QT's. Kyutees. Brothers and sisters from Lingkod Quezon City. Txt lingo for cuties.
Res ipsa loquitor.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
QT picture
QT's. Kyutees. Brothers and sisters from Lingkod Quezon City. Txt lingo for cuties.
Res ipsa loquitor.
SPAred Once Again
After much internal debate on the pros and cons of going to the spa, I finally decided to use the gift given to me by a sister for a day of pampering. Last Tuesday, I went to Natural Spa along Katipunan to get a facial, body massage and foot massage. It was the most relaxing afternoon for me in months and I savored every minute.
As my eyes were gently closed by wet cotton swabs, I felt the therapist sprinkling cold water/solution to my face. I imagined that she's a fairy sprinkling fairy dust on my tired face. I was rejuvenated. I could do the facial treatment at home as my Ate gave me some do-it-yourself facial products. I could also use my foot spa at home to relax my aching feet. But to have someone else to do the treatments for me once in a while is really a magical experience. I was in heaven for a couple of hours.
As I was drying my hair at the spa's well-equipped powder room, I looked for my wallet to prepare my payment. I couldn't find it. I was so dazed on my way out of the house that I totally forgot to put my wallet in my purse. How quickly my brain switched to panic mode from inertia at rest.
I asked the receptionist if I could use their landline. Then I called home to ask my mother to look for my wallet in my room. In a voice loud enough for the receptionist/cashier to hear, I thanked my mom for finding my wallet.
Then, I had to face the consequences of my forgetfulness.
"Miss, naiwan ko ang wallet ko. I can pay you in cash, credit card or check, unfortunately wala akong dalang kahit anong ganun."
"Wala pong problema, ma'am. Ibalik niyo na lang mamaya. Open kami until 9 p.m."
"Do you want me to sign anything? How would you know that I'm coming back?"
"No need po, I have naman your cellphone number."
"Talaga? What's your name?"
"Maureen po."
"Maureen, may bible study pa kasi ako hanggang 8, pakihintay ako ha. I'll drive as fast as I can back tonight. Thanks for your trust."
And so it happened that I drove home without a license so I was extra careful especially along accident-prone Commonwealth Ave.
When I got back at 9, Maureen greeted me with a smile. She said that she also left her wallet once and her friend paid for everything - food, movie, taxi. I said, "Actually my friend paid for this too."
We can clearly see that one act of kindness gives birth to another. I went home with a relaxed face, body, foot, and heart.
As my eyes were gently closed by wet cotton swabs, I felt the therapist sprinkling cold water/solution to my face. I imagined that she's a fairy sprinkling fairy dust on my tired face. I was rejuvenated. I could do the facial treatment at home as my Ate gave me some do-it-yourself facial products. I could also use my foot spa at home to relax my aching feet. But to have someone else to do the treatments for me once in a while is really a magical experience. I was in heaven for a couple of hours.
As I was drying my hair at the spa's well-equipped powder room, I looked for my wallet to prepare my payment. I couldn't find it. I was so dazed on my way out of the house that I totally forgot to put my wallet in my purse. How quickly my brain switched to panic mode from inertia at rest.
I asked the receptionist if I could use their landline. Then I called home to ask my mother to look for my wallet in my room. In a voice loud enough for the receptionist/cashier to hear, I thanked my mom for finding my wallet.
Then, I had to face the consequences of my forgetfulness.
"Miss, naiwan ko ang wallet ko. I can pay you in cash, credit card or check, unfortunately wala akong dalang kahit anong ganun."
"Wala pong problema, ma'am. Ibalik niyo na lang mamaya. Open kami until 9 p.m."
"Do you want me to sign anything? How would you know that I'm coming back?"
"No need po, I have naman your cellphone number."
"Talaga? What's your name?"
"Maureen po."
"Maureen, may bible study pa kasi ako hanggang 8, pakihintay ako ha. I'll drive as fast as I can back tonight. Thanks for your trust."
And so it happened that I drove home without a license so I was extra careful especially along accident-prone Commonwealth Ave.
When I got back at 9, Maureen greeted me with a smile. She said that she also left her wallet once and her friend paid for everything - food, movie, taxi. I said, "Actually my friend paid for this too."
We can clearly see that one act of kindness gives birth to another. I went home with a relaxed face, body, foot, and heart.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
The Joy of Serving
During the Afternoon Skills Tracks session for the Branch Administration Team. I talked, they listened. That was fun! ;)
Gay and I signing "Kailangan Kita" being sung by Daniel, who unfortunately is not in this picture. This was taken during E-Night where each branch was given strictly 3 minutes (see counter flashed on the screen) to perform. The QT's rapped, danced, rocked, signed, and sang. We didn't practice as much as we used to, and ended up enjoying ourselves more.
Will upload more photos once I plow through everything that's made available through the website and the egroup of NLTC 2005.
Two Weeks' Worth of Waiting
I know. I know. I reneged on my blogging duties for the past two weeks. I used to be able to make time to write even at 3:00 o’clock in the morning, but somehow the recent events that I took part in simply used up all my powers.
On the other hand, I could look at it as two weeks’ worth of blog material, for I saw and experienced God’s love, generosity and power amidst the flurry of activities. I may not be able to find words to capture everything that has happened, but I feel obliged, in grateful response to God’s goodness, to write about what He has done in and through me.
I did not have internet access for that long period of time, but that did not hinder me from blogging or e-mailing before. I used to be able to find an internet shop or a friend who could lend me a few minutes’ online time anywhere. My prolonged absence here just goes to show that I was where I had to be and I did not have the urge to bend my schedule or impose upon others just to be able to blog. I had to live moment by moment in order to have something worthwhile to write about.
More than Wonderful
"What no eye has seen,
nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man conceived,
what God has prepared for those who love him," -- 1 Cor. 2:9 (RSV).
I saw these words coming to life before my eyes.
Not to complain but just to state a fact, I was a bag of nerves for several weeks leading into the NLTC 2005. I was thankful to be finally doing my share of service in this worthwhile activity (an annual gathering of Lingkod leaders that consists of common worship, prayer rooms, informative talks, skills tracks, daily masses, buzz groups for 24 hours in seven weeks – see the website), but I was also very apprehensive regarding what I was doing. I served with very generous and approachable people but my own sense of perfectionism clouded my joy – I wanted more than mediocre service, I wanted to have a smooth, glitch-free conference. I wanted the impossible.
Pre-NLTC
Prior to the NLTC, the Board of Trustees had its bi-monthly meeting at the Lingkod Office and I had to help out in the preparations and in the taking down of minutes. The dedication of Lingkod’s trustees is very inspiring and encouraging, as they willingly shared their expertise from their respective professions (we have businessmen, lawyers, and missionaries, among others) in order to see to it that God’s purpose for Lingkod was fulfilled.
A couple of days after that, I assisted in the Lingkod Executive Committee (LEXCOM) meeting held at My Father’s House, Lazo Farm, Cabuyao (a place familiar to me as LingkodQC goes there at least once a year for our Way of Life Weekend and Integration Days). The National Director and National Women’s Moderator met with the Regional Directors for four days to come up with a Lingkod structure that’s consistent with the direction that the movement is taking. I got to know the leaders of Lingkod from all over the country and learned from their wisdom in handling our concerns. It was tiring, yes, but they made sure that we had time to fellowship with the CYA National Council. We went swimming and shared meals with them. We said our morning prayers and celebrated the Lord’s Day together, living out the call for the Partners-in-Mission to form a seamless garment to bring more people into a life of discipleship. It was an honor to be there, despite all my panic and apprehension about how I was going to serve. During the LEXCOM there was only room for gratitude and openness in my heart, and I know that was due to God’s grace at work.
My Baptism of Fire
The most challenging service for me was coordinating the transportation and travel of delegates to the NLTC. I did not know what that service entailed and found myself groping in the dark as to what steps to take and how to address the members’ concerns from Aparri to Jolo. Coming from the National Office, they thought I knew what I was doing, but God knows I did not, and relied on grace to meet the expectations one day at a time. I’m thankful to Clark Coronado and the Los Banos volunteers; Ate My and the GMMACQ volunteers; my officemates Dexter, Regine, Byong, Jobaqs, Jopeng, and Bheng; for all their help in this service. It was through their perseverance and compassion that the delegates were safely brought into and out of the NLTC venue. When you come to serve the Lord, you are never alone, and I’m living proof of that.
For the NLTC itself I was part of the staff, and as one we tried to help one another in the events, just making ourselves available for the service. I was not a delegate anymore so I had to think of service first before my own interests – whether fellowship, rest, sleep, or food. There was enough time for that anyway when the dust finally settled.
Monday was my busiest day as I had to give a talk on Branch Administration and Strategic Planning. I enjoyed that service immensely, for even with the little time I had to prepare for it (less than what I would have wanted, but time was really limited and I had to make do), the Lord provided my talk outline and the Holy Spirit gave me the words when I finally faced the participants. The compact and much-appreciated members’ kit also helped me as the Lingkod Primer was part of my talk.
Installation Night of Mon Samson (Natoinal Director) and Nerry Gool (National Women’s Moderator) was beautiful and touching, and even if I was at the sidelines watching and waiting, I saw God’s hand moving in Lingkod. I serve as one of the assistants of our leaders and my heart went out to them as they were prayed over, as Mon was jokingly asked to accept his cross and Nerry, her crown of thorns. To see them joyfully and humbly offer their lives to the Lord, as witnessed by the Lingkod trustees, alumni, Servants of the Word, CYA NC, NLTC delegates, and GMMACQ brothers and sisters, was enough for me. I’m thankful to have witnessed their installation into a life of service, as it obviously flowed from their love for the Lord.
On the other hand, I could look at it as two weeks’ worth of blog material, for I saw and experienced God’s love, generosity and power amidst the flurry of activities. I may not be able to find words to capture everything that has happened, but I feel obliged, in grateful response to God’s goodness, to write about what He has done in and through me.
I did not have internet access for that long period of time, but that did not hinder me from blogging or e-mailing before. I used to be able to find an internet shop or a friend who could lend me a few minutes’ online time anywhere. My prolonged absence here just goes to show that I was where I had to be and I did not have the urge to bend my schedule or impose upon others just to be able to blog. I had to live moment by moment in order to have something worthwhile to write about.
More than Wonderful
"What no eye has seen,
nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man conceived,
what God has prepared for those who love him," -- 1 Cor. 2:9 (RSV).
I saw these words coming to life before my eyes.
Not to complain but just to state a fact, I was a bag of nerves for several weeks leading into the NLTC 2005. I was thankful to be finally doing my share of service in this worthwhile activity (an annual gathering of Lingkod leaders that consists of common worship, prayer rooms, informative talks, skills tracks, daily masses, buzz groups for 24 hours in seven weeks – see the website), but I was also very apprehensive regarding what I was doing. I served with very generous and approachable people but my own sense of perfectionism clouded my joy – I wanted more than mediocre service, I wanted to have a smooth, glitch-free conference. I wanted the impossible.
Pre-NLTC
Prior to the NLTC, the Board of Trustees had its bi-monthly meeting at the Lingkod Office and I had to help out in the preparations and in the taking down of minutes. The dedication of Lingkod’s trustees is very inspiring and encouraging, as they willingly shared their expertise from their respective professions (we have businessmen, lawyers, and missionaries, among others) in order to see to it that God’s purpose for Lingkod was fulfilled.
A couple of days after that, I assisted in the Lingkod Executive Committee (LEXCOM) meeting held at My Father’s House, Lazo Farm, Cabuyao (a place familiar to me as LingkodQC goes there at least once a year for our Way of Life Weekend and Integration Days). The National Director and National Women’s Moderator met with the Regional Directors for four days to come up with a Lingkod structure that’s consistent with the direction that the movement is taking. I got to know the leaders of Lingkod from all over the country and learned from their wisdom in handling our concerns. It was tiring, yes, but they made sure that we had time to fellowship with the CYA National Council. We went swimming and shared meals with them. We said our morning prayers and celebrated the Lord’s Day together, living out the call for the Partners-in-Mission to form a seamless garment to bring more people into a life of discipleship. It was an honor to be there, despite all my panic and apprehension about how I was going to serve. During the LEXCOM there was only room for gratitude and openness in my heart, and I know that was due to God’s grace at work.
My Baptism of Fire
The most challenging service for me was coordinating the transportation and travel of delegates to the NLTC. I did not know what that service entailed and found myself groping in the dark as to what steps to take and how to address the members’ concerns from Aparri to Jolo. Coming from the National Office, they thought I knew what I was doing, but God knows I did not, and relied on grace to meet the expectations one day at a time. I’m thankful to Clark Coronado and the Los Banos volunteers; Ate My and the GMMACQ volunteers; my officemates Dexter, Regine, Byong, Jobaqs, Jopeng, and Bheng; for all their help in this service. It was through their perseverance and compassion that the delegates were safely brought into and out of the NLTC venue. When you come to serve the Lord, you are never alone, and I’m living proof of that.
For the NLTC itself I was part of the staff, and as one we tried to help one another in the events, just making ourselves available for the service. I was not a delegate anymore so I had to think of service first before my own interests – whether fellowship, rest, sleep, or food. There was enough time for that anyway when the dust finally settled.
Monday was my busiest day as I had to give a talk on Branch Administration and Strategic Planning. I enjoyed that service immensely, for even with the little time I had to prepare for it (less than what I would have wanted, but time was really limited and I had to make do), the Lord provided my talk outline and the Holy Spirit gave me the words when I finally faced the participants. The compact and much-appreciated members’ kit also helped me as the Lingkod Primer was part of my talk.
Installation Night of Mon Samson (Natoinal Director) and Nerry Gool (National Women’s Moderator) was beautiful and touching, and even if I was at the sidelines watching and waiting, I saw God’s hand moving in Lingkod. I serve as one of the assistants of our leaders and my heart went out to them as they were prayed over, as Mon was jokingly asked to accept his cross and Nerry, her crown of thorns. To see them joyfully and humbly offer their lives to the Lord, as witnessed by the Lingkod trustees, alumni, Servants of the Word, CYA NC, NLTC delegates, and GMMACQ brothers and sisters, was enough for me. I’m thankful to have witnessed their installation into a life of service, as it obviously flowed from their love for the Lord.
The launching of Lingkod's newest books was something to be grateful for. I know all the hard work that went into the books and the limited resources that we had in terms of money, time, and manpower. I contributed to both of them - Seasons of Grace and "Good Roots... Good Fruits". Please e-mail me if you want to order your copies.
A Jealous God
There were a lot of things to do during the NLTC and I planned to shut out emotions and reflections for the time being. I wanted to place efficiency above anything else; as I figured I could always go on retreat or spiritual direction afterwards, away from the madding crowd.
We received foundational teachings on Christian morality and sexuality from Dr. Jake Yap of the Loyola School of Theology. It was a mind-blowing three days for us in terms of intellectual input. Then, we separated the men and the women. The sisters listened as Luz Morales talked to us about the Joy, the Essence and the Strength of being a Woman. It was during the second session given by Luz that I felt questions being formed in my heart. I chose to ignore them.
The afternoon skills tracks provided input on Worship, Pastoring, Evangelization, and Administration, given by a myriad of speakers from within Lingkod’s Partners-in-Mission. Daily Mass was celebrated by Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL and concelebrated by Fr. Ramil. Stubborn hearts like mine who refused to take time to meditate further on what God was saying in the NLTC could not escape the homilies that were delivered by Fr. Steve. He drove home each day’s point and the further the NLTC went, the deeper his homilies were. Mass was also a time to listen to senses and prophecies. On Monday, we heard these words: “I will break you this week.” I was first to run for cover. I thought, no breaking for me this NLTC, Lord, I shed enough tears last year. Let this year about harvest. My harvest.
On the second day, a brother shared this word from the Lord: “I am a jealous God.” I was pierced on the spot. I felt God’s eyes locked on mine – He saw my other gods. He saw me striving to please once more, exerting every effort to perfect service, judging other people without expressing it, wanting to protect my own comfort and standards all the time. I had to bend my knees in prayer to ask for forgiveness for setting aside the Lord of the service in the guise of focusing on the service of the Lord.
So finally I faced Him. I allowed Him to show me that His great love and His plans were beyond what my human eyes could see. He was after my heart. He wanted to hear me ask for Him for strength instead of relying on my own. He wanted me to love Him above anything and anyone else. He wanted me to trust in Him and to hope in Him. The truth came out when I talked it out – I had given up hope on some issues and the NLTC’s content was bringing them all out into the fore. I resisted His invitation towards healing. I had built a fortress and thought I had moved on by ignoring my own pain. But he was as gentle and patient as I was stubborn and resistant.
A Time to Rest
Guilt had been my middle name for a very long time and it’s taking longer for me to let it go than I wanted. For as long as my friends/ officemates/ leaders were busy with service, I thought I had to keep in step with them. A concrete instance occurred when I had to come to terms with my own limitations, and so I was forced to take time to rest. Within the NLTC, therefore, I found myself sleeping, praying, and fellowshipping. I spent time with the QT’s (brothers and sisters from my home branch of QC). I stayed behind during Outing Day and just had a lazy lunch with other like-minded staffers. I went on retreat on Friday and listened to a God who was waiting for me to tell Him what was going on. I’m always being told by my elders that God loves me even if I don’t do anything. It’s not easy for me to digest that.
On Thursday Night, we were free to spend it anytime we wished. The Lingkod QT’s went out for dinner as a breather from the fasting-conducive food of La Vista (I’m being nice here, you should have heard Fr. Ramil’s quip about the food during Saturday’s homily) and to update one another on how we were all doing. It turned out that more than one branch decided to have dinner at nearby Max’s. We ate to our heart’s delight and then drove all the way to South Luzon Expressway for our Starbucks fix. It wasn’t the coffee that we were after, but the ambience. God provided us transportation for which we would forever be grateful.
What awaited us at Starbucks was something nobody expected. BL Ted invited the first-timers to share, and they did – Abby, Maye, Imee, Bambi, Vlad, and Daniel. Each one had a special experience and the rest of us could only nod in appreciation and comprehension. Then, the old-timers were encouraged to share as well, so we heard from Arlene, Gay, Ted, Rommel, Paul, Nick, Marlon, Jun, Ria. I was at home so I also shared about my triumphs and struggles during the week. We closed the night with a prayer that was so peaceful, knowing that the Lord walked among us that night. Starbucks gave us the space we needed in order to have a chance to share about God’s goodness to those with whom we were most comfortable with. It provided a beautiful first step towards our own retreat. I even felt God’s words as I sat there at the Starbucks couch, because after listening to music played on a piano, I remembered the music of my childhood years and my forgotten gift of piano-playing. God said, “There is so much beauty in you, my daughter.” I didn’t share that word and kept it to myself, because it brought more questions than answers. Somewhere during that night also, I felt an embrace from an unseen God, He who seemed to affirm me that He saw me all week and was pleased with me. That was an unforgettable moment.
A Feast for His Servants
The rest of the NLTC went by but I had Thursday night to go back to when I faced difficulties as I battled with my own self-image issues during the retreat and my tiredness. We honored Ate My Romero who stepped down as NWM on Saturday’s closing and during the women’s retreat. I enjoyed Closing Night where the QT’s were asked to perform again our E-Night number “Iba’t Ibang Pagdarasal”. In the Unity Dance, all the sisters performed, with the national staffers dancing “Follow the Leadah” with Nerry. Then I stayed up chatting with brothers and sisters, packing my stuff (a trunkload of it), and sending off the provincial delegates together with LB’s dedicated Transpo Team.
Sunday was a day full of blessings. We had lunch at Manny Manuel’s house and we seemed to compensate for the week of fasting (here I go again) by the amount of food laid on the table. Then Mon drove us to Liliw to see their affordable shoes and slippers, unfortunately, the road was closed due to a parade. So close and yet so far! We then proceeded to his family’s farm at Victoria where we prepared for a dinner/honoring for the LB brothers and sisters for a job well done. It was a night of fellowship, a beautiful meal, and music both from the LB servants and the National Office staff.
I got home almost midnight after 10 days in Laguna – from Cabuyao to Calamba to Los Banos to Victoria. I was deeply enriched and forever grateful for what I had seen, tasted, heard, felt and experienced.
The theme for the NLTC becomes easier to live out now. After the past two weeks, I have more basis to respond YES to this call:
“Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.” – Romans 12:1
I am home now and back to reality. There is still pressure around me, memories that bother me, and anxieties that paralyze me. I have people making demands on me once again, people I love who don’t know any better, I guess, and I don’t have the luxury of explaining to them that I am slave to no one except my God. It would take longer than two weeks to process what I have learned. It is a lesson in waiting, and I pray I could proceed with the patience that could only be mine through grace.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Stress and Rest
I’ve been away from you for far too long…
I have been so busy the past 10 days that I’ve hardly had time to blog! I gave my all, ignored my eyebags, endured sore muscles, and worked so hard, but my efforts never seemed to be enough. I realized that I accepted more work than a 24-7 schedule could accommodate. I was the main source of my own stress.
Still it was an interesting week. I had the chance to be with my favorite teenagers, the youth of Banal na Puso chapel, when I served as Tagalog interpreter for Bro. Daniel’s sharing about his World Youth Day and pilgrimage experience. We simulated WYD for the kids who lived around the Batasan area. At night we trooped to SM Fairview. They are an amazing lot! They refused to order at Wendy’s because it looked expensive, even if they had sponsors for that dinner. Then we rode the roller coaster at Storyland Adventure. It was a delightful way to spend the day.
A bonus was Café Loyola, which I caught on its second night. The Loyola House of Studies over at Ateneo Campus celebrated its 40th year and some Lingkod brothers and sisters attended it. We spent P40 consumable – drinks, peanuts, chicken lollipops, OR siomai, and were treated to serenades from some of the country’s best musicians – the Jesuits!!! They sang Broadway hits so professionally. I was in awe at their gift of music. The priests took turns in the piano and on the microphone. They had soloists, duets, quartets and a chorale (Himig Heswita). The priests mingled with the crowd. Seated at our table was Fr. Eric who then stood up to belt out two Frank Sinatra hits. I couldn’t believe where my P40 took me. Hmm come to think of it, somebody else paid for my ticket! I had drinks and music absolutely for free.
Sunday was even better. My parents and I, all excited for our upcoming US trip, decided to drive to SM Fairview after mass. We dug up jackets, jeans, and other things - on sale or at surplus prices and got home happily tired. Then my kuya’s family came over and my nephews took over my day. Mikolet and Peeya accompanied me on my errands. I was content to spend family day like that.
Monday was one for the books. My friend since grade four, Arvin, who works for L’Oreal, enlisted me for hair coloring. For the price of peanuts I was able to get my hair colored by a stylist from Emphasis Salon. I heard it’s a posh salon in Makati and its rates are way beyond my budget. My two stylists are interesting characters – one is a guy who works at a salon, but is happy to work there instead of at his past job as a crane operator. Yup he’s a seaman who now styles hair. His classmate/assistant is a businesswoman/mother who plans to open her own salon. They are two people whom I would never have thought would be my stylists.
So there I was lined up to be rinsed, shampooed and conditioned, when I heard their teacher (for I was with L’Oreal students) tell them that they ran out of conditioner. I wondered what the consequence would be. She told her students to “just use hair spa.”
For the price of peanuts, yours truly got a free hair spa! The stylist – did I mention that he’s from Emphasis – also gave me a free massage while we were waiting for our turn at the sink. Now that’s what they call missionary’s blessing.
The interesting weekend allowed me to survive the grueling week at work that followed. I slept 3-4 hours a day but the work just kept piling up. I was happy at what I was doing so I didn’t mind so much. I lengthened my prayer time and cut down on non-essential activities. I sought advice of godly friends and tried to do better. I let go of the things I could not accomplish and accepted my limitations.
Still last Friday I panicked because I only accomplished 10% of all my deliverables. It was a very unsettling, stressful situation for me. Good thing we had scheduled a staff Retreat, Rest and Recreation weekend at Tagaytay. We all needed that. Somehow, singing Air Supply songs didn’t work their magic to relieve us of stress anymore. God knew that and he prepared the way for us. We had a beautiful Saturday – Breakfast at Totale in Alabang; Lunch at Leslie’s; Coffee at Sanctuario (ambience galore!) and Lord’s Day at Oasis of Prayer.
We are still in awe at the beauty and serenity of Oasis of Prayer, located at Aguinaldo Highway right beside the Rogationist College. They have cottages instead of dormitories! Huts instead of halls. The chapel is breath-taking. We were able to recharge and to pray. I thank God, my mother, my music teacher Mrs. Magtibay, and her brother Fr. Mike De Silva for leading us into that beautiful place. The food was excellent. For the price of a retreat house, we enjoyed the treatment of vacationists in a resort.
Do I work for a generous God or what?!
I have three more days here in QC then off to Laguna for 11 days. I’ll try to blog again but if time doesn’t permit it, please read my previous posts na lang.
I have been so busy the past 10 days that I’ve hardly had time to blog! I gave my all, ignored my eyebags, endured sore muscles, and worked so hard, but my efforts never seemed to be enough. I realized that I accepted more work than a 24-7 schedule could accommodate. I was the main source of my own stress.
Still it was an interesting week. I had the chance to be with my favorite teenagers, the youth of Banal na Puso chapel, when I served as Tagalog interpreter for Bro. Daniel’s sharing about his World Youth Day and pilgrimage experience. We simulated WYD for the kids who lived around the Batasan area. At night we trooped to SM Fairview. They are an amazing lot! They refused to order at Wendy’s because it looked expensive, even if they had sponsors for that dinner. Then we rode the roller coaster at Storyland Adventure. It was a delightful way to spend the day.
A bonus was Café Loyola, which I caught on its second night. The Loyola House of Studies over at Ateneo Campus celebrated its 40th year and some Lingkod brothers and sisters attended it. We spent P40 consumable – drinks, peanuts, chicken lollipops, OR siomai, and were treated to serenades from some of the country’s best musicians – the Jesuits!!! They sang Broadway hits so professionally. I was in awe at their gift of music. The priests took turns in the piano and on the microphone. They had soloists, duets, quartets and a chorale (Himig Heswita). The priests mingled with the crowd. Seated at our table was Fr. Eric who then stood up to belt out two Frank Sinatra hits. I couldn’t believe where my P40 took me. Hmm come to think of it, somebody else paid for my ticket! I had drinks and music absolutely for free.
Sunday was even better. My parents and I, all excited for our upcoming US trip, decided to drive to SM Fairview after mass. We dug up jackets, jeans, and other things - on sale or at surplus prices and got home happily tired. Then my kuya’s family came over and my nephews took over my day. Mikolet and Peeya accompanied me on my errands. I was content to spend family day like that.
Monday was one for the books. My friend since grade four, Arvin, who works for L’Oreal, enlisted me for hair coloring. For the price of peanuts I was able to get my hair colored by a stylist from Emphasis Salon. I heard it’s a posh salon in Makati and its rates are way beyond my budget. My two stylists are interesting characters – one is a guy who works at a salon, but is happy to work there instead of at his past job as a crane operator. Yup he’s a seaman who now styles hair. His classmate/assistant is a businesswoman/mother who plans to open her own salon. They are two people whom I would never have thought would be my stylists.
So there I was lined up to be rinsed, shampooed and conditioned, when I heard their teacher (for I was with L’Oreal students) tell them that they ran out of conditioner. I wondered what the consequence would be. She told her students to “just use hair spa.”
For the price of peanuts, yours truly got a free hair spa! The stylist – did I mention that he’s from Emphasis – also gave me a free massage while we were waiting for our turn at the sink. Now that’s what they call missionary’s blessing.
The interesting weekend allowed me to survive the grueling week at work that followed. I slept 3-4 hours a day but the work just kept piling up. I was happy at what I was doing so I didn’t mind so much. I lengthened my prayer time and cut down on non-essential activities. I sought advice of godly friends and tried to do better. I let go of the things I could not accomplish and accepted my limitations.
Still last Friday I panicked because I only accomplished 10% of all my deliverables. It was a very unsettling, stressful situation for me. Good thing we had scheduled a staff Retreat, Rest and Recreation weekend at Tagaytay. We all needed that. Somehow, singing Air Supply songs didn’t work their magic to relieve us of stress anymore. God knew that and he prepared the way for us. We had a beautiful Saturday – Breakfast at Totale in Alabang; Lunch at Leslie’s; Coffee at Sanctuario (ambience galore!) and Lord’s Day at Oasis of Prayer.
We are still in awe at the beauty and serenity of Oasis of Prayer, located at Aguinaldo Highway right beside the Rogationist College. They have cottages instead of dormitories! Huts instead of halls. The chapel is breath-taking. We were able to recharge and to pray. I thank God, my mother, my music teacher Mrs. Magtibay, and her brother Fr. Mike De Silva for leading us into that beautiful place. The food was excellent. For the price of a retreat house, we enjoyed the treatment of vacationists in a resort.
Do I work for a generous God or what?!
I have three more days here in QC then off to Laguna for 11 days. I’ll try to blog again but if time doesn’t permit it, please read my previous posts na lang.
Saturday, October 01, 2005
September Update
From: Ella C.H. del Rosario
Sent: Friday, September 30, 2005 10:30 AM
Subject: Updates from Yours Truly
Dear Friends,
Before I entered Lingkod Office I promised myself I would make monthly updates for my co-servants and friends to share about what God would be doing in and through me. Alas, having grand plans has hindered me from simply getting down to write to you regarding God’s movements in my life. (This is my way of saying that this letter was not written to my satisfaction, but I sent it anyway because my goal is just to keep you abreast and should not be to wait for the perfect moment to find the perfect words.)
I am grateful to God for leading me to this job as it has allowed me to embrace life more fully. Never have I been so alive, excited and fulfilled as I am now. For several weeks I had to adjust to a new lifestyle, salary, and workplace, but now those things have taken their proper place, that is, the background, and it is now a little easier for me to focus on the service of the Lord and the Lord of the service. (
I entered last August 4, 2005 with a vague idea of what I’m supposed to do. All I had going for me were six months of discernment, three journals that recorded my reflections, and around fifty friends who have encouraged me to take that leap of faith. When I took “a closer look at what I had gotten myself into” (the title of my previous sharing on the matter), I discovered that it was one thing to talk about servanthood and another to live it out.
Last September I had a firmer grip of things. I helped the Fund Development Team with their two book projects – Seasons of Grace, a devotional for women; and Good Roots… Good Fruits, stories of real faith in real life. I wrote my stories there and helped edit and proofread the articles. In celebration of Lingkod’s 21st anniversary, Lingkod QC recorded a song with MTV. So during the first week of September, I found myself doing things I enjoy so much – writing and singing. That’s when my mother commented that my new job sounds like one continuous extra-curricular activity. To realize that those activities were not extra-curricular, but part and parcel of what I do, made me joyful.
I served in the Ateneo de Manila University by helping organize and facilitate a recollection for their Theology class, in coordination with their professor who’s a member of the Ligaya. This was particularly challenging as we had to develop new material, but all ended well. In the two Sundays that we spent at the Ateneo, we touched the lives of students and it made the late nights worth it.
My work in the office includes taking down minutes of meetings – and with the upcoming National Leaders Training Conference in October, we have meetings every other day, sometimes even everyday. I also coordinate with the Board of Trustees for their needs – from endorsements to provincial branches, to maps, to legal queries (which I sometimes pass on to more experienced lawyers in the Board anyway, (), as I’m a full-time corporate secretary. This is the only legal aspect of my current work, as I draft resolutions and certifications for branches who wish to open or maintain bank accounts.
I was also asked to compile and edit the Lingkod Members’ Kit, a document that contains everything that a Lingkod member should know – from Lingkod’s history, vision and mission to our Way of Life to our prayer life. I wasn’t able to finish it on time for the NLTC this October, so we came up with a shortened version – the Lingkod Primer, which will be released soon. As one brother put it, this is my labor of love, and it’s an ongoing project.
One thing that came as a surprise was that I was asked by Mon, our national director, to be the National Administrator for Lingkod, as we need a person who could attend to this service full-time. Not knowing what this is about, I said yes. We’re still in the process of defining my job description. It’s challenging and exciting. I have never been as clueless about my job description as I am now, but I know I’m being pruned and molded in this area.
I’ve been assigned to help organize the staff retreat and Lingkod ExCom meeting and to give a track on Branch Planning during the NLTC probably in connection with this service. I was also asked to help in the Travel and Transportation needs of the NLTC, to ensure that the delegates arrive and depart safely and on time. This is a major service for me as I’m new at this, so I’m learning a lot – from tapping brothers nicely to putting my obsessive-compulsive tendencies to better use.
Once in a while I give talks during Friday prayer meetings – two weeks ago I was at Lingkod QC, and tonight I will be at Lingkod Manila. During the sisters’ household for QC I was one of their guests and speakers. I am more familiar with this type of service so I get to enjoy it more, but I’m also growing in the other areas of service that I’ve been asked to do, so I’ve learned to step out of my comfort zone and to trust God more.
I ask for your prayers that I may be like clay to the potter. I have been an intercessor this year, as part of God’s message to me at the start of 2005, and I have seen many of my intercessory prayers answered. Please do not hesitate to email or text me, if we don’t see each other in person, your concerns. There is always time for intercessory prayer.
Currently I still have many struggles, mostly about time and strength management, but I trust in the Lord who called me to this. Thank you for the tremendous support that you have given me.
By the way, to those with whom I have not shared the good news yet, I was given a five-year multiple entry visa to the US last Monday. My sister is graduating on December 15 and my parents want to take me with them. I have taken a leave from work from November 20 up to the new year. The visa came as a surprise because the consul didn’t even ask for any supporting documents. It is the Lord!
I am always at your service. God bless you!
In Christ,
Ella
Sent: Friday, September 30, 2005 10:30 AM
Subject: Updates from Yours Truly
Dear Friends,
Before I entered Lingkod Office I promised myself I would make monthly updates for my co-servants and friends to share about what God would be doing in and through me. Alas, having grand plans has hindered me from simply getting down to write to you regarding God’s movements in my life. (This is my way of saying that this letter was not written to my satisfaction, but I sent it anyway because my goal is just to keep you abreast and should not be to wait for the perfect moment to find the perfect words.)
I am grateful to God for leading me to this job as it has allowed me to embrace life more fully. Never have I been so alive, excited and fulfilled as I am now. For several weeks I had to adjust to a new lifestyle, salary, and workplace, but now those things have taken their proper place, that is, the background, and it is now a little easier for me to focus on the service of the Lord and the Lord of the service. (
I entered last August 4, 2005 with a vague idea of what I’m supposed to do. All I had going for me were six months of discernment, three journals that recorded my reflections, and around fifty friends who have encouraged me to take that leap of faith. When I took “a closer look at what I had gotten myself into” (the title of my previous sharing on the matter), I discovered that it was one thing to talk about servanthood and another to live it out.
Last September I had a firmer grip of things. I helped the Fund Development Team with their two book projects – Seasons of Grace, a devotional for women; and Good Roots… Good Fruits, stories of real faith in real life. I wrote my stories there and helped edit and proofread the articles. In celebration of Lingkod’s 21st anniversary, Lingkod QC recorded a song with MTV. So during the first week of September, I found myself doing things I enjoy so much – writing and singing. That’s when my mother commented that my new job sounds like one continuous extra-curricular activity. To realize that those activities were not extra-curricular, but part and parcel of what I do, made me joyful.
I served in the Ateneo de Manila University by helping organize and facilitate a recollection for their Theology class, in coordination with their professor who’s a member of the Ligaya. This was particularly challenging as we had to develop new material, but all ended well. In the two Sundays that we spent at the Ateneo, we touched the lives of students and it made the late nights worth it.
My work in the office includes taking down minutes of meetings – and with the upcoming National Leaders Training Conference in October, we have meetings every other day, sometimes even everyday. I also coordinate with the Board of Trustees for their needs – from endorsements to provincial branches, to maps, to legal queries (which I sometimes pass on to more experienced lawyers in the Board anyway, (), as I’m a full-time corporate secretary. This is the only legal aspect of my current work, as I draft resolutions and certifications for branches who wish to open or maintain bank accounts.
I was also asked to compile and edit the Lingkod Members’ Kit, a document that contains everything that a Lingkod member should know – from Lingkod’s history, vision and mission to our Way of Life to our prayer life. I wasn’t able to finish it on time for the NLTC this October, so we came up with a shortened version – the Lingkod Primer, which will be released soon. As one brother put it, this is my labor of love, and it’s an ongoing project.
One thing that came as a surprise was that I was asked by Mon, our national director, to be the National Administrator for Lingkod, as we need a person who could attend to this service full-time. Not knowing what this is about, I said yes. We’re still in the process of defining my job description. It’s challenging and exciting. I have never been as clueless about my job description as I am now, but I know I’m being pruned and molded in this area.
I’ve been assigned to help organize the staff retreat and Lingkod ExCom meeting and to give a track on Branch Planning during the NLTC probably in connection with this service. I was also asked to help in the Travel and Transportation needs of the NLTC, to ensure that the delegates arrive and depart safely and on time. This is a major service for me as I’m new at this, so I’m learning a lot – from tapping brothers nicely to putting my obsessive-compulsive tendencies to better use.
Once in a while I give talks during Friday prayer meetings – two weeks ago I was at Lingkod QC, and tonight I will be at Lingkod Manila. During the sisters’ household for QC I was one of their guests and speakers. I am more familiar with this type of service so I get to enjoy it more, but I’m also growing in the other areas of service that I’ve been asked to do, so I’ve learned to step out of my comfort zone and to trust God more.
I ask for your prayers that I may be like clay to the potter. I have been an intercessor this year, as part of God’s message to me at the start of 2005, and I have seen many of my intercessory prayers answered. Please do not hesitate to email or text me, if we don’t see each other in person, your concerns. There is always time for intercessory prayer.
Currently I still have many struggles, mostly about time and strength management, but I trust in the Lord who called me to this. Thank you for the tremendous support that you have given me.
By the way, to those with whom I have not shared the good news yet, I was given a five-year multiple entry visa to the US last Monday. My sister is graduating on December 15 and my parents want to take me with them. I have taken a leave from work from November 20 up to the new year. The visa came as a surprise because the consul didn’t even ask for any supporting documents. It is the Lord!
I am always at your service. God bless you!
In Christ,
Ella
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