What’s Latest With Me???

When the year starts, things start to build on me too. I just enrolled classes for Spring trying to get a teaching certification. Although I am under a condition such as "if a pass the PRAXIS Test for Elementary Education, I don’t have to take further classes other than American history and American government this summer." Even my practicum will be waived knowing that I had teaching experience in the PH(PI). I hope it will work out fine. I will just entrust everything to God. After that, I wanted to pursue on the Graduate Program for Special Education. Hopefully by next year, I can get a teaching job and still go on with my studies. I see myself starved for knowledge. I am not afraid to pursue the next level of my career knowing this would help me and my family better in few years from now.

Although, the new-found work I have paid well, but it’s not the place I want to be with for the rest of my life for knowing these reasons: First; the shift is either night or very early in the morning. Especially when you work in the evening, the moment you will be out from work, most of the stores are already close. No fun, eh? I worked at the military base at the Ft. Leonardwood, which I heard, a job to die for most people here in this area since it’s a federal job. They pay you twice as much compared to most of the jobs outside it. Second; I still prefer to spend quality time with my husband and later on with my kids. Although I have seen people worked there for so many years, they have seem happy about it knowing "good money, men, good money" but because of it’s routinal chores everyday, I will get bored so easy, and third; I still prefer to be challenged with educational aspects in dealing with kids and making them learn everyday. After all, that’s the best legacy a teacher could leave for her students and for them to make use of it later on. It takes effort, it takes a will and it takes strategies to make it happen!

Well the fun part I know now is either watching soap operas on TFC or here in front of the computer checking what’s going on in the other part of the world. Other than that… ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

Note: The blogs below have been posted before the stated date. It has just been retrieved for update purposes. Thanks, I hope you will enjoy reading it.

The first time I had my first 35mm camera, all I did was to take pictures of myself, my family, places and everything that I can think of. It was very exciting. I developed rolled and rolled of films and stack it in boxes. When digital cameras became the newest trend, I am so drawn to it. I got one for myself although it wasn’t branded. I think it’s so cool to download the photos in the computer and able to edit it. One more thing is you can choose which photo you want to be printed. Everything about digital amazed me.

When I found that Amos has a Sony 5.2 megapixels camera, I think that was so neat. But then I got frustrated cause it wasn’t good enough. When I was referred to a site where you can send your photos and make money from it, the photos I have taken from Amos cam was not good enough. From then on I wanted to own a professional camera. After all those sweet talks, baby pouts, wishes to Amos, he decided to get me a camera with the model I want this Christmas. Yehheeeyyy…

I searched online and read reviews about cameras. I am drawn on Canon brands. My top two choices are Canon EOS 30D and Canon Rebel XTi. The main difference between the two is the resolution, the weight, the cover and the ISO. The 30D is a best pick up for tough environment work because of it’s durable cover. The Canon Rebel XTi has better resolution since it has 10.2 megapixel although the 30D has better ISO of 36,000 max which would probably best for dimmer or lesser lights. But as what they say regardless of the pixels, the lens is what matters most. Quality lenses would cost 300 to1,000 dollars. That’s why it’s best to buy camera with kits which may include 1 to 3 lenses and save more money instead of buying individual lens. Macro lenses are one of them that I wanted to collect. With Rebel XTi, this new and advance Canon Camera at reasonable price, you can collect the EFS lenses you want. Whatever capture it may take, from sports to portrait, landscape, close-up or more, Canon lenses are perfect for it!

May this new found hobby would take me somewhere. Hopefully make money from it!

Have you ever come to a point in your life that you see yourself in a crossroad? What I mean is even though you have chosen your career but deep inside of you, you always wanted to do more? I do. Looking back at my life in the

Philippines, I thought I have done enough with my education. When I came here in the United States, I have learned there are many things in life that I have to accomplish that’s including my career. I guess it’s because of the culture I am in now. Looking at my self now and how am I in this culture, I could say I haven’t done nothing much yet. I want to be part of the culture… I want to do something that I could be considered up high in this culture that could be mean through education which would reflect my career too. The reason why I aim higher education in the PH it’s because I want to be considered up high in the society in terms of career and money making. But what am I here right now? It feels like I am going back to the basic. It feels like I haven’t accomplished anything at all. But no, that doesn’t stop me from achieving high. The desire keeps on aspiring me to do my best even more. I know I could be better. God’s with me! He brought me here, surely, He has no reason to just abandon me and leave me no hope. I know I have His favor! Lord, whatever this life may take me, may it will be blissful and abundant so I may bless others too…

The New House

After all those months of working, we finally have moved in. I could say we did good job in choosing colors for each room. We prefer earth tones because we believe it’s easy to use it as a base and go upward (from earth to the rest of the elements). What we need now is to add accents on every room to complete the project.

The best thing we have done in this house was changing the carpet and tiling the whole kitchen floor (which includes the dining and the pantry) and the hallway with italian marble. Amos and I decided to choose the quality materials to personalize everything according to our taste. So far so good… but as what they say as long as you live… there’s always something to work in the house. But for now… we will make the most of it along the way!

Living Room…

Living room to the hall way…

Master Bedroom with King Size bed…

P.S. Will post more pictures very soon… so watch for it!!!

Working with Children…

Child Care- The nature of the my work, definitely working with children. What’s  in it that I fall into this category of my career? "Kids?!? Aahhh… I have no patience!," thought that would start lingering your mind as you recall your (not so nice) experience with them .

Yes, I would agree it takes patience to work with children but on the other hand I see the experience very rewarding. Eight to ten hours a day to stretch your patience even if it feels like anytime it’s ready to explode (whew! take a deep breath please). Oh yes, imagine children who throw fit, scream, kick, bite, hit or all of the above who would try to test your patience. Well the bright sides are they could be playful, cheerful, ticklish, goofy, obedient, sweet and just the niciest things you can get from an "angel."

Although I am with them everyday, they always surprise me. There’s always something to make me laugh regardless of how the day would go. Kids are full of new things to show you everyday. Crazy things or new discoveries you witness from them. Everything brings laughter in me. Perhaps it’s because I naturally love kids… or it is because kids are just kids. Whatever it is I know it’s a God’s natural gift. Babies who cry when hungry or toddlers who get mad when toys are grabbed; different emotions portrayed… different needs to be met… It’s part of my everyday’s challenge. But what can I give as an adult? What can I offer to make their lives  better? What can I share to them? Working with children does not only involves physical but as well as psychological and emotional.  The attention I gave to them could mean a lot to their development. What would be my response that would help shape their attitude, their social needs, their physical needs and their emotional needs?  Does that sound complicating? Or challenging? It is very well indeed!

After all, what would it takes to be a teacher or be a mom? For us to be admired by our students or children? For us to be considered as their model? their inspiration? Isn’t that because of what you have shown to them? Or what you can do for them? The love you share for them to see "we" care. Children are always children… but we know what’s best and we can choose to do our best for them now. Personally, I choose to do my best. I ask God to help me be the best I can be as I work with them.

May one day in their lives they would remember, once they have a teacher who brings out the best in them.

Lord, that’s all I pray…

The House the Before..

1. The view of the house before we bought it.

2. The kitchen (wall paper is so annoying)

3. The dining spot with the laundry closet.

4. Living area.

5. Hallway to the rooms and bathroom.

6. The first room (right of hallway)

7. The master bedroom

This house has 3 bedrooms; 1 and 1/2 bath; kitchen; laundry closet; dining room, living room, porch with storage room; deck and storage building.

First time we have seen the house was not that impressive. It was not taken care of. The place is located at the dead end of a subdivision resting on two lots of less that 2,000 square meters. Woods surrounded the right side of the lot where wild turkeys and bunnies can be of sight anytime.

Amos and I is still working on the house which includes painting the wall, the trim and the ceiling plus the cabinets. We’re planning to tile the hallway, the kitchen and the bathroom. As soon as it is ready, while Amos work on tiles I probably would start landscaping outside.

It may take a lot of work, but what exciting about it is we are having fun doing it. After all, it will be our first owned-house together where we can raise our children in a safe and nice neighborhood. What we do know now is God has truly blessed us for giving us the opportunity to own a house!

8. The back door to the deck

9. The brown bath…

10. The 2nd room on the right

10. Painting the Master Bedroom…

11. The painted bedroom. Door to the 1/2 bath.

12. Working on the kitchen…

The amazing fact about being a Christian knows we have God’s favor. His Word says, "Ask and it shall be given; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened (Matthew 7:7)." This verse is very true to me.

Just last week, when we got the news we will have the closing for the house this coming Wednesday, Amos and I were so excited. Few more days, then the house will be officially ours. God has been so good for providing us the place where we can just pay it right. It wasn’t too much nor too minor, it is just perfect for our lifestyle. But you see, if you really have God’s favor, here’s the difference; we got the house cheaper for the price than what it is normally and just little work on it, it will be appraised higher. As of the timing, it is just on time, where God opens door of opportunity for me to work where I could help pay the bills too.

What does it mean to have God’s favor? According to Joel Osteen of "Your Best Life Now,"

‘My attitude is: I’m a child of the Most High God. My Father created the whole universe. He has crowned me with favor, therefore, I can expect preferential treatment. I can expect people to go out of their way and want to help me.’

Take note of the underlined phrase. From whom? From people who’s willing to go out of their way just because of wanting to help me. Let’s accept the fact that most of the time, when God blesses us it is always through other people, right? It could be your friend, your friend’s friend, your sister, your family’s friend or from someone you could not even recognize but just want to help you. That’s what it means to have God’s favor. God allows people to help us; meet our needs or simply do things for us cheerfully.

Now, let me tell you more the rest of the story… just few days ago, my family contacted me telling me the owner of the tricycle that my father is renting will be sold ASAP. The way my family sees it, it’s an opportunity for my father to drive his own pedicab and help the family’s income better. So, they wrote me and want me to get it for them. Now, here’s the deal; Amos and I don’t even have savings on our own. We meet both ends every week. The income that we both have is just enough for us to live by every week.[That's probably the reason why having kids for now is not an option (Of course I want kids but later)]. He even sold his Chevrolet truck and decided to drive an old car (from his mom) just for us to minimize the monthly expenses. My family may think we make good money here in the

US

just by seeing the exchange rate of it in pesos but HEY! Our bills are in dollars too! But anyway, let me go back on how God shows His favor. When I heard the news about the pedicab offered at a reasonable price to my father, I also see it as an opportunity for him. But to come up with that amount of money it seems impossible for me and Amos. For few days, I chose not to reply the email but instead indulge myself in praying and even asked friends to pray for my family’s needs. I know my family thought I was mad at them. No, I wasn’t. I was praying hard, asking God to show me His favor for my family. I don’t want to say "yes" to them right away without knowing how will we can come up with the money nor say "no" when I know it is a very good opportunity.

Amos tried to figure things in his own way, I have to tell him just keep the faith and just wait for God’s answer. Amos likes to organize things ahead of time but sometimes God’s plan is different from what we have expected. Our enemy tried to stir our minds and emotions when God is about to show his favor but just remember, he’ll never win because in Christ we are already victorious. God is so awesome! So great! So amazing! So wonderful! He answered our prayers! With prayers, I called the family whom God used to bless me thousand times, without thinking of asking their help at all. It’s the same family who helped me get through college and even willing to get me to the graduate school. I shared to them about the house but when they start asking my family, the first thing that came up to my mind is my family’s situation. Without doubt, they told me that tomorrow right away they will mail me the check to help my family plus extra amount to wire the money! THAT IS GOD’S FAVOR! I cried with joy and thank God for them! You know how it feels when God answer your prayers? I feel so LOVED by GOD! I know my GOD is there for me! HE really cares!!!

There may be areas in your life where you want God’s favor; it could be your love life, your finances, your career, your dreams, your family, etc., I tell you now, God loves you and He always keeps His promise not to leave you nor forsake you. I challenge every one of you who read my blogs, just have FAITH that God is in control of everything that is happening in your lives. He promises every believer this, "I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV Tell that to yourself all over again. No matter what happened, GOD always care!

Memories of Tigger

March 10, 2006

Today is just tear-jerking after we found out our cat, Tigger, died on the side of the road. Amos and I are heart broken with the fact that we could’nt play with Tigger anymore. Tigger is half domestic cat and half bobcat. I would say Tigger is just a very gentle half-wild cat. Everytime Amos got home from work, Tigger would come up to him and start "making biscuit" over him. This cat has brought so much joy to both Amos and I. How would you feel when one day, you just realize he’s gone forever?

The night Tigger died is also the same time where Amos had a dream he saw Tigger was hit on the road and was kicking with pain. He woke up and start looking for him. He didn’t find him. On the next day, he was gone. We didn’t see any carcass on the road, so we thought he was okay. This morning, I looked for him calling his name toward the woods around our house. I heard meowing replies in the middle of the woods. The sound was sharp and painful cries of a cat. I got so excited, so I called Amos from work and told him I heard Tigger’s voices. I was telling Amos probably Tigger was scared to cross the creek because it was flooded. The next time I call for Tigger again, there was no reply.

When Amos came home from break he got letters from Department of Revenue for me. I finally received my Missouri ID and Driving Permit which was a good thing since I’ve been waiting for it. Then I told him I didn’t hear the voice again, so he said, "Well, I need to go back to work". After few hours, he came home for lunch and started looking for Tigger, he said when he calls for Tigger he heard replies twice from the woods. I was inside the house and just without thinking; I stepped outside and walked over the pavement across our place… I saw something lying on the edge of the road. It was Tigger! He was dead and his tongue was out. At the top of my voice, I called Amos, who that time was on the other side of the yard. I started crying. This poor thing has to die this way. Without hesitance, I lifted and carried him toward our yard. When Amos saw me with Tigger, he couldn’t stand it but instead ran directly to the house and wept in our bedroom. He started blaming himself for letting Tigger out, because normally Tigger stayed inside the house. It just that this winter, we decided to let him out for a while before spring comes.

We didn’t expect tragedy would end the fate of this wonderful buddy (as what my husband would call him sometimes). Me, myself, I’ve been crying like crazy. I love Tigger too. He’s a very good cat, very sweet and just very cuddly. To see him dead, feels like "our baby is gone." I told Amos, even if Tigger is gone, we still have Snuggles (mocha-colored Persian cat with black and white fur), Grease (also a Persian cat with

Orange

and white fur) and Samantha (our teacup poodle), who still got excited everytime he comes home. In addition to them, we have Lizard, who like just to eat and sleep; then our two Doves, who would cooes for us every morning… BUT, we always know that Tigger would always be special in our hearts.

Tigger, you’re not forgotten buddy… thanks for the joy you have shared. We will always love you!

It’s almost 8 months since I got here in the US. The frustrations of paper works are really tough. I couldn’t drive nor work yet. I feel like a prisoner in a room called ‘home.’ You can’t go anywhere either unless you drive or someone drives you. It’s driving me nuts! I’m used living in a city, where transportation is everywhere and every time but now- I AM STUCK.

I finally received my work authorization card and working on the SSN. I just hope everything would flow smoothly. There are so many things I wanted to do. Although I do volunteer at the elementary school every Tuesday, that somehow help me use my time well-enough. Helping kids at the church every other Sunday or help in the Praise and Worship Team… but still I want to do things just me and myself. Perhaps, window shopping in the malls, visit friends, buy something for myself (without telling your hubby) and most of all, I could work legally!

Sometimes I envy other people for the freedom they’re having, the work they’ve got, the house they lived, the family they have…

Although I’m in a land they call, "

I pray, deeply praying that tomorrow would be a brighter day for me… Lord you know the desires of my heart. You have seen every frustration and hope I have. I stretch my arms to Your Light… praying I feel heaven in this earth. Spare me the "chips" of the mansions you’re building for me that I would feel the bounty of your blessing… Bless us… bless every area of our lives… bless Amos… just drown me with Your FAVOR!

Land of Honey", I am a captive of its power; my freedom has been sealed… my dreams have been freezed.

Please love our motherland

How much do we love the 

Philippines

?

As you know, we have  plenty of Koreans currently
studying in the 

Philippines

take  advantage of our
cheaper tuition fees and learn English at the same
time.  This is an essay written by a Korean student
I want to share with  you.

My Short Essay about the 

Philippines

                
Jaeyoun  Kim

Filipinos always complain about the corruption in  the

Philippines

. Do you  really think the corruption is the
problem of the 

Philippines

? I do  not think so. I
strongly believe that the problem is the lack of love
for  the

Philippines

.

Let me first talk  about my country,

Korea

. It  might           
help you understand my point. After the Korean  War,

South  Koreawas

one of the  poorest countries in the
world. Koreans had to start from scratch  because
entire country was destroyed completely after the
Korean War, and  we had no natural resources.

Koreans used to talk about the  Philippines,  for
Filipinos were very rich in

Asia

. We  envy Filipinos.
Koreans really wanted to be well off like Filipinos. 
Many Koreans died of famine. My father’s brother also
died because of  famine.

Korean government was awfully corrupt and is still
very  corrupt beyond your imagination, but  Koreawas
able to develop dramatically because Koreans really
did their best for  the common good with their heart
burning with patriotism. Koreans did not  work just for
themselves but also for their neighborhood and
country.  Education inspired young men with the spirit
of patriotism. 40 years ago,  PresidentParktook  over
the government to reform 

Korea

. 

He tried to borrow money from other countries, but it
was not  possible to get a loan and attract a foreign
investment because the economy  situation of

South
Koreawas

so  bad. Koreahad  only BR three factories.
So, PresidentParksent  many mine workers and nurses
to  Germanyso that  they could send money to Koreato
build a factory. They had to go through a horrible
experience. In 1964,  PresidentParkvisited 

Germany

to  borrow money. Hundred of Koreans in  Germanycame  to
the airport to welcome him and cried there as they saw
the  PresidentPark. They  asked to him,"President, when
can we be well off?" That was  the only  question
everyone asked to him.  PresidentParkcried  with them
and promised them that  Koreawould  be well off if
everyone works hard for  Korea, and  the President
of Germanygot the  strong impression on them and lent
money to 

Korea

. 

So, PresidentParkwas  able to build many factories  in

Korea

.

He always asked Koreans  to love their country from
their heart. Many Korean scientists and engineers  in
the USAcame  back to Koreato help  developing country
because they wanted their country to be well  off.

Though they received very small salary, they did their
best for 

Korea

. They  always hoped that their children
would live in well off country.

My  parents always brought me to the places where poor
and physically handicapped  people live. They wanted me
to understand their life and help them. I also  worked
for Catholic Church when I was in the army. The only
thing I  learned from Catholic Church was that we have
to love our neighborhood. And I  have loved my
neighborhood.

Have you cried for the 

Philippines

? I have  cried for
my country several times. I also cried for  the
Philippinesbecause  of so many poor people. I have
been to the New Bilibid prison. What made me  sad in
the prison were the prisoners who do not have any love
for their  country. They go to mass and work for
Church. They pray everyday. However,  they do not love
the

Philippines

. I  talked to two prisoners at the
maximum security compound, and both of them  said that
they would leave the  Philippinesright  after they are
released from the prison. They said that they would
start a  new life in other countries and never come
back to the 

Philippines

.

Many Koreans have a  great love for Koreaso that  we
were able to share our wealth with our neighborhood.
The owners of  factory and company were distributed
their profit to their employees fairly  so that
employees could buy what they needed and saved money
for the  future and their children.  When I was  in

Korea

, I had  a very strong faith and wanted to be a
priest. However, when I came to the 

Philippines

, 
completely lost my faith. I was very confused when I
saw many  unbelievable situations in the 

Philippines

.
Street kids always make me  sad, and I see them
everyday. The  Philippinesis the  only Catholic country
in

Asia

, but  there are too many poor people here.
People go to church every Sunday to  pray, but nothing
has been changed.

My parents came to the  Philippineslast  week and saw
this situation. They told me that  Koreawas  much
poorer than the present  Philippineswhen  they were
young. They are so sorry that there so many beggars
and street  kids.

When we  went to Pasangjan, I forced my parents to
take a  boat because it would fun. However, they were
not happy after taking a boat.  They said that they
would not take the boat again because they  were
sympathized the boat men, for the boat men were very
poor and had a  small frame. Most of people just took a
boat and enjoyed it. But my parents  did not enjoy it
because of love for them.

My mother who has been  working for Catholic Church
since I was very young told me that if we just go  to
mass without changing ourselves, we are not Catholic
indeed.. Faith  should come with action. She added that
I have to love Filipinos and do good  things for them
because all of us are same and have received a great
love  from God.

I want Filipinos to love their neighborhood and
country  as much as they love God so that  the
Philippineswill be  well off. I am sure that love is
the keyword which Filipinos should remember.  We cannot
change the sinful structure at once. It should start
from  person. Love must start in everybody in a small
scale and have to grow. A lot  of things happen if we
open up to love. Let’s put away our prejudices  and
look at our worries with our new eyes. I discover that
every person is  worthy to be loved.

Trust in love, because it makes changes possible.  Love
changes you and me.

It changes people, contexts and  relationships.

It changes the world. Please love your neighborhood
and  country. Jesus Christ said that whatever we do to
others we do to Him. In the 

Philippines

, there  is God
for people who are abused and abandoned. There is God
who is crying  for love. If you have a child, teach
them how to love  the 

Philippines

. Teach  them why
they have to love their neighborhood and country.

You  already know that God also will be very happy if
you love  others.

That’s all I really want to ask you Filipinos.

Now I  will second her/his curiosity. Is  the
Philippinesworth  crying for…….

Who will shed tears for the Motherland .

Who  will lend a hand to lift her spirit, to hold the
lonely Flag that symbolize  her name.

If you love the motherland, it’s just a click to
spread this  message.