A Goodbye 2013 and a New Beginning 2014

The year 2013 is a bit bitter-sweet for us. It is always present in life the ups and downs, but we are thankful that through it all we keep our spirit strong to face it all and here we are, welcoming a new year and a new beginning of another amazing and colorful year.

Remembering all the panicking moments we had.

May 2013. When James broke his ankle. We went to have an xray of his foot and the doctor said he needs surgery. We were worried because we don't have much trust of the doctor here specially in our place. My husband was in so much pain for like 3 weeks. Seeing him in the situation was like a stab on me. And because our budget was so tight that time so it ended up that we visited a massage therapy dude (hilot guy in the philippines). And slowly James ankle put back in its place. We had like 4 times to do massage.

June 2013. When we applied for the amendment of James Permanent Visa, during the application it wasn't accepted because the immigration put additional requirements which we didn't knew. We needed to submit NBI clearance for him and a police clearance from his home country. Getting the NBI clearance for him in the Philippines was not easy because we needed to travel all the way to Manila because NBI branches nearest our place won't release a clearance for foreigners. They always refer it to the Main Office. So we went to Manila apply for the NBI and the worst was it won't be release at the same time but after 2-3 weeks. So James traveled with my father after 3 weeks and in GOD's grace he got it. So now, getting the police clearance from his country, I did a lot of research on how the process to obtain one. We did all the paper required and sent it via DHL. The good thing Daddy Larry (Thank you so much Dad) got a copy of his police clearance so we got a copy earlier than we expected. We still received the reply from FBI (USA) after like 3 months. And this time we already submitted the application in Immigration Cebu.

September 2013. James application was sent back to Cebu from Manila office and was not approved yet because of the signature lacking. The lawyer during the interview forgot to put a date on the paper. So we needed to hang in and wait again for another months.

Remembering all the sweet moments we had.

January 2013, was our first anniversary being a husband and a wife. And for me being a mother as well. There was so much changes in my life from being a simple office worker and a cultural dancer. There were lots of adjustments. Dividing my time for my husband and for my kids. But I will say I am proud of myself...well GOD made me proud of myself because I did it all...say its "a good job".

May 2013, when I passed the Civil Service Examination. I really believe the saying "You reap what you sow". I remember the hard times we had. James trying to be a father and a mother this time. After my work during weekends I can't stay home because I needed to go to school for a review. And James and my family was very supportive. And I did all extra possible things to learn and study. And YES I passed. And thank GOD.

June 2013, finally my "once a dream" dream come true. I was transferred and hired as a teacher in a college school. And I pretty much love the job. Although I missed my work and my workmates but the resent job I have is I am happy and content. :). Another thing happened this month was we were able to visit xylon's Family in Cebu again. We got the chance to visit his Mommy Angel Maria for the second time. It was a fun and another memorable moments. Full of emotions and happiness. Thanks be to GOD.

August 2013, we moved to our own house. Another adjustments since I never been away from home with my parents and other siblings. But oh well, I am married its interesting to discover life just with your own family. We are establishing our own life and family here. And so far, I love it.

November 2013, James permanent Resident Visa here in the Philippines was finally approved. It was a very happy moments  receiving the good news. Finally all the effort was paid off and its one step closer.

December 2013, James received his Permanent Resident Visa I-card. And now its time to work for our boys visa as well. Another thing Xylon's grandma Becky also visited the boys in our house. And the boys got the chance to spend time with their grandma. It made our year-end very fulfilling.

The year is quiet interesting and a bit thrilling. But we face it all with faith in GOD Jesus and believe that HE won't let us down. GOD is truly amazing and always been with us through the whole year.

The first and above all, we thank the HOLY one above that continue to guide us and look at us in every step of the way. We are nothing and will be completely lost without HIM. We "thank you all" for all the people that GOD sends on our way as an instrument to do HIS WILL for us. For our family and friends here in the Philippines and the US, a very very BIG thank you. The thankfulness we felt cannot be expressed into words but truly in our hearts "THANK YOU".

Now a sweet ending 2013 and an amazing a promising beginning of 2014!!

GOD bless us all!!!

New Work and New Surroundings!!

GOD really never fails. I was once dream to be a teacher one day. And yes GOD gave it to me. I never expect I will be come one. And so I find myself here in a new surrounding and new people although some of them I knew already. And this means New Adjustments. But I have no regrets instead I feel so happy and blessed.

Today I started being a teacher in a college school. First it was a bit awkward because I have always this in my mind that I should be correct in everything I say and discuss since students are looking and listening at me. I am starting to research my possible discussion coverage for the subject I am handling. I know I have a whole lot more to do since I need to refresh all what I have learned during my college plus today it is more advance, need to learn new technology as well.

So far my first day of school is quite interesting and ends well. I checked the attendance of my students and giving them some pointers and brief coverage for the subject.

One long day has just been ended and a new long day will just begin. Good luck to me.

GOD please guide me!!

Yay!! I passed the Examination!!

Right this moment I am overwhelm of the good news I heard. Just last night I received a missed call from my teacher in my review class. But I wasn't able to hear it because I was on my way home from work riding a motor cycle. So when I checked my phone and seen the missed call I immediately messaged my teacher apologizing and told him why  I wasn't able to answer. So...he called back and told me the word "CONGRATULATIONS!! You Passed the Exam!!" I was stunned and asked him "Are you sure Sir?" After the examination we were told by the examiner that we will know the result of the exam after three months and yet its just one month passed. So I asked my teacher again "Is it really me Sir?". So my teacher told me "Okay...let me read the name again. NONWEILER EUGIELEN T". And I said... "Ohh... that is really me...! I thank GOD so much for that. I so remember my feeling after the exam.. I felt so easy and at peace... I didn't know the reason and now I know; GOD let me win it for me. And thank HIM so much!!

In the office today; one of my office mate came to me and just shook my hands and I was like "Huh!!" She said congratulations euge from our City you are the only one passed the exam.. The reason why I don't want to celebrate the happiness in the crowd because I don't wanna offend those who did not pass. So I just celebrate within myself.

But anyways above all things... I thank GOD so much. I Believe it is GOD who help me PASSED the Exam!! Praise the Lord above all things!!

Loving my husband so much more!!

April already passed and I am still dividing my time from being a working mom and a wife. I do all my best to give time for my family. Doing my best to be a good wife and a good mom.

Last Month was not so friendly to us. I had been busy in my work as well as to my studies. And my husband James is busy building our house so we can move in this month (hopeful). But I doubted it now since something not good happen to my husband.

Just the other week, my father and my husband was ready to go home after working and building our own house for the whole day. They have each own pedal bike to ride home. My papa went on the road first knowing that James will follow. Since my papa still have some errands to do at home (pasturing the carabao and cow), he didn't wait for James.

While James left there getting his bike, he came across to this roof where there was an un-pound nail. Looking at it, he was itching to make it done. So he climbed into the ladder to get it hammered. As he reached halfway to the top, he lost his balanced and causes the ladder to shake and he had no where to hold. He was thinking either to jump or not. If he won't jump, his head will bump to the corner which will cause more worst. So he jumped, but ALAS it was a wrong timing. As some knows that my husband's legs were in so much surgeries before because of the accident he had been through. He undergone many operations. His right leg works good than his left one. And now the worst is he landed on the floor with his left leg. This leg of him cannot bend no more due the stainless that once being put inside to support and help the bone connect each other. So it ended that he broke his ankle.

James foot after one week!!!

Early in the morning after that accident, my papa built two crutches to help him. It is made out of the wooden stick that James bought for our own house. It is not as comfortable as what we can buy in the store but it was made out of love. James put a cloth around the arms  and handles so it will be a little comfy for him. James feel being so love by my family and I am very much thankful on that.

Crutches my Papa built for James!!

We had his leg x-rayed and yes he had a fracture around his ankle and the doctor said he needs surgery. And James doesn't trust doctors specially around our place and plus the fact that his leg is already been messed before. We went to a massage guy to put back his ankle in place. And it turns out good because after that he can move his foot up and down. Thanks to GOD.

Its already 2 weeks passed by and still he cannot walk by himself. Although time fly so fast but never I missed a time to take care of him. I still manage to divide my time for the extra care for him. It hurts me seeing him in the situation. If I can only carry him every time he moves to one place to another I would. I sometimes took him to town and park to passed time by. I gave him bath every other night (his request since he mainly do nothing for whole day but sit and read the bible). I massage his foot sometimes and it feels good to him. And while doing it, it made me wish if I can only have a share of his pain I would so that it wouldn't be as painful as it is to him". But there's nothing I can do but to be always there for him and love him in that way he will feel as ease.

Took James and the boys in the park after church!!

So April was not as good as the Month of March for us. But still we are thankful to GOD that there is no major worst things happen. Yeah my husband broke his ankle but it could be worst if it was his head. GOD save the month for us. And because of what had happen I am loving my husband James even more.

With our some church friends!!

I took CS Examination!!

I am done taking my Civil Service Examination. Last night I couldn't sleep well thinking that today will be the day.

Yesterday, I spent my whole day with my friend Rose in the City Cafe. She will be taking the exam as well. We were studying for the exam. I was hoping  that some of our classmate will come join with us but they weren't able to.

Anyways the exam was quite difficult. Well, most of the takers said so and I am one of those...hehe. I had been thinking so much of this Exam. That I hope I will pass and all of my classmates and friends who will take too.

During the exam I was nervous because I was almost late. The examiner told me to hurry up. (And to mention, one of the takers wasn't able to come because I saw one vacant sit in front of me). My body was cold and I feel stunned but I pray to GOD to please calm me down. I didn't expect to be late because I thought I was early enough. But I was wrong, maybe it was because I used 25 minutes of it walking in the road and waiting for a ride.

Answering and reading the test paper was really giving me tense feelings. For me it was, because my mind was so much consume on "Am I right?", "Is this correct?" and another thought which driving me nuts was to make sure its not a mess when shading the answer sheet. We were being told the right way to blacken the sheets because the checking machine is very sensitive. So we should keep the answer sheet clean and tidy.

Thank GOD because I got to answer all the questions (To GOD be the Glory). I remember my feeling after the exam. I felt like very light, I feel like I was floating. Maybe part of it was that "finally I am done and no more studying and thinking for the exam".

Outside the campus where the exam was held, I saw my teacher and some classmates in the review center. They were waiting for me and others. We gathered together and say a prayer that GOD would bless this day and the exam and that we will be successful.

For now Only GOD knows. Whatever would be the result everything will be according to GOD's will and his Purpose.

But I pray GOD will grant us the best!!

Today is my Birthday!! March 2013

Today is March 7, 2013. And it is my birthday. As usual my day is okay and I am not getting older yet. I just  feel like getting more grown up and young.

We didn't do any birthday party for me but my husband doesn't forget to made my day special. He talked to me and told me sweet words and pray to GOD for having each other in each arms. We are not blessed with many things on earth but we are truly blessed with so much love and understanding, joy and laughter.

There is no other best gift GOD give to me other than having my family : my husband, my sons, my parents and my other siblings.

Another part of my day was my friends at work celebrated birthday with me. Some of my friends greeted me and showed some old pictures when I was still in the dance troupe. I admit it, I miss the troupe and I sometimes dream of dancing in the stage again (haha). I remember me being silly and joker that made everyone laugh.

I remember early this morning I woke up hearing my name over the radio and thanks to Ate Bethser for announcing my birthday on air.. haha.. It really gave me a smile in my heart. And it made my day special as well.

Above all of these I thank GOD for giving me another year. And I know HE will keep me on his eyes as I will go and face another year of HIS Glory.

One thing I should I accomplish this year!!

Now, its already March and there is one thing I really wanted to get accomplish this year since I have been wanting this to be done for almost 3 years. But because of my busy-ness I couldn't do it right then. And now I am aiming to do it this time.

Well, it is not a very big deal for everybody but atleast for me it is. The thing I am talking about is the CIVIL SERVICE EXAM (CS-Professional). As for now I am enrolling to a review class because I wanted to be prepared. I once took this exam last 2008 (I guess, I couldn't remember) but sad to say I wasn't able to get the passing score. Well, I was not upset about the result because I was not prepared and was not aware of the importance of passing the exam. I thought it was just an exam, just like the quiz in school. And since now that I know , so I wanted to get it this year. My examination will be on April 14, 2013.

I hope GOD will help me get through this one big goal of mine.

My Awesome Valentines Present!!!

My husband is a kind of a sweet person but most of it he doesn't show it. He just make me feel especial in his ways.

Well as February a Heart Day; as they say; Out of my knowledge my husband James secretly buy a thing for me for Valentines Day. We always go grocery in the Mall but this time he really finds a way that I won't be able to come with him instead bring my Papa with. His reason was he doesn't want me to know he will have something for me.

Well Valentines is here and I was surprised to received this. And it really made me special. And who would have not melt the heart to read such touching message. They are such a very sweet and loving family. And I am blessed; very blessed. And I love you all the best way I can. I love you my husband and my two wonderful kulit kids!! :)

365 days being Married!!

As many knows that marriage is an everlasting commitment that you vowed and promised in front of GOD the Almighty. Thus it is a holy bond blessed by the Holy Spirit. Although lots the world today doesn't honor it that much. As we see nowadays lots of marriage been broken by divorce; separated and etc. Everyone has there own reason for breaking it and yet in the eyes of GOD nothing is valid reason at all.

But anyways; I am 365 days being married. Means I am 1 year living not a single status. Those days was a lot of adjustments. Everyday is an adjustment for me and my husband. I know we are so enlove to each other and we love our family but it doesn't mean that problems like misunderstandings never come up. There were ups and downs. Sometimes I feel like I am not free to do things I wanted to but I guess its part of the adjustments; letting go of things I used to do.

There were times I look back my life and it made me miss some of my good old days. Be with a group of friends; dancing; laughing; joking; meeting new friends; exploring new places and adventures. I am not a party girl but I did enjoy bonding with friends once in a while. Those things that really made my singleness colorful and memorable. But I have no regret setting it aside over my family. Because having a family is indeed a new adventure to me; being a mother; a wife; a playmate; and a teacher. Another thing; having a round belly; fitting new big pants; trying hard to melt that fats that gives me a chubby cheek bone; its a sort of adventure; isn't it? (lol)

I know I am still in the first phase of Marriage and I know I still have more adjustments to do in time. As many say that adjustments vary 6 years of being married. But I guess; everyday; every year is an adjustment period. I don't know what lies ahead of us; of us being married. I just do hope that GOD will make our marriage more stronger and fruitful for us and I also; also do hope that we will have many more years to come being together as a family; 50 years you could say.

Above all; I am Happy.