Our July Best Bits (2018)

The two (2) most beautiful memories of July 2018 are Zephrine's 2nd Birthday and the birth of Baby Celestina, Ate Val's second daughter. We had our simple dinner celebration for Zephrine. July was mostly a rainy month in the Philippines. And just as the wind blows, there were days when I felt really weak to face our challenges.

I remember a time when I was walking with a Chinese friend to work when suddenly it rained really hard. I didn't have an umbrella at that time, so my friend shared hers generously. I unconsciously told her that I didn't like the rain and then she replied that we need the rain so we can grow. And this time of the year when I felt that I needed to be reminded again of that beautiful lesson.

On July 9th, I had a chance to video chat my Grandma  Josie. It was fun! She lives in Tacoma, Washington State as of the moment. She's one of the most organize and cleanest persons I know.

Nanay Sofi, our babysitter had to go to Mindanao for Ate Val. I was really stressed out since our bosses from the US were all here in the Philippines. Michael needed to assist me in my other important tasks in addition to his other responsibilities. I also had to release company policies and dealt with employee concerns daily. Then, we had our Stake Youth Road Show (July 14) at church which I was one of the main organizers. And the most stressful part was to deal with BIR's LOA. I felt really hopeless and tired most of the time. Zephrine's body clock is still the same!! She's nocturnal so I lacked sleep most of the time. It's been two years and seriously, I don't know how I will survive more sleepless nights!

Times like these are not new to us. I feel that God sends us the same challenges over and over again until we learn how to deal with them properly and FAITHFULLY.  I learned that I need to cling on to the iron rod even tighter during the most stressful times. But how do you do that? There must be no murmuring but more kneeling prayers. There must be no anger, fewer frustrations but more bright smiles of hope. Patience is extended and waiting is purifier of the soul. We become sensitive to the Lord's instructions. We see His ways, His help and His divine power. We rely 100% on Him.

Sometimes our challenges can become a blessing to others. 

The day of Nanay's flight to Ozamis, a sister (I will call Sister A) from our ward volunteered to babysit Zephrine from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This was really a huge help to us so we can work even for 4 hours at the same time. I really need Michael from time to time. Likewise, this part-time job can help Sister A in their day to day needs. Our challenge became a blessing to her. I love moments like this when I can see His hands in my life especially in times of weakness. It reminded me that success is not possible without the guidance of the Lord.

I felt like I was Wonderwoman this month with Batman. I am so grateful for my husband specifically for being so reliable. He is so efficient in his tasks list. Change is hard during the first days but it gets better as we patiently learn to adapt. 


July 22 was Bulaon Ward Conference. I had a great time with the young women. I shared about the joy from marrying in the temple. I testified that there is no better achievement in this life than to be sealed in the temple because this is the requirement in order for us to enter the highest glory in the Celestial Kingdom. I pray that each YW will find a worthy priesthood who will value their chastity and will take them to the temple.