Perfect day
We don't have these a lot. In my case, most days are vanilla (I like vanilla just fine, though), but once every so often, I get to sit back, settle back in my chair, or hug my pillow in my bed, and think, "Wow, I've just had the perfect day." And I'm satisfied like extra-creamy, but miraculously sugar-free, choco-strawberry-banana ice cream laden with also-sugar-free chocolate syrup.
Yesterday was one of those days.
And again, it all happened because of a single yes from the heart, even if my mind was already in the running for a "No, you'll be too tired."
A couple of weeks ago a batchmate in the Advanced Leadership Course (ALC) I took last June sent out text messages inviting people to help out in an orphanage in BF Homes, Parañaque. He needed people to step in for the houseparents while they took their Foundations of Leadership Excellence (FLEX).
I'd been wanting to staff for FLEX and ALC for a long time, but my work schedule is always in conflict with the weekday evening meetings of people who train to staff. I'm still on probation, so I don't know how to work around this yet, short of requesting (or begging!) those in-charge to schedule their meetings on weekends.
Russ's invitation wasn't exactly for staffing, but it was the closest I could get. So I forgot all about wanting to just "relax and watch a movie" for the weekend, and decided to give my time. Truth be told, I'd been struggling on some personal issues as well, so I opted for a potential feel-gooder. My non-Miss Universe answer.
On Saturday, one of my best friends, Emily, joined me. After the first break, Russ called me and asked me to buddy up with one of the participants because he didn't have one. It was instant re-audit! But soon after, I soon realized the purpose of my being there was to hear all over again the part I didn't pay much attention to during my own FLEX, the part about effective communication--something I need more than ever this time.
On Sunday, my best friend Sherwil found herself joining me by virtue of, er, serendipity. Emily followed after lunch. My buddy had a new buddy (they were an even group again because someone was absent), so this time, I could help take care of the children. Which was just lovely, because there were all very sweet and loving children.
Marshmallows ...
The orphanage is inside a compound, and, like most residences in gated villages, was surrounded by high walls. And as the entire country knew, whether they cared or not, yesterday was Pacquiao-Barrera day. But because BF Homes is BF Homes, and we were in the chi-chiest part the gigantic residential development, there was no overhearing the next-door neighbors. We texted family to ask who won, nobody replied, and so we braced for the bad news. Late into the day, the guard told us that Pacquiao had won yet again.
... candy sprinkles with a smattering of mint flavor (for green) ...
What a run for the Green Archers! I've never been prouder of my almost-first and soon-to-be second alma mater.
Emily, Sherwil and I were in Alabang Town Center for a quick snack before parting ways. As we passed by CPK, I noticed that the restaurant's television was showing the last 60 seconds of Game 2 of the UAAP Championship. DLSU was leading! :) I begged my two friends to stay and watch the final moments with me.
We stood there outside the restaurant, watching the game through the glass walls. It was worth it, though. :)
... and the cherry on top!
Again, quite by accident, Sherwil and I ended up hearing mass at my church. It was a beautiful service, and we both were touched. My personal struggle was instantly shifted into an opportunity for growth.
The past few weeks, I've been hearing the biblical quote "If today you hear his voice, harden not your heart" over and over again in my mind. Last Saturday, it was part of the reading during the orphanage's devotional period. Yesterday, it was the Responsorial Psalm again.
Message received. :)
Yesterday was one of those days.
And again, it all happened because of a single yes from the heart, even if my mind was already in the running for a "No, you'll be too tired."
A couple of weeks ago a batchmate in the Advanced Leadership Course (ALC) I took last June sent out text messages inviting people to help out in an orphanage in BF Homes, Parañaque. He needed people to step in for the houseparents while they took their Foundations of Leadership Excellence (FLEX).
I'd been wanting to staff for FLEX and ALC for a long time, but my work schedule is always in conflict with the weekday evening meetings of people who train to staff. I'm still on probation, so I don't know how to work around this yet, short of requesting (or begging!) those in-charge to schedule their meetings on weekends.
Russ's invitation wasn't exactly for staffing, but it was the closest I could get. So I forgot all about wanting to just "relax and watch a movie" for the weekend, and decided to give my time. Truth be told, I'd been struggling on some personal issues as well, so I opted for a potential feel-gooder. My non-Miss Universe answer.
On Saturday, one of my best friends, Emily, joined me. After the first break, Russ called me and asked me to buddy up with one of the participants because he didn't have one. It was instant re-audit! But soon after, I soon realized the purpose of my being there was to hear all over again the part I didn't pay much attention to during my own FLEX, the part about effective communication--something I need more than ever this time.
On Sunday, my best friend Sherwil found herself joining me by virtue of, er, serendipity. Emily followed after lunch. My buddy had a new buddy (they were an even group again because someone was absent), so this time, I could help take care of the children. Which was just lovely, because there were all very sweet and loving children.
Marshmallows ...
The orphanage is inside a compound, and, like most residences in gated villages, was surrounded by high walls. And as the entire country knew, whether they cared or not, yesterday was Pacquiao-Barrera day. But because BF Homes is BF Homes, and we were in the chi-chiest part the gigantic residential development, there was no overhearing the next-door neighbors. We texted family to ask who won, nobody replied, and so we braced for the bad news. Late into the day, the guard told us that Pacquiao had won yet again.
... candy sprinkles with a smattering of mint flavor (for green) ...
What a run for the Green Archers! I've never been prouder of my almost-first and soon-to-be second alma mater.
Emily, Sherwil and I were in Alabang Town Center for a quick snack before parting ways. As we passed by CPK, I noticed that the restaurant's television was showing the last 60 seconds of Game 2 of the UAAP Championship. DLSU was leading! :) I begged my two friends to stay and watch the final moments with me.
We stood there outside the restaurant, watching the game through the glass walls. It was worth it, though. :)
... and the cherry on top!
Again, quite by accident, Sherwil and I ended up hearing mass at my church. It was a beautiful service, and we both were touched. My personal struggle was instantly shifted into an opportunity for growth.
The past few weeks, I've been hearing the biblical quote "If today you hear his voice, harden not your heart" over and over again in my mind. Last Saturday, it was part of the reading during the orphanage's devotional period. Yesterday, it was the Responsorial Psalm again.
Message received. :)