Of All Things New

NEW BEGINNINGS.  As we enter 2007, and as usual we look at things with everything new. But for us, having moved to New Zealand, it's not only the land that is new, but things seem to come from a Restart (if this were a "Click" world). New beginnings, looking for a new job and starting it all over again. Going through an interview and feeling like a new graduate entering into the corporate world, a world so huge and too much to conquer. New beginnings, looking for a new house to call our home. Looking at houses for sale or for rent, and praying that we will end up in a house that we often live in our dreams. 

NEW PERSPECTIVE. As we enter 2007, with all the New Year's Resolutions, and with the ever present wish to be with the family and our loved ones, we look at things from a totally different point of view - and what a view indeed (literally and otherwise). As I look at the views Auckland has to offer, I cannot help but praise God for his creation. It's something I wish to capture both in my heart and in my digital files. The horizon seems to be so far yet so reachable. Something like a par-5 hole, without those intimidating sand traps on the side, and with a brand new driver in my hand. 

NEW LIFE. As we enter 2007, with my daughter going to school in a totally different land with a totally different system of education, we try to keep our excitement at bay and in control. As for me, doing the dishes may not necessarily be one that I dreamt of doing, but is becoming an excitement, as I do the chores in the house with my wife and my daughter. A life without a househelp to clean the house, wash the clothes, vacuum the floor, and even get a cup of coffee - would have been a life unthinkable of way back home.  But here, in Auckland, we have to do everything ourselves, and it is something that is just as exciting as it is new.

NEW FRIENDS. As we enter 2007, in a place where the weather is cold but the people are warm, it amazes me no end, when we just end up with people who become our new friends. The excitement of knowing more people whose names we can add to our memories, as much as we can add to our contact list to send emails to. But what a blessing it is to know that, indeed,  our life transcends beyond country borderlines, and time zones.

NEW PERSON. As I enter 2007, as I always do in New Year's eve, I look at the past and ask, "What have I done to glorify the Lord," then look at the present and say, "I am doing it for the greater glory of God," and look at the future and commit myself to Him and say, "Whatever it is  You want me to do, wherever it is You want me to go, here I am, send me…" With Christ in our hearts, we become a new person, and have a new life, with a new perspective, and not only new beginnings, but a heavenly end.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I’ll Be Home For Christmas

Lyrics of songs like "I'll be home for Christmas…if only in my dreams," or "Pasko Na,  Sinta ko," have never touched me as it did last night, when we celebrated our first Christmas outside the Philippines. We were singing "Kasadya N'ing Takna-a" with so much vigor that my music teacher would have given me an A+ for vocalization.

Christmas songs have their own unique and special way of  stimulating all kinds of emotions in our hearts.  When the program started with Mauel and Izzai singing a song, I was certain I saw real pride and admiration from their parents, Joy and Jerry (my wife's brother). I knew it was pure admiration because it was how I felt when I saw my daughter, Danika, dancing gracefully, in front of all the friends and family around the living room, in the later part of the program.

When I sang "The Christmas Song" with the twins, Jerry and Jon, I knew the "tiny tots, with their eyes all aglow, will find it hard to sleep tonight." Especially when the most awaited part was announced, and the gifts were distributed, and everybody started unwrapping their gifts, you can see the kids really with eyes all aglow!  Nemai was all smiles when his self-declared parents, Jon and Grace, gave him a gift and he jumped with joy when he got his "baby rocket launcher", Danika beamed with thankful heart when she received the gift that she really prayed for, "The Baby Alive" doll. Izzai and Mauel would need a whole room to stock their gifts on. They are almost covered by the pile of the gifts they received from Mama and Papa, uncles and aunties, and friends. 

And yes, indeed, Christmas breaks all boundaries of space and time. I really wish I was home but then realize that home is where your heart is, and no matter where it would take you, you've got to take the chances for those you care about.

Merry Christmas to all.