Saturday, March 21, 2015

Novelty

This morning was one of those rare moments I wake up at 5 AM and it has nothing to do with school. It was amazing to say the least. I am truly an early bird, morning person and that will never ever change. This will definitely be a reinforced habit especially for when I go back home.



Another rare moment is discovering a crowd at a nearby park having a free aerobics class. emphasis on free. Best believe I did some movin' and groovin' even though the moves were straight up basic. You only live once right?


I was reminded once again of God's faithfulness this morning. I was reminded of His extravagant beauty and His abounding love for me. I think this is why getting enough hours of sleep is vital so I can experience mornings such as this. I've discovered that I really like going outside when I exercise and one of these days, I want to hike before I leave. It is in these mornings that I wake up having no obligation to go anywhere at a certain time but to just experience the goodness of God. Never mind that I'm human, forget the fact that I'm inconsistent and most of the time if not sometimes, irresponsible with my free time. I hold on to the God who holds the universe who never changes, who always was, who is, and who will be; who has been here and no matter where I go because He is certainly everywhere. Isn't that reassuring? I can't imagine my life without any of these. No matter how many times I run away or fall to ground, I can always go running back to the Father and He is there to help me when I get right back up. I can fail a thousand times and that would not matter because no matter the circumstance that I may find myself in, HE IS GOOD.

If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 
1 John 1:9

From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge. 
Psalm 61:2-3

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom... Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Psalm 90:12, 14

Friday, March 20, 2015

The Last 4 Years pt. 1

I'll never forget my very first day of college in the Philippines. The all too familiar first day jitters that came with everything else that was so new and foreign to me. Instead of white college-ruled paper, students here used yellow pad paper. Instead of 3 ring binders, they had small notebooks to take down notes. It even took me about two months to address my teachers "Ma'am" or "Sir". And after nearly 4 years, I still speak English the majority of the time and eat the same food that's not Filipino.

I'll never forget the people who have impacted my life, great or small. Whether they affected my life in a bad or good way, they shaped me and taught me many life lessons. I am forever grateful for each and every person I've crossed paths with. From the people I looked to with highest regard to those who really stretched my patience. I'll cherish the God talks, heart-to-hearts, funny stories, and all the venting about school and bad professors. So many faces come to mind as I look back and reflect on these 4 years. I reminisce on the first encounters and the mundane moments because those are probably my favorite to look back on. Everything else is already recorded and posted on Facebook and Instagram. I'll never forget the faces I see from far away, the faces I see online but fail to establish a friendship. I honestly regret not being friends with them and I have myself to blame. In my mind throughout the entire time, I would say to myself, "we could have been good friends." If you are one of those people I never got the chance to personally get to know, just know that you made a difference in my life one way or another. I don't care who you are, you are valued and I am thankful for you.

I'll never forget the sights and scenes of this country. The beautiful and the ugly. Everything. Everywhere I go, I take it all in: the smells, the heat, the pollution, the greenery, the tall buildings, and I can't believe I'm saying this but even the construction. That one is unforgettable even though I experience it back home in California, but to see construction around every corner no matter where I go, there's always something going on. If you know me, it bothered me whenever I walked around the city. A pretty funny creepy memory I'll make special mention was that night I was walking home by myself and this construction worker asked me in Tagalog where I was going home. And I just kept walking but in a faster pace with a pissed look on my face. From then on, I would be searching for safe sidewalks to embark without having to worry about creepy construction workers.

I was never much of a city girl but I somehow adjusted to the urban life. The convenience of having 2 McDonald's and 2 7-Elevens. A Pan de Manila just downstairs that leaves my lobby smelling like bread almost every day. Getting used to being called "Ma'am" when I'm only in my early 20s because hearing someone call me "Ma'am" made me sound old. Having someone greet me every time I leave my building and arrive from school. I felt comfortable although this place isn't really my true home. It wasn't my hometown. There were days I could easily hail a taxi cab and then there were days it would be a huge struggle in getting anywhere during rush hour.

So I shall continue this in more posts and for the last few months that I'm here, I will do my best to document every detailed experience that I've had here that may seem everyday to a Filipino or these writings may seem unusual and unheard of. I am only doing this for me to look back on in years to come and say to myself, "This happened?? I don't remember!" We'll see how this all turns out... until next post!