weeks and has achieved a lot of developmental milestones. Her vocabulary continues to improve, she can now answer us in complete sentences and even give remarks like "hurry up mama." Her present addiction is watching Hi5 and Despicable Me.
*****
Liam started with his Kindy transition classes today, Friday. He was had some apprehensions at the beginning, asking me a lot of questions, but he was okay with me leaving him at the room with the other kids. When I came back to pick him up, the first thing that he told me:"Mama, I like this!" Happy that he seems to enjoy going to school. Speaking of which, his reading has greatly improved over the weeks. His Math skills as well has improved a lot. He can now add single digit numbers without regrouping. He started with his tennis lessons again and his coach has started teaching him to do service. He needs to work double time on his service hehehe.
****
Funny how you can overlook the mess at home and choose the mess you will fix if you are really busy with more pressing things like, work and catching up with the kids.
.
*****
Weeee! I called my mom this afternoon and she told me that the results of their visa application will be delivered today. Need I say more? I'm so happy and excited because our family will be complete after almost 8 years!,,, happy, very happy Christmas!
*****
Sammie's party is all ready to go! Thankful that I finished most of the preps over the school holidays. Food has been ordered and plan has been given to the venue coordinator ;) now we wait :)
****
All is set too with our holidays. I haven't started packing clothes but with the IT and tickets, all have already been purchased. I'd allot more time with this after Sammie's party ;)
There are still so many things to write about but I have to save it for now because it might take me forever to finish!
****
Happy weekend everyone!
This week has been quite busy since I worked for four days. I had to let go of some things in favour of the more important ones. I had my first two-week teaching block and I can say that it was an affirmation that indeed, I am cut for teaching.
Monday was a bit chaotic but I got to get back on track as soon as I figured out and settled the things that needed to be settled. It was a chance for me to see that I haven't lost my magic inside the classroom ;) One week down, one more to go.
****
Sammie has been a bit clingy to me the past two days. I have been leaving her for two extra days at Yogies. I know that it was a change from our usual routine of swimming lessons every Mondays and Gymbaroo lessons every Tuesdays. I thank her for her understanding. She has grown over the past weeks and has achieved a lot of developmental milestones. Her vocabulary continues to improve, she can now answer us in complete sentences and even give remarks like "hurry up mama." Her present addiction is watching Hi5 and Despicable Me.
*****
Liam started with his Kindy transition classes today, Friday. He was had some apprehensions at the beginning, asking me a lot of questions, but he was okay with me leaving him at the room with the other kids. When I came back to pick him up, the first thing that he told me:"Mama, I like this!" Happy that he seems to enjoy going to school. Speaking of which, his reading has greatly improved over the weeks. His Math skills as well has improved a lot. He can now add single digit numbers without regrouping. He started with his tennis lessons again and his coach has started teaching him to do service. He needs to work double time on his service hehehe.
****
Funny how you can overlook the mess at home and choose the mess you will fix if you are really busy with more pressing things like, work and catching up with the kids.
.
*****
Weeee! I called my mom this afternoon and she told me that the results of their visa application will be delivered today. Need I say more? I'm so happy and excited because our family will be complete after almost 8 years!,,, happy, very happy Christmas!
*****
Sammie's party is all ready to go! Thankful that I finished most of the preps over the school holidays. Food has been ordered and plan has been given to the venue coordinator ;) now we wait :)
****
All is set too with our holidays. I haven't started packing clothes but with the IT and tickets, all have already been purchased. I'd allot more time with this after Sammie's party ;)
There are still so many things to write about but I have to save it for now because it might take me forever to finish!
****
Happy weekend everyone!
Friday, June 8, 2012
Got It!
After a very tiring day at work, something good came up. Another answered prayer :D
The results of my assessment in AEI - NOOSR were mailed today and both applications yielded positive results. Both my Bachelor and Master's degree were considered comparable to an Australian Bachelor and Master's degree. Weeeee! :D
I actually applied for an assessment since I am planning (with hubby's blessing, of course) to go back to school and pursue another Master's degree that will allow me to practice teaching here, full-time. Once I do my application with my chosen University, I will be needing these results to apply for advanced standing. Advanced standing allows me to be exempted from taking up subjects in the course I have chosen to pursue, that I have already taken before in my other degrees. This will hopefully shorten the length of time for me to finish this additional degree. I will be formally applying this August for Term1 of next year. I have decided to choose the University that offers it on-line. It is much more family-friendly and more convenient. I am starting on Term 1 so I can apply for the government assistance that will help us finance my studies. It is just too expensive if I am to be a full-paying student.
The past days though, I have found myself thinking if I am up for the challenge. You see the past few weeks (months), I have been really busy with casual work. Not a week passes that I don't get calls for substitution. I am tired but I am thankful. This will be another story. I am just probably preparing myself for this big challenge. But for now, I will just celebrate for another concern was ticked off from the list :D
The results of my assessment in AEI - NOOSR were mailed today and both applications yielded positive results. Both my Bachelor and Master's degree were considered comparable to an Australian Bachelor and Master's degree. Weeeee! :D
I actually applied for an assessment since I am planning (with hubby's blessing, of course) to go back to school and pursue another Master's degree that will allow me to practice teaching here, full-time. Once I do my application with my chosen University, I will be needing these results to apply for advanced standing. Advanced standing allows me to be exempted from taking up subjects in the course I have chosen to pursue, that I have already taken before in my other degrees. This will hopefully shorten the length of time for me to finish this additional degree. I will be formally applying this August for Term1 of next year. I have decided to choose the University that offers it on-line. It is much more family-friendly and more convenient. I am starting on Term 1 so I can apply for the government assistance that will help us finance my studies. It is just too expensive if I am to be a full-paying student.
The past days though, I have found myself thinking if I am up for the challenge. You see the past few weeks (months), I have been really busy with casual work. Not a week passes that I don't get calls for substitution. I am tired but I am thankful. This will be another story. I am just probably preparing myself for this big challenge. But for now, I will just celebrate for another concern was ticked off from the list :D
Friday, May 18, 2012
Getting There
We are just thankful that God has sent us people with wisdom that can help us arrive at a decision.
We were at crossroads the past few days but thanks to these people, we are getting there.
Of course, we believe that they are God sent as we continue to ask for the gift of discernment for this present concern.
We'll get there. Getting there.
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