nieces & nephew

I love these little ones.

a day at home

Tatay, siblings, and the kids

The CLAN Reunion Plan

I went home last night and the after dinner talks at the table stretched to many interesting topics. The most interesting topic was the plan for THE CLAN Reunion. My father really got a kick out of that. Well, for one, he’s the only one who actually carries the family name (being the only brother of three sisters). Also, our third generation only has one bearer (thus far) of the seven grandchildren. So the family name is secured by a three-year-old toddler, my nephew Aaron.

My cousin really wants this to push through. I believe we all do it’s just that no one really gives the time to make it happen. So, last Sunday after my siblings met with my cousins, they decided we will have it in summer.

I love our family. For one, my father’s family is really intact so-to-speak. We were raised to follow the old traditions and still cling to most of them. Even to some Filipinos, they find us old-fashioned. Anyway, I take pride in that.

We had a good time planning for summer’s reunion. It seemed that the organizer will be mainly us (my siblings and my cousin)—the younger generation as they call us. A theme popped in my mind: “Sixty-three and counting….” since there are already 63 of us from the clan’s root. I know it’ll be fun. We’re excited!

Martin Smith of Delirious

Back in circulation

God is awesome!

The three of us (Kuya, Jovell & myself) had been home for almost six weeks now. In that period, a lot of major events and activities had already happened here—-not to mention the most anticipated holidays. I am so blessed to have gone away but even more to come back. This certainly sounds trite, but anyway, “There’s no place like home.”

Right now, I’m busy preparing for the upcoming Anniversary Thanksgiving at Church on Sunday. I’m making bookmarks for giveaways. Also preparing for the bulletin, program, tarp, and hopefully, the radio script. Oh my, I need to finish before weekend!

Things are a little slow here in the office for the beginning of the year. It’s to my advantage, really, so I could do my personal work without so much pressure from my professional work. Thank God. And God’s continually blessing me with beautiful opportunities at work right now.

I wish to post a lot of pictures since we came back but for some reason, the blogger icons aren’t showing up. Too bad. I wonder if it’s just me or the glitch is from the main server.

The first month of the year is almost to its close. Anyway, I would still wish everybody a joyous and blessed new year!

In just two more weeks...

WE ARE COMING HOME!!! Yes, I can't wait!

Thank you, Lord for what You've done and all that You're going to do for us and in the ministry. It was a great time of ministry we experienced. Thank You.

I'm excited for Christmas in the Philippines. There's no place like home.

Announcement

For all interested parties:

We've finally updated the Dreamers' blog until early September. Please do visit us if you may. Thanks!

[For my "regular" visitors:

I'm actually in hiatus right now... I'm on a mission trip here in the United States and I could hardly go on the internet except to check my email once or twice a week. I apologize. However, the Dreamers' blog is where we try to update what's going on in our team and ministry. Thank you.

I miss blogging here!]

Pinay

Almost two more months to go...

Time flies. Little did we know that we've already spent almost four months of our lives here in the United States. In a matter of weeks, we'll be going back home! I can't wait!

I had so many great experiences while we're here. So many "first time(s)". It's fun.Most of all, it's a blessing and a privilege to be part of this ministry.

I give all the glory and honor to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

bertdey-bertdeyan (Birthday)

Okay, so nagbertdeyan na nga ako dito. Actually, masaya naman. Akalain mo na ipag-order pa ako ni Ate Junice ng pancit at may padala pang pizza ang Filipiniana’s Delight. Si Bro. Mark naman, ipinag-bake ako ng kanyang famous chocolate cake—plus 19 lit candles. Wala na halos mapwestuhan! Sus, kung sakali pala at kasya, baka nga 26 candles pa yung nasa ibabaw ng cake!

Nung umaga, sinamahan namin si Sonia sa Seton Hospital. Okay naman ang result ng test niya; her tumor did not grow for the last two years. No threat. Amen.

Tumataba na ko dito. Well, at least, I gained more than a couple of pounds. Sige na nga, lima na since we came. Puro sa braso naman napupunta.

Anong bago now that I’m a year older? Regular kami nagwo-walking around Lake Merced (5 miles) everyday (Mondays-Fridays). Halos familiar na nga yung mga nakakasalubong naming eh. Lumalabas kami around 6 am. Natatapos ko on the average: one hour & 15 minutes.

Matagal na akong di nag-a-update. Nagjo-journal naman kasi ako kaya documented lahat ng nangyayari dito. Day 68 na yata today. Ang nakakalungkot lang, saying yung SIM card ko. Dinala ko kasi; nawala sa loob ko na di ko na mag-e-expire yun dito. Sayang talaga.

Wala na akong masabi pero marami aong iniisip. Pasensya na, di ako makapa-English right now; it’s safer this way. I miss blogging.

I wish to say this in English but right now, I would be writing in Filipino:


Hindi ko maintindihan pero atubili ako. Iba kasi lagi ang feeling kapag nase-seminar ka. Siguro, ganun din yung impression ng mga bata dito pag napapatawag sa Principal’s office. Ako, apat na beses na yatang nase-seminar for the same “offense”. Nanghihina ako after every meeting. Kasi, kahit wala naman akong ginagawang mali, pakiramdam ko lagi akong may kasalanan tuwing mase-seminar. Hay. Malinaw naman na hindi ako ang problema; at hindi rin naman ako sinisisi, pero, nakakapanghina pa rin ang kausapin nang ganun. “Shake it off, Len, shake it off!”

Away from home

Hi everyone! It's been 30 days since the first time we set foot on Cali-land this year. A lot of things had happened--and is happening and is expected to happen-- but for everything, we give Glory and Thanks to God! God is faithful and we are just overwhelmed by His goodness and work in the ministry. Even the people and circumstances that we encounter everyday; all seemed to be part of His wonderful plan.

i think it wont be long before i can officially claim to have gained weight. ironically, most of the time, i'm cooking when nobody invites us to eat somewhere else. anyway, i still believe my 97-pound weight since i first got here is no more.

i think time flies fast. nonetheless, there's one thing for sure: i miss home.

i'm doing great and so is the rest of the team. Thank God. please remember us in prayer.

May the name of the Lord be exalted in our lives everyday. May you be blessed more than you can imagine through Christ Jesus our Saviour. Take care.

Len

Check the Dreamers!

Hello bloggers!

i might not be able to update my personal blog religiously now but you can hear about what's going on with me and the team in our blog: The Dreamers. I linked it here on my blog beside my other theme blogs. hope you can give us a visit. God bless!

Pinay

Check us out here!

This blog is our "official" update section for our trip in the US. It's called, The Dreamers. Here's the address:

http://thedreamers08.blogspot.com/

Now in the US

This is the second day of our stay in the U.S. Tonight we'll minister at a youth group in a church here in Daly City. Next week we'll be in Sacramento to attend a conference.

I'm being religious with my journal because it's more accessible for me to update than to sign in everytime. If i have lots of time, i will try my best to update.

God is very good to us. We have a nice place to stay and the Lord is showing us a lot of favors everyday. We'll stay here for six months. Please remember us in prayer.

Thanks. God bless!

Len

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Long live the Philippines!

Today, we commemorate our 110 years of independence. We salute and honor our beloved heroes who laid down their lives for our freedom. Thank you for your selfless sacrifices and genuine love for our country. I hope that we give justice to what you have done for us.

God is faithful.

I could cry (out of joy) just thinking of God’s goodness in my life… in our life. Thank you, Lord. I received another miracle today. You are awesome, Lord. Thank You and I honor You.

I've been praying for God's miracle for us in this time. And He granted my prayer. Thank you, Lord. I didn't doubt it and He blessed me more than I expected! He has perfect timing. Thank you, Father. This is the year of God's favor! Amen!

A day made early

I decided to wait across the gasoline station by the diversion road for the bus going to work. Not more than five minutes later, I saw the bus and found a good seat. (Two things: I didn’t wait for nearly two hours to get a ride plus I didn’t have to suffer standing on the bus with people from all sides bumping on me.) As the bus rolled, some more passengers came in, until more than a handful had to stand. Then clambed a lady with three children: one boy, around seven or eight; a girl, about five; and a toddler, not more than two years old whom she carries in her arms. There were no more seats available and without second thoughts, I called her attention, stood up and gave her my seat. There were several men with (good) seats who chose to ignore the lady and her kids. I don’t have the heart to see mothers standing especially if I could do something about it. Before I got off the bus she thanked me at least twice. And her smile was enough to make my day.

DC ROCKS!!!!!

MY DAVID WON !!!

MY DAVID WON !!!
GO COOKIES!!!!
WOOHOO!!!

THIS IS PHENOMENAL!!!
I LOVE DAVID COOK!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! GOD BLESSES THE GOOD SOUL!

@ the beach

May

The start of the month is simply very special and memorable. On May 1st, we had our all-church swimming. A lot of my church mates joined and enjoyed the day of fellowship. It was so much fun! The little ones had all the excitement as well. Everybody loves the water. It was a thrilling, awesome day. Thank God for a beautiful day of fellowship with the brethren.

May 4th was Tatay’s 62nd birthday. We really made the most of the day. Our church mates came and celebrated with us. It was truly a blessing. My sister-in-law from the north came home and brought our youngest niece, Althea. She’s such a character! Ate Ester is really good in the kitchen. I was tasked to manage the kitchen had she not been around. God is all-knowing and sent her. Haha! Everybody brought his/her appetite! It was a blessed day.

May 4th was also Oscar (De La Hoya)’s non-title bout against Steve Forbes. Since we had an occasion at home, I wasn’t able to watch the entire match. I had a good view on the later rounds nonetheless. It was a unanimous decision. I’m (very) glad that he won especially that it was held in LA, his hometown—in a football stadium of 27,000 seating capacity. He said he’s preparing for two more bouts before the year closes: one in September, a rematch with Floyd Mayweather, Jr., and in December, versus Miguel Cotto.

In the afternoon, brethren from Friends of Jesus International Ministries in Makati came and had an outreach at church. They also distributed Old and New Testament Bibles.

Sunday evening was the most exciting time for me. My friends from the MYF came to greet Tatay. Kuya Arnel, Red and Apple came!!! We had so much fun. We stayed in the kubo and chatted a lot! I had time to really TALK with them. I miss having just plain friends’ day with the group. It was unfortunate that Ate Marie did not make it. We will schedule a get-together before we leave for the States.

On Wednesday will be Jai’s birthday. I’m still thinking how to give her a blast.