With all these things happening around me, I just could not help but be grateful... although it's a challenge! but hey, i'm learning.
- Food. cooking, doing the groceries, goin to the market... hmmm unlikely me.. but i'm doing it! and love it.. though budgeting is hard! Ate cyncha, i bow down!
- Designing the CFC Kenya Calendar. whew! sleepless nights again.
- preparing for the activities... a lot to come this end of sept and october.. i pray to the Lord that all may come to reality.
- awaiting for baby kazuri (escalona) to arrive and see the beauty of africa and the earth.
- clinging on to God for every grace and blessing.
- loving the work more and more.
- updating the cfc africa website.. which i have not done yet.. but surely i will. sorry for the delay.
- coffee time.
- watch out for greenbasket. a new journal.
- more more.... i love jesus!
Monday, September 17, 2007
10:25 PM
10:25 PM
In His Time.
The song "In His Time" has been continuously ringing in my ears and in my mind. At present, all I could think and reflect of is on how God puts majestically everything in proper timing. In his own ways.
Different thoughts come to mind each day. Different wants.. and even different needs. And the thing that could connect these thoughts, wants and needs to us to God is prayer. It's our connection to Him, our time with Him. our perfect time with Him.
Praying is an active submission to His will. Yes, His own will. We pray, He answers. But sometimes the answers would not be the one that we want or the one that we expected. We may get disappointed at certain times on how the Lord answers our petitions. But the essence of prayer is submitting to His divine will. Whatever that means. Sometimes you won't be able to grasp or understand what He is trying to impart or to say. It may be difficult. It may hurt us. And it all just goes back to His love, to His perfect time, to His grace and to His own very will for us.
I quote Anthony de Mello, S.J. "If you had the choice, which would you choose: the granting of your petition or the grace to be peaceful whether it is granted or not?"
What wonderful words. It all just came back to me that praying is the grace to be peaceful. Peaceful even though things or God's answers may not be in accordance to our own desires. That God might delay some answers to give way to His most perfect time and then it would make us realize that He is still the most powerful, glorious ever living God. That He cannot give what we want for He will give more of what we expected. See, it just amazing on how God makes us grow for Him.
Praying is to be silent. To listen to His voice. To grasp every word. every detail. every move. an expression of faith. a chance for us to ask for forgiveness and a chance for us to move on to the future that awaits us. How beautiful on how God puts everything in order in our lives.
God's time.
Last saturday, I attended a wonderful and big African/Kenyan wedding of one of our SFCs here. It is an expression of God's timing in their lives. To Denis and Julia, congratulations. Although I haven't really had the chance to get to know you both, I honor you for taking the call of married life. Take care of each other, your relationship, and your love.
[click for the gallery]
Here are some photos that captured the event. [Although I was not able to get good shots since we weren't aloud to roam around the church :( just took from where i was seated].
To Denis and Julia, congratulations again. Your "I Do" is a manifestation of your love for each other and for God. Dedicate your love and your family to Him. Happy day and life!
The song "In His Time" has been continuously ringing in my ears and in my mind. At present, all I could think and reflect of is on how God puts majestically everything in proper timing. In his own ways.
Different thoughts come to mind each day. Different wants.. and even different needs. And the thing that could connect these thoughts, wants and needs to us to God is prayer. It's our connection to Him, our time with Him. our perfect time with Him.
Praying is an active submission to His will. Yes, His own will. We pray, He answers. But sometimes the answers would not be the one that we want or the one that we expected. We may get disappointed at certain times on how the Lord answers our petitions. But the essence of prayer is submitting to His divine will. Whatever that means. Sometimes you won't be able to grasp or understand what He is trying to impart or to say. It may be difficult. It may hurt us. And it all just goes back to His love, to His perfect time, to His grace and to His own very will for us.
I quote Anthony de Mello, S.J. "If you had the choice, which would you choose: the granting of your petition or the grace to be peaceful whether it is granted or not?"
What wonderful words. It all just came back to me that praying is the grace to be peaceful. Peaceful even though things or God's answers may not be in accordance to our own desires. That God might delay some answers to give way to His most perfect time and then it would make us realize that He is still the most powerful, glorious ever living God. That He cannot give what we want for He will give more of what we expected. See, it just amazing on how God makes us grow for Him.
Praying is to be silent. To listen to His voice. To grasp every word. every detail. every move. an expression of faith. a chance for us to ask for forgiveness and a chance for us to move on to the future that awaits us. How beautiful on how God puts everything in order in our lives.
God's time.
Last saturday, I attended a wonderful and big African/Kenyan wedding of one of our SFCs here. It is an expression of God's timing in their lives. To Denis and Julia, congratulations. Although I haven't really had the chance to get to know you both, I honor you for taking the call of married life. Take care of each other, your relationship, and your love.
[click for the gallery]
Here are some photos that captured the event. [Although I was not able to get good shots since we weren't aloud to roam around the church :( just took from where i was seated].
To Denis and Julia, congratulations again. Your "I Do" is a manifestation of your love for each other and for God. Dedicate your love and your family to Him. Happy day and life!
Friday, September 14, 2007
3:16 PM
3:16 PM
delightful delight.
we had one wonderful dinner at the rivera's the other night. it was tasty... the food was delicious, awesome.. thanks tito eric. whoa! i wonder when will i ever taste it again. it was heaven. a delight for all of us. God really knows how to feed me (maybe that is why i'm getting bigger and bigger)...
at the same time we had a mini-wine tasting lesson. how to open, to pour, to drink... how to choose... which is good for which....
[click on the pic for the gallery]
not only the food satisfied my hunger, but this family as well. they have always been generous to us. thank you to the rivera's. you inspired me. it was truly a one delightful night.... [love the pasta!]
plus on going home.. the power transformer outside our house had that some "loud" trouble that ignited a huge spark/fireworks. sigh. no power the whole night.
we had one wonderful dinner at the rivera's the other night. it was tasty... the food was delicious, awesome.. thanks tito eric. whoa! i wonder when will i ever taste it again. it was heaven. a delight for all of us. God really knows how to feed me (maybe that is why i'm getting bigger and bigger)...
at the same time we had a mini-wine tasting lesson. how to open, to pour, to drink... how to choose... which is good for which....
[click on the pic for the gallery]
not only the food satisfied my hunger, but this family as well. they have always been generous to us. thank you to the rivera's. you inspired me. it was truly a one delightful night.... [love the pasta!]
plus on going home.. the power transformer outside our house had that some "loud" trouble that ignited a huge spark/fireworks. sigh. no power the whole night.
Labels: living
Sunday, September 9, 2007
2:24 PM
2:24 PM
i thirst
it's amazing that every time i take my coffee i wonder how i always thirst to feel the love of God.
i thirst for His grace that i know He has openly provided for me.
i thirst for His love when i believed He has given that to me long time ago (although sometimes im being blinded by what is happening around that i chose not to feel it. bad for me)
i thirst for His wisdom that i wanted to learn and express it in the way i live my life.
i thirst for more of Him in everything that i do.. in everything that i am feeling/thinking.. in my emotions and in my mind.
we all live in a world that is messed up, corrupted, crazier than ever.. but if we chose to thirst for him.. and drink the living water that He has provided for us, we will learn that all life's lessons is openly desired by Him for us to grow, seek more and yearn for Him. our time and our efforts can be all dedicated in choosing to be an inspiration for others. may we not get what we want but we can humble ourselves and give all the glory to God. for this is the reason why we are here. to face the world's challenge and work for the good.
i thirst... [coffee anyone???? :) ]
it's amazing that every time i take my coffee i wonder how i always thirst to feel the love of God.
i thirst for His grace that i know He has openly provided for me.
i thirst for His love when i believed He has given that to me long time ago (although sometimes im being blinded by what is happening around that i chose not to feel it. bad for me)
i thirst for His wisdom that i wanted to learn and express it in the way i live my life.
i thirst for more of Him in everything that i do.. in everything that i am feeling/thinking.. in my emotions and in my mind.
we all live in a world that is messed up, corrupted, crazier than ever.. but if we chose to thirst for him.. and drink the living water that He has provided for us, we will learn that all life's lessons is openly desired by Him for us to grow, seek more and yearn for Him. our time and our efforts can be all dedicated in choosing to be an inspiration for others. may we not get what we want but we can humble ourselves and give all the glory to God. for this is the reason why we are here. to face the world's challenge and work for the good.
i thirst... [coffee anyone???? :) ]
Labels: personal
Thursday, August 30, 2007
4:17 PM
4:17 PM
It ALL became REAL. Remembering my first love.
"What a consolation for us, brothers and sisters, in the midst of our troubles and trials, this faith of yours! It is a breath of life for us when you stand firm in the Lord. .... May the Lord increase more and more your love for each other and for all people, as he increases our love for you. May He strengthen you interiorly to be holy and blameless before God, our Father, on the day that Jesus, our Lord, will come with all His saints." - The book of The Thessalonians
Those were the very words of God for me today. It had struck me in the most intimate way. It is God telling me to STAND FIRM and wait for His glory to come. The past days have been very crucial and at the same time very personal for me. I remember in one of my last journal entry that I can feel God will be speaking to me very powerfully. And He just did... Somehow I could still not understand or grasp all the things that He wanted me to hear or learn from Him but all I know and believe that He is laying out all His plans and letting me feel all His love.
It ALL became REAL. In one of my silent days, i just remember my very prayer to the Lord before I was sent here to Africa. To CHANGE ME.. Make me a better and changed person.. Stronger everyday. And what an amazing God He is that He is answering my prayers. All the songs I am singing, beyond borders, walking on water, everything.... it all just became real... and it's fulfilling that in every step of the way, God is showing His mercies and grace comes in. You will feel how personal it is. You will feel the wonder and the fulfilling desires of God coming out through you... it all came to me.
With all that is happening around me.. the situations.. the concerns.. and the miracles.. in my community and in my family.. I go back to the very essence of my love for God and His love for me. I go back to the time when He allowed me to fall in love with Him. To see Him in my own way. He allowed me to feel his heart and His passion. I met Him in my heart and in my whole being. God has showed me His promises and He made me a person with a desire to change and to bring change. I could not thank God properly with all the things He has blessed me. A lot has been given to me.. And I am just a small woman with nothing to offer. He gave me His life, His heart, and His love.
This is NOTHING ABOUT ME.... and it will not be about me. I could not be selfish. I could not be proud of myself. All I could give glory is the passion that God has allowed me to experience. The trials and sufferings are a part of who I am and what I am made to be. God has given me the time to serve Him and I am grabbing that. I don't understand why He loved me that much. God has brought me to a place where I could feel the most of Him. Pray the most. and listen to Him the most. And He has given me peace.
In everything. IT IS STILL ABOUT HIM. His glory and His power. Everything became real to me when He brought me here. All these is part of who I am and where should I be. I will be forever grateful of that. The mission and my life is all for Him. And to where He is leading me next will all still be about HIM. And about His love for me and His love for all.
To God be the glory....forever.
"What a consolation for us, brothers and sisters, in the midst of our troubles and trials, this faith of yours! It is a breath of life for us when you stand firm in the Lord. .... May the Lord increase more and more your love for each other and for all people, as he increases our love for you. May He strengthen you interiorly to be holy and blameless before God, our Father, on the day that Jesus, our Lord, will come with all His saints." - The book of The Thessalonians
Those were the very words of God for me today. It had struck me in the most intimate way. It is God telling me to STAND FIRM and wait for His glory to come. The past days have been very crucial and at the same time very personal for me. I remember in one of my last journal entry that I can feel God will be speaking to me very powerfully. And He just did... Somehow I could still not understand or grasp all the things that He wanted me to hear or learn from Him but all I know and believe that He is laying out all His plans and letting me feel all His love.
It ALL became REAL. In one of my silent days, i just remember my very prayer to the Lord before I was sent here to Africa. To CHANGE ME.. Make me a better and changed person.. Stronger everyday. And what an amazing God He is that He is answering my prayers. All the songs I am singing, beyond borders, walking on water, everything.... it all just became real... and it's fulfilling that in every step of the way, God is showing His mercies and grace comes in. You will feel how personal it is. You will feel the wonder and the fulfilling desires of God coming out through you... it all came to me.
With all that is happening around me.. the situations.. the concerns.. and the miracles.. in my community and in my family.. I go back to the very essence of my love for God and His love for me. I go back to the time when He allowed me to fall in love with Him. To see Him in my own way. He allowed me to feel his heart and His passion. I met Him in my heart and in my whole being. God has showed me His promises and He made me a person with a desire to change and to bring change. I could not thank God properly with all the things He has blessed me. A lot has been given to me.. And I am just a small woman with nothing to offer. He gave me His life, His heart, and His love.
This is NOTHING ABOUT ME.... and it will not be about me. I could not be selfish. I could not be proud of myself. All I could give glory is the passion that God has allowed me to experience. The trials and sufferings are a part of who I am and what I am made to be. God has given me the time to serve Him and I am grabbing that. I don't understand why He loved me that much. God has brought me to a place where I could feel the most of Him. Pray the most. and listen to Him the most. And He has given me peace.
In everything. IT IS STILL ABOUT HIM. His glory and His power. Everything became real to me when He brought me here. All these is part of who I am and where should I be. I will be forever grateful of that. The mission and my life is all for Him. And to where He is leading me next will all still be about HIM. And about His love for me and His love for all.
To God be the glory....forever.
Labels: missionary life, personal
Sunday, August 26, 2007
6:05 PM
6:05 PM
album cover.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
12:21 AM
12:21 AM
once again.
once again i am so excited to feel the love of God in my life (not that I don't feel Him because I do... I always do)... but this excitement and fast beating of my heart right now is different.. that i know that God will be once again speaking to me powerfully.. that He is going to show me more of Himself.
it is just a privilege and an honor to be serving our Lord. i felt so unworthy that all i could only offer was the small things that I could do.. but inspite and despite of these small things, i am glad that i was given this chance to do something for Him. and this chance is very much available to each of us.
so here i am, once again excited to see Him in the most intimate and personal way.
once again i am so excited to feel the love of God in my life (not that I don't feel Him because I do... I always do)... but this excitement and fast beating of my heart right now is different.. that i know that God will be once again speaking to me powerfully.. that He is going to show me more of Himself.
it is just a privilege and an honor to be serving our Lord. i felt so unworthy that all i could only offer was the small things that I could do.. but inspite and despite of these small things, i am glad that i was given this chance to do something for Him. and this chance is very much available to each of us.
so here i am, once again excited to see Him in the most intimate and personal way.
Labels: personal
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
2:28 AM
2:28 AM
photo upload and some thoughts
it's been amazing on how God continues to do His work here in Africa. and on how He keeps on using people in a beautiful way. i'm glad to be part of this work.. it is for Him. and only for Him... each moment inspires me, captures me, and molds me. more than my own thoughts, my own worries, doubts, and fears, He never fails to show how important it is to love and serve Him.. and how He greatly shows His power in all of us..
Roses. i am just playing around with the camera when i realized how beautiful the roses here in kenya.
beautiful nairobi. wonderful view and city shots.
Nairobi West Prisons Youth Camp. These youths inspire me. makes me happy. makes my heart joyful. makes my love for the Lord grow each day.
KFC Star. This day is one of those days i would never forget. spending it with kfcs here in kenya is fun, amazing, and wonderful. and most especially crazy... the work is getting crazier and more exciting.
Nairobi Children's Remand Home. spending my saturdays here inspires all of me. to give my heart more for the Lord. to give love more. to share more of myself. and give my all. to just love and keep on loving. the kids here are teaching me more things than i could teach them. they are just amazing in their own ways.
Divine Word Parish YFC and KFC School Based. wow! God just knows how to show me how good He is. He just knows where and when.... He just knows my heart more than I do. God just keeps on reminding me that He is still powerful and He is still GOD!
Fellowship. blessings upon blessings.. grace upon grace... relationships, love, friendships... whew! i could not express my thanks to You, Lord.. it's just wonderful... :)
Giraffe Center. appreciating more of His creations... up close and personal with these giraffes and a glimpse of lara croft's (tomb raider) house.
Singles Weekend Retreat. a weekend full of God's love.
i continue to praise and thank the Lord for all these wonderful moments that He has allowed me to experience..... each day, my heart jumped. each day, i glorify Him. He leads us in all ways. i love you, Jesus.
it's been amazing on how God continues to do His work here in Africa. and on how He keeps on using people in a beautiful way. i'm glad to be part of this work.. it is for Him. and only for Him... each moment inspires me, captures me, and molds me. more than my own thoughts, my own worries, doubts, and fears, He never fails to show how important it is to love and serve Him.. and how He greatly shows His power in all of us..
Roses. i am just playing around with the camera when i realized how beautiful the roses here in kenya.
beautiful nairobi. wonderful view and city shots.
Nairobi West Prisons Youth Camp. These youths inspire me. makes me happy. makes my heart joyful. makes my love for the Lord grow each day.
KFC Star. This day is one of those days i would never forget. spending it with kfcs here in kenya is fun, amazing, and wonderful. and most especially crazy... the work is getting crazier and more exciting.
Nairobi Children's Remand Home. spending my saturdays here inspires all of me. to give my heart more for the Lord. to give love more. to share more of myself. and give my all. to just love and keep on loving. the kids here are teaching me more things than i could teach them. they are just amazing in their own ways.
Divine Word Parish YFC and KFC School Based. wow! God just knows how to show me how good He is. He just knows where and when.... He just knows my heart more than I do. God just keeps on reminding me that He is still powerful and He is still GOD!
Fellowship. blessings upon blessings.. grace upon grace... relationships, love, friendships... whew! i could not express my thanks to You, Lord.. it's just wonderful... :)
Giraffe Center. appreciating more of His creations... up close and personal with these giraffes and a glimpse of lara croft's (tomb raider) house.
Singles Weekend Retreat. a weekend full of God's love.
i continue to praise and thank the Lord for all these wonderful moments that He has allowed me to experience..... each day, my heart jumped. each day, i glorify Him. He leads us in all ways. i love you, Jesus.
Labels: missionary life
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
8:07 PM
8:07 PM
random entry
- first of all.. happy birthday to winnie
the pooh. Happy day gal, i hope and pray that your life will always be blessed. i'm so happy to have you as my friend, sister, and remand teammate. you are doing a good job and continue on your service. hmmm.. where's my cake? - uncle fred and aunt wilma mutuku. im so inspired by their dedication and love for cfc and for the Lord. their passion and drive to serve is very contagious. i honor you both.
- the 2 eva's.... eva of umoja for your passion. it's an honor serving with you. eva of don bosco, thank you for the african necklace and for staying as pretty and exotic ( i continue to pray for your job)
- the sfc household. wow.. this one is amazing. you bring wonders to sfc.
- GAT africa is ongoing now. welcome athena and diwata!
- okay, here's a random one. i've been punched!...... by two priests... hahaha.. thanks to fr. paco and fr. shaji... i've received more blessings that day.. more than i have expected... fun times.
- csi 7th season. addictive. i know its kinda late already.. but well.. hmmmm.
- paul k. i promised ill buy you a cake soon. thanks for uploading the videos!
- i wanted to post some pics.. new entry. new albums... time!.. i promise i post soon.
- cfcafrica. privilege to be part of the creation of the website.
- my heart jumped: i received a card from one of the participants in a youth camp at the prisons. it made me joyful knowing that by little you do, you can inspire people. i thank God for using me that time.
- more random entries next time....... (and with pics)....
Labels: missionary life, random
Monday, August 13, 2007
9:48 AM
9:48 AM
today is my lola's birthday.
aug 13 is always a special day for me. it's inday el's birthday. i should give her a call or visit her. bring her pizza or just simply take a chocolate drink or coffee with her. but early this year she passed away. she went to live her eternal life in heaven. i was not there when that happened.
i was here. in africa.
i cried the moment i have known that she rested. but the knowledge of her being in heaven just keeps me peaceful.
i dedicate this coffee cup design for her. her life is like drinking a cup of coffee... conversations just comes in....
i love you, inday el.
happy birthday.
aug 13 is always a special day for me. it's inday el's birthday. i should give her a call or visit her. bring her pizza or just simply take a chocolate drink or coffee with her. but early this year she passed away. she went to live her eternal life in heaven. i was not there when that happened.
i was here. in africa.
i cried the moment i have known that she rested. but the knowledge of her being in heaven just keeps me peaceful.
i dedicate this coffee cup design for her. her life is like drinking a cup of coffee... conversations just comes in....
i love you, inday el.
happy birthday.
Labels: personal
