Irreplaceable

Looking back to a few months ago when I boarded the plane and flew back to California, I cannot imagine how I worked up the courage to do something like that. To leave behind my parents, friends, a career and the place that I've grown to love for the past 14 years of my life. I realize that I am really lucky to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard to do. I was pained at the thought of leaving behind everything dear to me, but then I realize that those I leave behind also felt the same way about me leaving. Not many people are lucky enough to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard for them. I left with a heart that felt loved and missed and I move forward with the thought that I shall see them all again someday, when I am ready. I am moving forward one day at a time with encouraging messages from those I hold dear to my heart.

I am glad for the technology that we have today, it allows me to keep in touch with everyone. It's great that there's Skype, Facebook, Instagram, Viber and all means of keeping in touch with family and friends. But then again, on a down side, I've realized that technology can never replace the joy of hearing real laughter and how contagious laughter can be, LOL can never replace the real thing. I realize that emoticons can never replace the warmth of an actual hug, the kisses on my forehead that my mom and dad used to give me. Photos of homemade dishes that my mom makes can never replace the excitement of seeing it in real life and the aroma that has me running to the dinner table and forgetting about counting calories. Technology, you are sweet but you can never replace the feelings and the use of other senses when things happen right in real life.

So for those of you guys who are lucky to have your family and friends within your reach, go give them a call instead of texting or sending a message on Facebook, make plans to hang out. Enjoy the moment. When you are with friends and family take a deep breath, take in the smell of the food you are about to eat, make eye contact when you talk and listen, enjoy the conversation (no cellphones allowed, limit your selfies and group pictures to just 5), give hugs, laugh till your stomach and cheeks hurt, laugh till you cry. Trust me, when these people are no longer around, you will smile or laugh to yourself as you recall those moments.

The quality of a moment is not defined by the number of great photos you take but rather the video that your heart captures when one day you look back and these memories are replayed in your heart.

Faith

It is easy to have faith in God when everything is going smoothly. Real faith is believing in God and depending on Him when we are rock bottom. I once was at rock bottom, I prayed for my situation to change, I prayed that the person who hurt me would have a change of heart, I prayed for divine intervention for the one who hurt me. Turns out that storm was my divine intervention. Faith in God and faith in His timing especially during the darkest of times is one of my greatest test in faith.

Now as I start a new life in California, I realize my faith is once again tested. I am timid and impatient, and everything I left behind has started creeping up in my heart. My family, friends, a great career are all the things I said goodbye to. My life is put on pause. Pause is not something I enjoy too much. I've always been living a busy life. Being on pause is so new to me. I pause as I learn how to drive because you really can't get around if you can't drive here. With that said, I haven't applied for a job. I am on pause.

Maybe pause is a good thing. This pause button is allowing me to get a breather, to relax and to enjoy life, to learn new things and have more time reflecting and getting to know our Creator.

How has your faith been tested?

Art work by me. My leap of faith has brought me back to California and a new adventure awaits. 

Fly Away

A month ago I boarded a plane and flew halfway across the world from the Philippines and decided to move back to California for good. I've lived in California since my childhood and teen years. And have been living in the Philippines for 14 years. It was the boldest decision I have ever made. I woke up one day, booked a ticket for California and flew on a plane the next day.

It wasn't that I hated living in the Philippines. I loved it out there. It's just that it was something I needed to do. I was broken in ways one could never imagine. I left behind my mom, my dad, family, friends and an awesome career. I literally got on a plane with just my bag full of clothes, no plans of what's going to happen in the next few months but a heart full of love, trust and faith that God has a big plan for me. For someone who has lived on routine, who thrives on routine, a change in lifestyle, environment, any change can be completely nerve wrecking. But then again, I just know, that it is the time to start a new beginning.

As I start a new beginning I am reminded of the things I left behind in the Philippines. It is summer all the time in the Philippines and since it is extremely warm out here in California I wanted to share with you a few of the summer things I am currently missing.

Fresh coconut juice

Hanging out at the beach with my brother's wife and my cousin

Dinner with friends

With my mom, brother and my sister in law

In the next few months I am looking forward to creating new memories and building on to my list of favorite places here in California.

Proverbs 31:25
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

So indeed I shall laugh without fear of the future and trust in God's unfailing love.

Happy Monday everyone!

The Crown That Fits

Hello Princess, or Prince or whoever you are that is reading my blog. Thank you so much for stopping by. Just like the movie The Little Princess, I want to let you know that we are all princesses! Yes, we are. You and I are fearfully and wonderfully made by our Creator, our Creator is a King and thus, we are each special and worthy. You are worth more precious than rubies and I want you to know that!

My blog header and blog layout might look familiar to some of you, yes, I used to blog. In fact I used to blog for a couple years but eventually stopped. I went through a very dark time in my life. But that is all in the past now.

Last month I packed my bags, boarded a plane that took 13 hours to get me to my destination. I left the Philippines (my home for the past 14 years) and decided to move back to California, to start over and create a new life for myself. What a bold, bold move. One that took courage and a leap of faith.

So here I am back to blogging. Looking forward to checking out your blogs and discovering new blogs along the way.