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.
Showing posts with label husband. Show all posts
Showing posts with label husband. Show all posts
Monday, February 3, 2014
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Goals for 2012
Is this blog lost or a late post? Neither. I am really writing this post today, the 29th, a day after Alvin and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary.
Alvin and I actually started with this tradition 6 years ago, when we first celebrated our wedding anniversay.
During our anniversary date, we would sit down, reflect and talk about how our year has been. Giving feedback and setting some goals. I actually love doing this with hubby and I am thankful that hubby was and is ok with this activity :)
Anyway, we had our anniversary dinner last night with Liam and Sam and so it was quite impossible for us to have our usual discussion. On the way to another commitment, the kids fell asleep in the car and so we had the chance to have our heart-to heart talk.
What are our goals for 2012?
Me:
Will do my very best to make myself more pleasant when hubby gets home. You know, no more sungit (even if I am dead tired because of the day's activities).
Will lessen my being utosera. hehehe We actually had a good laugh as we recalled the classic story of "remote control utos" a few months back.
Alvin:
Will do things without me having to say it.
Will lessen his "walk-out episodes" (we were actually able to clarify this issue, of him snapping too quickly when he gets irritated. for him, it was his way of avoiding a bigger fight, but for me, it feels like he was walking out on me. so there, clarified and settled)
As a couple:
Sorry, x-rated ;p
As parents:
Alvin: will spend more time with Liam, so Liam can change the way he treats him hehe
Me: will start teaching Sam how to pack away her toys (poor Kuya Liam is always the one doing the packing away), read more books to her and Liam (sayang since she really shows interest with books) and will lessen my whining and have a more positive attitude towards house work (like what I read in an article, kids absorb our attitudes and I can say that Liam is starting to sound like me, a whiner, everytime I ask him to do little errands. i know, sorry, but it's not yet too late).
Because we assessed our actions, we had the chance to say "sorry" to one another. I was able to ask him questions like, "does he look forward to going home after work, because of the kids only or because of me and the kids"? And of course, after our talk, we were able to affirm our love with one another.
Sorry, mushy, but we both felt good afterwards.
Our projects for the coming year:
to continue bonding as a family and travelling as a family
to continue saving for our first home
to do well in our service, especially that we already accepted the roles of being Household leaders in our community
After six years, Alvin and I can only be thankful and grateful for:
the two wonderful and beautiful children whom God has entrusted to us
immediate (relatives included) and second families (CFC and BESA) who continue to help us and guide us in our growth
real and genuine friendships which surpassed the test of time and distance,
new real friendships
which sincerely share in our joys and triumphs and
the comfortable and good life that we have
for opportunities to make our imperfections, perfect
weaknesses to strength
for challenges and struggles for us to keep the faith
we really can't complain, God has blessed us with our hearts' desires and more!
Happy anniversary to us Papa A!
I love you very much!
We just had a simple family dinner to celebrate our sixth! :) What made it more special was that we were prayed over by our CFC brothers and sisters a few minutes after 12midnight of 28 April 2012.
Alvin and I actually started with this tradition 6 years ago, when we first celebrated our wedding anniversay.
During our anniversary date, we would sit down, reflect and talk about how our year has been. Giving feedback and setting some goals. I actually love doing this with hubby and I am thankful that hubby was and is ok with this activity :)
Anyway, we had our anniversary dinner last night with Liam and Sam and so it was quite impossible for us to have our usual discussion. On the way to another commitment, the kids fell asleep in the car and so we had the chance to have our heart-to heart talk.
What are our goals for 2012?
Me:
Will do my very best to make myself more pleasant when hubby gets home. You know, no more sungit (even if I am dead tired because of the day's activities).
Will lessen my being utosera. hehehe We actually had a good laugh as we recalled the classic story of "remote control utos" a few months back.
Alvin:
Will do things without me having to say it.
Will lessen his "walk-out episodes" (we were actually able to clarify this issue, of him snapping too quickly when he gets irritated. for him, it was his way of avoiding a bigger fight, but for me, it feels like he was walking out on me. so there, clarified and settled)
As a couple:
As parents:
Alvin: will spend more time with Liam, so Liam can change the way he treats him hehe
Me: will start teaching Sam how to pack away her toys (poor Kuya Liam is always the one doing the packing away), read more books to her and Liam (sayang since she really shows interest with books) and will lessen my whining and have a more positive attitude towards house work (like what I read in an article, kids absorb our attitudes and I can say that Liam is starting to sound like me, a whiner, everytime I ask him to do little errands. i know, sorry, but it's not yet too late).
Because we assessed our actions, we had the chance to say "sorry" to one another. I was able to ask him questions like, "does he look forward to going home after work, because of the kids only or because of me and the kids"? And of course, after our talk, we were able to affirm our love with one another.
Sorry, mushy, but we both felt good afterwards.
Our projects for the coming year:
to continue bonding as a family and travelling as a family
to continue saving for our first home
to do well in our service, especially that we already accepted the roles of being Household leaders in our community
After six years, Alvin and I can only be thankful and grateful for:
the two wonderful and beautiful children whom God has entrusted to us
immediate (relatives included) and second families (CFC and BESA) who continue to help us and guide us in our growth
real and genuine friendships which surpassed the test of time and distance,
new real friendships
which sincerely share in our joys and triumphs and
the comfortable and good life that we have
for opportunities to make our imperfections, perfect
weaknesses to strength
for challenges and struggles for us to keep the faith
we really can't complain, God has blessed us with our hearts' desires and more!
 |
| Alvin and his date :) |
I love you very much!
 |
| me and my anniv date :) |
We just had a simple family dinner to celebrate our sixth! :) What made it more special was that we were prayed over by our CFC brothers and sisters a few minutes after 12midnight of 28 April 2012.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Values, Issues...Raising Up Kids
Raising Up Kids. Hard. Big time.
Here are some of the recent issues we have dealt as a couple on some values we wanted to teach our kids.
"Dun ka sa laundry room kumain so your sister will not see you." As I told this to Liam a realization came to me and I discussed it with my hubby. I told hubby: "Mali ata yung sinasabi natin. Kasi pano kapag lumaki na siya. Baka maisip niya na para di siya guluhin or kulitin, magtatago na lang siya. Itatago niya na lang sa atin." And hubby got my point. It makes sense, right? We want them to grow up not hiding anything from us, and yet this simple act teaches him the opposite. So now, even if Sam asks for the same food and she might get upset if we don't give it to her, OK Lang. We will deal with Sam the way we should and not ask Liam anymore to hide. In the process, I think we get to teach both kids some values.
Another instance was when after seeing a couple of teenagers (15-18 years old, all male) doing the maintenance of the gardens and lawn in our compound I was so tempted to tell Liam: "Liam, you better study well or else you might end up like them." --> referring to the boys mowing. But I bit my tongue. I felt it wasn't a good thing to say.
First, I might be teaching him the wrong value of looking down on people who works as tradies and the like. We were in the car and I again shared this realization with hubby. Hubby thought that it was a good thing I didn't tell that to Liam. See here in Sydney, your educational attainment does not equate with your salary, unlike in Manila. Dito, lahat pantay pantay ang tingin at trato, nirerespeto ka anuman any trabaho mo. Hindi nila-lang ang tarbaho mo, which me and hubby would like our kids to imbibe. Sadly, unlike in Manila, if you are a basurero o mekaniko o driver o yung mga ganun na trabaho, or you don't work in an office, mababa ang tingin sa iyo. Dito Hindi. Kaya kung sinabi ko iyo sa anak ko, pinapasa ko yung mali na gawain sa Pinas. My hubby also mentioned that the kids I saw might just be doing part-time jobs. He has a point. I'm happy I stopped myself just in time.
What Other People Think.
I think it is but normal to consider or use the idea of what other people might think or might say when we act. But making it the sole reason for doing good and making the right choices, is not good. I was tempted again to tell Liam to act well because "what will mama and papa's friends say?" But I didn't. I felt it was a wrong reason. The reason we should always tell them why we expect them to behave is because it is the right thing to do, and not because we are afraid of what other people might say.
We were tempted to tell Liam that when for some weird reason he was always acting out, OA na nga kung minsan, when we were in Manila, meeting up with friends. Pa-baby most of the time. Hubby and I saw that it was not our Liam. He was not himself. Maybe he sensed that there were a lot of people ready to spoil him and his sister. Oh well, he is back to his usual jolly, independent and responsible self again. I am glad. But I am more glad that I didn't give him that reason for him to behave. I am still praying that he continues to make the right choices because it is the right thing to do.
All about Schools.
Since it will only be year before my little boy goes to the big school, I have been studying/reading/getting myself oriented with the educational system here. Of course, with the Catholic schools, I am very much aware of the practices and the newest innovations, since I teach there. For the state schools, I get to hear stories thru my niece, nephew and my SIL.I recently discovered the selective schools for years 7 to 10. The selective schools are like the Science high schools back in the Phils. I have also read about the OC, or Opportunity classes for Years 4-6. It is like the Magis or gifted classes in Ateneo Grade School, also for English and Maths. But not all state schools have OC available. There is actually one very near our place, Quakers Hill Public School.
Now this got me thinking. We are already settled that Liam will be joining his cousins at the Barnier School, which is only a 5 minute drive from our place. We think his adjustment will be much easier when his cousins are with him. And I will be more at peace knowing he has a Kuya and an Ate in school. And also, the set up will also be very convenient for me and my brother, as all our children go to one school if there is an errand to be done, either one of us can do it.
Anyways, that was until I learned that it is not offering OC to its students. As a parent you only want the best for your kids, education wise, I would also want the same. I want them to have an edge. Well, I have the option to let Liam start at Barnier and then transfer him to Quakers Hill PS if he passes the qualifying test for the OC. BUT, having spent 4 years already, I'm pretty sure that by that time he has already established his friends...so uprooting him from Barnier just as so he can go to Quakers Hill is unfair for him. I have to consider his emotions as well, right? It might also give him adjustment problems. So the question for me now is, what school will he go to? Might as well start him in Quakers Hill so there won't be any problems later on, right? But, what about the logistics? And it did enter my mind, does the school really matter?
I also went to a state school in Manila and all of my brothers and sisters. My hubby went to an exclusive boys school. Some of our friends also went to 'ordinary' schools. Oh yes, there is this prestige when people learn that you came from Science high schools...but is it enough to spell success? I don't think so. I know of so many people who graduated from Science high schools and modesty aside, I performed better than them. I know of so many people who finished in "ordinary schools" and yet they are also very successful in their chosen fields. So what then is the fuss? Well, to date my ground is: the school does not spell the success of an individual. Success still heavily depends on the individual. So I am okay with Liam just going to the ordinary state schools, especially during his primary school years. For his secondary school, at present, I am tempted to really let him go to a selective school (as in prepare him so he can pass the exams and meet all the requirements). I am not sure though if this is another case where I will eat my words when the time comes for Liam to go to the big school.
Oh well, we have a year to pray for it :)
Raising kids. Very hard. Big time.
Here are some of the recent issues we have dealt as a couple on some values we wanted to teach our kids.
"Dun ka sa laundry room kumain so your sister will not see you." As I told this to Liam a realization came to me and I discussed it with my hubby. I told hubby: "Mali ata yung sinasabi natin. Kasi pano kapag lumaki na siya. Baka maisip niya na para di siya guluhin or kulitin, magtatago na lang siya. Itatago niya na lang sa atin." And hubby got my point. It makes sense, right? We want them to grow up not hiding anything from us, and yet this simple act teaches him the opposite. So now, even if Sam asks for the same food and she might get upset if we don't give it to her, OK Lang. We will deal with Sam the way we should and not ask Liam anymore to hide. In the process, I think we get to teach both kids some values.
Another instance was when after seeing a couple of teenagers (15-18 years old, all male) doing the maintenance of the gardens and lawn in our compound I was so tempted to tell Liam: "Liam, you better study well or else you might end up like them." --> referring to the boys mowing. But I bit my tongue. I felt it wasn't a good thing to say.
First, I might be teaching him the wrong value of looking down on people who works as tradies and the like. We were in the car and I again shared this realization with hubby. Hubby thought that it was a good thing I didn't tell that to Liam. See here in Sydney, your educational attainment does not equate with your salary, unlike in Manila. Dito, lahat pantay pantay ang tingin at trato, nirerespeto ka anuman any trabaho mo. Hindi nila-lang ang tarbaho mo, which me and hubby would like our kids to imbibe. Sadly, unlike in Manila, if you are a basurero o mekaniko o driver o yung mga ganun na trabaho, or you don't work in an office, mababa ang tingin sa iyo. Dito Hindi. Kaya kung sinabi ko iyo sa anak ko, pinapasa ko yung mali na gawain sa Pinas. My hubby also mentioned that the kids I saw might just be doing part-time jobs. He has a point. I'm happy I stopped myself just in time.
What Other People Think.
I think it is but normal to consider or use the idea of what other people might think or might say when we act. But making it the sole reason for doing good and making the right choices, is not good. I was tempted again to tell Liam to act well because "what will mama and papa's friends say?" But I didn't. I felt it was a wrong reason. The reason we should always tell them why we expect them to behave is because it is the right thing to do, and not because we are afraid of what other people might say.
We were tempted to tell Liam that when for some weird reason he was always acting out, OA na nga kung minsan, when we were in Manila, meeting up with friends. Pa-baby most of the time. Hubby and I saw that it was not our Liam. He was not himself. Maybe he sensed that there were a lot of people ready to spoil him and his sister. Oh well, he is back to his usual jolly, independent and responsible self again. I am glad. But I am more glad that I didn't give him that reason for him to behave. I am still praying that he continues to make the right choices because it is the right thing to do.
All about Schools.
Since it will only be year before my little boy goes to the big school, I have been studying/reading/getting myself oriented with the educational system here. Of course, with the Catholic schools, I am very much aware of the practices and the newest innovations, since I teach there. For the state schools, I get to hear stories thru my niece, nephew and my SIL.I recently discovered the selective schools for years 7 to 10. The selective schools are like the Science high schools back in the Phils. I have also read about the OC, or Opportunity classes for Years 4-6. It is like the Magis or gifted classes in Ateneo Grade School, also for English and Maths. But not all state schools have OC available. There is actually one very near our place, Quakers Hill Public School.
Now this got me thinking. We are already settled that Liam will be joining his cousins at the Barnier School, which is only a 5 minute drive from our place. We think his adjustment will be much easier when his cousins are with him. And I will be more at peace knowing he has a Kuya and an Ate in school. And also, the set up will also be very convenient for me and my brother, as all our children go to one school if there is an errand to be done, either one of us can do it.
Anyways, that was until I learned that it is not offering OC to its students. As a parent you only want the best for your kids, education wise, I would also want the same. I want them to have an edge. Well, I have the option to let Liam start at Barnier and then transfer him to Quakers Hill PS if he passes the qualifying test for the OC. BUT, having spent 4 years already, I'm pretty sure that by that time he has already established his friends...so uprooting him from Barnier just as so he can go to Quakers Hill is unfair for him. I have to consider his emotions as well, right? It might also give him adjustment problems. So the question for me now is, what school will he go to? Might as well start him in Quakers Hill so there won't be any problems later on, right? But, what about the logistics? And it did enter my mind, does the school really matter?
I also went to a state school in Manila and all of my brothers and sisters. My hubby went to an exclusive boys school. Some of our friends also went to 'ordinary' schools. Oh yes, there is this prestige when people learn that you came from Science high schools...but is it enough to spell success? I don't think so. I know of so many people who graduated from Science high schools and modesty aside, I performed better than them. I know of so many people who finished in "ordinary schools" and yet they are also very successful in their chosen fields. So what then is the fuss? Well, to date my ground is: the school does not spell the success of an individual. Success still heavily depends on the individual. So I am okay with Liam just going to the ordinary state schools, especially during his primary school years. For his secondary school, at present, I am tempted to really let him go to a selective school (as in prepare him so he can pass the exams and meet all the requirements). I am not sure though if this is another case where I will eat my words when the time comes for Liam to go to the big school.
Oh well, we have a year to pray for it :)
Raising kids. Very hard. Big time.
Monday, August 22, 2011
The More Patient One
Parenting is hard. That is why I think:
Parenting is partnership.
I remember reading an article by Lucy Torres- Gomez way, way back in Manila that between the two of them, it's her hubby, Richard Gomez, who is the more patient and cooler one when it comes to dealing with their daughter, Juliana's misdemeanors.
Well, guess what, it's totally the same with us! (As if it is still a surprise?! LOL)
They say when you pray to God for patience, He doesn't make you one outright, but He gives you opportunities to be patient.
Raising kids is definitely one big opportunity to practice patience!
The past few days, I have found myself always raising my voice with Liam, especially if he doesn't do what I ask him to do, at once. In short, we have this power struggle at home. I don't know if I flare up easily because I'm the one with them (Liam and Sam) almost the entire day (and I'm already at my wits end) and I have to do a lot of other stuff at home aside from taking care of them.
It never ceases to amaze me when I see how Alvin does it with Liam, without any "threats" and a loud voice. I remember how Lucy described her hubby everytime I see Alvin too, patiently and very calmly explaining to Liam why we are asking him to do something); or, trying to process something (like giving up easily if he finds one task hard). Example, one of the reasons of our fights is the TV! Recently, he has been watching the TV longer and more frequently than before. So when I ask him to do something, he gets "mad" and throws on a temper tantrum because he doesn't want to get disturbed! Oh yes, he does follow me but he is nagdadabog. Of course, I would want as much as possible that he follows me without the face and the stomping of feet! (Is this my karma, Mama Lynn?)
Well, writing everything here will take time. But to make the long story short, I am thankful that Alvin decided to become involved in raising up our children, because there are some fathers there who think that providing for their family is their only responsibility.
I am the teacher and teachers are supposed to be patient with kids. But, between the two of us, Alvin is the more patient one (and I'm glad he is).
Parenting is partnership.
I remember reading an article by Lucy Torres- Gomez way, way back in Manila that between the two of them, it's her hubby, Richard Gomez, who is the more patient and cooler one when it comes to dealing with their daughter, Juliana's misdemeanors.
Well, guess what, it's totally the same with us! (As if it is still a surprise?! LOL)
They say when you pray to God for patience, He doesn't make you one outright, but He gives you opportunities to be patient.
Raising kids is definitely one big opportunity to practice patience!
The past few days, I have found myself always raising my voice with Liam, especially if he doesn't do what I ask him to do, at once. In short, we have this power struggle at home. I don't know if I flare up easily because I'm the one with them (Liam and Sam) almost the entire day (and I'm already at my wits end) and I have to do a lot of other stuff at home aside from taking care of them.
It never ceases to amaze me when I see how Alvin does it with Liam, without any "threats" and a loud voice. I remember how Lucy described her hubby everytime I see Alvin too, patiently and very calmly explaining to Liam why we are asking him to do something); or, trying to process something (like giving up easily if he finds one task hard). Example, one of the reasons of our fights is the TV! Recently, he has been watching the TV longer and more frequently than before. So when I ask him to do something, he gets "mad" and throws on a temper tantrum because he doesn't want to get disturbed! Oh yes, he does follow me but he is nagdadabog. Of course, I would want as much as possible that he follows me without the face and the stomping of feet! (Is this my karma, Mama Lynn?)
Well, writing everything here will take time. But to make the long story short, I am thankful that Alvin decided to become involved in raising up our children, because there are some fathers there who think that providing for their family is their only responsibility.
I am the teacher and teachers are supposed to be patient with kids. But, between the two of us, Alvin is the more patient one (and I'm glad he is).
Friday, July 1, 2011
His Name Is Alvin
he is blessed.
and i am not surprised.
a man with a good heart.
he is not a worrier.
he shows his faith thru his actions.
a simple man,
with a generous heart.
he is a true and good friend.
loyal and trustworthy.
a man with a few words? maybe.
but a deep one.
intelligent?
there's no denying.
a responsible son.
a loving son.
a thoughtful brother.
a doting father.
a loving father.
a responsible father.
a patient father.
a generous one.
he is a loving husband.
the positive in my life.
my home.
my shock absorber.
my spoiler.
the one who keeps me sane and grounded.
my knight in shining armour,
a true gentleman.
he is a dream come true.
he is an answered prayer.
he is blessed.
and i am not surprised.
and his name is Alvin.
Happy birthday honey. I will forever thank God for you.
I and your two bulilits love you very much!
and i am not surprised.
a man with a good heart.
he is not a worrier.
he shows his faith thru his actions.
a simple man,
with a generous heart.
he is a true and good friend.
loyal and trustworthy.
a man with a few words? maybe.
but a deep one.
intelligent?
there's no denying.
a responsible son.
a loving son.
a thoughtful brother.
a doting father.
a loving father.
a responsible father.
a patient father.
a generous one.
he is a loving husband.
the positive in my life.
my home.
my shock absorber.
my spoiler.
the one who keeps me sane and grounded.
my knight in shining armour,
a true gentleman.
he is a dream come true.
he is an answered prayer.
he is blessed.
and i am not surprised.
and his name is Alvin.
Happy birthday honey. I will forever thank God for you.
I and your two bulilits love you very much!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Coming Full Circle
In 1991, I remember my parents talking to 4 Titos who were also our neighbors. No big deal for me then. I thought that they only wanted to talk something about my parents. Before they left, I heard my parents say that they'll think it over. Whatever that was, I was pretty sure then that it didn't involve me. I was wrong. That visit made a big difference it my parents' lives. In our family. In my life. The purpose of that visit was to actually invite my parents to attend the Christian Life Program for married couples. Probably my parents thought that since they were active in church already, being part of the Lectorate ministry, they didn't need to attend gatherings or join groups like those. Well, I wouldn't blame them. Sacrificing 13 Saturday evenings just as so you can finish the program is not an easy thing. I thought that they won't finish the entire program, but I'm glad they did. When my parents became active in the community, I remember having one confrontation with my mom, telling them that they should spend more time with us, rather than spending their weekends with the community. My mom reprimanded me about what I said and just told me not to question their service. I was mad, of course. I felt that their time with us was being taken away by this group. I just didn't see the wisdom of all these prayer meetings and service. Fast forward, I am now 13 years old. My Kuya and Ate were already attending the same program for the kids of the CFC members, the Young Adults. I saw how the community transformed them. Now it was my turn to attend the 13 sessions every Sunday. Maybe, just maybe, it will also have the same effect on me. So, there I was, together with other teenagers, sacrificing our Sunday afternoons to listen to speakers talk about God, to listen to fellow youth members share about their life, their struggles and their triumphs. Yeah, I was attending the sessions, because I had to. Or maybe I had a crush on someone, hahahaha. But as they say, God works in mysterious ways. Maybe it took some time before it finally dawned on me why I had to be a member of that youth group. When I was in 4th year high school, the mission trips began. Meaning, a couple of us, all youth members, will be sent to some place, usually a province, to conduct the same program for the kids of CFC members. When I was tapped to be a part of one mission I was of course, surprised. I went there to talk about God's love. I don't know if I was an effective speaker, but that chance to talk in front of other youth humbled me and allowed to see things differently. It was then that my relationship with Him started. It was through this community and my experiences when we had camps, youth fellowships, sleepovers, that transformed me. It made me see things differently. See every trial as a blessing in disguise. My relationship with Him was not bounded by just the traditional prayers. It became more personal. The good thing about it all was that the entire family was experiencing the transformation. Our family is far from being perfect. We still had our share of disagreements or quarrels. But our service to Him through the community made the difference. Fast forward. After many camps, talks, sharings, itwas time to move on. I had to attend another Christian Life Program again. This time, it was with other single men and women of my age. It was at that stage when I met my future husband. No, we didn't meet at the meetings. We met thru a common friend who was also part of the community. Through our interactions, I learned that he was also part of the youth group I belonged to while I was growing up. Same group, but different area. Alvin's parents were also actively serving the community. The funny thing is, he remembers me giving a talk on one of their camps, but I can't remember him. It is also funny to know that we attended the same annual conferences--meaning riding the same boat going to the provinces-- but still didn't bump into each other. Fast forward. We've been married now for three years and has been a couple since December of 2000. In two week's time we will now be attending the same Christian Life Program that was introduced to our parents over a decade ago. The same community that helped nurture our family's relationship. The same community that made a huge impact in our lives. The community that helped our parents nurture our faith. The same community that gave me my husband. Looking back now at the journey of our parents and what our family had to go through, I am glad our parents decided to respond to the calling. I am now looking forward on our own journey, the fruits of serving Him again, not as a youth, not as a singler adult person, but as a couple, and as a family. We have come full circle.
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