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.