Our God is always on time!

my Taiwan visa

Everyday is a miracle. Well, that depends if you choose to see it that way. A lot of miracles are happening in front of us and all we have to do is search for it.

The Lord has taught me once more that indeed, all He asks from us is to be faithful to Him when He said that it will happen, for He is always on time! And He's always up for surprises! (only if you let Him =P) He assured me that this mission trip will be all about Him - and the first manifestation of that is our Taiwan visa, which came ONLY yesterday afternoon! Up to the last minute! Just when you thought that you might not be able to leave because of the visa, and also of the lotsa things to do here... TA-DA! Surprise Khyme! And more surprises to come!

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All Full time Pastoral Workers had a meeting yesterday with Tito Gary about enhancing our relationships with each other. For me, it was an answered prayer since it has been days since the thought of getting to know the older FTWs more, came to me. I am very much excited in participating in the various activities that will be planned for this undertaking.

Another surprise, which I think, is part of God's plan for me yesterday, was the long talk with Tito Gary. It's not the usual counselling sessions that I have with him, but more on a casual way of talking about things, sharing ideas and building relationships. I hope to have moments like this with other older FTWs to get to know them better, aside from service/work.

And with the Bible study, I must say that Fr. Gustilo is really amazing in explaining the Bible. he makes everything in the Bible easier to understand and makes you fall in love more with Jesus through the Gospels. Our topic was about the Bread of Life, and it's importance in taking it. I love how he explained about taking up the communion - one should take up communion as often as he could; for if you only commune once a year, then you are sinning for 364 days; if once a week, then only 6 days left to sin; if everyday, no time to sin. For communion accompanies us in our journey to holiness, thus, helping us to stay away from committing sin. =)

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There are a lot of things I need to do, but after all these things that happened yesterday, it gave me more passion to do my work for the kids and for my community. It brought me back to my forgotten dreams of studying again and having time for myself and my social life. It lead me back to desire God more, and do whatever He asks of me. This is what I love about my job - it's not only about the service you do for others, but also on how the Lord continuously transforming you as He use you to inspire others.

Off to Taiwan mission! See you Philippines in a few days!

blogging to relax

Yesterday, I found my co-missionary so stressed because of the video she's editing. I told her to chill out for a while before she goes back to work. After some time, I went back to her and saw her much relaxed. I asked her what she did to relax herself. And when I saw what she was doing, I saw her doing a graph of her daily routine - "WHAAATT??? is this your way of relaxation???" uhmm.. yes, it was. =)
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I was a little stressed these past few days because of so much to do - mission trips, clubs, processing of my Mom's benefit claims, taking care of the house, etc. I don't even have time for myself! No wonder, I get so tired easily. I woke up one morning asking God if all of these things I was doing really matters 5-10 years from now. And it is! It's not that i'm complaining, maybe I need a little more skill on time management.

So, after a whole morning of calling some schools for my sideline, here I am, taking my time to relax by expressing myself - blogging!
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Last Monday, the Young Ministries' missionaries had a chance to meet and listen to one of the Philippines' Pro-Life Advocate, Zoe Vidal. I was so starstruck when I saw him - probably it was my secret dream to meet him and a certain Austin Rose, for I admire what they do to defend life.

I admire him for his passion in defending life. His researches, websites that he owned, his stands - everything is overwhelming... yet very inspiring. Hope we could be like him somehow, someday.

Life is from God. And everything that is from God, is important. Let's fight for what is important. Let's fight for what is of God.
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Exciting things are yet to come for CFC KFL!

More mission areas to be opened, schools asking for KFL Club, a Kids Praise Concert, Rosary Rally, Trainings, and a lot more!

There's only 5 of us, but through God's gracious help, we're able to pull it through.

It's because this is God's work, not ours.

And if it's His, then He will provide everything that is needed to fulfill His plan.

So, that means, sooner or later, our team will get bigger! And this time, I claim that brothers will pour in! =)

Kuya Cocoi, Angel, Joanne and Kuh... let's watch how the Lord will unfold His great plans for KFL in us, through us and with us!
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And while planning for my mission area, this funny though came to me:

What is KFL to me?

KFL = Kahit Five Lang, Kasama F(p)alagi si Lord.

haha.... that's corny. =))

I am not Superwoman...

... yes, Khyme, you are not.

So, don't try to be one.

Lola Ipay's 1st Death Anniversary

taken last year when she was in the hospital

Today, it's your 1st Death Anniversary, Lola.

Time flies so quickly. It seems like everything just happened yesterday.

I still miss you.

I still call your name inside your room whenever I visit your house.

I miss you calling me apong.

And letting me eat all the vegetables that you have planted in your garden.

*sigh* Lola, I hope you're happy.

You will always be remembered.

I love you Lola. 

how old is your church?

found this picture on the bulletin board of SM Megamall:

If you could read it at the bottom, it says that all churches were built by humans, except one: the Roman Catholic Church, for it is founded by Jesus Christ, the son of God and has existed for more than 2000 BC.

So which church do you belong? To the one founded by human or to the one founded by the Divine?

Goodbye, Jasmine.

taken last year, during her parent's CLS

her family: Tatay Jun, Nanay Jaque and Ate Jewel

You were such a charming girl, Jasmine.

The first time I saw you last year, during the CLS of your parents,

you already captured me.

I asked your name, you just smiled and went away.

But later, you came back and told me "Ate, Ako si Jasmine. Ikaw anong pangalan mo?" 

Ever since then, we became friends.

I looked forward seeing you every CLS.

I don't know what you had, but chatting with you makes me feel relaxed. And it's fun.

You asked a lot and had many interesting explanations on things.

Just like when you were at our house one time, when our Moms had one-on-one with each other.

I was tasked to take care of you.
So as not to bore you with TV alone, I taught you how to make a rosary.

And amazingly, at 4-years old, you learned fast.

You even shared to me a lot about you during that moment 

- that you pray the rosary every night and even recited the Hail Mary to me

- that the scar on your head which was actually caused by surgery of your brain tumor, became a source of inspiration to me by the way you understood it (Ate, hiniwa yung ulo ko kasi may kinuha sila. Tapos nakita ko si Jesus, nakaputi, niyakap niya ako kasi iyak ako ng iyak tapos nawala yung sakit. Gumaling yung sugat ko kasi laging kini-kiss yan ni Mommy)

- that you love your Ate Jewel a lot and she will be your best friend forever

- that you want to serve the Lord and would like to attend a KFL Assembly

- that you wanted to become a Doctor someday, to cure sick kids like you.

After that night, Jasmine, I could never forget you.

You have touched my heart in a very special way.

Whenever we see each other in church or in the street,

you always run to me and gives me a real-tight hug before saying "Hi Ate Khyme! kumusta ka na?"

Even if you were already starting your chemo once more, your vibrant character was never affected.

You still always had that ready smile that says "Don't worry, everything will be alright."

I remember last Christmas, when we invited your family and Ate Imelda's family as well, to have Noche Buena in our house.

You told me "Ate Khyme, first time ko po kakain ng maraming pagkain sa Pasko. Salamat po sa inyo."

And we even sang with our videoke until the wee hours of morning.

It was one of the most wonderful Christmas I ever had.

Sharing with other families and yes, my last Christmas with you and Mom.

Awww.. Jasmine, I will miss you.

The last time I saw you in mass months ago, you told me "Ate, love ka ni Lord. Ako din, love Niya kaya gagaling ako." when I asked you how was your feeling.

You inspired me.

And even if tears are flowing while writing this, I still want to praise God.

For He has allowed me to meet an Angel like you.

Thank you for touching my life, Jasmine.

And even if you only lived for a short time in this world, I believe you have lived your life well.

I know you're in the safest place where my Mom is - beside our Father God in heaven.

As you take your place in His kingdom, please say Hi to my Mom. Talk to her just as you would talk to your Mom here.

And don't be sad anymore Jasmine, for you'll no longer feel the pain.

And just look over your family here.

Be safe. Be at peace.

Thank you for being a good example of faith for me.And for the good memories. 

Good bye Jasmine. I will surely miss you.

don't sleep on your problems

when you sleep on your problems, it won't solve any.
it's still there when you wake up.
worse, the problem has multiplied.
don't sleep either over a fight with a friend.
if you could fix it before you rest, then do so.
most especially if you're sleeping together for the night.
everything can be solved with calm communication and an open heart.
talk about it. settle it. just don't sleep on it.
*sigh* oh well, you can't force everybody to do the right thing.